Three Hours Back [Scout]

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The Occasus had been calling to the Alpha for several days now, begging him to visit the pack's first territory. The river had been one of his primary thinking spots when he was the Beta for Ryala. As the brute seated himself upon the edge of the water, he nearly felt like it was autumn all over again. Golden optics swam across the terrain, his mind nearly played the past like a video. For a brief moment in time the Alpha swore he had seen Aries, that bitch would haunt him until his death. She had changed him from everything he had known, twisted him into some sort of two-faced gentleman. Back then the red brute was significantly more likely to get into an argument with another creature, his temper had been quite short. 'Maybe it is for the better,' truthfully Rasalas could hardly comprehend that he had somewhat successfully brought Tassos to this point. Half a year ago the brute would have laughed if anyone believed that this was his future.

Evening turned into night and the moon faded away leading the sun into the sky once more. He had not intended to waste away half a day consumed by thoughts; however, the Alpha felt oddly rejuvenated. His soul was becoming more at peace with his body, something that surely surprised him. Clarity had begun to fight away the dismal fog inside his crania, giving him some sense of direction. He needed to locate his friend Scout, surely the shaman had been increasingly busy, but all the members appeared to be recovered for the most part. Besides, he was the Alpha and the male's closest friend, surely a few minutes of time could be spent together. Rasalas had been nervous about requesting the shaman become his beta. More than anything he trusted Scout to aid him in caring for the others. The two had remained close throughout all of these changes, from Ryala to nearly nothing and now to the great Tassos. A few strands of hair bristled nervously upon the brute's spine, revealing the stress at the core of him.

The morning sunlight poured down from the heavens above, warming his russet pelt. Soon the days would be hellishly hot and most of them would resort back to their nocturnal habits. Summer was quite the curse for the most part, prey vacated the scalding sands for more comfortable temperatures up North, sometimes he wished to do the exact same thing. Not to abandon his pack, but to enjoy the daylight without feeling as if he were going to burst into flames. 'At least we are as well prepared as they come,' a soft grin passed over his stoic features, the most motion the canine had done in hours. If any of his pack mates had been observing him they likely would have thought their Alpha had lost his mind. Quite the opposite had happened, Rasalas felt more confident than ever in how to situate the tasks before him. Once some stress was lifted from his tense shoulder blades then he could feel more at peace.

Deciding to lift himself to a standing position for a few minutes the brute set to intervals of light pacing and then stretching. Muscles had become stiff from remaining overly rigid for the past few hours. As his movements became more fluid the red male acknowledged what he was actually doing - nervously avoiding the call. It always made him feel terribly awkward to howl for one wolf out of the whole pack, he did not want to appear as if he was playing favorites. Alas, it needed to be done and once again he was merely stressing himself out more by prolonging it. Paws stopped his muscular frame suddenly, to the point that Rasalas nearly stumbled over himself like a clumsy pup. The flush was already heating his features from anxiety and now he was nearly burning with nerves. 'At least no one saw that,' a quiet laugh left his maw and the brute shook his figure as if it would throw some of his nerves away. Nostrils flared and audits began quivering eagerly, if not only to ensure that someone was not silently giggling just out of sight. But the brute was alone, thankfully; but if all went as planned that would change soon with Scout's company.

Turning his muzzle towards the blazing star the brute called out for the shaman, hoping that he was not too busy. "Scout, my friend, please meet me by the river," he attempted to make it sound unimportant. The time within the dens here, back when Ryala was at its worst, the Alpha had called to his friend desperately. His mental state was in complete turmoil, the situation was a mixture of fear and hurt. But they had pulled out of their rut and now the pack was growing rapidly. Without the support from the shaman, Rasalas did not know where he would be today. That was the purpose of this meeting; although it was important, the Alpha did not want to startle his friend. Excitement was building within his chest, Vixen was fully trained and there were others who eagerly wished to learn about medicine. Scout could be promoted in rank without becoming overwhelmed by everything. At last things were truly setting themselves up perfectly, the day was truly becoming the brightest it had ever been.

