Progressive Behavior.

[River]

The seductive sound of the nighttime crickets was enough to lure the blue marked beta out of her den that night. A warm, gentle breeze rippled through the air like a babbling brook in a way, soothing the girl as if she were a young pup, and the breeze was the loving tongue of a mother during the time of bathing. For a moment she simply stood there, letting the moon cast its luminous gaze down upon her, watching the nighttime landscape around her for any sign of movement or life. A few birds dared to chirp out their beautiful songs. That was the thing about Nardir that she had noticed, the thing that never happened anywhere but Nardir - the beauty of night. Here in her home, she felt safe, secure, as if nothing could slip up from the darkness behind her and end her then and there. She didn't have that anywhere else - had she been in the Man Villages visiting her father, Cyrus, she'd be buried underneath a log or pile of leaves, insecure and unsafe in her own right.

With a contented sigh and a smile splitting her lips, the white female would slowly make her way out into the night air, the warmth of the summer still lingering even in the darkness. Well, one could call it darkness, she supposed, but to Alpine everything was as clear as day. That was probably because she knew every inch of Nardir - the best ponds to fish in, good places to be alone, where deep holes were - or it could have been the fact that the moon was full enough to light the entire night up. Whatever the case, Alpine was happy with it. The beta trotted off away from her den, listening intently for any sign of prey animals scurrying about. As late as it was, she was hungry, and she wouldn't stand for her stomach to growl irritatedly anymore.

Then she heard it, that little scurrying and munching.

Rabbit? It had to be. As she moved, she slowly drew herself downwards into a crouch, eyes watching intently for any sign of the critter. Of course, eventually she did catch sight of it. Darting forward as quick as she could, she snapped her jaws toward the little form, but to her dismay she missed the catch and got a mouthful of leaves instead. Spitting out the greenery, she'd sit back on her haunches, huffing and rubbing the bits of leaves off of her tongue with a paw. "Dangit.. " she murmured to herself, a little disappointed in herself. Oh well, she thought suddenly, I guess if anyone else is out I can try to find them. We can hunt together. So she set off into the underbrush with that idea in mind, waiting to happen upon some other wolf that had been lured out into the darkness.

Nights in Nardir were the best for hunting, anyway.

[River]

The stars sparkled above, shedding life on the Nardir packlands below. They were battling the moon above, to see who was the brightest. But, as always, the moon won. It cast its light down upon those who saw its radiance. Nearby streams glimmered in the white light, as other objects turned silver. The moon had a way of turning the landscape into a beautiful place. The night creatures, such as the crickets, added to the beauty of the night. However, there was something else that was much more beautiful than the night itself.

Or, so it thought.

Aaliyah walked through the shadowed forests of Nardir, the silver light glistening on her sandy coat. She had just recently left the Man Villages. Why? Because it was boring. Ever since her mother, Lylac, had passed away, it seemed as if no one was tending to her needs. So, she left. And Aal felt no regret.

Well, sort of.

The journey here had been long. There had been no one to hunt for her! So how did she do it? The hybrid ate animals that had been killed by other carnivores. Yep, she had turned into a scavenger on her journey. Once in a while, she found someone who would help her. Males were the easiest to persuade. All Aaliyah had to do was seduce the male, and there you have it! Now that she was accepted into a pack, there were several wolves that could do her bidding. Maybe not those higher than herself, but still, several wolves.

As she made her way through the forest, she spotted a splash of white against the darkness. Aaliyah cocked her head, her forehead creased. She crept forward toward the mysterious figure. It was more like floundered forward, than crept. Since she had other people do things for her, she had no experience what so ever. None. So twigs snapped, leaves crunched, and bushes rustled. Aal gritted her teeth in annoyance. This was pathetic. Why couldn't the debris just shut up?

Suddenly, the sandy toned femme noticed the blue stripes on the other wolf's face. Aal faintly recalled seeing the same face markings earlier in her life, but she never forgot how it was being so rude to her mother, Lylac. Realization flooded her mind, and with widened olive green eyes, Aaliyah opened her maw and spoke.

