|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 7:50 am
 Chivosi wasn't sure when she had actually decided on this course of action. she supposed that it had been a series of smaller decisions really...she'd decided to stop waiting for Mene to come around again, she'd decided that the pack needed a second Alpha - Merrill had been helping as much as she could of course but Beta duties on top of helping with the Alpha duties was just far to taxing on her friend - especially with her children to worry with as well.
And somewhere along the way she'd decided that Galahad would be a good choice, it helped that she found him attractive and charming of course...but she kept telling herself that this decision was being made for the good of the pack...and not because she had a crush on Galahad. Crushes were of course for children and she liked to think herself a tad beyond those times.
In the end she supposed it didn't really matter - Galahad was capable and strong, as he'd demonstrated in the rescue during the hunt..he was kind and even tempered, well able to handle the different sorts of wolves who showed up on YMCA's doorstep...and she liked him. Any way she looked at it, this was a good decision. Of course that didn't make this particular trip any easier - Chiv was friendly with Galahad but she'd never really expressed any further desires for him, asking him to be her partner in YMCA might not be a declaration of love outright...but the rest of the pack might see it as such and Chiv had no idea how Galahad would feel about that. The thought nearly made her pause as she approached his den - but that was silly, she was an Alpha she told herself - not some teen pup - and she ought to be brave enough to go through with this without turning into a babbling idiot or second guessing herself. Resolute she padded close enough to call out to him.
"Galahad?"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 8:04 am
 Things had settled down in the pack after the early winter hunt. Perhaps settled down wasn't the right term, things had merely gone back to the way they had been, where everyone was content and life was relatively quiet. Of course that didn't mean there was no work to be done, there were still border patrols, hunts to go out on, keeping an eye on the newest members of the pack and many other duties as well. Even a quiet pack like this had plenty to keep its members busy during most of the year. And while it may not be a bustling large pack with things happening every second of every day Galahad was glad he had made the decision to stay here.
Having recently returned from a border patrol Galahad was lounging about in the cool of his den when he head Chiv's voice call out to him. He liked Chivosi, she was an excellent leader and he had a lot of respect for her running this pack by herself. It wasn't every day a single wolf could keep a relatively large pack like this one under control, even though the wolves here were more relaxed quiet ones. Giving his muscles a quick stretch Galahad crawled out of his den and gave his fur a shake before settling his eyes on Chivosi. A smile crossed his maw and he nodded his head in greeting. "Good afternoon Chivosi." While he was happy to see her, he could see in her eyes that she was here on business, or so it seemed, and Galahad awaited to see what she had to say.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 8:11 am
As Galahad crawled from his den Chivosi saw her last chance to back out of this idea flee before her very eyes. Not that she was truly second guessing this choice of course..merely her courage to see it through, it had been a long time since she'd had to share the role of Alpha and while she didn't think she was a control freak persay it might be difficult to readjust to sharing those decisions. She loved this pack - it was her life and choosing to cede some control of it to another was a difficult task.
But you know him she reminded herself firmly and you know he will do a good job or you never would have considered this in the first place she further encouraged herself so that by the time the brown wolf caught her eyes whatever wavering thoughts she might have had had fled. "Thank you Galahad - I trust your patrol was quiet as normal?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 8:20 am
"Yes it was. I saw another herd of deer moving back this way from the north west, it was of a good size and could prove good hunting in the months to come." Though he would hope that there would be no major catastrophe like what happened during the hunt before winter set in. While they were lucky that Iolaus had received only minor injuries from that event it was certainly not something any of them wished to repeat ever again. "Other than that nothing of interest to report." Patrols were often quiet, so he didn't feel awkward giving such little information to Chivosi about it. He cast his eyes out towards the other dens, though very little activity was going on right now. The pups and their parents were likely sleeping and the other might be out doing other border checks or just enjoying the spring weather.
"Things seem quiet here as well." Not that he wished to come back to chaos but sometimes it was a nice change of pace. While he thought about asking her what she had come here for Galahad pushed that thought back, no that would be rude of him to force her into whatever it was she wished to talk about, so he would allow her to bring it up whenever she wished.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 8:32 am
"Good" Chiv responded, nodding slightly at the news "Spring is likely here to stay then - if the herds are moving back again" Of course she had assumed such when the weather had continued to stay warm for so long - but some years winter liked to have its last hurrah and throw a snowstorm in your face when you least expected it.
Spring would also mean more wolves were moving about of course, traveling again now that the weather was good - which of course brought her back to the reason she had come to see Galahad in the first place, it would be important for the pack to have good strong leadership now that activity would be picking up again and more wolves would be passing through - either to stay or visit."They are...though I expect that we will soon be seeing some more activity now that the weather is better" She told him 'which is sort of the reason I came ot speak with you, I know you said you wished to stay after the hunt...is that still your plan?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 9:10 am
Galahad gave his head a nod, yes it indeed did seem like winter was gone for the year and that spring had a solid grip on the lands. This was not the first herd they had seen returning and may not be the last as well. "I believe winter is gone, the song birds are returning as well and they rarely return unless spring is firmly in place." But that didn't mean they could assume the weather would remain in their favor, who knows if or when another storm would catch them off guard like the one had during the hunt.
