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 Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:43 am
 Galahad was in high spirits today. He was co-Alpha of the pack now, he and Chiv had decided to become mates and recently he found out that she was carrying his pups. He carried a permanent smile on his maw these last few days. Fate had certainly been kind to him the day he came across the pack after saving one of it's pups from a bear attack, ever since then he had been happy, but even more so now. They had recently announced to the pack their news, of his rise of Alpha and of the upcoming litter. Of course they had made sure to tell Merrill, Derecho and Aleu ahead of time. But now that the formal introduction had been given to the pack as a whole Galahad wised the go and speak to some of the wolves on an individual basis to get their opinion on the matter. Good or bad Galahad was willing to listen to whatever the members had to say about it and consider those words carefully.
So he padded out amongst the trees looking for any member that was mucking about. Whether he would meet up with a wolf who was on patrol or perhaps just enjoying the afternoon that was yet to be determined. He held his head high as he walked, eyes scanning the area to see just who was about so that he may talk with them. He wanted to know what the others thought, not just of his new rank and the pups coming, but overall if there was anything that needed attention or changing. They were all his responsibility now and he would not ignore their needs, even if they were small ones.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:51 am
 In the time following the hunt, Adonai had tripled his work for the pack. He left for patrol early each morning and worked with a newfound diligence; where he had previously pulled his weight, now he over-achieved. News had already reached his ears about Galahad's ascension, of course, and it had started a small wildfire in his thoughts.
He felt guilty that he hadn't been the one to find his grandsons, that the valiant show of heroism hadn't landed in his paws. It wasn't just guilt, necessarily, though. There was another emotion, more complex: the feeling that this had happened not because Galahad was intrinsically better than him, but that circumstances had simply not worked out in his favor.
Adonai was feeling fairly shat-upon by fate, actually.
He could've had a chance with Chivosi, he thought. If he'd been the one who saved that pup from the bear...if he'd been the one to find his grandsons....but, no. He wasn't the one. He was the one who Terreis distrusted and Thrush hated for no good reason and whose family all thought he was a joke.
So why did he stay? Why did he linger here?
Well, because one quiet, invasive part of his brain wanted to prove itself...wanted? Necessary?
He didn't hold it against Galahad. It wasn't the other wolf's fault that their fortunes differed.
...And he didn't really want either Chivosi or the alpha position for himself. Not really. He just wanted to find some way to make himself essential.
His ear flicked, and he turned back to take a look at the wolf who approached. Well, speak of the devil. "Galahad," he said, dipping his maw.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:29 pm
Seeing a wolf up ahead Galahad continued forward. As he came into view he saw that it was Adonai, Terreis' estranged father. He thought for a moment, wondering if those two would ever make amends, perhaps, though undoubtedly it would take much longer on Terreis' end than on Adonai's. He had seen Adonai try to speak with Terreis but the splotchy wolf seemed to have a knack for cutting him off. She had the whole irked daughter thing down to a science. It was almost amusing, in a sad way. Galahad was certain she did so without even realizing it, it came as natural to her as breathing did.
Bringing his paws to a stop he nodded a greeting. "Afternoon Adonai." The mostly white wolf was currently on a patrol, that would allow Galahad to have a bit of friendly conversation first, besides an Alpha should make sure patrols go well and that anything spotted during them was dealt with as needed. "How is everything today?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:53 pm
He halted in his path, giving his patched tail a flick. "Quiet, as usual," he said, deciding to assume the question was directed at the patrol he was on and not his personal life. For the most part no one ever tended to be curious about his personal life, and that was quite alright with him.
"Although I think Anatto's lurking around in a bush someplace. I keep hearing somebody follow me. He'll be a master tracker some day if he eve cares enough to try."
He smiled at that thought.
"And yourself? How are you...settling in...with the new duties?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:04 pm
"That is good." He said with a bob of his head. Quiet patrols meant no threats were to come to the pack, they may be boring at times, but he was grateful for quiet patrols most days. Galahad took a moment to glance around at the mention of Anatto, he could not see the wolf anywhere but that didn't mean he wasn't hidden amongst the bushes. "He is certainly skilled in that area. Let us hope he uses those skills for the right reasons." Certainly one who could sneak through the brush undetected by most would be a valuable asset, even to a pack such as their own.
