New Beginnings//Open

[psyche]

<sup>As summer began to spread its wings and cover the lands belonging to the Southern wolves, a solitary female lay inside a dark, cool den. Her breathing was normal and the rise and fall of her chest was calm as she lay in a tight ball, fully asleep. This female happened to be the one and only Timber Wolf Psyche. As the seconds tick, ticked by, the female finally made the decision to get up and see what the world had to offer today. She slowly roused herself out of her slumber and rolled to her dainty, furred paws. The she-wolf blinked her eyes, and they shone the color of ivy, a deep and glorious green color. Her mood was a neutral one, and it was too early for the season to affect their coloration, so Psyche's eyes remained green. If she felt an overwhelming sense of emotion or it was near the middle of the season, they would change, thanks to the lovely Gala power that was bestowed upon her from a young age. She was the only one out of her litter that had got this certain trait, among many others, and her brothers received other spectacular ones as well. In Psyche's opinion, it was a blessing and a honor to be created as she was.

Psyche dipped her back end near the ground, and her spine retorted with a loud cracking noise, like always. The she-wolf gave a yawn and a small whine came after it. Psyche's sharp white teeth and raspberry and black spotted tongue showed clearly within her open maw. Psyche was glad that she had come here to the Southern lands. She had recently acquired the betaess position and got her own exclusive den to sleep in near the alpha's. It was location a little bit off to the right of his, so that both of them could have their privacy. The multi-colored female padded to the entrance to her den and looked out. The bracelet on her right ankle jingled softly, and her double tails wagged amiably behind her lithe frame. The sky was beautiful when the sun was rising, especially in summer. There were brilliant shades of pinks, oranges, and yellows forming in the sky, welcoming the oncoming day. It looked to be a very nice one, and there didn't seem to be any disturbances at the moment. Rotating her ears on her head, an Eagle feather placed behind her left ear moved with it. The only sound that she could hear at the moment was the sound of Biscuit Basin not too far off. So, she was the only one awake thus far. Others would probably wake when the sun was climbing higher in the sky. Psyche loved to wake up early one day a month, and this seemed to be the perfect one. She had found a new home for herself, she had a comfortable, respectable position as Betaess, and everything was grand.

The multi-hued wolf walked out of the den and smiled lightly to herself. Strange name this place had, South Thumb. She didn't really know why it was called that, but she could probably ask Alpha Mors later, when he decided to make an appearance. He was very aloof to Psyche, but that was only because that had met only a few days ago. She inferred that as time went by, the Alpha and herself would become better allies. Psyche was pleased that he had trusted her so early with the position, if her parents saw her now, they would surely be proud of her. Psyche was achieving her dreams and creating a decent life for herself. Walking further through the lands, the she-wolf came to a small pool. It was probably one left over from a recent rainstorm that hadn't completely dried up. Bending down to lap at the water, the Betaess quenched her non existent thirst. The liquid was clean enough, and it rolled down the essa's throat without difficulty. "Hmm...I think that I'm going to like it here," Psyche murmured to herself. Her rump swiveled from side to side, making her bushy appendages wag behind her.</sup>

[bratterratt]

<sub>Deep within the cool confines of the soil surrounded den, lay a sleeping form, dark even compared to the shadowy atmosphere the dugout created. The wolf, large in size, lay at the back of the den, his thickly furred sides breathing deeply, in and out. The atmosphere was cool inside the den, though not excessively so. Once the day progressed, it would be welcomed shade from the stifling heat that sometimes plagued the southern territories, as well as the others.

The wolf stirred in his sleep, his ebony pelt twitching as his mind crawled from the depth of sleep. The male was Mors, Alpha of Southern Pack wolves. A low guttural sound emitted from deep within the wolf's throat as his golden eyes fluttered open, clouded with the remains of sleep. The wolf paused for a moment, then with a heavy exhale, began to pull himself upwards to his feet. Standing, his broad shoulders were mere inches from the den's ceiling, giving the Alpha little room to stretch or move about. Turning his body sharply, due to lack of space, the healthily sized male wolf padded towards the den's entrance and slipped out.

