Raising from the Ashes

[shadow]

<sub>'How long have I been out here?'

'Where am I?'

These two thoughts wandered through the young two year almost three years old Ethiopian brute. He'd been wandering the desert even since... That incident. Kaoru's face twisted up as if he was in pain. He was in pain, mental pain. The pain of the horrid images of his pack mates and Alphess dying before his eyes. He'd been able to do nothing about their death. Absolutely nothing. He'd called out for help, but no one came. He'd been a coward, but what was he going to do all by himself? Run in recklessly and die too? Would that have been the heroic thing to do? Go down with his pack.

Inhaling sharply, Kaoru released an uneven sigh. He felt so lost now, he had no idea what he was going to do now. He was packless, a wanderer. No, he was still a part of Zahir. Zahir would always live on, even without an alpha. He'd thought about taking over Zahir himself but... What could he do as an alpha? He couldn't even save those he cared about? What kind of Alpha would he be? He was a follower not a leader. He did not belong in the rankings of an Alpha. A beta at the most maybe, but never an alpha. He could rule an entire landmass with a single paw. No, not him. Not Kaoru.

'Alya... Ithyph...' They where both gone, and would never return. He knew that, yet, he couldn't believe it.

A flash of brown passed by the Ethiopian brute, he blinked a couple times and watched a Jackrabbit dash by. He licked his lips, his stomach gave an awful loud growling noise. He could no longer remember how long it had been since he'd eaten anything. His days ran together, weeks became months, and months became years. He didn't even know what day it was. How long it'd been since that incident.

He licked his lips and swallowed the saliva that flowed in his mouth. He watched it, crawl into a hole, probably it's home. Kaoru patted towards the hole and peeked inside. He could see nothing. He growled, he could smell that jackrabbit and it's babies? Hunger took over Kaoru and with his long legs and blunt claws he dug into the hole, making it wider. His claws racked against the poor defenceless rabbit and it's young. The young where easily killed and once the hole was large enough, Kaoru snapped at the hare with his jaws, grabbing old of one leg. It's long back legs kicked at the Ethiopian wolf, but it was not enough pain to make the desert brute release it. He snapped it's leg, and went for it's neck. Snapping it next, and it soon went limp in his mouth.

Kaoru gave himself a few moments to breath. Adrenaline still pumped through his veins. He licked his lips and picked up his kills. He wondered if the dens where still where they where. He hadn't been there since Alya had first became alpha.

Taking his time, the Ethiopian brute, made his way to the location of the dens last he knew. He smiled, glad to see they where still there. Intact, even after the volcano's eruption. Without thinking that anyone might be in there, the Ethiopian brute walked right into the dens. As if they where his own, they where his own. His home. He sighed softly, the cave cooler than the desert sun, he picked a spot inside the dens, and lied down. Dropping his kill beside him, and he became to eat the hares, one by one. Until he was satisfied and full.</sub>

---

Ooc: Avani, and Vee you can continue your RP here. :] I was going to join your thread before I'd read Avani ran off back towards the dens.

[irirangi]

"Al... ya."

The shadow of an alphess halted momentarily, eying her companion with a bit of disdain. Such sloppy manners the Maned femme was showing. Honestly, she should know better. "It's rude to speak with your mouth full," she quipped, returning her gaze ahead of her. They were mere feet from Isdyn's Deep after spending quite a bit of time exploring, and the Iranian would be lying if she wasn't eager to return to such a strong point of familarity. The dens were home, even if her home was supposed to be heaven.

"Al... ya," Irirangi tried again, the annoyance evident in her tone. Her words struggled to form about the plump groundhog dangling from her maw, but she wasn't in the mood to drop her snack just to chastise a spirit. "Ee... ha-vvva... com pah ni." She accompanied her words with a warning glare, gesturing with her nose towards the warm cavern's opening. With every step they took, a fresh scent steadily grew stronger. The source was undoubtedly within the dens, and Alya was ready to waltz in head first without so much as a second thought.

"Company?" the Iranian shot back quizically. Who on earth could possibly be visiting them? Her eyes narrowed at the thought. Loners probably, searching for a home. Dealing with strangers was exactly what she wanted to do. Uh huh, right. With a roll of her eyes, the small statured ghost rose her head and tail, gliding proudly towards Isdyn's Deep. "Let's welcome them, shall we?"

The leggy female couldn't miss the annoyed sarcasm of the ex-alphess's tone. It was very much along the same sentiment she herself was feeling. Iri was tired and hungry. She was looking forward to her little, less than filling meal and a nice nap. Being bossed around by such a pessimistic spirit wasn't exactly her cup of tea, and after the trying hours spent conversing with the brutes of the snowy lands she was ready to relax.

Iri didn't bother to vocalize an opinon. Instead she let out a muffled sigh and stepped closer towards the cavern. Her steps were slow, cautious, but she carried herself much the same as the smaller fae walking in front of her. She wasn't sure what sort of threat they were possibly dealing with it; only that it was male. Of course Alya could easily walk in with little to no fear. She was dead. She couldn't get hurt. Iri, on the other hand, needed to be prepared incase whoever it was that was lurking around was dangerous.

The moment the pair set foot within the cave, both froze, though for two very different reasons. Irirangi dropped her prey to the ground, a lazy yet intimadating smirk contorting her lips as every sense took in her surroundings. Her silver optics took a few moments to adjust to the change in light and then landed on the small, male figure that was the source of the foreign scent. Alya took no time to adjust and analyze. The moment her eyes hit the Ethiopian a large, excited smile lit up her face. 'He survived!'

"Kaoru!" the Iranian called out, once again forgetting she was most likely unseen and unheard. She scampered forwards, an action that had she still been alive would have made her limp noticable. "Kaoru!" she called again, halting before him. Joy seemed to radiate from her, tail wagging in pure extasey. "I thought you were dead! Oh I'm so glad those idiots didn't get you as well. Tell me darling, how are you? Have you been well?"

Irirangi tilted her head to one side, taking in her companion's sudden shift in moods. This was the happiest she'd seen Alya since they'd met. In truth, she hadn't even been sure the spirit still knew what happiness was. It was a strange change from the bitter, sarcastic, bossy femme. Iri wasn't sure which version of Alya she liked better. "So this is the infamous Kaoru?" she drawled, drawing closer in curiosity. Her eyes were fixed more on the unseen female, though they did dart to the smaller brute on occassion. "Honestly Alya, he's not at all what I expected."