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Scout had returned to the Occasus after many days of being in the pack's other land, caring for the injured members that had been the victims of the volcanic eruption. It seemed as though the incident happened so long ago but the effects were still evident. There was a bird who he believed would never be able to fly again. He felt so sorry for her. Her name was escaping him at the moment but he couldn't imagine how it would be to suddenly lose the ability to do something that you had been able to do for your whole life. He equated it with losing sight or losing a leg. He knew that the bird must have feel very crippled. Then there was Isis, the Iranian female whose arrival panicked most of the other members of the "meeting" if one could call it that. Her injuries weren't too bad and she was recovering well. The pack would soon be on it's way back to full health. He gave it a few more weeks and he was sure that they would all be able to go about their lives normally.

Scout breathed in the desert air. He felt the warm sand under his paws. He saw the rolling sands around him. It was beautiful here and the only home he'd ever known. He had been on this island for almost two years now but it had felt life a lifetime. This was his home now and he never wished to leave. He had his dear friend,Rasalas, here and the shaman knew that the alpha needed his encouragement. The alpha made a fine leader. He was reasonable and he spent time thinking about decisions. He was tender but he wasn't a push over. Scout saw how the alpha grew as an individual and found his leadership style. He was happy that the pack was out of their worst as of now and had a feeling like they would have a time of prosperity. Despite the summer approaching.

During the summer, the pack would need to adjust it's schedule. It would become impossible to be out in the sun during the middle of the day. They would need to do all of the hunting and gathering during the evening and night hours and sleep during the day. That of course would have to be Rasalas' decision though. Scout knew his place within the pack and was content. Vixen's training however was complete and she was ready to become a shaman herself. This left him with a predicament. He wished to continue to serve his pack but he couldn't allow Vixen to not do the job that she was born for. It was the circle of life. The old must go out in order for the young to have room. He wouldn't hog the position from her. She had worked hard and deserved to be rewarded. He thought about all of this while wandering aimlessly. This wasn't the safest thing that a wolf could do but he was confident with the area and it was early morning so the sand wasn't blistering yet. He preferred to think while moving around. It helped his brain organize all of the clutter. He knew what he had to do. He had to tell Rasalas that he wanted to step down from being the Shaman to allow Vixen to reach her full potential. He nodded and smiled as he came to this decision. He wasn't sad that he was going to be a subordinate. He had served his pack and would always be there for them and always available for Vixen to ask him questions should she need to.

Just then, he heard Rasalas' call for him. This was perfect! It was the perfect time for him to tell the alpha. He only hoped that he wouldn't take it the wrong way. Perhaps he had came to this decision as well and that was why he was calling him? The alpha didn't sound worried or panicked like the last time he had been called. Scout picked his head up and pointed it to the sky. "I'm on my way,"his song said. He was facing in the opposite direction of where Rasalas was but he wasn't too far away. He had turned around to make the call and was off. He didn't want to sprint as that was getting rougher and rougher on his joints but he wanted to be there rather quickly. His trot was pretty quick for the older wolf and he made it to his destination in decent time.

He smiled as he saw his friend and his tail wagged slowly back and forth as he approached. He dipped his head in greeting to his friend. Although Rasalas was his friend, he was also his leader and he had learned a lot about pack etiquette in these last few months. "Hello my friend, how are you on this beautiful morning?"Scout smiled and sat in the sand. He wouldn't bring up his conclusion until later. He didn't want to bombard the alpha before they could catch up. He hadn't been able to speak much to his friend due to their much busier schedules recently so he was glad for the opportunity to do so.