The morning was fresh and new; the previous evening's dew still sparkling on the foliage about the den site. The sunrise was fading, but there was still evidence of it; the disappearing colors still streaking the grey blue sky. Mors grunted as he stretched, his powerful legs reaching far before him and his haunches taunt. Releasing himself, the Alpha returned to a more relaxed position, rolling his shoulders to releave them of the stiffness acquired from sleeping in the den. He would have to enlarge it. Preferably soon.

Ears pricked and eyes alert, the Alpha male scanned the area, noting the figure of his pack member and Betaess, Psyche. She stood a ways off, paws at a puddle. Absently, his eyes flitted over the rest of the area to be seen, extending down into the Basin where the cool water flowed. The thought of water brought his dry mouth to his attention. Mors' moved his sticky tongue with the realization of thirst as he trotted towards where Psyche stood, his movements fluid.

Approaching, the Alpha didn't trouble himself with a greeting, but instead slowed his trot to a walk as he neared the water. Not exceptionally thirsty, but not to be bothered with waiting when it was there, Mors lowered his head, tongue extending to lap up the cool water at his feet. A couple of mouthfuls was enough to satisfy him and the Alpha raised his head...</sub>

[psyche]

<sup>Psyche was minding her own business, watching the last remnants of the early morning fade into later morning hours when she heard pawsteps advancing closer to her position. The tan, white, and black female didn't react in any manner really, for there was only one other wolf on the territory up to this point that she knew of. She did, however, turn her head to glance at the Alpha wolf. The female nodded her head slightly in respect for his rank before speaking. She wasn't going to run over and lick his muzzle or roll over on her back into full submission, for she was far too sleepy for that, and she felt it was unnecessary. It probably would have annoyed Mors too for all she knew. Those kinds of submission were for average members and really low ranks. Both were categories were where she didn't belong. Psyche decided that a simple nod would be sufficient for now. If he requested additional adornments to their greetings then Psyche would be happy to oblige. She would follow the orders that he gave her and bring them to fruition to the best of her abilities.

"Good morning, Alpha Mors, sleep well?" Psyche asked lightly. She wasn't offended that he hadn't spoken first in the slightest, he was thirsty too from the looks of it. Plus, not all wolves were early morning risers, and she definitely wasn't one either. Psyche could be a very difficult creature to get out of the den if she really wanted to be. She valued her sleep and rest very much. But when this female did pull herself out of her dreams, she was alright and ready for the day. Aside from that fact, most wolves come out at night anyways. That's when the sweet, sweet howls fill the air, and the full moon casts its bright light on the territories. On nights like those, wolves of all sizes and shapes gathered together and celebrated life. And what a celebration that was, at least in Psyche's family. The pack would gather around in a big circle and the elders would tell stories after a pack hunt. The carcass that was caught would be shared by everyone. The she-wolf hoped that when the Southern pack got large enough, they could do something similar, it brought a sense of unity to the pack, and was just fun in general. The lady would just have to wait and see what kind of leader that Mors was too. If he was more of a laid back and simple wolf, he might agree to the gatherings. If not, Psyche would still have a her songs to the moon and have a small hunt of her own.

Psyche cast a glance out over the territory and gave a small smile before turning back to him. "I know that I did. I appreciate the den, its pretty nice," she said. "Do you have any plans for today?" The female tilted her head and fell silent then, she wasn't much of a chatterbox and she wasn't one to waste her words. Though she was very friendly and amiable towards others, she wasn't going to talk a wolf's ear off. Especially when they just woke up. The feminine creature reclined on her haunches and looked to the skies once more. Variations of blue were beginning to peak through the other shades that had previously covered the atmosphere. Psyche herself was glad that it was summer time, she and her fellow littermates were born in the summer, only a day late, and it was her favorite season. Psyche loved it because of how warm the temperatures got so that she could go splashing in the rivers. And she loved it because it was when puppies were still pudgy and fat, but they were opening their light blue eyes. Oh and the prey, one must not forget the prey. After spring time, when the prey was big and bulky, they were such a delight to chase and tease. Psyche loved crunching down on the marrow-filled leg bone and the rounded rib bones. Those were most definitely her favorite.

o0c;; I just had to change the title of thread, after I posted the first one, I realized it was lyrics from High School Musical. *headpalm*</sup>

[bratterratt]

<sub>The Alpha wolf didn't reply right away, but instead took his time. That freedom was his after all. Shifting his weight, the burly black male lowered his haunches into a sitting position, ebony tail sweeping over the foliage covered ground as he did so. Sitting, and at still a decent height, Mors turned his upon the female who had spoken to him, one of the few members of his pack, the Southern wolves.