The Iranian threw an indignant glare at the Maned fae. She had an idea of what Iri was doing. Poor Kaoru was probably going to be scared out of his wits. After all, a stranger had just walked in unnounced and addressed him by name. Irirangi was trying to pull some dark humor out of this situation, and Alya would have none of it. "Don't torment my packmates," she snapped. "Unlike you, Kaoru actually has a decent character."

Iri chuckled lightly at the insult, smirk increasing in size. So the ex-alphess was privy to her plans. Just lovely. Ah well. At least she had had this small moment of fun. As Alya wished, she would attempt to play nice. Kaoru was supposed to be an allie after all. The last thing she wanted to do was exile the few she should be able to trust, even if all foundation for trust was laid by the words of a ghost.

[shadow]

<sub>Kaoru had not been in the dens for too long, however exhaustion took over his tired and poor rested body. He'd practicly staved himself wandering. He never bothered to catch food, there were a few exceptions when he was on the brink of passing out. His fur probably looked like a mess. He'd not bothered to keep well groomed while he wandered over the desert-like area either. He just wandered, his mind broken and tainted. He'd been lost. He was still lost. What was he to do? Live in these lands all by himself? What if someone came to claim these lands?

Kaoru felt a hot pit of anger bubble up in his stomach at the thought of someone else taking these lands. These lands didn't belong to anyone. They where Alya's... were... It was his home. After that incident, he didn't know what happened to the sinister brutes who killed his packmates. Maybe they where still alive, maybe not? He was pretty sure they where, unless someone had really gone to help and killed them, thought it would have been far too late. Like Kaoru had been.

Kaoru let a low grumble of a growl escape his maw, he stared down at the remains of the hares he'd caught. One young, and bones where all that remained. Angrily he snapped at one of the bones and broke it into jagged pieces. He pressed down on the bones tightly with his paw, farther cracking them into smaller pieces, until they where nothing but fragments. Splinters.

Kaoru inhaled sharply, to calm himself down. However when he inhaled that calming breath, it brought in the strong scent of a femme. Kaoru's body became ridged. It'd been months since he'd last came in contact with another wolf. His first instincts told him to run, for there might be danger. However, his pride told him to stay. His anger rose again and he growled at the unwelcoming scent. Who had the right? Who had the right to step onto these lands?! These where, Zahir's lands! Not some free land where rogues could wander freely! Who did-who did this femme think she was?!

Kaoru stood up on all fours, and backed his ears flat to his sulk. Waiting for the femme to arrive. Not longer than a minute, a maned femme walked through the threshold. His lip curved slightly into a silent snarl. “W-who are you? Why are you here? Do you not know these lands belong to Zahir!?” Kaoru spat out, he didn't even both to see if she posed a thread. She was indeed larger than him, then again most wolves where. He was a rather short and weak timid breed. Even now, he was scared, however, he stood his ground.

She did not look like she would pose a threat, however. Leggy femme, she did not look that strong, and her posture told Kaoru she was most likely just a wanderer like himself. Looking for shelter for the day. Out of the desert's blazing heat. However, looks could be deceiving.

"So this is the infamous Kaoru?"

The words left the maned femme's maw. He felt a jolt of shock run through his body. Like he'd been hit by something very large and very heavy. “H-how do you know my name, femme?” He growled lowly, lowering his head. He could imagine he probably didn't look like much of a threat. His small posture, and not to mention his wandering days probably made him look like crap.

"Honestly Alya, he's not at all what I expected."

Kaoru froze, his mind went blank. 'Alya? Did she just say Alya?' He thought, he straightened himself out for a moment. Hope swelled up inside him. “Alya? Did you just say Alya?” He questioned, hope in his voice. 'The same Alya? Could it be?' His mouth hung open slightly. He was speechless, what did this mean? Was this a sign, the first wolf he had come across in months spoke his dead alphess' name. Maybe she wasn't dead... Maybe she was looking for him, maybe that's how she knew him. Could it really be? “Y-you know Alya? Zahir's alphess', i-is she still alive?” He swallowed the lump in his throat, his eyes wide with shock and hope.</sub>

[irirangi]

Irirangi couldn't help but chuckle at the brute's reactions. They hadn't been quite what she was expecting, but Kaoru was nothing like she expected to begin with. He seemed like a fractured shell of the packmate Alya had often spoke of. Good to hear he was still loyal though. Of course, before she could make any retorts the firery little spirit had to put in her own two cents.

The confident smirk Alya had held upon hearing Kaoru's defense of the Zahir lands gradually morphed into a scowl with every word that fell from his mouth. She fixed an icy glare upon her Maned companion, left ear twitching in annoyance. "Ignore her Kaoru, she lacks manners." Her words were once again directed at the brute who could not hear her though her eyes remained on Irirangi. With a question, however, she fixed her full attention on the male, her tone astonished. "You really don't know?"

Iri rolled her eyes. Her lazy smirk remained in place as she let her gaze shift between the ghostly alphess and her living subordinate. How long would she need to keep reminding the alphess that to many her presence was nothing more than a whisper on the wind? "He can't see or hear you, princess," she drawled, gaze fixed firmly on the empty space beside the brute. "Siscarm and myself are... anomolies, if you will."

As Alya dropped her jaw in shock, Iri turned her attention to the male. Critical silver eyes took in his scruffy, scrawny appearance. It wasn't hard to see that the loss of his pack had caused sever problems for his health. Yes... not what she'd expected at all. Best address his questions sooner rather than later. Maybe if she eased some of his fears he would settle a bit back into the familar Kaoru of Alya's past.

"Do I not know these lands belong to Zahir?" she began, not bothering to hide the look of superiority that was slowly consuming her features. She was tired and not in the mood to be nice, regardless of the Iranian's orders. "I know better than most." She paused, tilting her head to one side as she took a few steps closer. "Alya herself told me your name. She's awefully worried about you. Thought you were dead too."

She decided to let that bit of information settle in before she continued. Up until now her words had been rather sugary sweet, patronizing. Like the alphess, she was slightly astounded that Kaoru didn't know all of what had happened to his pack. That would be remedied soon though. With a fluid, graceful motion Irirangi lowered herself onto her haunches. Her bushy tail curled itself around her paws as she finally dropped her smirk and sighed. This next bit of news would be unpleasant to give, and most likely received with an even worse reactions.

The Maned femme took a few moments to carefully choose her next words. And then, she answered the Ethiopian's most important question. "Alya... Zahir's alphess, as annoying as she may be, is a rather good friend of mine. I'm afraid she no longer has her life, though she still likes to walk amoung the living. Her presence is with us now." She gestured with her nose to the space Alya was standing. "Though I doubt you've taken any notice of her. It takes a certain, talent... to converse with the deceased." One brow rose in curiosity as she watched the male, gaze once again shifting between the two figures that visibly stood before her.