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The Alpha brute lowered his muzzle and let out a gentle sigh. Certainly he was somewhat nervous about the proposal he wished to extend towards Scout. He had never extended such an offer towards anyone; truthfully he was nervous, perhaps even slightly afraid. Thoughts raced through the canine's skull, 'what if Scout does not want the extra responsibility?' Anything that could possibly go wrong was echoing inside of him. At the same time a strange sense of peace was beginning to sink into his life, the hope that everything would begin to settle down. Rasalas felt confused, excited and worried all at the same time; this was a new experience for him and he did not want to screw things up. With a few deep breaths and a few more nervous paces, the Alpha finally managed to relax himself enough to sit down once again. His back faced the river this time, amber optics gazing into the distance.

Vixen's training may not have been complete, but the brute would never know if he did not inquire. Silence would only prolong the worry nipping at his back. There were many tasks to be handled, things the Alpha wanted to accomplish and he could no longer tend to the pack on his own. A pack hunt needed to be assembled and with that he hoped to find a Lead Hunter. Despite the clutter within, he was proud to finally be taking action in sorting the situation out. Nothing would get better the longer that he sat in silence. Some things would likely become worse and work only to further clutter his brain. Aowyn was an entirely different situation, he was unsure of how to handle everything with her. Patience would come in handy in that affair; however, it still tugged gently at his mind every day.

Quickly the brute's lips turned up into a joyous grin as the shaman's howl caught his audits. Scout had the time to actually come and converse for a little while. Tail began wiggling behind him, momentary worries began to edge themselves away. Eyes remained alert for his approaching friend, he had only seen Scout in brief passing recently. Hopefully there was no bad news from the other male regarding the health of the other pack members. At last, his orbs settled upon the distant silhouette that was sure enough heading his direction. Rasalas was proud of himself and Scout, together they had rebuilt a nearly destroyed pack. They pulled everything that they could together and now Tassos was thriving, the Alpha knew it would not have been possible on his own. Even if the other male had mostly offered him support, it was everything the red male needed. Someone had faith in him when all others lost it, that had been what Rasalas needed to cling to the last small chance of a vibrant future. He did not know where life would have brought him should Ryala have disbanded. The thought still brought a cloud of darkness over him, things would never get that bad again - they couldn't!

Audits erected themselves eagerly upon his skull as the words of Scout caught the air. His friend seemed to be sharing in the very same excitement that he was. The Alpha wondered if Scout had some good news for him or if the other canine was simply happy to share his company. "Greetings my friend! I am doing quite well, and yourself? Hopefully everyone is recovering as well they seem and you have had an opportunity to rest some," the russet canine's tail lightly drummed against the ground. It felt like an eternity had passed since they had conversed in such a cheery mannerism, their entire lives had changed. Rasalas hoped that Scout found their family more enjoyable now that life was not a constant struggle. Their family was expanding rapidly; the Alpha was still surprised at this reality. For the first time since his sisters' disappearance, he was beginning to believe that this truly was his family. It was as if the blood relatives were from another lifetime, somewhere so distant that he could hardly fathom it anymore.

His mind was pounding nervously, struggling to gather itself now that the opportunity had presented itself. Rasalas wished not to upset or force any of the other's into ranks that they would not enjoy. With a shove, he forced away the insecurities - Scout was here and the brute was going to extend his well thought out offer. A brief pause consumed him, then words began to flow, "I was wondering, how is Vixen's training going? Do you think she is knowledgable enough to properly care for the others?" Amber eyes passed from his friend to the horizon line, focusing as far away as possible. He wanted to inquire more immediately, simply extend the position to the other male; yet, the Alpha wanted to know the truth about Vixen. How much had she learned in the past several months, surely Scout could assist her if she needed it - but could she do most of it on her own? Every fragment of his being wanted Scout's honest answer to be yes.

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Scout was very happy that his friend was glad to see him. He was also happy that they would now have time to catch up and talk on a lighter tone. Perhaps his friend just wanted to talk and he could bring up his request for Vixen to become the Shaman for the pack later. He didn't want to weigh the conversation down with heavy talk. "I am doing well, thank you. And yes, everyone is recovering well and they are all on track for a full recovery."That is of course other than the bird whose name was escaping him who would probably never regain her flight. It was sad to think about but he couldn't dwell on the negative when he had so many other things going well.