"Alpine?"

[River]

It had always been something that intrigued her, the nighttime. So mysterious, so dark - it was the very same land as it was during the day, yet as soon as the moon rose others found reason to fear the land they had lived upon for so long. She knew there were dangers that lurked deep in the shadows - but those dangers were easily presented during the day, as well. She supposed that it was more dangerous at night because others could conceal themselves in the murky shadows, like a crocodile just waiting underneath the muddy waters to snap out at the nearest piece of flesh it could get its mouth on. Strange comparison, she thought with a smirk, but cast the thought aside afterward. If there was on thing Alpine did adore about the night, it was that it was so quiet. The crickets and frogs didn't make that much noise, and even when they did it held a sense of peacefulness to it. During the daylight time there was always a hassle and bustle, puppies yipping and barking, older wolves training and giving out orders - she didn't like it, but nor did she resent it. It was a strange love-hate relationship, with Alpine.

She had given all she could to Nardir. Her services in battle as well as pleasantry, her genes through her darling babies, and now she was still serving them, as beta female. She had made the decision while she had visited her dear father in the Man Village. The dogs had been reluctant to let her in, because she was indeed half wolf, but she'd gotten in eventually. It had made her realize just how much Nardir meant to her; she'd worried over it, over her children and packmates all the while she was there, and she'd hurried back, too.

And suddenly she wasn't alone anymore. Who else but Aaliyah would come to her in the middle of the night, and just as she was thinking of the Village, too! The sandy female called out her name, and the white beta nodded, her eyes warming at the sight of her kin. "Hey Aaliyah.. what're you doing up so late?" Worry worry, as always. With Alpine, it wasn't the same kind of worry as a mother and her child - maybe a friend casually checking up on another friend - that was the way she was with everyone, except her own children.

The white beta sat down, raising her gaze to the starry sky above once more. With a grin, she'd return her gaze to Aaliyah, wondering if just maybe the princess wanted to get some work done. Probably not, but one could never tell! "Hey, Aali.. you want to help me hunt for some food? I'm kind of hungry, aren't you?" Her voice held a persuasive tone to it, as she was pretty intent on getting that girl to hunt with her. Hunting alone was alright, but hunting with a buddy made it so much better.

[River]

Cyenide was having great fun with the day, though he had to admit that some of his happiness stemmed from other things as well. He thought that it showed good character, all in all, to be part of something more. And he was. Now that his life was filled, he could do anything tha the wanted and not feel horrible about his past. Being in Nardir had certianly been good for him. He had fulfilled his life and he felt never better. Cyenide kept up a a light lope, almost bouncing as he made his way towards other parts of the heavily hilled and lake ridden place.

Such beauty in such a place, Cyenide had made his den near a groove of flowering trees, which made him happy. He went there to think and perhaps it was sometimes better to think then do. Boarder Guard material = Cyenide. Even the dictionary could see that - if a dictionary was around back then. But still, Cyenide made his way until he came upon two females - both having worried or shocked expressions on.

"Excuse ma'ams, if everything all right?"

[River]

"Hey Aaliyah.. what're you doing up so late?"

So Alpine remembered her too, huh? Aali was about to make a comment on how the white fea had been rude to her mother in the past, but then noticed her blue eyes warming up as they gazed at the sandy colored hybrid. Guilt started to well up inside Aaliyah as thoughts started swimming around in her mind. What if she can't remember those times? What if she feels guilty for it? No...it couldn't be the second one. If she felt guilty for behaving in such a manner, then why did she do it? Shouldn't think before you speak, and never do anything you'll regret later?

As if Aali had any right to think that. She always acted on impulse, and never thought out what she was going to do next. Once and a while she would, but if she really wanted something, or if someone was acting out of pure absurdity, there wouldn't be any thoughts on her next actions.

But still, as Aaliyah recalled the time when Alpine was behaving in an aggressive stance toward Lylac, the sandy toned female couldn't hold her tongue much longer. But Alpine beat her to the punch.

