Ulrich lay in the den beside Adylaide. It was early morning, barely dawn, and too early, too cold to step out yet. He preferred to stay down here in the warmth. Beside her. I've been thinking, he said slowly. If we stay here, others may eventually come calling. And if they do, what then? I must admit, the thought of strangers still scares me. But... we cannot remain alone indefinitely. It isn't smart or safe. So... if we started a pack--a real pack, not just the two of us--what... would that be like? His voice was soft and quiet in the shadows of the den. Thoughtful.

Ady rolled a bit, with a small yawn so she could face him more fully. She smiled up at him, sleep still laying upon her like early morning cobwebs of spun gossamer and silk. She blinked brown eyes and stretched, it was a lazy day and she was okay with this. She shifted and tilted an ear listening.

What he said had merit. And it was also a scary thing, but she found she was also a bit excited to see others. Though she loved Ully, she also was eager to make friends where before she had been unable and not allowed. 

Well for starters I definitely want nothing like my parents. No guards, no princesses, nothing of that nature. I realize there must be some sort of hierarchy, but must we be so rigid? I feel that this was in part of my parents demise.

Ulrich pressed his mouth into a thin line as she spoke. I agree, he said, gravely, bowing his head for a moment. Your parents’ downfall was most likely due to hubris, and I’d certainly like to avoid that. Nor do I want such a strict hierarchy. Leadership is important but I don’t see why we cannot be a democracy—allow all members of the pack an equal vote.

He paused here, thinking. I’ve never led anyone before. Well. I’ve led soldiers into battle, but that is all, and that is much different from leading an entire pack. He turned away from Adylaide in the dark. I fear I may not be good at it. So much will be expected of us. Perhaps too much. What if… He trailed off, unable to voice his fear, for in truth he did not know exactly what it was that he was afraid of. General failure? The fate of Adylaide’s parents?

Ady listened. Her thoughts returning to her parents, and for a moment. She allowed herself to feel the sadness of losing them. Despite everything they were his parents. They weren't great parents and she was probably better off without them, but they had still been her parents. 

I like that idea. There will be some disagreements i'm sure and we'll have to come up with a plan for split votes, but as small as we will probably be it makes sense.

 And she did the thought of all of them sharing their ideas and thoughts, was nice. Granted she imagined it could get a little harder to deal with, but it was what she wanted.

Ady crawled towards him until her nose was buried in his ruff. She held fast there and hummed softly for a moment, while she thought of what to say.

You will be great, Ulrich. Absolutely wonderful. There will always be what if's in life, the important thing is we don't let them rule us.

She tugged gently at his fur. A smile in her voice. Really you're wonderful.

Split votes... he mused. I suppose in a case like that, the leaders--us--would have to confer together to make the final decision. We are leaders, after all. Even in a democracy, if a decision cannot be made with votes, someone will have to be the deciding factor.

Adylaide crawled toward him and buried her face in his fur. He held very still, even now sometimes unused to this closeness, but he smiled and rested his chin atop her head for a moment. She spoke softly to him, her voice muffled, and his ears folded along his head at her words. He did not know if he believed her. Was he really so wonderful? He tried to think of anything he had done in his past to warrant such a compliment, but came up with nothing.

Well, he murmured, I'm glad you believe in me, because I'm not sure I do. He smiled, but the smile was sad, and then took a breath and moved on. So. A democratic pack, with not much focus on hierarchy. Still... our pack members will need to show initiative. They'll need to pull their weight. Everyone will be expected to hunt and fight if necessary. Except... maybe not expecting mothers or... or very old wolves. He paused, thinking. Perhaps we should dig some kind of bolt hole in case of danger from other packs or bears or what have you. Somewhere for the sick or old or pregnant can go and hide. I... don't anticipate any kind of war with another pack, but... you never know.

She listened to him as he spoke, enjoying the liberties he was allowing her to take. In most cases he would be so uneasy, and stiff. He seemed to be getting used to her close proximity and her need to constantly touch him.

That i can agree too, in the case of such a thing. But I refuse to just order everyone about willy nilly.

Oh Ully. She mused, knowing what he wasn't saying. She didn't understand why he was so reluctant to find his good points, but that was alright. It just  meant she had to find them for him, that was all.

Do we want them to move up based upon their trades or is more longevity.. What is a bolt hole? Do you think it could happen this danger?

She went cold all over, fearful that it would happen again.

"But I refuse to just order everyone about willy nilly."

Ulrich nodded. Agreed. You are a princess no longer, and I was certainly never royalty, and I do not want to carry that into this pack, should anyone choose to come here and follow us. I'd just as soon leave any potential packmates to their own devices unless there is real need.