Scout's tail swayed along the sand as the conversation continued. It had been a long time since the two had actually gotten the chance to sit down and have a proper conversation. Six months ago, they were worried for their lives and for the pack that had once been there. He hadn't seen the little Mackenzie Valley puppy named Kyra in a long time. He often thought of the members who had disappeared, especially Aries. She was the one who had brought them all together to originally. He never understood why she had left them. Part of him still believed that she was out there somewhere. Scout was a hopeless optimist and couldn't accept the fact that she was probably dead. She had been blind and it was very possible that another creature could have attacked her and taken her life. It was also very possible that she had been alive and wandering the Occasus, unnoticed by the rest of the pack and had been killed in the volcanic eruption. But, he couldn't accept those things. He knew that Rasalas has had a difficult time with her leaving but a part of Scout wanted to thank her for bringing them all together. Scout wasn't getting any younger and the food that he was able to catch for himself was getting more and more limited. Who knows how much longer he would have lived without Ryala being formed. But with the death of one pack, the two friends had given life to a new one. Tassos had grown into a successful and growing family. The desert offered a lot of square footage that most packs would have to expand to get. They had also moved themselves into Xisyn which gave them even more space and more hunting grounds. Of course that would also mean more land to defend but he doubted that any pack would want to fight them. The desert wolves had done a good job of minding their own business and not bothering anyone else.

When Rasalas brought up Vixen's training, Scout's mind raced. Should he bring up that he believed that Vixen was ready for a more responsible role? Would he take offense that he was going to be stepping down? Everything was risky here with his answer but he believed his friend to be a good-natured wolf who would understand what he was meaning. He smiled as he talked about his student and how well she had progressed. " Yes, Vixen is a very smart wolf with a lot of talent. I believe with the fullness of my being that she is ready to take care of the other's on her own. She is responsible, she retains information, she is passionate about medicine and I believe that she would be a great Shaman.... Which brings me to what I wanted to talk with you about. I believe that in order for Vixen to reach her true full potential, that she needs to practice medicine on her own and make her own decisions. Of course I would always be there to answer questions and to help her should she need it. I think that it would be most beneficial to her if she were the official Shaman."He was unsure of how Rasalas would take his proposal. Scout wanted what was best for the individuals of the pack. He had always been the type to put others before himself and right now, Vixen needed to extend her talents into her own practice of medicine. He didn't know where it would leave him in the pack but as long as his student got everything that she needed to be successful, he was willing to do it for her. He sat and waited for Rasalas' response.

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While Rasalas struggled to admit it, he believed that Aries had helped him out in several ways. Despite bettering his life in certain aspects, the female had shattered the red brute's heart. What kindness that she had for him dissipated rapidly once Ryala was officially formed; the male despised the weakness he held towards the Alphess. It scared him slightly that he felt even stronger about lady Aowyn, was she simply going to abandon him too? It made him feel sick to even consider such a thought. Caring for those that would simply hurt him and leave seemed to be a trend in his lifestyle. It was not an intentional mistake; yet, it was a cycle that the brute could simply not break away from. Rasalas liked to think that the huntress was different, but that was what he had believed about Aries as well. His golden optics shifted and searched the ground around him, the only way the Alpha could pull himself back away from his mind.

A pleasant smile appeared upon his muzzle and he nodded his crania excitedly. It was phenomenal that all were doing well, especially since the eruption had the potential to waste them all. Something had saved Tassos that day, allowed them an opportunity to not only grow as a pack but form stronger bonds with each other. "I am very glad to hear of everyone's recovery, we were quite blessed that the volcano did not waste us," his tone rang out a bit more optimistic than usual. Rasalas was thankful that Scout had time to converse with him, it had been far too long since their last conversation. Both had been busy caring for the others in the pack though, it was nothing that he would have changed. Tassos had grown substantially since the eruption and there were many creatures to tend to. He was honored to have a brute like Scout here, not only as the medic and teacher - but as his closest friend as well. He had missed the company of the shaman; yet he was proud that the brute longed to care for the other pack members as well.

