When Time Comes to a Standstill...

[Nova.]

Boom, boom-boom, boom.

The sound of paws barely grazing the ground pounded in the ears of the hunter.

Ahhhhhowwwwwwwww!!!

[/I]

The rust-furred wolf’s mouth opened into a perfect “O” shape as she neared the boundaries of the camp. The camp of the Fire pack. Her heart raced. She was looking to join, but was unsure if they would let her.

After some time passed and no one came to meet her, she traveled a little more inward towards the camp. To let the alpha know of her presence, she opened her long, slender, ash-colored snout to let them know she’s there. Her howl seemed to say,

“I am right here. Come find me.”

[/I]

As soon as she lowered her head, her satellite-like ears sprang up at the sign of prey scurrying in the grass near her paws. As she was not a part of the pack who owns this land, she let the small field mouse continue foraging in the long grass.

The wolfess laid her body down slowly. She extended her ash-colored legs out in front of her, and slowly waited. She shook her rusty pelt as the wind ruffled her short fur. The chaparral around her swayed in the breeze. The sun beat down, and warmed her up. The sun felt good. While she was waiting, she rested her head upon her paws. She was seeking acceptance into the pack. Her eye-lids fluttered as she fought sleep. Finally, she allowed the sleepy feeling to come over her whole body. Her hazel eyes closed, and her red body lay there motionless as she slept.

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[Flame]

Tasha was jerked from sleep, by what she did not know. She turned her ear to the warm night air, but there was no source of sound, other than crickets gently chirping, and the treetops high above rolling like waves. The moonlight, cold and clear, flashed through the dancing leaves as the branches tossed restlessly in the wind. All seemed fine.
Perhaps it was a dream that waked me, she thought, trying to convince herself that nothing was wrong. But she still could not help but feel spooked by the sudden disturbance, what with the inner pack turbulence and uncertainties about the ice pack's alliance. It was only the night after the truce had been made. Unlike her mate, Velox, she was against the alliance, because she still felt that even though the pack of ice jumped quickly to ally the fire pack, they could just as easily break the alliance. There was no way of being sure that they could be trusted. They had not been able to place faith in the ice pack's promise. No, Tasha worried too much that things could go wrong. What with her pups' birth on the horizon, she wanted things to stay the same. She hated change. This alliance could bring conflict just as much as it may bring peace. The risk was too great for war. These concerns layed heavily on her mind.

Tasha layed there for a moment, listening to the forest breathe, unable to go to sleep.
I'll go for a walk, just to clear my mind a little. Tasha decided. She rose to her paws clumsily, her belly heavy and distended. She groaned with the effort and discomfort. She knew that if Velox were awake, he would chide her for moving too much, becasue he was always stressing how much he felt she should be taking it easy during her gestation. But she didn't care. This was a nice break from the noise of camp life, from Velox's nagging, where she can just move and be herself.

Tasha traveled under the black groves of trees, and the whole forest was struck the same shades of gray, deep blues and greens, silver lined in moonshade. Even here, the crickets did not sing. It was only shadows and silence. Her eyes were alert, ears pricked, steps soft, nose drinking in the warm night air which guided her. The congestion of the day did not reign here.

An unfamiliar smell stopped Tasha in her tracks. She stood still and listened, smelled, tried to identify the scent.
Someone is here.

Her belly brushing the ground, Tasha glided forward towards the scent through the overgrowth, brushing past the brambles until she reached a low bush with large, obscuring leaves. In the dark, it was difficult to see, but the scent was strong in her nose. A silver gleam of a wolf's fur outlined in the light of the moon layed before her a short distance, breathing slowly. A female. An intruder. But Tasha could tell that it was not an ice pack wolf from the scent. Well, if this is a wolf, was it the sound of a howl that awoke me?


That did not matter to Tasha now, though, because there was a sleeping intruder on the fire pack territory, and Blaze should know of it. She clearly understood that this intruder must be removed, or taken to the alpha to speak with him.
Tasha stepped from beneath the bush and approached the wolf cautiously. She shouldn't really be doing this alone, because there is no way for her to know if this wolf was hostile, and she needed to be sure of the facts- all of the facts- to ever feel safe. Something about this wolf did not look like it would be a threat, though.

Tasha padded up to her side, and gently prodded her.
"What are you doing here?" She asked.

[Nova.]