"Hey, Aali.. you want to help me hunt for some food? I'm kind of hungry, aren't you?"

Help...her...hunt? Um, was she joking? Did she hear her right?"Did you say...hunt? As in...actually running to catch something?" This was madness. Pure insanity.

"Excuse ma'ams, if everything all right?"

Aaliyah turned her head to see a blue toned male coming toward them. A male...perfect. Aali smiled. She was a bit hungry, and now she didn't have to catch anything. Walking toward the male, she wagged her tail, a smile still planted on her face. "Yes, everything is alright, except for the fact that I'm hungry." Her tail trailed underneath the male's chin as she batted her eyelashes. She didn't care if this male was three years older than her, or if he'd think she was weird.

She wanted food, and she wanted it now.

[River]

The night had engulfed the land of Nardir, pulling everything in darkness but in a pleasant way. Some were scared of the dark but in Nardir, the night was just as beautiful as the day. The stars sparkled above and the crickets made beautiful music, some found it scary while others found it truly enchanting. Within the den belonging to herself and her new mate was a teal female resting peacefully inside, unaware that her love wasn’t there. Ariath dreamed that her pups were still cuddled up against her, whining lightly as they awoke in the middle of the night. Without even thinking further of it, the sleeping female began to hum a tune to calm the pups that weren’t even there. Ariath could still hear the cries of her young which ultimately awoken her from her sleep in order to comfort them further.

“Shh.. Shh my darlings.. Mothers here, dry your tears..” She hummed once more, slowly opening her eyes to reveal her bright lime green orbs. Once she was fully awake the cries of her babies were gone and when she looked down where they use to cuddle her, there was nothing there. Ariath sighed due to heartbreak, now realizing where she was. Nardir was her new home and Cyenide was her new mate. Speaking of which, where was her beloved? Ariath looked around the den, unsure of whether the darkness had hidden his pelt or if she was truly alone. She raised to all fours in concern, wondering where her mate had gone to. Ariath decided to take a walk, there was no way she could go back to sleep after that. She moved gracefully throughout the lands of Nardir, taking in the comforting sounds that surrounded her.

Ariath was determined to start her new life in Nardir but how could she when the death of her pups were keeping her from sleeping at night. The scent of Cyenide lingered to her snout and immediately caught her attention. She wondered if he was having trouble sleeping like she did, since they both had a very painful past. Ariath couldn’t help but smell the scent of two others, unaware of who they were. She padded into the clearing only to hear a gentle voice, one that held slight concern. Ariath peered through the clearing to see a beautiful white female and a tan female within each other’s presence. The tan female wasn’t quick to reply to the white one’s concern. Ariath looked down for a moment, it reminded her of how she sounded and how your babies use to react.

“Hey, Aali… you want to help me hunt for some food? I’m kind of hungry, aren’t you?”

“Did you say.. hunt? As in… actually running to catch something?”

“Excuse ma’ams, is everything all right?”

Ariath listened as the conversation steered into another direction, food. She wondered why the tan female, now known as Aali, was taking the white one’s words as a shock. Ariath hadn’t noticed it till now but both of them did look like cross breeds of wolf and dog. Perhaps the tan one wasn’t experienced with hunting her own food, not many dogs were since they were pampered at birth. Ariath didn’t mind though, if it seemed that hard to do then the teal female would be glad to help. Right when she was about to reveal herself to the two, Cyenide stepped in the picture. She wasn’t sure how to felt about his presence around the females. Ariath wasn’t the jealous type but she didn’t understand why he was out so late. If anything, having him around would be more beneficial for the hunt anyway.

“Yes, everything is alright, except for the fact that I’m hungry.”

The teal female watched as the tan female approached her mate, running her tail under his chin and batting her eyelashes. Ariath didn’t like how this was going, the female was gorgeous and younger then herself. She was unsure if the female was doing it just because she wanted to use Cyenide to do the work or if there was an actual attraction. Perhaps what Cyenide had told her about being unable to find a mate was a lie, he just had to wait a little longer. Ariath shook her head, why was she thinking so negatively? Cyenide loved her, she knew it, she felt it, so who was she to call that love a fraud. Part of her wanted to wait to see how Cyenide would react to such flirtatious actions. However, she found it a sin to sit their and spy on them when she actually wanted to join the group in the midnight food raid.