He was anxious to hear Scout's response and his audits further perked as the other began speaking. It sounded like Vixen was doing a phenomenal job and certainly was worthy of being a shaman. In fact, his companion desired her to have the position rather than himself! It was lifting quite the nervous weight from the red one's shoulders, but he could not help but feel slightly on edge still. 'What if Scout wishes not to have such great responsibility anymore?' The only way to know was to inquire with the other, it seemed that he was slightly nervous about this situation as well. The Alpha's tail wiggled in absolute excitement - part one of the promotions was complete. Vixen would be the new shaman and Maitryi the gatherer. It worked out perfectly, no positions would be left empty and hopefully Vixen would be excited to train another. The deaf female seemed eager to learn and be able to provide for Tassos as well, which witnessed to the Alpha her genuine longing to stay. Now the role of Lead Hunter would need to be filled, but that was a task for another day.

"I shall set up a meeting with Vixen then to speak with her of the promotion and there is another female here who wishes to study medicine. I believe Vixen will be a great teacher to her - just like you." The brute shifted his weight quickly from side to side for a few seconds, anticipation getting the best of him. This specific meeting had been weighing upon his mind for several weeks, but now that the time had come, he found himself rather shy about the topic. It made little sense to Rasalas as to why he felt in such a way; however, it would have to be dealt with. Scout would not reject him harshly, should the brute not want the position. With a nervous chuckle the Alpha began to speak, "My dear friend, I must say you are the one I trust the most here. I was inquiring about Vixen because I would like to make you my Beta, should you be interested in such responsibility. A shaman is vital to a pack's survival and I wanted to be certain that you felt she was ready to handle the job." His golden eyes focused gently upon the other, nervously anticipating his answer.

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Scout had never met anyone thus far that he had romantic interest in. He had small conversations with females who were attractive to him but he never knew them well enough to pursue them more seriously. Scout was a gentleman for the most part now. In the past, he wasn't that way and he regretted those years of his life. He was never a player but he didn't always speak and treat females the way that he should have. Now in his aging years, he realized that it was wrong for him to do that and pledged to never behave that way again.

Scout nodded as Rasalas' optimistic tone came from his mouth. It was true that Scout had been busy. The members were still in need of medical attention. But, with the passing weeks, they weren't in critical conditions anymore which took some of the pressure off of the Iranian male's shoulders. He had Vixen to assist him as well. She had come along so far since he had met her. She had been trained by another shaman before him and the other wolf did a good job. Scout truly believed that Vixen's training should be over. She's ready to expand and spread her own wings. She was ready to practice the art of medicine on her own. Scout had never been so lucky to have a teacher. He had learned by himself through experimentation and gaining knowledge through conversation. It was one of the downfalls of being a loner. When one doesn't have a pack, they are truly alone. Sometimes they come across other wolves to speak to. Some are friendly and some are not. But, there was no one there to help you or teach you. He hoped that Vixen appreciated what she had. Of course her life hadn't been perfect either and Scout understood that.

Scout smiled as his friend complimented him. "Thank you." Scout never looked for compliments or anything in return for his services. When he was a loner, he'd heal the other loners for nothing. He remembered a female that he had met a long time ago who was half dead in the sand. He had forgotten to give her pain medicine but he had healed her wounds.

Rasalas moved his weight from side to side for a few moments. It appeared that he had more to say but Scout didn't know what it would be. He waited patiently for whatever was on his friend's mind. Was there something going on that Scout wasn't aware of? As his friend began to speak, he started with that he trusted him the most on the pack. If Scout had cheeks, he'd be blushing. He wasn't embarrassed but more humble. He waited for Rasalas to continue. Scout wasn't sure at this point where his friend was going with this.

