WORD COUNT MINUS NAMES: 1,503

Shateiel: *A gentle caress was given to a small rose bud, her wet nose taking in the scent before pulling away to observe a few others in the bush. It was a warm night, but she did not feel like sleeping just yet*


Fantasia: *He was happy that his sister's mate's surrogate's . . . Good lord, that was an extension! But nonetheless, he was happy to see that the litter had grown to adolescents with no snag. Secretly it irked him, knowing that some of them had started calling themselves royalty despite having no blood relation to Terabithia; Fanta lived by the code he had set down and was quite technical. But this was what she saw as family, and he felt there was no need to force his own will upon her happiness . . . But he pushed the thought away before it festered; "family" and "heirs" were beginning to weigh on his mind as much as the dreams he was starting to have, the odd "feelings of doom" that would come out of nowhere and then dissipate. Now he needed to calm down, cool his heels, take a deep breath. So even at this late hour, he strode quietly from his den to find a place of solitude where he could hum to himself, relive the small but solid love for music that he had once exercised as a pup. The moon was but a sliver tonight, an excuse for why he did not see Shateiel as he passed. There were worse things hiding in the shadows*

Shateiel: *In truth the young female had tried to avoid the alpha's litter, tried being the key point, finding it impossible to hide from the younger wolves all the time. Having grown up with a litter of all girls and being older, naturally she had been put in the position of babysitter more times then she would have liked. How she had never come to the conclusion that being part of a pack meant puppies she couldn't imagine, but that wasn't to say she found their presence insufferable. The skills she polished with her siblings had made things easy when she did have contact with the youths. And now they were large. They depended on her less and less to quench their boredom, now finding independence where they had none before. But there had been times when she needed an escape...the roses were where she found it. Her interest in the flowers had sparked before she had officially joined, and only intensified as she got to know Disneyana.

The clack of nails alerted her to the presence of another wolf, and turning back to look over her shoulder she observed her alpha. He seemed lost in his own world and she wondered if it was appropriate to address him. Turning to fully face him, she quietly spoke,* Grand Master...are you having a good night?

Fantasia: *The ghostly sound gave him pause, and he turned with full intent upon Shateiel's skeletal visage, which was made all the stranger looking in the lack of moonlight. Her ever-lit crystal threw her face in sharp relief: half a skeletal grin and blood-red eyes. The alpha couldn't help but for a moment feel a revisitation of that ominous pang in his heart, though it was quickly dismissed as he cleared his throat. Superstitions and nothing more!* So far. I see my mother has been tutoring you with rose care. *He could imagine, Disneyana sitting patiently at Sha’s den entrance with a rose already entwined in her fur, smiling maternally as she did just to about anyone in the pack . . .*

Shateiel: *She couldn't read his expression, if there was one to read, but she smiled while giving a gentle nod* Yes. She is an excellent teacher.

Fantasia: Yes she is . . . *looks to the roses Sha had been nosing through* Have you considered yet what your service would be for this pack, Shateiel? *Even when trying to get some alone time, there he was bringing up business again! Fanta really didn't know how to relax . . .* I have an understanding you would rather not pup-sit, for instance.

Shateiel: *She gave a sheepish expression* Yeah. I may have grown up with a group of younger sisters, but pups are not my thing. *She looked back over the roses contemplative, mesmerized* I, I'm not sure. But I do enjoy the roses. If I can help with their care I suppose I can make myself useful.

Fantasia: I see. *Though his tone remained the same placid command, the alpha's expression softened several degrees as he looked upon the rose bushes. His family's pride, joy, and for all intents and purposes their symbol. The perfect balance of beauty and danger. Ah, balance . . . He knew it not. His face felt frozen in seriousness, and he wondered if that affected others' opinions of him. Surely an alpha should not always be so somber . . .* Speak to Clementine if you wish to pursue rose tending. He may offer you a chance to join the Guard as well, if you are more inclined to battle prowess. I fear we may soon need it.

Shateiel: *Battle? The thought had never crossed her mind. Sure she was sure she could hold her own, but to specifically place herself in such a position...was that for her? But his comment drew her a foot away from the roses and closer to her alpha.* What do you mean? *She thought for a moment and then put on a determined expression.* I do not want to make that my career. But when needed, I'll do whatever I can for the pack.

Fantasia: *doesn't answer about the "battle" portion* Then what, o bone-touched one? What do you see yourself as? *turns to look to Sha from the roses, his soft gaze reverting to its usual stoicness, though there is a hint of his eyes probing* I cannot say I enjoy telling others what there place is unless I feel they are better suited for this or that. Surely you have spent enough time here to realize that every wolf must have a duty here, even if it is merely tending to the plants.

Shateiel: *Yes, she did understand everyone must pull their weight, that she had no doubt about. But exactly how was she going to go about that...what skills had she gained living here? There was only one thing she could think of* I could work...as a Guardian with more training. I have been under Mistress Disneyana's care and care for the roses as she does.

Fantasia: A guardian is a fine rank. *nods a little* Kelly Clementine is currently head of those ranks should you wish to pursue that. He is . . . brusque and short-tempered, but knowledgeable; as much a warrior as he is a defender. I can alert him of your interest if you wish.

Shateiel: *She perked at his words: Fantasia seemed to hold the position in high regard, and that was something she was thankful for.* Yes, I would like that. *She answered simply, looking him in the eye with her half masked face.*

Fantasia: *The accursed bone marking . . . His eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of it, thought perhaps that was just a trick of her lantern light. This one at least was not harboring a bestial nature despite her . . . wild look. Perhaps he could lighten his suspicions from first impressions; perhaps.* Very well then. I will let him know first thing tomorrow. For now, I suggest you attempt to get some sleep before you do meet - he expects much from any potential recruit. *And that was an understatement. Fanta knew that KC was as likely to chew a recruit’s head off as he was to just grumble and shrug it off: it was hard to tell just what the guy wanted at times.*

Shateiel: *Her eyes followed his own, not departing to look respectfully away. Instead she kept directly poised, her maroon tinted hues staring at his odd brown eyes as he observed her, not knowing his thoughts. Listening to his instruction, she gave a polite nod and smiled, unsure how to exactly compose herself around the alpha.* I'll do just that. Thank you for your time, master. *She wondered if this was the proper term. It was more respectful than simply using his name, but it seemed to her as though she was putting herself in a very uncomfortable submissive position.*

Fantasia: *Master seemed fitting enough, for he inclined his head in a benign manner to her - it was also his motion for dismissal, for afterwards he turned away and began to move deeper into the rose bushes. There were things to consider, things brought on in his recent dreams, in his gut feelings, in his discussion with his sister . . . Too many ifs. As he left, Shateiel might hear snippets of a song he hummed under his breath, one that he used to calm himself*