Galahad smiled slightly. "I am adjusting to them quiet well. Chivosi has proven to be an excellent teacher." Now Alpha duties he was ready to tackle and found them to come quite naturally, but the idea of fatherhood still excited and frightened him. Yes, he was good with pups and had taken good care of the ones there were in the pack since his joining, but the idea of his own, well he was still adjusting to it. Adonai was a father himself but didn't know that fact until he had joined this very pack. Technically he suppose he could ask Adonai for any advice on fatherhood but first he wanted to deal with the subject at hand and that was his new duties that his new role placed upon him.
"And what are your thoughts on my new role within the pack?" He hoped to hear the truth from Adonai no matter what but at the same time he wished to be accepted by the male and know the wolves in the pack accepted him as Alpha much as Chivosi did.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:17 pm
"I'm sure he does," he said, smiling. "Or will, anyway, when some of the imp has left him."
Giving dad hell -- that was the sworn duty of pups Anatto's age. But he wouldn't bring that up, considering Galahad's current situation. Best not to make the poor man nervous.
The sudden topic shift made his brows raise. "If there ever were a wolf who deserved it, it's you," he said, and meant that. "You're a lucky fellow, Galahad. I forget...where is it that you come from?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:39 pm
"Adulthood should sort him out. He will likely be a great asset to hunts in the future, he could walk right up to a herd of deer and they would be none the wiser." And that was a true skill, he hoped though that no major catastrophe would come him during a hunt like what happened during the one before winter. But surely that was a fluke and would not happen on a regular basis.
Galahad smiled widely as Adonai's words. "I am glad to hear that and I plan to serve this pack proudly as it's Alpha. If you ever need anything do not hesitate to ask." Galahad had after all proved himself to be helpful on a number of occasions already and would never turn away a pack member in need, or any wolf for that matter. "Indeed I am." Having Chivosi as his mate, becoming Alpha of the pack and a litter of pups on the way, yes luck was surely smiling upon him. "I come from a great distance away to the west." He explained. Really no one had ever questioned where he had come from, but now presented with the opportunity to do so we would explain a bit about where he came from. "I lived with my family, no true pack to speak of, but we were close, much like this pack is. I chose to leave during my early adulthood to see the world. At the time I had the intention of returning home, but as my paws took me further away it seemed less likely that I would return. Perhaps I will go back one day just to check on my family and see if they still live in the area, but this is my home now and so this is where I shall stay."
He was curious about how his family was doing, if his parents were still around, how his siblings were fairing, but as Alpha he couldn't exactly just walk off and leave for months on end to find out. Especially not with Chivosi expecting, no he would not repeat Mene's mistakes and abandon his mate. "And what of you Adonai, where do you hail from?" He knew that he was not from their northern allies even though he had children within that pack, but he was curious all the same as to where the patchy wolf had come from as well.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:02 pm
He hoped Anatto was lurking now for sure -- a compliment would probably do the boy some good.
"Ahh, so this is your first experience with a large pack, then? You're even luckier, then, to have fallen so easily into place, and with such an easy-going pack." Aside from a regrettable choice in allies, YMCA was pretty much perfect -- that's what he thought. Maybe he was just agitated at nearly being killed by his daughter. Some things you just never get over.
"I've been around for a long while and seen a good many things. Lived plenty of places, too." Was that a bit of a deflection, or was it posturing? Maybe a bit of both.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:32 pm
"First large one yes, though I did stay with some smaller packs in the earlier years. They were nothing like here, some I did not stay at long because they were far too unpleasant. Others were nice enough but did not have the feeling of home that this pack offers to me, to so many." Those times in other packs taught him a great deal, shaped him into the adult he was today, and he was grateful for such experiences.
It was clear to Galahad that Adonai was either unwilling to talk of his past or just didn't have much to talk about. He wasn't going to push him into sharing information, when the time came and he was ready to share then Galahad would lend an ear and listen. "A life that many have lead and will continue to lead." He commented idly. Many wolves took to traveling, going from place to place but never really having one spot to call him.
There was a moment of silence between them. Seemed as though the conversation had come to a stop. Galahad thought about things for a moment, Adonai had been busy lately, more so than when the wolf first joined. "You have been working hard lately. I am glad for that." He appreciated a wolf who could do work for their pack. "I hope to count on you during the upcoming months. Chivosi will need to ease back on her duties and while I plan to pick up as much as I can I will also need a few dependable wolves around to help out."