Yes, they would likely see traveling coming across their border now that the weather was good once more, some might stay while other would pass through after resting a night. At her question Galahad considered for a moment, he knew the answer but sometimes it was best to pause and think before speaking. "I still plan to stay. This pack is my home now and those within it are like my family. I have no reason to leave," he locked her eyes with hers for a moment. "But there are plenty of reasons for me to stay." Though he didn't out right admit it, he did truly care for Chivosi and he hoped that statement would hint towards that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 9:21 am
Well that would make things easier now wouldn't it Chivosi thought to herself as the brown wolf confirmed what she had suspected already that Galahad was here to stay. It would save her the trouble of trying to talk him into it - though to be honest it seemed like many of the wolves who claimed to only be 'passing through' wound up staying. Chivosi chose to regard that as a good sign - her pack was a pace wolves liked to be and that was what she had wanted right from the start. A home for the previously homeless.
"I'm glad to hear it" She told him sincerely, meeting his eye for a moment before glancing away while she considered how to word this and got a grip on herself - his words..simple as they had been had been enough to make her heart flutter ever so slightly. She didn't think she was imagining the implication of them and the time they had spent together on the hunt and subsequent rescue had certainly let them get to know one another in the stark fashion that only an emergency like that could do.
"It will make this easier I think" she confessed after a few moments, turning her eye back to his. "Last season was hard, the pack..well it didn't suffer persay bu it certainly didn't flourish the way it should have...there was discord and uncertainty and while I tried to keep it all running smoothly the lack of my former mate hurt everyone deeply. I need another Alpha Galahad..someone to help me run this pack the way it need to be run..and I was wondering..hoping really that you might consider the position.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 9:43 am
Either she understood the meaning behind his words, or just looked away for some other reason, but Galahad was certain he had saw some recognition that crossed her face just then. He hoped that she understood, though he had never said anything prior to today for she had previously seemed to still hold out hope her old mate would return. However that never happened and while a part of Galahad was happy about that, he did not want to quickly swoop in and profess his love to her. That would be extremely wrong of him to do, so he had given her some time and space, but now the more he was around her the more he wanted to stay there.
As she spoke Galahad nodded his head slightly. Yes, he had seen the stress upon many of the wolves over the last few months and most of that was due to Menelaus' absence and the struggles of a single wolf trying to cope with everything. Her offer for him to become second Alpha was somewhat shocking and yet at the same time a part of him has seen this coming. He was grateful for the chance to fulfill such a role and it was obvious that Chivosi had thought long and hard on this, making sure he was the right wolf for the job. "I would be honored to hold share such a position with you." He said with a dip of his head.
Co-Alpha of the pack. It would be a great responsibility and Galahad was certain he was ready for it. Clearly Chivosi thought so as well. But, there was one thing on his mind that he wanted to know, however asking about it might seem like he was pushing boundaries. Honestly though, he had to know, to know if Chiv felt what he felt. "Forgive my forwardness but I must ask you something." He hated being so blunt about such a delicate subject, but if they were to work together for this pack then sometimes there would be things needed to be discussed in blunt and very open manners. "Is it just the Alpha position that you wish me to fill or something more?" He paused, and wondered if he worded that right. Galahad wasn't used to talking about such feelings so he felt a little awkward. "What I mean is...I have feelings for you Chivosi and I wonder if you feel the same towards me?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 9:57 am
A breath of relief swept through Chivosi as Galahad accepted the position - she hadn't even realized just how much she had hoped he would, or how worried she had been that he would reject her offer until just this moment. It wasn't a pointless worry of course...many wolves were simply not interested in holding such a position, they didn't want the responsibility or feared the consequences that would affect an an entire pack of wolves if they made a bad decision.
Chivosi had thought Galahad to be made of sterner stuff then that of course and he didn't disappoint her. She hadn't expected him to ask the second question of course but perhaps she should have and she herself couldn't p***y foot about the subject either - moons she was being as bad as Verse and Aleu had been about this whole subject. " I didn't want to assume that you would want" She paused then because that wasn't an entirely truthful answer and Chivosi did not like to lie - especially to a wolf who had been brave enough to bring it up so openly himself. "No thats not entirely true" She confessed "I just wasn't sure how to broach the subject myself. I have feelings for you as well Galahad - have had them ever since the hunt if I were to be completely truthful..but I wasn't sure if I was ready to move on yet...but I think I might be now. Mene's not coming back and even if he does he's no longer the wolf he used to be. I can't love a shadow or a shell..not when there is a real wolf in front of me that i think perhaps...I also love"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 10:13 am
A slight smile crossed his maw when he saw Chiv sigh in relief, perhaps she had been worried that he would turn down her offer to be Alpha and thus force her to either continue on alone or find someone else to fill the role. Well he wouldn't let that happen, he would not let her continue to work herself day and night to keep things running smoothly. Now they could share the burdens or running a pack together and make sure that they each got the rest they deserved when things did start to become more active.