“Ahem..” Ariath cleared her throat in order to get their attention. She then moved out into the clearing with a warm smile among her features. “Good Evening ladies..” Ariath stated as she approached the white female, unaware that she was high authority. She looked upon her mate and smirked lightly, looking upon the female that stood near him. “Fancy you a night stroll darling? You know I don’t like to awaken in our den in the middle of the night without my love next to me.” Ariath stated, giggling lightly afterwards. She did so to inform the flirtatious female that Cyenide was hers but in a mature way. Ariath was too old to fight like jealous adolescents but still needed to establish dominance for her man, knowing he would do the same, if not worse, if the situation was vice versa.

She wouldn’t be spiteful towards the female since probably no one knew about their love besides the higher ups. They had just announced their love to the Gamma who told them he would inform the alphas, but that was days ago. Ariath turned her attention towards the elegant white female before speaking. “My name is Ariath, newly accepted into Nardir.” She introduced herself properly. “Pardon my intrusion but I couldn’t help but overhear something about a hunt. May I accompany you in this task?” Ariath asked kindly. The more wolves participating in the hunt would make it less dangerous for everyone, especially since they were doing it in the dark. Ariath didn’t know why but she liked the white female, who seemed to be around the same age. Although she loved Cyenide to death, there was nothing wrong with establishing her own friendships within the pack.[/font][/color]

[River]

As the voice of another approached her ears and the sight of the male became apparent, Alpine groaned inwardly. She had hoped to get Aaliyah to actually do something, and to stop acting like a princess - all that kid ever did was lounge around and wait to be pampered. A lot of the time, because Nardirians were so very generous, she got what she wanted. It annoyed the white beta, but she made no mention of it to the subordinate. The males intentions seemed justified enough, however; two females wandering about in the dark, it was a peculiar sight. Still, it wasn't that unusual, not to her.

And of course, Aaliyah took the chance she was given. She falsely flirted with the male, and it caused Alpine's lip to twitch a little. "Aaliyah..", she began, her tail curling up over her back in a doglike fashion, but also a show of dominance if one knew how to look at it correctly. "I believe that it's time you started learning that.. you're not a princess. This is not the man village, and you are no different than any other wild canine in this packland." She'd stride over to the male and Aaliyah, pushing between them and staring the subordinate down. It was strange for Alpine to be overly authoritative, but the white beta knew when the time called for it. This just seemed like a perfect example of one of those many times. "Hunt food yourself, scavenge, or starve." Her words came out firmly, but there was a caring, concerned glint shining in her eyes. She couldn't be too harsh on the sandy girl - she'd lived a life where being pampered and treated like royalty was all she'd known.

Alpine knew she'd have to fix that.

Soon another female arrived, a teal colored girl that seemed new to Nardir - Alpine certainly hadn't seen her around before. She spoke gently but seriously, and Alpine grinned as the teal female clearly asserted her dominance over the male, apparently her mate, to Aaliyah. With a small laugh, she'd turn to the teal colored female, Ariath, and nod acceptably. "Of course you can join us. There's room for everyone here. I'm Alpine." The beta smiled, wagging her overly furry tail in the way a dog would, in an inviting, friendly sort of gesture. She spoke none of her rank - right then it meant nothing, and Alpine thought it awkward to meet new people that way.

"Where do you all think the best hunting places are for us tonight?"

[River]

Cyenide should have never really left his den, and Ariath for that matter. But he had been asked to add a couple of rounds tonight, and he didn’t want to upset her. He was also doing his job as well, since he was a border guard after all. He kept thinking that maybe perhaps one of his sons would take the position, or something else. No, he didn’t mind that they could be healer’s or something else. He knew that whatever they did they would be supported by their father, and their mother too as long as they didn’t leave. He wouldn’t be able to bare her pain if one of their pups did that. Yes, it seemed really much like that.