The prey was galloping around, and the sun was shining down upon the fur of the rust colored female. The scent of blood was wafting into her nostrils. Someone had just made a kill. The female rose, and trotted to where the scent of blood led her. There lay a large male moose, with plenty of meat to feed the female, as her belly was empty. She parted her jowls and began to tear apart the moose, tasting the warm blo-

The flame-colored female jolted awake, right in the middle of her amazing dream. The thought of the prey in the dream made her empty stomach groan in agonizing pain for something to eat. Another female prodded her in the side with the tip of her paw. She lay there for a moment, reminiscing about the glorious dream she had just had. Then, her amber eyes opened, and scanned the terrain. It was night, and the stars against the deep blue color of the sky looked like diamonds shining in the moonlight. The moon, however, looked like a perfectly rounded rock of which all the stars chipped off of. It was like the stars were mocking the moon, and trying to deliver the same amount of light. The shine from the moon reflected itself off of the leaves on the trees.

The sound of owls searching for prey in the low forest floor, and the sound of mice scurrying quickly to avoid becoming a midnight snack, echoed in my ears. Then, the head of the female turned to the one who was poking her. It was a female, a pregnant female, who awoke her from the fabulous dream. She was speaking to the rust female, and though the words were somewhat muffled, she still managed to understand the mumbles coming out of the pregnant female's mouth.

I am Defa. And I would like to join your pack of Fire.

Defa stood up, and shook the dirt and grass out of her flamboyant fur. This female she met didn't carry herself like an alpha, so she must not be the alpha. She was wanting to meet the alpha, instead of this pregnant femme. Defa streched her ash-colored forepaws out in front of her, and lowered her hind quarters into a strech, and her mouth extended into a large yawn, with her ivory teeth glistening in the light from the moon. She straighten back up, and gazed into the eyes of the female. Defa was taller than she. The rust female opened her mouth to speak:

I am no harm, I would like to meet your alpha.

She bowed her head when she said, 'I am no harm.' She did mean no harm, and she was tired of searching for a pack to take her in. This might be the pack to take her in. Also, this might be the pack where she finds a mate. Her heart had been longing for the love of another. She says that, 'God gave you two hearts; one inside of you, and one to find, which is your soulmate.' She sighed, thinking about the perfect male for her.

He would be strong, and intellegent, with a coat the color of fire. He would be tender, and kind. He would be the ideal father, and the sweetest mate. But that kind of male was hard to come by. Would Defa ever find the perfect mate?

[Flame]

"I am Defa. And I would like to join your pack of Fire." the stranger introduced herself. She bent in a long, glorious stretch, her teeth flashing in a yawn. Fear struck into Tasha's heart as she realized how capable and easy it would be for Defa to take advantage of Tasha in battle, with her weakened state, topped with Defa's larger size. She was now able to see that this newcomer had a type of unique physique that she had never seen before. Defa posessed a coat of brilliant flame coloration, not unlike that of many fire pack wolves. However, she had long legs, and Defa looked as if a fox in stilts. The female rose to her full height and gazed directly into Tasha's eyes as she said, "I am no harm, I would like to meet your alpha." Her eyes were amber.

Tasha narrowed her eyes and stared right back at Defa.
when true judgement came, one should always look into the eyes, becasue they always told the truth, even when the bearer itself told a lie. Was it safe to take this wolf, Defa, into the camp? Could she be trusted?

Tasha bored into Defa's optics for a long moment, and at last she said: "I can see that you are not a threat. You may accompany me to the camp."

Tasha began to lead Defa towards the camp as she wondered to herself, I hope I did the right thing.
Tasha shook her head angrily. What are youi thinking? There is nothing to be afraid of. This Defa seems like a lovely young wolf, even through she looks like a fox. Hope for the best, Tasha! She told herself. Try to be optimistic. It's not the end of the world.

As Defa and Tasha drew near the the camp, Tasha let out a long howl to let the others know that she was coming, as to arouse them from sleep. Just so that they would be awake and forewarned, and not all attack Defa because they don't know what is going on.

A response wavered and weaved through the trees as if to say, 'We're waiting.'

"Time to meet the pack," Tasha said to Defa warmly.

[Nova.]

The howl from the female echoed in the empty forest, and the wolves of the pack began to stir. The rust female padded into the camp behind the pregnant female with Defa's head lower than hers, so she doesn't seem a threat. Her tail was low, and she did not dare look look any of the wolves in the pack in the eye. She looked around, and noticed there were many in the pack. She shook her flame-like fur, as the breeze sent a shiver down her spine.