Alya let out an indignant huff. Friends? At the moment that particular relationship seemed more of a stretch. What she and Iri had was a relationship of convenience. If the tall fae would just be a little more agreeable, maybe then they could be friends. Then again, she herself wasn't the most pleasant creature to get along with. The Maned femme and the Iranian were too similar in disposition to willingly get along. "Friends indeed," she muttered, also lowering herself into a sitting position. She was still rather irked at being reminded that Kaoru most likely had no notion of her presence.

With a sigh, she continued her quiet mumblings. Now realizing the Ethiopian couldn't make direct contact with her, it was no use directing her comments at him. The best she could do was resignedly mumble, which brought quiet laughter from Irirangi's maw. "Believe her, Kaoru. Please. She speaks the truth, horrible as it is. Relax and trust her so we can rebuild Zahir."

At her last words, Iri's gaze sharply jumpped to the ex-alphess. The legge female did not recall ever agreeing to help rebuild the pack. She had always suspected that that was why Alya's spirit was still tied to this land. The Iranian had never actually spoken it aloud before though. But now... Now the truth was out and Irirangi had to struggle to supress her growl. She did not want to build a pack; did not want that responsibility. Up until now she had merely been humoring Alya's requests. She and the former alphess would need to have a rather in-depth discussion at a later date in the near future. Irirangi was no one's permanent puppet.

[avani]

continued from "greeted by none."

Avani heard Vee's words and another flicker of pride flashed through her head. It really was a miracle for him to be speaking, and she knew it was rude to have him drag an entire carcass back by himself. However, inside her own mind, she had failed at exactly what she did not want to do. She almost second-guessed herself, realizing again that it was unfair for Vee to have to carry their meal back. Damnit, life isn't fair. He'll be fine. The Ethiopian femme was surprised at her own words. Had she really changed so much in those winter months with her furry companion?

Avani loped onward, a look of discontent splattered on her petite face. The desert sand caressed her pawpads, which had since lost their initial sting. The hot air let itself wander under her fur, lifting it into the air and warming her skin. Her eyes faces the ground, following small patterns of twisted sand in the air, until suddenly, something made her head snap up, and her body come to a dead stop. The sound of voices, one of a male, and one of a female speaking with one another.

"Do I not know these lands belong to Zahir? I know better than most."

Zahir? What were these two wolves talking about? Quickly realizing her position, she sat behind brush, shielded by the night. This wolf was directly near their den, undoubtedly smelling their presence and getting mauled by Vee's shed fur. Avani surpressed a chuckle, a bit on uneasiness rising in her throat. The small fae simply listened, and motioned quickly back to Vee to retreat into the brush.

"Alya... Zahir's alphess, as annoying as she may be, is a rather good friend of mine. I'm afraid she no longer has her life, though she still likes to walk among the living. Her presence is with us now. Though I doubt you've taken any notice of her. It takes a certain, talent... to converse with the deceased."

Avani's eyes widened, and her ears pricked. She heard nothing, nothing at all! And this wolf, this female who seemed to drip sarcasm and cynical behavior, was so nonchalant about speaking of it! A shiver spread through her spine, and her eyes narrowed. There was something weird about this. I dislike this. Avani thought, moving out with fur bristling into the small crowd.

The femme took this time to examine the two standing. One seemed to be a maned wolf, about three feet tall to the shoulder. She had long black legs and a black cape about her back, with large ears similar to that of Avani's. The male looked oddly similar to Avani herself, not in color but rather in anatomy. They shared most all of the traits given to Ethiopian wolves, and it was a safe guess that the two were of the same breed. He had a small bald spot on his nose, and was about a foot shorter than the maned female opposite him, though only about an inch taller than Avani. Yes, she confirmed to herself. It is very safe to say that we are of common blood.

With a small burst of confidence that she gained from her time of progression, Avani stepped perpendicular to their line of sight, keeping some distance, but not so much that it would be uncomfortable to speak from. "If you do not mind my intrusion," she said, as uncomfortable feelings flickered in her stomach. "Would you mind telling me what this talking-to-deceased foolishness is about?" She was determined to look stronger than she felt, however, and her result was success. It was usually needed in these type of confrontations.

And after all, if they attacked, they did not know she had a rather large ally coming.

[vee]

Vee began to slow down while his red eyes continued to follow Avani. Was she ignoring him? What did he do wrong? Maybe she was just saying that I did well on the hunt... But is really disappointed? His ivory ears pressed tightly against his skull as he trudged onward, carrying the corpse back to the den.

As he continued, he spotted Avani crouched behind a bush near the den. The wind carried fresh scents of newcomers, which tainted the familiar smell of the carcass. Wolves? Vee questioned himself. The scent was familiar no doubt. The brute dragged the dead gazelle and sat near Avani just as she motioned him to do.

His red gaze drifted through the bush, he eyed two wolves nearby. A wolf that looked very similar to Avani, and a wolf that was completely alien to him. That wolf had extremely long legs and odd colorings, it reminded him of a tall, strange looking fox. Vee wondered why these wolves were so close to the cave. Though, Vee nor Avani ever bothered to mark the area of their scent. He glanced at Avani once, watching her watching those other wolves. His gaze flew back at those wolves, and he watched them also.

"Friends indeed,"

Vee's ears stood erect, as his body tightly tensed. His head shifted in all directions as whispering whimpers escaped his maw. Who was that? Who is there? What was Vee thinking? He couldn't hear, nor could he speak out the question. It was only Avani here, and the voice sounded like it was projected inside his head... Like his own voice.

"Believe her, Kaoru. Please. She speaks the truth, horrible as it is. Relax and trust her so we can rebuild Zahir."

What is going on? Who is Kaoru? What is Zahir? Vee's breathing became uneven as he began to panic. His eyes traced Avani's lips. And they weren't moving. The young albino shot a glance at the two wolves, and their lips weren't moving either. Vee was distressed, he had no idea what was going on. And to make matters worse, Avani left again. He watched her stride through the brush and towards the two stranger wolves. Avani... Don't leave...

The intruding voices inside his head truly terrified poor Vee. Without hesitation, he followed Avani from the brush, cowering closely next to the small femme. His glowing red orbs rose to her lips as she spoke to the two wolves.

"If you do not mind my intrusion, Would you mind telling me what this talking-to-deceased foolishness is about?"

Vee eyes quickly drew back to the wolves. He shivered with nervousness as his whining became more distinct, vibrating in his throat. His ears flattened against his head once more, as he awaited their reply.