He stood silently as she voiced her feelings and why she had not prior. He understood completely why she might have felt hesitant to do so, she had had a mate once and getting over that would be hard on her. Certainly he would not expect them to rush into this even though it was clear they both had feelings for each other. "We can take it slow." He told her, understanding that it may take some time for her to be ready to truly love again, he was willing to wait as long as it takes. Stepping forward he pushed his muzzle lightly against hers. "You deserve to be happy once more Chivosi." Yes, he loved her, had for some time now and he would do what he could to prove that to her and to ensure that she was happy. "I think perhaps...I love you as well." He whispered to her, a hint of smile in his voice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 10:29 am
Chivosi knew she had chosen right with Galahad as he came forward with sweet and comforting words - she had known many wolves in her past who would not be so willing to be patient, to take things slow until they both found their way - well until he found her way at least. It was a pity really for Galahad - he deserved more then the damaged goods she presently was when it came to love.
But perhaps he was just what she needed to heal again - to heal both herself and her pack. This would not save Raiden or Tempest..nor seal the gap between them and their siblings but perhaps it would solidify the pack and he was right she told herself - she did not deserve to be left waiting and hoping forever. She had to move - she wanted to move on..she jut hadn't known how too until Galahad came along, it seemed the gallant wolf would be saving yet another member of this pack - in fact he seemed to be making something of a record of it with Ari, Iolaus and now..herself. "Thank you" She told him in a quiet voice, touching his own muzzle in return. "We will have to tell the pack soon...but Merrill, Aleu and Derecho should be briefed first I think' She ventured, she doubted that any of the three would have problems with this - but merrill was beta and deserved to know first and Derecho would sulk if she sprang it on him along with all the others ...and she couldn't then tell Derecho and not tell Aleu, family...it was always so complicated..but she wouldn't trade it for anything.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 10:40 am
He took a step back, placing a bit of space between them once more. They would both need time to adjust to this, but that he was willing to do. Galahad nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, they should be the first to know, then the rest of the pack can be informed." He doubted any of them would argue with Chivosi's decision on this, but it was best to be open to any criticism or any other negative words. "I believe Merrill is out on a patrol at the moment, so when she returns we can tell her."
The siblings however would be the trickier ones to inform. If they told Aleu before Derecho there was a chance she could tell her brother before they had a chance to do so. Same if they told Derecho before Aleu. "Perhaps it would be best to tell Derecho and Aleu at the same time. That way neither of them will hear it first." Plus that way he could judge their reactions without the other being forewarned to the news. The rest of the members could be told either in one large group or on an individual basis depending on how the members were spread out at the time. It wasn't always easy to get everyone together with so many wolves in the pack.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 10:46 am
Chivosi nodded slightly - she recalled seeing the blue and purple wolf heading out into the trees not to long before she'd come to Galahads den and while organizing the patrols was not one of the duties she typically did herself (Merrill was much better at it) he did try to keep up with who preferred which shifts and paths so that she could find them when needed. "I believe your right - but she'll be back shortly, its almost time for her afternoon nap" She remarked with a slight smile. The beta's love of napping was well loved knowledge in the pack.
"but your right - it would be easier to tell them together, otherwise I'll never hear the end of it from whomever got told second" she stated with a slight roll of her eyes "Honestly you'd have thought they would have grown out of that sort of thing by now" She joked
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 11:00 am
Galahad smiled widely at the mention of Merrill's nap time. "Yes, we best make sure to catch her before she makes it to her den." Lord knows when they would be able to tell her if she did manage to take her nap first, generally Merrill's naps were the same length but every now and then the beta would sleep for an extended time, so best to get to her before she had the chance.
Letting out a laugh Galahad shook his head. "I don't think siblings ever grow out of things like that. They could be very old wolves and still be jealous is something is told to the one before the other." He himself didn't have any siblings, but through his travels had met plenty and no matter what type of pack they lived in, or how close or distant they were there would always be jealousy over certain topics. "Shall we head towards Merrill's den?"He ventured, knowing that the beta would be returning soon enough.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 11:17 am
"I expect your right" Chivosi agreed - undoubtedly if she had remained with her brother then they would b much the same. It was nice really to see her children and now grandchildren allowed to grow up and continue to be together - it was certainly better then saying good bye and never really knowing if or when you would see the other again. Such dismal thoughts were not what Chiv wanted to concentrate on however and so with a smile she agreed "Yes I suppose we should - the sooner the better" She quipped before turning about and heading towards the beta's den, glancing behind her only once to make sure Galahad was following.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