Her fur was different from all the other members. She saw browns, ebonies, tans, and even some white. Defa stuck out like a sore thumb. Another breeze shook the trees above her head, promising rain. Defa hated rain, and shook her head trying to get the thought out.

Her amber gaze scanned the new terrain, trying to remember every crevasse. If the alpha was hostile towards her, he would punish the female that brought her to the camp, and Defa would not have that. If he or she does punish the pregnant female, an austere battle might break out. Defa was very thankful for this stranger. Before Defa could reach the center of the camp, she turned her attention to the pregnant female.

I don't believe I caught your name? And how far along are you?

Defa gestured with her nose towards the swollen belly of the female. She plopped her deep ruby hind quarters on the ground, and waited for her respond.

Also, when will I meet your alpha?

Defa's ears looked somewhat dorky, because they were so big, and were drooping in her eyes. A small twig broke behind the flame-colored female, and her satellite-like ears perked up to look behind her. It was just her white and blaze colored tail, which accidentally broke a twig. Defa sat there patiently, not only waiting for the pregnant females reply, but waiting for the alphas to come out and tell her about her fate. Will she be allowed to join the pack, or will she be exiled?

[Flame]

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When Tasha and Defa entered the camp, many wolves were already awake. They stared curiously at the strange new visitor, staying clear. Some shot glances of resentment; others, of wonder and respect.
Tasha could see from the sky in the east and he bird activity that the sun would rise soon and bring a new day. The dim pre-dawn light made the eyes of her pack mates gleam yellow, like flecks of gold in the dark. Tasha brought Defa to the center of the clearing where the pack of fire made their home and awaited the arrival of her brother, the Alpha, Blaze.

As Defa settled herself to the ground, she tipped her nose to Tasha's belly and said, "I don't believe I caught your name? And how far along are you? Also, when will I meet your Alpha?" She jumped slightly as a twig cracked behind her from her tail, and Tasha could not help but feel amused by her nervousness.

"Ah, full of questions now, are we?" Tasha chuckled. She sort of liked this new kid. "Please excuse me for not introducing myself before. I am Tasha, daughter of Lupa and the sister of our Alpha here." Tasha turned her eyes to Defa for inspection. "I can see you are a little anxious. Trust me, don't be afraid. Blaze won't bite you. He isn't nearly as austere as he may look. He's really sort of soft inside. But that's coming from me, of course! Our Beta's name is Velox, and he is my mate. He's the angry-looking one over there." Tasha pointed with her muzzle towards him. "He's kind of soft too." She whispered. "But don't tell him I told you that!
"And as for your second question, I am almost there. The pups should be born any day now." She beamed. "But back to the point, whenever Blaze gets his lazy rump over here, you will get to see him. Oh, look! Here he comes."

A muscular male of gray and black pushed his way through the accumulating crowd towards the pair in the center of the clearing. His face was a smooth mask of complacency through which he let through no signs of emotion. He seemed all business.
"Tasha." The Alpha regarded his sister. Then, he turned to Defa. "And who do we have here? What brings you to the pack of fire?"

[Nova.]

Defa dipped my head in respect for Tasha, and wishing her luck with her pups. A huge smile crossed her jaw, as she turned around to face the alpha of the Fire Pack. Tasha said that his name was Blaze, and she was his brother. His ebony and ash fur glistened in the moonlight, and his voice was like liquid chocolate melting through the blaze colored female's ears. She shook her perfectly groomed orange fur, and went over his question in her head. She was trying to look as gorgeous and as undeniable as possible.

The male in front of her was very handsome and muscular. Defa was attractted to him. When he spoke, it melted her inside. When she first caught sight of him, she had butterflies in her stomach. Every time she gathered the courage to speak, she glanced at Blaze an melted. The sun was beginning to rise in the east, and the rest of the pack was stirring. Defa sighed, and smiled.

I am Defa, and I was seeking through your lands, when I noticed that it was claimed. Though it made my chances of completing my dream- becoming an alpha- have barely any chance to occur. So now, I am just looking to join your pack. I am very strong, and I have very good stamina. I can fight well, too. And if you accept me into this pack, I will protect everyone with my life, as I owe Tasha mine. If she wouldn't have found me, I may have perished in the scolding heat.

Defa dipped her head in respect towards Blaze, then to Tasha. Then a big smile crossed her maw, waiting for the responce of the male whom had her starstruck. She had never felt like this before, and this feeling was great. Though if he had a mate, she would be crushed dearly, and move on as a loner, in search of a mate.