She asked about how wolves would be moved around rank-wise, and he sat in thought for a minute or two, going silent. Hmm... He thought back to his days as a soldier, watching his comrades fight over rank and prestige and grimaced. I'd... rather avoid anyone feeling below anyone else, for the most part. Obviously leaders have to lead and so they are at the top, but like I said, if the pack is a democracy, then we wouldn't really be much higher than the regular members, which is how I want it. I suppose we should title members by their jobs within the pack. Healers and hunters and priests and things. But all jobs would be seen as equal. Here he paused again. Priests, he repeated. I do not want any kind of pack religion, if we can avoid it. I don't... trust religion. Too often it can be seen as... cult-like. Almost like the way in which our previous pack saw you as a goddess. I don't... want any kind of single religion here. If a priest shows up and wishes to stay here, fine, and he may practice his beliefs. But there will be proselytizing.

"What is a bolt hole?"

Simply a place to hide, he explained, tutting. A den in a hidden spot with a small, hidden  entrance. You should know what a bolt hole is, Adylaide. We had them back home, in case of invasion or... well... what happened with your parents. But what happened with them was so quick there was no time to hide.

Bringing up her parents like this seemed to cause her fear of danger. He rested his chin atop her head again, this time in what was meant to be a comforting embrace. I cannot promise that no danger will befall us again. But... I will always do whatever I can to protect you.

Ady made a soft squeal of happiness. So you agree, finally that I am not a princess.

Had she been above ground she would have pranced in place. Finally, he was seeing her as perhaps equal and she was so happy about it. She could sing. 

Well we don't want to completely ignore our pack mates. They have to know they are valued, or well the same thing could happen here or they leave.

Ady giggled again. And now I am no longer a goddess. Prayers can be answered. She teased, gently preening at his fur in her delight.

I agree with you though. I'm not a fan of such things. I never was. Mother was always harping about this priest or that priest. It was foolish and what did all the alms and prayers and private donations get her? Nothing but an open grave and death all around.

Ady bumped him hard. I couldn't remember what it was called. I hated it though. I always feared it would be collapsed upon us. She shuddered at the thought, though that was probaby from her middle brother. He was always being a jerk about such things.

She nodded. I know, but that is also what I'm afraid of.

Ulrich jumped a little in surprise at Adylaide's squeal. It was still early morning and the sudden loud noise woke him up more than he'd wanted to be awake. Still, he couldn't help but smile at her. Yes, I suppose I finally see you as simply... Adylaide. He sighed. I can't believe it's been less than a moon since we left. It feels like we've been out here for ages.

She agreed with him about his mistrust of religion, which he was relieved about. He didn't know if, perhaps, her parents had managed to convince of her of the value of religion. Though, now that he thought about it, he wasn't surprised that she hated it. He wasn't sure that she actually agreed with anything her parents had ever tried to teach her.

He chuckled when she bumped him, pretending to be in pain from it, as if she had really hurt him. Look how strong you're getting from all this hard work and hunting. You'll make a fine leader, I'm sure.

Then she said... Oh. Y-You're afraid of my... protecting you? he asked, brows furrowed in confusion. Why?

Ady giggled harder at his jump. She shook her head. She hadn't meant to scare him, but she couldn't help he joy he had given her this am. It was truly beautiful. Perhaps it was a bit naive and child like to be so excited over something so simple, but she was and there wasn't much anyone could do about her quirks. 

I don't know about you. But it was not pretty when we left and sometimes I still get upset. I have nightmares all the bad things, but this also feels a bit like some how it is a gift of some sort.....like it was meant to happen, because I am happier now. Then I feel so guilty for feeling that way.

Very funny. She groused at him

Though his next words and she frowned. Well of course, because i don't want anything to happen to you either. And you would put yourself between me and death everytime. I honestly think Ully, that you would fight death if you could on my behalf.

Ulrich sighed unhappily. I'm sorry you have nightmares, he murmured. Please feel free to wake me if you have anymore. I have them too, sometimes. A soldier's life is hard, and I've had to do things I... I'm not proud of. Had to kill other wolves to protect the pack. To protect you and your parents. He smiled grimly. If only I'd known that their deaths would come from within. He shook his head. And do not be guilty for your happiness. It is a blessing that you were not also killed back there, and I thank the gods every day for it.

"I honestly think, Ully, that you would fight death if you could on my behalf."

I would, he confirmed, his voice low and serious as he stared at her in the half-light of the den. I would fight anything to keep you safe. I would do anything for you, for your happiness. I think I... He paused, his voice catching, as adrenaline coursed through his veins. Was he really about to say this? If he did, there'd be no going back. But he did not want to go back. I love you. I think I've loved you for a long time, but just... did not realize how I felt. But I realize it now, and I am not afraid of these feelings anymore. He smiled at her gently and repeated, I love you.

She tilted he head and lifted a graceful shoulder. It's not your fault, Ully.

She frowned at the thought of her gentle solder having to take another's life, because of her or her parents. Actually it made her sick. She sighed. 

I'm sorry my parents put you in that position, Ully. It was unfair and they shouldn't have done it. But then again, there wasn't much that was fair about my parents.