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:24 pm
If Adonai had been ready to bristle and defend himself in some way to Galahad, he understood now that there was no need. Much like Chivosi herself, Galahad was kind-hearted and respectable. "You know, I hadn't intended on staying, at first," he said, continuing forward in a somewhat distracted manner along the well-worn path of the border. "Terreis hardly extended a welcoming paw, and being a grandfather three times over was not precisely what I wanted for myself just now."
He grinned, peering over at Galahad. At least he wouldn't have to worry about that for a long while. Although, come to think of it, he did rather wonder what Derecho's opinion of all this was. If ever there were a wolf who seemed resistant to change, it was his would-be son-in-law.
"But, I figure if I'm here, I should do the best I can...for the pack, and my family, if they'll have me."
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:49 pm
At that Galahad couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Terreis isn't exactly welcoming to anyone. Though she has been improving lately." Especially after the hunting incident. He had seen change in the splotchy female, who suddenly was no longer resistant to her sons presence, oh it was clear she still wasn't entirely used to having them around but she certainly accepted them more. Heck she even started to show that she cared for them. Perhaps it was a bit too late, as many of her sons had moved on and considered that relationship lost, but it was still nice to see her try. "Being a grandfather three times, it is quite a big change, certainly when thrust upon you all at once."
Galahad smiled. "I speak for both myself and Chivosi when I say that the pack is glad to have you here, your devotion to your work and acceptance of things is greatly noted. We will have you as long as you wish to stay, and there will always be a place for you here if you ever decide to leave." He hoped the wolf would stay around. "You are a valuable help to us Adonai. I appreciate everything that you do for us."
He considered his next words for a moment before speaking again. "Besides, I think it would be good for your grandsons if you were to stay around...and your daughter too, even if it doesn't seem so when it comes to Terreis. But she'll come around eventually, I'm sure of it."
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:01 pm
He was mostly working hard to try and finally get rid of that stigma of being "the new guy" -- he'd been here nearly a year and it still hung around him, at least in his mind -- and the praise made his tail sway a bit despite himself. These YMCA wolves were a good lot. It was those blasted bitches up north with their slaves that were the issue.
"She has lightened up a bit," he mused, if begrudgingly. "And she's chosen to stand by her mate and pups, rather than go back. That counts for something." Not a whole lot, in his mind...but something.
"Speaking of pups," he added, with a bit of an amused gleam in his eye, "are you excited, friend?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:13 pm
He could see the subject of Terreis was still a touchy one, no doubt after how unwelcoming she had been so far it would be. "It will come," he said with a nod of his head. "One step at a time." It could take years, but one day it would all be right. Or that was what Galahad hoped at least. And like Adonai said, she had stayed with her mate and pups even when she had shown a dislike to them all being male, and that spoke a great deal.
"Excited, yes." He let out a chuckle. "Nervous, absolutely. But it is something that I have wanted for some time now, so surely it will work out well. I just want them to be healthy and happy, I cannot and will not ask for anymore." Gender was not part of the equation, yes he would love a son, but no more so than he would love a daughter. "I only hope to prove them with whatever they need to the best of my ability." And in doing so he would be a good father to them.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:20 pm
"If you have daughters," he said, thinking along the same lines, "would you allow them to join our...allies...to the north?"
He suspected if any of them showed promise that Terreis would push for such a thing. Plenty of male pups came over from Antianeira, it seemed likely to Adonai that they would expect the same in reverse.
"I just learned that one of my grandsons willingly offered himself to their service. I find the notion...disturbing."
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:29 pm
"If the decision comes of her own free will and she is not swayed into it, then yes I would allow that to happen." He would not force his child to stay here if they wished to go north and seek out that life. But if that life was thrust upon them and they were not given the choice then he would stand up and say something about it. "They are not all like your daughter up there, I have met the Queen on several occasions, she is quite different from Terreis and Varia." Yes he liked Penthesilea, she was a good leader, commanded respect from her wolves but also showed mercy upon those who were weaker and often protected them from those within her fold as well. And while he had never personally met Varia he had heard enough about her to know the type of wolf that she was.
"Yes, I heard that Corinth made the journey up north. However I wonder if he is doing it for himself or to win his mothers love." Either way he hoped the boy was safe where he was now. If needed, he would go and fetch the boy should he wish to come home and not be allowed to. But hopefully that would not be the case.
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