[shadow]

<sub>"He can't see or hear you, princess,"

Kaoru's hopeful eyes narrowed into suspicious ones. Who was she talking to? Who couldn't he hear? Sparing a quick glance, Kaoru's eyes glanced around the dens, and outside of them. There was no one else here but the two of them. Him and whoever this femme was. This femme who knew Alya, or a Alya, it was still not confirmed it if was his Alya. Maybe it was another Alya, after all it was a popular name, right?

"Siscarm and myself are... anomalies, if you will."

Kaoru's scared nose wrinkled at her words. His body too on a more ridged and defensive posture again. “Anomalies? How so?” He questioned, she didn't look out of the ordinary. Well she was a rare breed, and he'd never seen a maned wolf up close before. He'd heard of them however. And who was this Siscarm? Kaoru had never heard the name before. Another friend of hers most likely.

Kaoru licked his lips and listened to the manned femme talk. His eyes became more narrowed and his face twisted into a small snarl. What was this femme trying to pull? Did she think he was so naive to believe such nonsense?! At first the way she spoke it did sound like she knew Alya and she was indeed alive and was looking for him, but then... talking to the dead?! Her spirit with them currently? His brown orbs glanced over to the empty space, he felt his heart lurch. Nothing, anomalies, was this what she meant? Seeing the dead? Could be believe something so farfetched?!

A low snarl emit from his maw, rumbling deep in his chest. “What... What bullshit are you trying to pull?!” He growled at the manned femme. “Who are you?!” He demanded to know, he demanded to know who this femme was. How she knew him and how she knew Alya. Whats this some kind of a sick joke? A dream? Yes, yes, certainly this was all but a nightmare. He was pretty sure he'd fallen asleep after eating those hares.

"If you do not mind my intrusion, would you mind telling me what this talking-to-deceased foolishness is about?"

Another voice entered Kaoru's auds, and he could not surprise the growl that escaped his maw. “Foolishness! That's all it is!” He splat with bitter venom, his eyes narrowed at the other Ethiopian. He'd never seen another breed of his since he'd left his pack. If the circumstances where different, he might actually have tried to get to know the femme better, however. He growled as his eyes fell on the white red-eyed brute beside the Ethiopian femme. “Your friend is a long way from home.” He mocked, what business did a Tundra have in these hot deserts territory? What business did they have here? Did they not know this land was claimed, could they not smell it? Even if their alphess was gone... Yes, gone forever and that's how it was. Nothing could bring her back, and certainly no wolf could speak to the dead. It was madness!

His fur stood on end, as his hackles rose. “None of you have business on these lands!” He shouted with a rumbling growl. His body trembled slightly, he was getting a little too worked up for his frail body. His knees threated to buck out from under him, but he stood his ground. “I suggest you all leave, now.” He muttered lowly under his breath, his head lowered shadowing his eyes as he glared at the three wolves before him. If he would die now, it would be because he protected Zahir with his life, and Alya's honor. His honor. Zahir's honor.</sub>

[irirangi]

Iri would be lying if she admitted to paying full attention to Kaoru. He was angry, the questions flying from his mouth only focusing on key words that meant nothing in the larger pictures. Anomolies were unimportant and her own introduction would come in due time. Until he calmed down a bit, she felt no urge to dignify the Ethiopian with a responce.

Instead, she focused on her rumbling stomach, hoping the slight noises it made on occassion were not noticable to the other's ears. She had been looking forward to her little snack, and now that said snack wouldn't be occuring for a while she was also doing her best to keep her annoyance in check. If the fae was irritable around strangers on a good day, she was resisting the urge to be at her worst right now. And the glares she was getting from Alya to "be good" were certaintly not helping.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath to try and calm herself as the male ranted. That's when she caught it. The scents of two others caught in her nares, one female the other male. One tall aud swiveled to catch the sounds closest to the mouth of the cavern, eyes narrowing as she sought any movements in her periferials. While toying with the small male had been fun, more wolves meant she'd actually have to be somewhat serious. This was going to be tiring. Convincing one wolf she wasn't insane was one thing, but trying to convince several at once when most were prone to automatic disbelief was troublesome.

"If you do not mind my intrusion, would you mind telling me what this talking-to-deceased foolishness is about?" As the words caught the wind the Maned female caught sight of the small but overly confident presence. It was the female, and she looked quite a bit like Kaoru in stature. She was much calmer though, and behind her trailed a white monstrocity. If she had hoped to use the fluffy male as a means of intimidation, her hopes were in vain given the way he coward behind the much smaller femme. This brought a smile to Irirangi's face.

In one fluid motion the leggy female was back on all fours. She took a few steps backwards, allowing for Kaoru and the two strangers to fit within her line of vision without much effort on her part. Her head was held high, and with her errect ears she seemed to tower above the others. It was true she had them all in hight, though they were all longer and the fluffy one most definately outweight her. Iri carried herself with poise and grace, however, an air of pride falling about her as she smirked at her company. If they wanted answers, she'd give them. It didn't gaurentee she'd be pleasant about it.

Alya pranced to her side, standing as tall as she could at nineteen inches. Her head was high, tail up in a dominant fashion. It didn't really matter seeing as none of them could see her. Old habits die hard though, and in her mind she was still the alphess. "Stand down, Kaoru. Ithyph was of the fluffy variety. Let the strangers hear Iri out. If all goes well Zahir will stand proud once again." Her tail swished in pleasure, a smug smile on her maw as she looked up at her much larger puppet. She would be gracious and forgive the strangers for their ignorance. As long as they were willing to listen, she was able to hope for the future.

Beside her Irirangi bristled momentarily. Now was not the time to lose her calm, even if she disliked the words of the alphess. She'd had no intention of rebuilding the pack, ghost of an alpha be damned. She couldn't help glaring at the space beside her, silver optics sending a deadly message to the spirit. This only seemed to please the Iranian more though, and with an inaudiable huff she turned her attention back to the others. They wanted answers only she could give, and the less painful this confrontation went the sooner she could eat.

"Let us see... Where to start?" she drawled, eyes starting on the white male and trailing to the female. Her gaze halted on Kaoru, a brow raising. "You need to hold your tongue, boy. Anger is unhelpful. And you forget... Ithyph was of the," she paused for a moment, "fluffy variety, as Alya likes to put it. Don't let your prejudices cloud your judgement. A little patience will get you a long way."