"As well as one could be expected to in a den too small," -the Alpha rumbled back in response to her first question, his voice exceptionally low and hinting on the grumpy side, the stiffness still evident in his shoulders and hips.

Mors sat, his head held just above his shoulders, chin tucked in ever so slightly to his jet chest. With a soft grunt, the Alpha rolled his neck on his shoulders, upper lip curling at the the terse morning pain. He just needed to get moving, stretch his limbs. Then perhaps his taunt muscles would loosen up. Turning back to Psyche, the male bit back bitter remarks at the female's easy rest. It wouldn't do him any good to voice his foul mood, after all.

"A hunt this morning is in order. The kill pile is lacking. Where is Corra? Sleeping late, is she?" -Mors questioned after the third member of the pack impatiently, though it wasn't exactly directed at the female Psyche. The Alpha raised his haunches into a standing position once again. Paired with the stiffness in his muscles and the absence of a pack member, Mors' mood was growing exceedingly unpleasant...</sub>

[-sira-]

She ran through the forest, she knew she was late for the morning hunt. She had been caught up sleeping by the basin, again. It was from a rather late night of running. This was the second time this week she's been late. And she knew he wouldn't be happy.

She followed his scent until she finally found him. "I'm terribly sorry Mors... Time just slipped me..." she bowed her head to him. She felt bad that she had been late, again. "I promise it won't happen again... I'll get started right away..." she hoped that would be good enough to get her excused and on to her job.

[psyche]

<sup>Psyche waited patiently for the response to her small questions. She wasn't about to rush the wolf that she considered her current leader any time soon. This female may be a little naive at times, but she knew her place well in the pack. If she wanted to continue to be the Betess for a long duration, she could definitely afford to be patient at times like these. Heck, the male didn't have to answer her at all if he didn't want to. Mors had the right just to stroll away from Psyche right at that very moment and she would still have to respect his decision. That is of course if she wanted to maintain her position and not become mincemeat. When the male finally did speak, he seemed to have woken up on the wrong side of his den, unlike herself. Mors was considerably larger that Psyche was, and she really just took notice of it then. The black male was at least two inches taller than she, and Psyche could see why his sleep might have be disrupted slightly. She had had the luxury of having plenty of room and the Beta den all to herself. Luckily Mors didn't have a mate yet, or he probably would be the equivalent of a walking zombie. Having a small den was bad enough. Having a small den and having to share it with another wolf is even worse. Psyche couldn't imagine and was grateful for her now comfortable living conditions. Maybe in the near future she would have a male to share the Beta den with, but for now she was content and would focus her attention on being the Betess.

When Mors spoke of a pack hunt, the she-wolf's tails brushed the ground happily and rather enthusiastically. Perhaps that release of energy and adrenaline would put the Alpha in a little bit better mood. Hunting usually made Psyche feel good and her fore paws danced lightly beneath her frame a few times before stopping. A small smile formed once again on the lady's black lips as well. Psyche's eyes were starting to change ever so slightly as she sat in one spot. Mixed in with the normal ivy coloration, a soft orange and deep purple began to blend with it. The orange meant excitement while the purple meant joy, which currently were coursing through the female's body. The Southern pack's first hunt. This was bound to be interesting and very beneficial. From this experience, Psyche could learn how other wolves hunted. Each individual had their own style and it was amazing to her. No two wolves hunted exactly the same, and none had the same hunting prowess. Even though she was taught by the same wolves in her maiden pack, Psyche's hunting style varied greatly from all of theirs. She would just have to wait and see what kind of styles that Mors and Corra possessed.