He watched as the beta, Alpine, and the other wolf who seemed to be known by the beta. Cyenide guessed that they were either long term friends or something else. But both were female and when he had seen both of them, he had been obligated to help them out. He was male and it was obvious that he held no interest in them what so ever then helping them out. He loved Ariath, and nothing would change that.

The sand hued wolf spoke first, her tail wagging and her voice sultry as she spoke to him, her tail under his chin. His ears immediately went back and his head following him. He really didn’t like that sort of behavior. Call him odd or rather rude – if either thing called for it, right now – but he had no interest in her. Yes, everything is all right, except for the fact that I’m hungry.

He really just wanted to get away, this situation a little too weird for him. He really just should have skipped this thing. Cyenide had honor, something that made him want to bolt away from her. He was about to say that he was taken, and then he didn’t mess around with younger females, when the beta pushed them apart, speaking to the tan female. Aaliyah..", she began, her tail curling up over her back in a doglike fashion, but also a show of dominance if one knew how to look at it correctly. "I believe that it's time you started learning that.. you're not a princess. This is not the man village, and you are no different than any other wild canine in this packland. He heard a familiar and welcomed voice. Thank you God. Ahem, good evening ladies.” He gave a loving smile towards Ariath, though he blushed slight for being caught with the female. First test, and he had failed. He went to her, assuring the tan female and Ariath that she was the only one for him while she continued to speak. Fancy you a night stroll darling? You know I don’t like to awaken in our den in the middle of the night without my love next to me.

Cyenide nuzzled the side of her neck affectingly, welcoming her into the night. While he was pulling back, he mentioned why he had left in a whisper. ”My commander asked me to make a few rounds around tonight, I sort of forgot to tell you. Did you sleep well?”

She continued to speak, making her own friends. Yes, he was her love, her forever friend but he didn’t object her making her own friends. Cyenide loved being around her because of her air and strength. He just hoped that other males didn’t notice it and try to take her away from him. My name is Ariath, newly accepted into Nardir. Pardon my intrusion, but I couldn’t help but overhear something about a hunt. May I accompany you in this task?

Of course you can join us. There's room for everyone here. I'm Alpine.
Cyenide nodded in return, and decided to introduce himself as well. He actually felt sort of left out of everything, he sat down, waiting until things finalized and became apparent for him to be useful. ”I go by Cyenide, and it is a pleasure to meet you both Alpine and Aaliyah.”

"Where do you all think the best hunting places are for us tonight?"

Cyenide answered politely, jerking his head to the northwest a bit. ”While on patrol, I noticed a heard of elk near one of the creeks and ponds. Perhaps we could hunt them.”

[River]

Ariath wasn't upset with her mate for leaving her in the den alone, even though she had been through a painful past. It would've been nice if had at least informed her of his late night duties, obviously she would've understood and supported his decision. Ariath may not be familiar with pack life but any obligations that were needed from Cyenide was never questioned or opposed. Whether it was for the sake of duty or not, she would always be there for him in the end. As long as he didn't leave her for days on end then she didn't have anything to worry about. The thought of pups hadn't crossed her mind besides the memories of her lost ones. It was hard for her to cope and possibly think of another litter but that wasn't something to worry about since they would need permission from the alphas to do so. They had been in love since the moment they met but only announced their love to the Gamma just awhile ago. Ariath wouldn't hassle the alphas, fearing that she would push her luck and get on their bad sides. Unaware that the beautiful white female before her was the Beta of Nardir made it to where their was no pressure in the situation at hand.

"Aaliyah... I believe that it's time you started learning that.. you're not a princess. This is not the man village, and you are no different than any other wild cannine in this packland. Hunt food yourself, scavenge, or starve."