She offered the Ethiopian brute a soften smile before turning her attention to everyone again. "Now listen closely, because I would like to only explain this once. Call it foolishness if you will, but know that I never dabble in lies. Sarcasm and blunt truths, yes, but lies are a waste of my time and yours. My name is Irirangi. If you don't like that mouthful, you may simply address me as Iri if you'd like. I have a sort of talent... a gift, if you will. I can, and do, converse with the spirits of the dead. If you don't trust my words, I suggest you seek out Siscarm the old wanderer. He sees them too, and can confirm what I will next tell you. Xinelil, the alpha of Aldgar, also trusts in my ability. And finally, there is Alya herself. Of course, I doubt any of you can see or hear her. I know not the extents of your own second sights."

Irirangi paused, taking a moment to breath. She needed to give the gathered bunch of misfits a bit of time to let everything sink in as well. She had kept her tone even, serious. She had offered up credible sources and thought she'd done a rather fine job of explaining herself. Alya seemed to agree, the way she actually kept her mouth shut for once. It was what she had to say next that would be the more troubling news, in her opinion at least. A look from the former alphess told her to go on, and after a few more moments of silence she continued.

"The dens we stand in, the lands we are inhabiting, are... or rather were the property of the Zahir pack. Kaoru there can attest to that fact." She gestured with her nose twoards the small brute, pointing him out to the strangers. She then lowered her gaze to her side, motioning to the supposedly empty space before turning her full attention to the unknown strangers. "The Zahir wolves were driven from their homeland by the eruption of this very volcano. Before they had a chance to return home, the pack was decimated by rogues. Kaoru is the sole survivor, though before you now, at my side, stands the spirit of Alya. Miss Alya was the pack's alphess, and until Zahir is restored and thriving she seems to have no intention of leaving this plane. Lucky me, she seems to think I'd make a fine successor reguardless of my own thoughts on the subject." Her words had gotten distinctly bitter with her final sentence, eyes setting into an icy glare fixed on the Iranian at her side.

The Iranian returned the stare with a cold gaze of her own. Up until that point her puppet had been doing a fine job. A soft, warning snarl rumbled in her throat as they seemed to have a sort of staring match. Or maybe it was a glaring match. Either way, the firery Alya did not like such a blatant show of disrespect. Living or dead, she was alphess! She would rebuild Zahir! Unfortunately, Irirangi was the only tool available to do so. A second growl escaped her throat, though no words passed between them. Instead, they both broke their gazes the moment one of the others began to speak.

[avani]

Avani shot an icicle-sharp glance at the male, and her ears flicked back against her skull, then pricked again when the tall, lanky female spoke. At her words, the Ethiopian fae stood high again, and cooled off a bit to the maned female. If she could stick up for Vee, then she might not mean harm, might being the key word.

"Now listen closely, because I would like to only explain this once. Call it foolishness if you will, but know that I never dabble in lies. Sarcasm and blunt truths, yes, but lies are a waste of my time and yours. My name is Irirangi. If you don't like that mouthful, you may simply address me as Iri if you'd like. I have a sort of talent... a gift, if you will. I can, and do, converse with the spirits of the dead. If you don't trust my words, I suggest you seek out Siscarm the old wanderer. He sees them too, and can confirm what I will next tell you. Xinelil, the alpha of Aldgar, also trusts in my ability. And finally, there is Alya herself. Of course, I doubt any of you can see or hear her. I know not the extents of your own second sights."

Irirangi, that was clear. But Xinelil of Aldgar, Siscarm the wanderer, a spirit of sorts named Alya? Avani's slight comfort with the female turned into skepticism once again. Her train of thought was interrupted by the speaking of the maned femme for a second time.

"The dens we stand in, the lands we are inhabiting, are... or rather were the property of the Zahir pack. Kaoru there can attest to that fact... The Zahir wolves were driven from their homeland by the eruption of this very volcano. Before they had a chance to return home, the pack was decimated by rogues. Kaoru is the sole survivor, though before you now, at my side, stands the spirit of Alya. Miss Alya was the pack's alphess, and until Zahir is restored and thriving she seems to have no intention of leaving this plane. Lucky me, she seems to think I'd make a fine successor regardless of my own thoughts on the subject."

Avani became suddenly startled and thrown off guard. Her awkward side told her to hush her voice and not let it be heard, but what gave this female the right to automatic power? If the former alphess had died, she should have passed, not stayed on. This was getting extremely odd. However, for the time being, Avani hid her opinions again, and simply chose to ask questions.

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Irirangi. My name is Avani. I have made my home in these lands, of which I know no name. I do not want to intrude on your personal sights, but may I ask what you're speaking of when you say Zahir, Aldgar..." The small Ethiopian shook her coat as if to free herself from a layer of dust coating her spine. "I realize that these are packs, but what of them? What of this continent?"

The fae took a moment to rock back onto her haunches, accidentally bumping Vee in the chest. Avani, feeling that an introduction was needed for him as well. "This is Vee. He has made his home in these lands with me." She thought about adding, 'and we plan to keep them our homes as well,' but thought better of it, especially with ghosts about.

For the first time, Avani wondered what, exactly, she was getting into.

ooc: Keep in mind she has a hardcore African accent. :D

[vee]

Vee's eyes pointed to the young male, to the tall female, then back to Avani. They remained in this pattern for a long amount of time. Vee caught a few words from the male, and from what the ivory brute could tell, is that this male was panicked and angry.

"Stand down, Kaoru. Ithyph was of the fluffy variety. Let the strangers hear Iri out. If all goes well Zahir will stand proud once again."

Vee stiffened, the fur on his back rose with fear, and he was determined to know who was inside his head. Who are you! Get out of my head! Vee shouted loudly in his mind, then waited a long moment for the voice to reply. But it never did.

His eyes glided back to the rusty, tall female, which spoke a great deal of words. Vee couldn't quite get all the information, as he faded in and out of reality as he could hear the strange voices in his head breathing. For the most part, the albino caught her name, and her ability to speak to spirits of the dead. Vee blinked, his bristling white coat layering back into place and he sighed heavily. Could I have this ability too? This voice in my head must be the dead alphess that female mentioned...

Young Vee fell out of reality again, what brought him back was a small bump to the chest. Blinking his red orbs multiple times, he glanced down to Avani as she introduced him. He lowered his head as his red irises gazed the surroundings. They fell upon the bush they hid in before, the scent of the carcass continued to fume the air around them. His eager stomach growled again as he nudged Avani slightly. When are we going to eat? He frowned, then picked himself from the ground and padded quietly back to the bush.