When Corra showed up, Psyche just tilted her head to the left. Her feather moved slightly behind her ear, and her lips tightened slightly. Psyche decided not to say anything for Mors was sure to reprimand her slightly, and he did not need her input right now. When Mors gave directions, the black, tan, and white female absorbed the information and stood to her paws. She fell in line behind him, her tails curling slightly near her back. Psyche was careful to stay a few steps behind the large obsidian creature, and follow his lead. He knew this land well, and that was probably why he claimed it as his own. Black tailed deer sounded nice right about now, Psyche wasn't particularly hungry at the moment, but adding food to stock and building unity between the pack members could do no harm. As she padded along, Psyche gave a quick glance behind her shoulder to see if Corra was coming as well. The Betess didn't want to see any wolves left behind, whether she just began to know them or if she had known them for an incredibly long time. After the quick glance, Psyche continued to follow the Alpha, all the while anticipating the hunt as it drew nearer and nearer.

o0c;; I'm sorry if this post seems out of order, I accidentally hit the post button before I was done instead of hitting the preview button.</sup>

[bratterratt]

<sub>Mors was growing increasingly agitated, even as he saw the female, Corra, approaching, running up from the basin. For some reason, she had taken to nesting down there, nearer the water. Perhaps because the sound soothed her, or maybe she relished the privacy. Either way, the Alpha took that as little excuse for her to be late. Especially more than once.

Shooting Corra a grouchy glare, Mors' eyes flashed with irritation and distaste. Grumbling something to himself about irresponsibility, the male wolf rolled his shoulders, head lowered in aggravation. He had led several bachelor packs in the past and none of them had caused him as much exasperation as this group of females. He needed to get some males, the Alpha thought peevishly to himself. Order needed to be established and two hormonal females was enough to put him out.

"Just wait till they go into heat," -he thought to himself, dreading slightly.

Turning to the two pack members, his mood darkening even still, the Alpha released a deep exhale, gathering his thoughts.

"Now that we're all here..." -Mors grumbled to the females, giving Corra a pointed look, "The black tailed deer should be gathered in the far end of the Basin by now. We've been waiting for them to get there and if they finally are, we should be able to pick off one of the elderly or sickly without much trouble. Let's go."

Moving fluidly on his haunches, the Alpha turned and broke into a trot. His direction was towards the Basin, where he supposed the deer to have gathered by now. The black tail species was a lithe, agile deer. Hard to catch, but delicious to eat. Hopefully, if his calculations were right, they would be practically cornered, practically waiting for him and his pack...</sub>

[-sira-]

When she arrived she knew she was in trouble. She had been late for the past couple days, she knew it was unacceptable. But the look he gave her when he was making his morning report made her feel rather irritated. But what can she do, she is just a member. No beta status and no alphess status. It had to be hard on him, dealing with two female. No males are around him so he just had to deal with what he has. Eventually the male wolves will come around. She shook her head of these thoughts and listening to the detail about the deer by the basin. She nodded, ready to make some kills for the pack.

When he began to take off she took of right after him. She kept her pace even, and her paws hit the ground, synchronizing with his. Then she remembered, "Mors, just to co firm your thoughts about the deer. I do remember seeing some hoof activity around the basin rim this morning... They were gone but they should be back for the mid morning feeding, grass if defiantly flourishing there" she spoke with confidence. Remembering the sets of prints she saw when she had to leave in a hurry. She hoped he would become a little less artifacts with her with this news of positivity.

[bratterratt]

<sub>"Well, at least you're not blind."

The snide comment was made under the Alpha's breath, though loud enough to be heard by the others. He needed to get some food in his stomach. Maybe then, his mood would improve. But there were no guarantees. Mors' pace quick, yet not hurried, the ebony male moved with the utmost fluidity and grace enough to befit a hunting lion. His paws hit the ground in a continuous rhythm. Thump, thump. Thump, thump. The movements relaxed the Alpha, leaving his muscles and joints free of the stiffness that had gathered there over night in the den that was too small for his mighty form. Mors moved at the front of the two, a shoulder's length ahead. Though it was not much, it was enough to establish his order of dominance. He was the leader. He ran first.

Moving down the perimeter of the South Thumb, the basin stretched far before him. The low river slithered across the horizon, his territory as far as his golden eyes could scan. Leaping into a longer lope, Mors' paws hit the soft tawny sand of the basin. His steps were now muted to dull thuds as he continued to gain speed, racing along side the sprawling river. It felt good to move the way he did, to let it all out. Besides, it would save time. And it wasn't as if he was letting himself go. No, he was simply stretching his legs.