Ariath observed the actions of the white female before her, interested at the way her tail curled over her back. It was unlike anything the dire female had ever seen and that's what interested her for the moment. Ariath listened intently to the white female's words and actions, tail swaying before her pleasantly. It seems that the beautiful white female wanted to the one known as Aaliyah to shed her princess ways and become independent. Ariath nodded to herself, agreeing with the lesson that the white one had to teach. The teal female could see herself befriending this white female, having a lot in common. Alpine was stern but not too harsh, overall teaching the female while also warning her without being too dominant. Ariath then turned her attention to her beloved mate, whom showed that he was obviously uncomfortable. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of his relief when the white female had pushed between them. That was her beloved and she knew well to have faith that he would always remain true. Ariath had made her presence known by then, making sure to claim her mate without making the situation tense.

"My commander asked me to make a few rounds around tonight, I sort of forgot to tell you. Did you sleep well?"

The teal dire watched as Cyenide approached her, nuzzling her neck affectionately to show exactly who was his one and only. Ariath returned the nuzzle with a slight chuckle, trying to ease her mate's mind even though he was caught in a awkward situation. "I will not question the duties asked of you love. I just wish you would've told me." Ariath spoke in a warm tone once more. However, when he mentioned how she slept tonight her head turned away for a moment. Ariath didn't want to think about it, sadness rushing over her when she thought of her dead young. She returned her gaze to her mate with a smile on her features. "I'm a lot better with you around dear.." Was all she told him. Ariath didn't find this to be the right time to tell him the whole truth, not wanting to drag the mood down with her sad story. She planned to tell him later but she had a feeling he would get her hint. Ariath now had her attention at the tan and white female, noticing the inviting posture that Alpine sent her way. The teal dire couldn't help but let her tail sway in excitement, this was possibly going to be her first friend in Nardir and she would be honored to be surrounded with friends like this female.

"Of course you can join us. There's room for everyone here. I'm Alpine."

"I go by Cyenide, and it is a pleasure to meet you both Alpince and Aaliyah."

"I don't have time for this."

"It's very nice to meet you Alpine, Aaliyah." Ariath spoke kindly before waiting for Cyenide to introduce himself. She was still unaware of Alpine's rank since know one mentioned it as of yet. Suddenly, the tan female huffed in utter insult and possibly embarrassment before saying her peace with an attitude. Ariath tilted her head confusingly, wondering why the one known as Aaliyah had randomly stormed off. She hoped that it wasn't her fault, she never liked to make others feel unwelcomed. Ariath watched as she left their sight before turning her attention to her mate and then Alpine. "I apologize.. I didn't mean for her to leave.." Ariath spoke in a confused tone. She knew she had made her love for Cyenide clear without being brutal so what went wrong? Perhaps it was Alpine's words but the teal female would have nothing to do with that. By the way they spoke, it almost seemed that they were connected in some way. Ariath thought nothing more of it as she returned her mind to what was happening before them. She was eager to have her first pack hunt, even if it was only three members of the great pack known as Nardir, it was still exciting.

"Where do you all think the best hunting places are for us tonight?"

"While on patrol, I noticed a heard of elk near one of the creeks and ponds. Perhaps we could hunt them."

Ariath had no input to Alpine's question, looking towards Cyenide in hopes that he knew of a place. When he spoke, all she could do was smile proudly. Leave it to her mate to save the day. Ariath turned her attention towards Alpine and nodded in agreement to Cyenide's suggestion. "It'll be tough, only a few remain near the waters during the night to avoid such a fate. We'll probably have but one chance to get it right." Ariath spoke precisely, her tail swaying to show her excitement. She couldn't wait to see how they worked together and hunting at night? Ariath never attempted such a feat. She could only hope that it turned out well but if they ended up failing, try try again. Ariath awaited for either of the two to lead the one and followed nearby. She couldn't help but look back to see if the tan female was going to change her mind and join them. Ariath sighed lightly as she couldn't blame Aaliyah for her ways of obtaining what she wanted. The teal female had spoiled her young but that only made them want to do things on their own. Ariath would have to learn for her future litter that it was best to have them learn then to just receive whatever they wished.