[Flame]

Blaze looked at Defa closely as she spoke with scrutinizing eyes and a thoughful gaze, carefully processing what the she-wolf was saying. Seldom were the occaisions in which new wolves joined the packs, and he had not yet been faced with this situation, until now. He understood that it was up to him to use his best judgement on whether or not to accept this female or not.

Her presentation was sincere, and Defa looked to be an honest recruit, and his instincts gave him no reason to feel any differently. Blaze moved on to examine Defa's physique, which she sported a brilliant coat of flame. Her body seemed to be built for speed, and she had large ears, which no doubt would be an asset in hunting and listening for enemies. She was no doubt attractive, but however Blaze tried to focus his attentions on other things which were more important, he couldn't help but notice her subtle beauty. He blinked hard and refocused himself again. How silly he was being!

This wolf seemed to really want to join the pack, and she seemed pure of heart and intention, a nice young wolf and a valuable addition to the pack. Blaze continued along his stream of logic. He sensed that Defa would be a loyal wolf, a providing wolf, a beautiful mother--- Blaze scolded himself inside to think such a thought and blinked hard once again. He mustn't let his yen get in the way of his judgement. He was the alpha, after all. He had duties to take care of first and foremost, before his own selfish concerns. Honor, duty. That was what it was all about.

He looked into Defa's eyes, which met in a single second, and that was all there was in that moment. He masked his turbulent thoughts and maintained his neutral expression as before; aloof, proud, inpenetrable, cordial. Blaze carefully calculated his words before presenting his verdict. "You look to have bonded with Tasha, and you claim that you owe Tasha your life. Is this true, sister?"

Tasha nodded her head affirmatively. "Yes, Blaze."

Blaze then said, "And you say that if you were to you join the pack of fire, you would defend everyone of the pack of fire with your life, yes?" Blaze paused- but only for the effect- "You give me no reason not to trust you, and I will let you join, but only if you swear to me and to the rest of the pack, upon the moon and stars, that you will be eternally loyal and hold complete allegiance to the pack of fire." Blaze's voice rung out loud and clear over the heads of the pack who were gathered 'round.

"Defa," Blaze breathed, tasting the exotic and unusual name on his tongue. "Do you so avow?"

[Nova.]

Her heart beat faster, her paws quivered, and her fur was standing on end. This was an exciting experience, and she noticed that Blaze was very handsome. She would vow to protect this pack with her life. When Tasha spoke, Defa turned her head to glance at her, and smiled. She licked her ear as a silent thank you. When Blaze finally spoke, Defa's ears were fully erect. She knew she would, and wondered why he must ask this absurd question.

Though he could not hear her thoughts, Defa got snapped back into reality after thinking. She didn't want to seem as a ditz in front of her new pack, and loved the feeling of company, though the piercing eyes and hateful stares burned through her fur, and embarrassed her. All she could do to not make her paws collapse beneath her, and not get off track in her thoughts. She raised her head, and shook her magnificent fur.

Yes, Blaze. It is my yen to protect your pack- our pack- with my life. And might I mention, your sister will become a fine mentor and mother.

Defa smiled a crooked smile, which many males before had told her was attractive. Though she came here to find a mate, it seemed as if everyone had already had one. Blaze seemed to be alone at the moment, but who knows, his mate may come trotting out of their den, after caring for their pups. She sighed, hoping that he didn't have a mate. Defa stared into Blaze's eyes. The color of them made her want to melt like chocolate, but she had to hold herself together, to show that she is not weak, and gain a good rank in this pack.

The sun was setting on the horizon, and she waited for someone to speak again. This was a new territory for her, and she barely knew anything about it. She hoped Blaze, or Tasha would show her around, so she could get to know them more. But if Blaze sent her out on a task, or a test for her to prove herself, she knew she would excel. With her large ears and long legs, she knew that hunting for her, is a breeze.

[Flame]

"I need nothing more than your word to prove yourself," Blaze said, glancing affectionately at his sister. "After all, any friend of my kin is my friend as well."

Tasha smiled warmly and replied to Defa, "Thank you, I very much hope I will be." She turned and beckoned to the new arrival with her tail. "Come, now. Let me introduce you to everyone and show you around. Make yourself comfortable."

Blaze watched as Defa was led away, wondering to himself if Defa truely would prove to be an honorable member of the fire pack in the future, and what role she would assume in the hierarchy once everything was settled. Everything was looking up, nowadays. Only time would tell.

END.

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