As they began to near the end of the basin, Mors slowed and took towards the edge, where the reeds were thick. As they approached the rounded dead end, it would be important to be camouflaged, hidden from their prey. Paws virtually silent against the ground now, the Alpha trotted, leading his two hunters on quietly...</sub>

[psyche]

<sup>Psyche was intrigued about her pack members' different personalities. Mors seemed extra grumpy this morning, while Corra was just trying to be helpful and as beneficial as she could be. The multi-colored female was starting to question Mors' patience and leadership. She hoped that he wasn't going to be a grumpy wolf the entire time that all three wolves lived here, for they were supposed to be a pack, and a pack couldn't function very well with a grumptastic leader. When Psyche had first came into contact with the black male wolf, he was somewhat friendly and amiable. That was the whole entire reason that she had decided to join the Southern pack. But now, looking back on her actions, some regret was beginning to form in the she-wolf's mind. Hopefully this hunting trip and stretching his limbs would make Mors more agreeable. She also hoped that he would expand his den, and quickly, for her den was the closest to his, and she definitely did not want to hear a grumpy male wolf every morning when she woke up.

After the last words were spoken, Psyche just followed along. Her paws were very silent as well, for they were dainty and rather small, considering the fact that she was a full grown, mature female. The multi-colored wolf ducked low in the foliage, all the while trailing after the Alpha from a little ways off. She would wait the signals she needed to begin the hunt. Psyche's paws danced beneath her frame again, though not rustling the ground beneath her a great deal. Psyche's eyes had turned an even more deep orange, and the purple darkened as well. The time was growing nearer, the pack was getting closer, and the hunt should not be too far off. Oh happy day, Psyche would be more than willing to fill her empty stomach this morning. Psyche was very enthusiastic, but not in a childish way, hunts just excited her. The female loved the feeling of her heart racing inside her chest and sinking her teeth into the warm flesh of a prey animal. After the hunt, it would also give the three wolves a chance to catch up and just talk. Everything was going well in the pack so far, but perhaps they could discuss future plans and things of the sort.</sup>

[bratterratt]

<sub>The ebony Alpha wolf stalked silently through the tall reeds, his pace a trot. Now, his stalking was not something to be compared to that of a large cat. No, it was something of a different sort. He didn't hunker down, till his belly rubbed the ground, shoulders high and movements slow. Instead, he carried onward quickly and efficiently, his head held at the same height as his powerful shoulders. Mors' paws were lifted then placed carefully, with direct precision. He couldn't allow sound to startle or alert breakfast that he was on his way.

Closer still, the Alpha led his minuscule pack, the excitement in the hunt and the ability to move freely all that was in his mind. Yes. This was how a wolf should spend his days. It almost made Mors long for the time not long ago when he was a bachelor male, this feeling of freedom in everything he had done. But everyone had to grow up eventually, even he. And in truth, the responsibility of a pack had matured him, wizened him into the wolf he was now. True, mornings weren't his thing and his temper often got the best of him, but when it came down to the point, Mors was a true Alpha.

The basin's sandy floor began to curve into a wide circle and looming rock walls jutted upwards, creating a sort of pen and clearing, with the only opening an area where the river fed into the end of the line. Mors slowed even still as they reached this area, his feet falling now in a walk, instead of the previous trot. True to his predictions, a large herd of deer, black tail by species, had gathered at the end of the basin. Due to the early morning, many were still curled up on the ground, or some just beginning to stand and graze. The scene was peaceful and serene. Completely unsuspecting...</sub>

[-sira-]

As soon as Mors turned around her eyes slanted. It was a rather rude comment that he had made. And she felt bothered, she tries and she tries, but he doesn't have the same personality as the day he was made pack leader. She took in a deep sigh and exhaled slowly. Once again, she had to brush it off her shoulder. She was in a pack, and what he says, goes.

She followed as they moved out to hunt. And it wasn't long before they had reached the basin. And just as she had remembered. The deer were waiting. They didn't suspect a thing as the small pack snuck up on them. She wasn't sure which one he wanted to go after, but her paws twitched, she was anxious and her stomach was softly growling. She was more than ready, but now she waited for Mors signal.