[shadow]

<sub>The air was tense as no one speak. Kaoru’s words hung thick in the air. His deep brown orbs switched between each wolf before him. He felt so nauseous, like he could lose his lunch at any moment. The only thing he’d had to eat in a while. His stomach churned the more he stood his ground, his muscles flexed under his thin fur. Angry growls built up in his chest, his muscles coiled, ready to spring out at anyone who dared defy him and his honor to fight for Zahir.

The sound of a faint scrapping noise reached Kaoru’s large out of proportion ears as his paws coiled, making his claws scratch at the surface of the stone floors beneath them. His jaw clutched tightly to his top row of teeth, silently grinding his teeth. He felt as if his teeth could fall out if he clutched them any tighter. His head pulsed with each sound that reached his auds. He thought he might go mad if someone didn’t say anything soon. His eyes turned to Irirangi as she smirked ever so slightly. He felt the urge to growl at that smirk. She found this situation so amusing while he felt like he was falling apart?! Maybe he was falling apart. Ever since that incident, he felt as if he could crumble like bone under stone.

"Let us see... Where to start?" Kaoru‘s eyes followed hers to the white male. He growled ever so slightly when she told him to hold his tongue, mentioning Alya and Ithyph again. Actually this was her first time mentioning Ithyph. Maybe, maybe she was right. Maybe she could speak to Alya from the great beyond. But, it was so crazy! It was simply nonsense, he couldn‘t believe it! He simply snorted and jerked his head to the side. Fixing his glare on a poor unfortunate rock. The term“if looks could kill.” would come to mind.

However, one thing bothered him, Ithyph had been the same breed as the white male. Yet she had lived with them perfectly fine. His coat was thinned out for the weather, just as hers had been. Still, he didn’t belong on this land. None of them did. Kaoru didn’t want them here, he didn’t want anyone here. These lands where dead… Forever gone without an alpha. Unclaimable packlands. Rogues had no right to wonder onto these lands. At all. His lips lifted into a silent snarl.

"Now listen closely, because I would like to only explain this once. Call it foolishness if you will, but know that I never dabble in lies. Sarcasm and blunt truths, yes, but lies are a waste of my time and yours. My name is Irirangi.--Irirangi so that was her name. A bit long if you asked him. And she seemed to ramble a lot. He frowned, he wished she would just cut to the chase. She said she was a bit on the blunt side yet her bluntness was long-winded. He sighed and listened to her continue--If you don't like that mouthful, you may simply address me as Iri if you'd like.--Iri, it was nice, compared to her full name. He would most likely call her by that for now. If he had to. He’d much rather leave and not see her again. Well have her leave, he still wished this was just some nightmare. Hopefully he would wake from it soon so he could move on with his miserable life.--I have a sort of talent... a gift, if you will. --‘speaking to the dead? Ha.’ He thought with a snort, and a roll of his eyes, but he kept his mouth shut and let her finish.--I can, and do, converse with the spirits of the dead. If you don't trust my words, I suggest you seek out Siscarm the old wanderer. He sees them too, and can confirm what I will next tell you. Xinelil, the alpha of Aldgar, also trusts in my ability. And finally, there is Alya herself. Of course, I doubt any of you can see or hear her. I know not the extents of your own second sights."

He blinked, Siscarm the old wanderer? She’d mentioned him before, she’d said he had a gift like hers. Xinelil, Kaoru had never had the pleasure of meeting him first paw but Aldgar and Zahir had been on well terms. On their way to allies he believed. Xinelil believe this crazy femme’s words of speaking to the dead? How could he? Was he mad too? Far too many marbles loose in the head? Kaoru felt dizzy suddenly, and wobbled a bit. He decided it was probably best he sat down.

With a flop, the Ethiopian brute sat on his hunches and tried to absorb all this in.

"The dens we stand in, the lands we are inhabiting, are... or rather were the property of the Zahir pack. Kaoru there can attest to that fact."

Kaoru blinked, still sort of dazed as he looked up at Irirangi and nodded slowly. His head turned to the other two and he nodded again. “It is true, these dens are Zahir’s dens.” His eyes narrowed slightly, he hadn’t smelt it before but these two had been using these dens as their own for a while now. Just how long had they been on these lands without him knowing it? The idea brought a new found anger within him again. He felt it bubbling in his veins. He took deep cooling breathes to calm himself.

Irirangi began to talk again of how they had come to their doom. He winced at the memory and snarled. “I should have died along with them.” He spoke, tears moist his eyes. His head and orbs averted to the ground, avoiding the eye contact of the others. “I should have been killed too, I did nothing to help their survival I was a coward.” His lips lifted up into another silent snarl. He felt the anger again, but this time at himself. A familiar anger of disappointment. He was such a fool, and foolish fools did not deserve to live.</sub>

[irirangi]

With a bit of an annoyed huff Irirangi settled onto her haunches. Given the reactions her latest three aquaintances, this was going to talk a while. The small fae, Avani, seemed to know little about the lands she dared to call her home. Kaoru, in turn, was a burning ball of anger and self-loathing. And finally there was Vee. Iri couldn't help the words that came out of her mouth. She hadn't missed the young brute exiting halfway through her tale, and as she focused most of her attention on the arising questions she couldn't help but still mutter to herself a little too loudly. "Is the albino daft or has he not been taught manners?"

Silver optics casually drifted back towards the present company, and she gave her next a twisting stretch in an attempt to get comfortable. She wasn't quite sure who to address first: Avani or Kaoru. Avani's question would take time to answer and require much of Alya's input. Kaoru, on the other hand, seemed to need a kick in the pants, so to speak. His attitude was greatly distressing Alya, to the point that she was vainly trying to yell some sense into him.

"Kaoru!" the dead Iranian snapped in annoyance. She'd drifted so that she was standing directly in front of him, a glare holding her features. His self-loathing was absolutely unacceptable. "Don't you dare speak like that in my presence! Kaoru, you fool! Don't you dare wish yourself dead! You're better than that! You're the only connection Zahir still has to life. We lose you, we lose everything. Losing everything is absolutely unacceptable. You hear me? Unacceptable! You. Will. Not. Jeopardize. The. Future. Of. Zahir! You will not take the cowards way out! You will not forfeit your life when only you can tell our story!"

Alya was panicked, desperate for her packmate to stop beating himself up over something he'd had no control over. He was alive, and that was all that mattered. He was the only true link Zahir had to the present. Sure, Alya often tried to force Irirangi to do her bidding. The Maned fae was often distrusted on first sight though. Their story, the story of Zahir, was becoming nothing more than legend. Kaoru was the only one of able body that could attest the facts. He was the only living witness, the only one who hadn't heard the story by word of mouth. If they lost the Ethiopian brute, Zahir would be lost forever. Unnacceptable! Alya would not stand by and watch the very last strand of her precious pack crumble to pieces like the rest of them had. She would not lose her only tangible connection to Zahir.