She frowned, was it really a blessing though. Or was it a cruelty of some god her parents had revered. At any rate it didn't matter anymore. What was done was done, and she was an orphan, for selfishness and hubris.

He was mid speech, when he stopped. Ady watched him with concern, had she upset him with her talk of death and soldiers. Perhaps, he had many bad things he had to deal with, and she had brought htem up without a thought how cruel of her. But then he completely surprised her and her heart galloped a mile a minute. He did not.

Ady slammed into his side, with all she could muster from her position. She licked his face and nipped at his ears, and threw small legs around his neck and squeezed. Finally, she buried her head in his ruff again. 

MMM It's about time, Ulrich! Goodness.

She hummed. And I love you too, as you well know.

Oof, Ulrich grunted, as Adylaide barreled into him. All right, he said, as she kissed his face, suddenly feeling very embarrassed. A-All right! Was it overly warm in here or was that just him? He had not had this much attention from a female in years and he seemed to have forgotten how he was meant to proceed. He was overjoyed, but needed a moment to breathe. Finally, she buried her face in his fur and he couldn't help but sigh quietly with relief. It's about time, she told him, and he chuckled.

You'll have to forgive me for all of my hesitation. I spent your entire life before now believing you to be some divine goddess, outside the realm of regular wolves. It took a while to... to break down that wall. He cleared his throat. And besides, I'm not a very affectionate person, generally. But... I'll try. He smiled and hid his face against her neck. But what do we do now? A-Are we... I mean... He was afraid to ask the question, afraid of pushing her into something she didn't want on accident. Are we to be considered married now, or...? Truly he did not care. He would do whatever she wanted. I-It's only that I don't... know how to proceed... out here, all alone. Before now, I've always followed the rules, not made them.

She knew that he was growing a bit flustered at her attention. That it quite possibly was even annoying him, but she couldn't quite contain her excitement yet. She knew she needed too, to be respectful, but she just needed a moment. She hoped he understood.

She snorted into his fur. I assure you only wolfess. No goddess here. My parents were delusional.

It saddened her, to an extreme degree that her parents put her on this, this pedestal above so many others. That they literally made her better than everyone when it was not what she wanted, nor what was true. It had done more to ostracize her than belove her to her people/wolves.

Ady gave a small chuckle. Well Ully that depends on you. Do you want to be married to me, because I'm fine with that. Or do you want to get to know me first, perhaps take me for a test drive first? she teased gently.

She reared her head back to look at him. That last part i'm mostly only teasing, but I will gladly take you as mine, or wait if you'd prefer.

"Well, Ully, that depends on you. Do you want to be married to me, because I'm fine with that. Or do you want to get to know me first, perhaps take me for a test drive first?"

... Perhaps take me for a test drive first?

Ulrich inhaled sharply the moment the meaning of this phrase became clear to him. In doing so, he choked on his own spit and began coughing horrendously. Now it was truly too hot in this den. He felt as if he were melting. A-Adylaide! he gasped, in between coughs, his eyes watering from the force of them. I would never--I mean... well, I would-- He paused to cough again. I mean I... If you w-wanted... but I would never use you! H-How could you even insinuate-- He was so flustered he could hardly speak.

He took a deep breath, though cautiously, lest he choke again. I would certainly prefer to wait on that. N-Not because I don't find you attractive. O-Only... Well, we've only just become... w-whatever we are. I... I would never want to force you to do... anything. His voice had become quieter and quieter as he went on, until finally he simply lay there staring at her with wide eyes, unsure of what to do now. Trembling with nerves and feeling.

Ady giggled, and she couldn't stop. He was so flustered. She licked along his cheek.

Oh you would, hmm

Ady laughed and smoothed a paw down his shoulder. Ully i know you wouldn't. I'm sorry i couldn't stop the little bit of fun at you expense. Though for the record, you wouldn't be using me. I'd be a willing participant.

She put her maw near his ear. Mates Ully. The term  you are looking for is mates. You are mine and I am  yours. Mates.

She smoothed her chin along his brow. No need toworry about forcing me. Were i to find something uncomfortable. I would tell you I promise.::

She settled near him and lay her head across his paws and her body tight against his. Hoping to quell his trembling.

Well, she was simultaneously putting him at ease and also making him nervous. W-Well, he said, I'm glad you'd be... willing.

"Mates, Ully. The term you are looking for is mates. You are mine and I am  yours. Mates."

He relaxed after this, smiling. Mates, he repeated. And then he said, That word... It sounds so informal. You are my mate, yes, but you are more than that. If we are truly doing this, then I shall call you my wife, for that is what you are. And I am your husband. There. Those words sounded right. They were words from back home, from wedding ceremonies that he would never see again, but the titles carried meaning and if he could keep even one good thing from his previous pack, he would.

She told him not to worry and curled against him, and he lay his down across her back, closing his eyes. No, he agreed, quietly. I am not worried anymore. And he smiled.