When he finished talking, Scout sat shocked for a moment. He was processing what had just happened. His friend wanted him to be the beta of the pack? That was a major responsibility. He was honored that his friend would trust him with such a rank. "Yes, of course. I would be honored to be your beta." Scout's mind was going at a hundred miles an hour but he was happy. He had never asked for any sort of a rank but it was nice and warming on the inside to know that Rasalas truly trusted him. Scout would not let him down.

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Rasalas' throat felt as if it were swelling shut as the anticipation continued to build. 'Have I made a fool of myself?' he hoped that was not the case. It made sense that Scout would eventually become Beta; they had both aided in the founding of Ryala. The red wolf remembered when Scout had brought Vixen to the claiming, she was eagerly welcomed in by Aries. Well, perhaps the blind female was not exactly eager nor excited to accept the other female, but she had. He could hardly believe how rapidly the months had passed them by. It was a near miracle that somehow he had managed to lead Ryala and transform the disintegrating pack into what was currently Tassos. Even though it lay before his very eyes, the male still struggled to grasp that it was real. His pelt began to grow uncomfortably warm as the tension built further within him. Heartbeats grew quicker and lungs craved more oxygen than they were receiving. Anxiety was certainly overcoming the Alpha at this moment. He had extended the offer, that was all that could be done. If Scout should reject then things would simply progress onward as normal.

Relief. Cool, smooth and beautiful relief drowned Rasalas. Audits had pressed themselves forward as the Iranian began to speak, this was the precise moment he had been waiting for. His closest companion had not let him down at all, it was quite the opposite! Instantly, his tail began to swing behind him. Happiness ebbed into the red one's eyes, visibly glittering to the other canine. Even when Scout did not know about his dark, bleeding pain there was still a great weight lifted from him. Now, there was another soul to look out for the other family members, not only to make sure they were not putting the pack in danger - but to care for them and secure the borders as well. This was one of the few times that Rasalas had welcomed the surreal sensation that tickled his nerve endings. Most of the time such a feeling merely occurred with further dissociation from himself. However, the Alpha was rather stumped on how to respond to Scout. There were so many thoughts playing on a screen in his skull that simply could not be sorted out. Aowyn crossed his mind once again. Amber eyes closed for a second, holding back the momentary pain. As the eyelids rose again, only the joy of this moment remained.

Biting his lower lip, the muscular brute still grasped at what to say. Everything was great, despite the obvious horrific mess that was his personal life. That had to be pushed aside though, he could not become a plague upon his pack. Should this happen it would only lead to him being overthrown, Rasalas knew that he would never be able to move forward with his life if that happened. The wolves of Tassos were everything to him. "I am grateful to have a Beta like you Scout." An awkward silence stung his audits as the sound of his voice drifted away. There had to be more to say and do, in fact he knew there was. If only his body could regain control of itself and stop the panicking and overly analytical thoughts. Nothing could be done about the past now, only the future could be altered through the present. Even if this was a poor coping method, the russet male was willing to do anything to get by right now. Maybe one day he could forget about his siblings and Aries. Perhaps in a week or so lady Aowyn would reveal herself again. Reality could just be a horrible nightmare. Maybe he was just about to wake up.

Words would never be able to adequately describe how joyous his spirit was about Scout and Vixen. He felt like he owed both of them his life, without them he would have succumbed to the inner evil. The demons that he struggled to repress every day would have won. If he let them take over his life would essentially be over. Luckily, that seemed unlikely now; but, the future was unpredictable life had shown him that much. A gentle smile was permitted access to his muzzle, turning up his lips ever so slightly. He was happy for this moment and he was going to cherish it. The brute was uncertain of how Scout was feeling exactly, as he was blinded by his own inner workings. There was always the possibility that Scout had expected this or assumed that it would happen. Rasalas would not have blamed him if that was the case; after all, it simply made sense that the Iranian would become Beta. "I trust your judge of character and you are welcome to accept wolves that wish to join Tassos. Do you have any questions?"