[psyche]

<sup>As Psyche prowled behind Alpha Mors, she already saw the differences in their hunting styles. She was one whom slunk low to the ground and remained undetected in the undergrowth. Mors simply played by his own rules and strode powerfully as if nothing had changed from his normal routine. Although, his paws weren't placed down as heavily as before. The tan, white, and black female tilted her head slightly at the thought. Weird. She thought it was so weird and intriguing how wolves of the same pack could act so differently and uniquely. Of course they weren't from the same lineage so that could have something to do with it, but it interested the female. She took note of the Alpha's hunting style and continued to follow his lead. The she-wolf also took note of Corra's style as well. Her's was more similar to Mors' was than her's. She too stood tall and observed the prey from a normal height. Psyche shrugged her shoulders. Her family had taught her to hunt one way, Mors' and Corra's taught them another way. As long as the hunt went as planned, the she-wolf had nothing wrong with that. The multi-hued female scented the wind very carefully, and her ears perked on her head. The deer were in such close range that she could taste them. Psyche smiled shortly, and her tongue swiped over her black lips once. She couldn't get too eager, for this pack could still be unsuccessful, but if the results were good, the rewards would be worth the wait.

As Psyche was crouched down in the brush, she watched the herbivore creatures carefully. She herself was picking out weaknesses and calves that weren't quite capable of defending themselves. Her eyes flickered back and forth, analyzing each individual, sleeping or not. Psyche was very particular about which prey she chose to hunt down, and she was going to stick to her habits of categorizing each creature. However, the decision on which one to go after was Mors' and Mors' alone. Psyche and Corra were required to listen to the male if they wanted share in this kill, after all, he was the Alpha. While Psyche had some authority in the pack, being the betess, she still had to listen to the obsidian colored male. When Psyche finished with the deer, she looked at Corra and Mors. This was her pack, this was where she belonged, and she was proud at this very moment, to say that she was a Southern wolf.</sup>

[bratterratt]

<sub>Muscles taunt with every slow step, the breeze and water plants ruffling his ebony black pelt, Mors was the epitome of power and the Alpha position that he held. This was what he was made for, to lead hunting parties, to be in control. True, perhaps it gave him a bit of a complex, but maybe that wasn't such an awful thing after all. Especially if it made him a better leader because of it. Which he strongly believed, it did.

Paws silent on the soft river side mud, Mors moved slower still, until he came to a pause mid-stride, one jet paw raised several inches above the ground. With his noble head held lower, to the level of his broad shoulders, the Alpha scanned the deer, looking for the one who would fill his stomach. There was quite a variety of choices, but as Alpha, he must choose correctly. An older black tailed doe stood near where the wolves were hiding, her back a little swayed, her age apparent. She would make an easy catch, without much trouble for the pack. However, her meat would be terse and there would be less of it, as was visible by the faint outline of her skeleton.

Turning his golden eyes upon the rest of the deer, Mors' gaze froze upon one in particular. Yes, this was the one. The deer chosen was a young buck, a yearling who had just begun growing its antlers for the year. He wasn't exceptionally large, which would work in the wolves' favor and with a lack of antlers, gave the Southern Pack all the more luck. The deer would no doubt cause a little of a challenge, but for three hungry wolves, it should not cause much of one.

Head moving slowly, Mors' looked back over his shoulder at the two females behind him, waiting for his signal. Though he did not speak, the Alpha's ears gestured to the deer he had chosen, giving the other two a chance to voice any displeasure now. Of course, if their arguments were nothing but trivial, they would be void. But as Alpha, he believed in input from the pack. However, that did not give up his authority for the last say...</sub>

[syd]

Watching from afar, Comet made sure to observe everything his pack members were doing. Although he was a good hunter, he was not the best, not even near it. He was still young and had a long ways to go to become respected in his pack. He noted how his alpha hid so the deer could not see him, and how he kept quiet. comet made sure to do this whenever he hunted, but the best he could bring in was a rabbit.

Comet remembered the first day he left the den. He wasn't supposed, but being the curious pup he was, he did. It was scary yet amazing, so much new sights and sounds. From there on, he decided he wanted to become a wolf that got to explore it, and hunting in the forest was a way he could.

Snapping out of the flashback, Comet watched as the wolves got ready to jump on their prey. He made sure to pay attention as best as he could this time, making sure to use what was going on for future reference.