Iri let out an irritable growl. Her gaze sharply fixed on the pleading ex-alphess, observing every desperate action as her auds took in every angered word. It was clear she would have to deal with the brute first. If she did not, Alya would never shut up and she wouldn't be able to focus long enough to answer the fae's questiosn. "Alya..." she groaned, annoyed the spirit wouldn't so much as look at her in her passionate furry. Her gaze drifted quickly to the crying male, his emotional distress not enough to soften her expression. "If you don't suck it up, Alya won't shut up. And if the little princess doesn't shut up then I can't focus on Avani's questions. So either quit blubbering and realize a living coward is better than a dead hero or open your ears and listen to what your former alphess is saying. You're all she's got left, and worth a hell of a lot more to everyone, not just the former Zahir but its future as well, alive than dead."

She did manage to soften her facial features a bit by the time she'd finished speaking. The question was, had it been enough for her to at least let Kaoru know it wasn't he she was mainly annoyed with? Alya was absolutely infuriating, and Iri had a bad habit of projecting her frustrations onto others.

Taking a deep breath, the Maned femle tried to steady her building iritation. It was clear that Alya would not stop fretting over Kaoru, which meant she was on her own with answering the other female's questions. This would not be quite as easy as she'd first predicted. You see, Irirangi had honestly not spent much time in the lands of Anikira. Her knowledge came from those already deceased, and she still had yet to learn about much more than Zahir and Aldgar.

She spared one last glance at Kaoru and the fretting Iranian before turning her full attention on toward the only living female of the bunch aside from herself. "Likewise to your sentiment, Miss Avani," Iri began with, slightly glad the Ethiopian was willing to listen. There seemed a restless sort of air about her but she hid it well, meaning she had much less of a chance of frequently butting heads with the dark humored medium. "This continent is Anikira. What I know of Aldgar is that it is the pack of the snowy lands. The Oriens, I belive. The wolves there are ruled by a young brute by name of Xinelil. Zahir was the pack that ruled here, before the volcano. These lands are the Occasus, the desert Rodorr, the volcano Pievunt-An, and the river Aughgar. Alya refuses to belive Zahir has no hope left. She's determined to do everything in her power to rebuild the pack right here, in these lands. One of the reasons I find her so damn annoying."

"Language, puppet. Zahir will live, so long as I have something to say about it."

"I am no one's puppet!"

The interjection of the Iranian quickly drew Irirangi's attention from Avani. She and the spirit were once again locked in a heated glaring match, something that seemed to happen quite frequently. It was as if they were always trying to test the authority of the other, daring each other to overstep one too many boundaries. Alya held the power of an alphess, but Iri held the power of the living. Both were stubborn and determined, set in their ways. Between them would always exist a power struggle, for they were two headstrong creatures that disagreed on everything forced to cooperate with each other for the sake of maintaining peace.

[avani]

Slightly irritated, but again concealing the undesirable emotion, she slowly explained her furry companion's circumstances. "Vee is deaf. I am not sure whether he was born with the disability or otherwise, as he cannot speak more than a few words, but please forgive him. He has a skill in lip reading, but I imagine it isn't the most entertaining of activities." The female stole a glance over at Vee, who had made his way over to the bush that shielded their meal.

When he spoke his heart, Avani felt a rush of sympathy for the other Ethiopian, though she did consider his words slightly foolish. There was an odd humming noise in the silent desert air, which tickled the fae's eardrums and made her flick her ears in discomfort. She simply disregarded the odd feeling, however, and turned back to the male as he spoke again. Poor creature, she thought to herself. It is always harder for the young to suffer loss. Then again, If one was not to die, then it was chosen as such. There was a reason the male had lived, whether or not it was clear to him. With that thought in mind, Avani spoke again, her words warm and smooth as she could muster. "Come now, Kaoru. The gods let granted you the rest of your life because you have just the same purpose on the world as any of us who stand here now." Avani paused when the maned Irirangi spoke.

Though she was not fond of Iri's beginning words to Kaoru, Avani realized that she was trying to convey the same idea to the male. With a nod to Iri, she glanced back to the brush where Vee would be. She inwardly willed him to eat their - well, his - catch. The young male needn't be worried by their talk, though by his agitated demeanor, Avani could see that he had already been negatively affected by the entire meeting.

Once again her mind wandered to him. Her companion, her guardian angel sent to him by Njambi. She knew that he could not hear, but she wondered why he had left while Irirangi was speaking. Avani was caught in an inner turmoil on the subject. Yes, Iri was more than a little odd, but in a tense situation, attention was best. Did he not know that? Avani's ears flicked back and forth in her worry and kind of discomfort. Her thought process reeled, but was interrupted by Iri's speech. This time, she welcomed the diversion.

"This continent is Anikira. What I know of Aldgar is that it is the pack of the snowy lands. The Oriens, I belive. The wolves there are ruled by a young brute by name of Xinelil. Zahir was the pack that ruled here, before the volcano. These lands are the Occasus, the desert Rodorr, the volcano Pievunt-An, and the river Aughgar. Alya refuses to believe Zahir has no hope left. She's determined to do everything in her power to rebuild the pack right here, in these lands. One of the reasons I find her so damn annoying."

Avani ultimately gathered a great amount of knowledge from these words. She had been bitten by the coral snake at the Aughgar river. They now were standing at the base of Pievunt-An, and the sands in which they hunted were named the Rodorr. The ending comments deeply troubled her, however.

What gave this Alya the immediate right to power escaped her. The creature was dead, for god's sakes! Iri had expressed her lack of desire to rule, and so if she were to become the ruler, she would not be fit for the position. Also, she could tell that this maned female completely detested her forced sidekick. If the stupid spirit would stop being so forceful, Irirangi could continue her life as she did, and live her own destiny. But by being a puppet, as Iri herself had said, would only lead to tension and failure! Didn't the psychotic, headstrong ghost see that? Avani's temper began to rise, something that very rarely happened. It had only happened once before, as a yearling, and the Ethiopian almost bit her brother's ear completely off. Admittedly, she found him herbs to stop the blood flow and ease the pain after, but the lesson was remembered in his scar.

Avani looked coldly at Irirangi, temper flared, and asked, "This Alya. I assume she can hear me, correct?" Without even waiting for an answer, she let out a vicious snarl, directed exactly at Alya, wherever she might be. The female's usually soft and warm voice had dropped considerably, and she spoke with a darkness in her eyes that was very rarely seen. "Whether you are living or dead, no creature should be used as a puppet. You have no authority here, none at all. This Irirangi has done nothing to you, and you hurt her. Let me make this clear. The moment you try and move me from my home, and the moment you step across Miss Iri's boundaries, those that all living creatures have, you'll have me to answer to." Avani's temper died down, but she had truly amazed herself at the loyalty she'd shown to Irirangi, albeit small. While the flames of anger had subdued, bitterness took its place. Avani finished with a single line, before padding off to Vee and her waiting meal to cool down. "Alya-azra, whatever gives you life, I curse it. I will it to die. Anyone, living or deceased, will not live to see the heavens if they have abused another."

Without waiting for a response through Iri, and without another word, Avani slowly padded to Vee and her meal, her stomach finally giving a welcoming groan to the meat of the Mhorr Gazelle.

ooc. Huge post with huge Avani muse. ^-^ And by calling Alya with the suffix -azra, she's saying that she is 'wicked with death,' verses the suffix -ima, meaning 'angel' or 'beautiful with death.' This is used in some Nigerian cultures that believe in spiritual idols.

[vee]

Rustling in the bushes, the albino pushed through, the branches from the brush jabbing in his new, thin coat. The gazelle was still there, thankfully. His red orbs glided across the land, No sight of scavengers... Vee thought to himself, glancing down at the tempting stench of the carcass.

"Kaoru!" The feminine voice shouted. Vee jumped, his head pounding from the voice. Just get out of my head already... A whimper slithered through his maw, then followed by the voice again. Vee was growing more agitated, this Alya was truely getting on his nerves. Why can he hear her if she is a deceased being? Vee can't hear anything... Only his own voice!

As the voice continued to jabber away, speaking nonsense about the young Ethiopian brute, about Zahir... Vee growled under his breath, ripping at the meat in irritation. The bushes continued to rustle as he growled and tore at the innocent carcass. Blood from the gazelle was smeared on his face as he viciously gobbled down the meat. I'd better save some for Avani. Vee stopped, licking his chops as the voice subsided.

Softly padding out of the bush, Vee's face was stained with the blood of his meal. The shade of red nearly matching his shining orbs. He glanced at the tense male, then to the relaxed, leggy female, and back to Avani. Vee didn't know what he'd miss, but he was sure Avani would explain some things to him eventually.

"Language, puppet. Zahir will live, so long as I have something to say about it."

Vee grunted, his eyes narrowed at the maned femme. "I am no one's puppet!" Her mouth formed. Vee's hackles rose slightly, by now he knew this Alya was a spirit, and he assumed this rusty colored female could communicate with her. But what about the male and Avani? Could they hear the alphess also? His eyes traced each of their mouths but nobody else seemed to reply.

Finally, Avani replied soonly after. "This Alya. I assume she can hear me, correct?" Vee rose an eyebrow. Assume? Does that mean Avani cannot hear her either? From the sight of both Ethiopians, their eyes didn't drift from the tall female. There wasn't any other wolves there. But this Irirangi... She could hear Alya also. Vee shook his head, it was difficult to see what Avani was saying from the distance he was at. It didn't bother him though, the voice stopped talking at that time.

Vee watched as his companion padded towards him. She seemed tense, what was she fumed about? The brute shook his head and smiled at the approaching femme. His eyes glowed to her as he pushed his head through the brush, making an open doorway entrance for the little fae.

[shadow]

<sub>Silence dragged through the air again. Kaoru was sure good at that he’d found. His deep brown eyes where averted on the ground, his head slightly turned from the others. An almost pained look upon his face. He had been a coward, and didn’t deserve to be walking. Maybe that was why he’d never bothered to take much care of himself after that incident. Hoping he’d get sick enough to die. He squeezed his eyes shut, when he felt a familiar tingle of moisture reach them. Could he cry without regret in front of these wolves? No, he could not. He could not cry carelessly in front of strangers. He could not show just how venerable he was.

It’d been a while since he’d last spoken, along with anyone else. But of course, the manned femme, Irirangi was the first to break the silence. Kaoru let out a rippling snarl when she told him to suck it up. She was complaining? Where did she have the right to complain. Kaoru’s eyes narrowed, the moisture in his brown orbs increased, his ears lied flat on his head. He wanted to tell her off, but no words insulting enough came to mind. He just wanted to be left alone and cry. Like he’d done before.

When she was done speaking, and her attention went to the other Ethiopian femme known as Avani, Kaoru turned away from the others and lied down in a corner of the dens. It was actually pretty funny, he’d only been here once before when Zahir was still alive. Kaoru lied his head on his paws, his ears still flat against his skull. They flicked every so slightly, as he listened to the others speak. Nothing much of importance was being said, the manned femme was just speaking about the lanes around The Occasus.

"I am no one's puppet!"

The words left the manned femora’s lips, startling Kaoru slightly. He looked up from his paws and glanced back at the others. His brows furrowed as he looked at the manned femme having a glaring contest at the air. He sucked in the cool spring air that lifted into the dens ever so slightly. Could he really believe this femme could see Alya’s spirit? Either she was telling the truth, or was a very good actor.

He closed his eyes, and rested his head on his paws again, his ears lied back on his skull once more. In a bit of a sulking session. He thought to himself. ‘Can I really believe her?’ He wondered, furrowing his brows more. ‘I don’t believe it, it just seems so… so preposterous!’ He wrinkled his nose at the thought of speaking to the dead. ‘If this was just an act, what does she gain from it? Maybe there is a goal she wants…’ He wondered, but what was her goal? To take over Zahir? Likely, or maybe if it wasn’t a lie, and she was telling the truth, they could all rebuild Zahir. He thought these other again and again. He sighed, defeated. It seemed likely, either way, Zahir might be rebuilt. ‘I’ll trust her for now, but if she pulls anything, she’ll be talking to my fangs.’ He thought, sitting up some as he glanced back at the others.

By the time he’d finished mulling over the possibilities, the two intruders had left. No too far outside the dens, but gone, meaning their talking was over. Whatever had happened, had happened. Where did this put them? Where they allies, or enemies? ‘Trust no one, but yourself.’ He told himself, even Irirangi was his enemy for now. Standing up, he turned back around, and looked at the manned femme who towered over him. His ears where not as flat on his head, but his eyes where still slightly narrowed, signing he still distrusted her. “I will trust you for now… If it will help rebuild Zahir then I will cooperate with you… and Alya.” He said, hesitating at the last part of his sentence. Weather she was really here or not, he was not sure, but if it did mean bring Zahir back, he would go along with it.</sub>