Blackfeather Woods Shadows don't blink.

@Kove
Nemesis trekked down the borders of Blackfeather, all senses at attention for any unusual scents that passed through. She was so close to obtaining the Warden trade, and the only one to accomplish it in Blackfeather. Yet, she found herself counting down the day's until her final exam, the one that evaluated if she was good enough to be in the Dark Brotherhood. She realised there weren't many actually in the dark cult, less than half the pack. It was curious to why none were training with her, not having the same darkest ambitions as hers. She could only hope that the coming winter brought a little more evil and haunting edge to the forest, and the pack.

She lifted her head, peering over the blood stained line into the territory beyond. Something had changed recently, yet she could not understand what. It was in that moment a chilling gust of wind hit her nose, sending the scent's of two others on her mind. Someone had passed the borders, but who? She ran forth, to where the scent passed, one not from Blackfeather. Yet she told herself to calm down, the change could be one in ranks, a new joiner hopefully with the right state of mind. If it was another softie, she couldn't bare it. Growling softly, she detested the idea of one of those being allowed admittance into the all dark pack. All the pale wolves she had met ended up being lowly, pathetic excuses for wolves, besides Potema and of course her Alpha. It was curious to as why all the dark pelted wolves seemed to have an affinity for the malevolent ways of the pack. Yet she would not judge, but simply wait in the shadows. 

Starting forward, she investigated the scent, and where it led. Eventually she ended up in a small clearing, only inhabited by a lone squirrel. It looked at her before scurrying off to it's nest in the rotting tree beside her. In her thoughts she felt the need to turn back and go, leave the troubles to another but she refused to simply ignore the scent of those passing the borders, not when it could be a possible lone wolf infiltrating the territory, even though the chances were nil. The blood on the line was a warning enough, those who stepped over knew what they were getting into. Almost instantly, she thought she spotted the faint glimpse of white, but instinctively turned her head. Her eyes trained, peering through the bramble of the forest.

Since his return, Kove hadn’t spent much time along the borders. He was a warden, by trade, but felt as if he owed the land some exploration before being worthy of guarding it once again. There were areas that had changed, he assumed due to the storm from awhile back, and that meant he was in need of some reminders. A jogging of his memory, if you will, to figure out exactly what had been altered, and what had been done to counteract the natural disaster. Despite that, something had drawn him near the borders, if only for a moment, to check things out. There were many he’d met there, and many exciting things that had come about during his time as a warden-in-training. The wolf hunt had, perhaps, been the most exciting at all, the memory of the event being something that would never leave his mind. Satisfied by both the memory and the fact that there was no one there, he’d turned and left, heading back into the recesses of the darkened woods.
 
As the Inuit carried on, a scent eventually met his nose, but it didn’t last long. The winds had shifted, sending his own scent in the stranger’s directions, much to his displeasure. He was glad that he’d at least gotten a hint of the smell, however, as that was all he needed to figure out where the other was. Taking to the treeline, he stalked around the perimeter of the clearing, spotting the wolf in question a few moments later. He knew right away she’d caught his scent, and was no doubt curious as to who he was and why he was there. For a few seconds longer, he kept himself hidden away, observing the shadow and her actions. When her head whipped around to stare in the direction he was in, however, is when he decided to reveal himself fully.
 
Stepping out from his makeshift hiding spot, Kove kept his gaze on the woman before him, studying her. She was a shadow in the forest, just as many who called the place home were. Meanwhile he, like several before him, was a ghost, wandering the woods in silence. On his shoulder stood the mark of the Brotherhood, and though it was in serious need of a touch-up, there was no denying it’s presence against his pale coat. “Looking for me, I'm guessing?” he voiced, quirking an invisible eyebrow as he stood a few meters in front of her. There was a faint smirk on his face, barely noticeable unless one was to pay careful attention.

Instinctively, her teeth pulled back from her mouth to reveal the glistening ivory teeth that laid behind. It only took her a second to realise her mistake, unclenching her stone cold features from its permanent displeasing and regal look. Her stomach took a leap when she noticed the red printed paw print placed on the white male's shoulder. Only a fool could mistake that mark. The Brotherhood, she thought, getting slightly impressed by this wolf. But at the same time, it was confusing. She had never met this wolf before, yet he was one of the Brotherhood, and seemed to.. fit in despite his pale coat. Perhaps he would prove to prove her wrong, maybe the light colors weren't weak. But she could not make assumptions, she didn't even know his name or the reason he had just joined after being away from the origin of his red mark. 

Stepping closer, she held a sense of acknowledgement in her eyes, like he was a worthy candidate to represent a Blackfeather wolf. It was a look barely recognisable on her face, being the way she was. None could impress her, no joyus emotion present in her soul. Yet, her impending tone didn't carry with her as she spoke to him. How strange it was. 
"It seems so" She said, raising a tone of amusement in her voice. But all thoughts were serious, not to make an impression she was one to be friendly, for later reference. "I take it you're not exactly new, are you? My name's Nemesis" She greeted, knowing fully he was no stranger to the woods.

But she was curious, his presence was confusing to her, like she should know this man. Perhaps he had connection outside of Blackfeather, that may have been brought up before. Yet, she waited to hear him out, her cold eyes fixated on his.

Even with her having revealed her cuspids to him, the male kept a neutral expression. It was not like the verbal spar he’d had against Scarlett, which had caused him to lose his composure and visibly threaten her. He’d been pushed to that point by something he knew the woman before him could not do, but that the albino had been fully capable of doing. Technically, he noted, the shaded character standing in front of him could steal his children—or rather, child, since the others were far away—but the consequences that would come about with that were surely unappealing enough to keep her away. The woman was just an unknown pack member, after all, and not even a member of the Brotherhood. He’d have no problem tearing into her if push came to shove, though his rational side assured him something like that would not come about. As she adjusted herself, he kept his gaze on her, his thoughts slowly being pushed to the side as he worked to take in her posture and body language.
 
Though she’d taken a step forward, Kove did not move, his body staying still in place instead. He’d always been one to do well with reading the unspoken emotions of others, but his skills had grown rusty during his time away. There’d never been a reason to use them in the valley, as nearly everyone had worn their hearts on their sleeves, revealing their entire essence rather than hiding themselves away behind a veil. Even so, he caught the look in her eyes, and gave a flick of his ear to acknowledge it. When she finally spoke, he caught the amusement in her words, though there was an underlying tone that was not easily ignored. She seemed like a serious being, as many of the woods were. There were few, he found, who possessed a more laid-back side, and one of which was long gone. He’d always wondered what had happened to Bane, even though he never actually went searching for him.
 
In response to her query, he gave a short shake of his head. “I lived here quite some time ago, but had left in order to start something. That something met its end, so I decided to return home.” He decided against elaborating on what that “something” was, deeming it to no longer be of any importance. The pack had ended, his relationship too, so he’d returned home. A short, uneventful story, really, better off not being told. “Nice to meet you, Nemesis. I’m Kove.” With introductions out of the way, a question was brought to his attention. “How long have you been in Blackfeather?” He was curious, wanting to learn a bit about the other member, though neither his voice or expression betrayed his emotion.

Her ears flickered, at the tone of his words. It may of just been her, but there was an edge in his voice when explained this 'something' that was, sad. But she shook of the notion, learning nothing good ever came out of prying. And it was always a clear fact that the truth always came out in the end, no matter how one tried to hide it. Yet, this wolf seemed calm in nature, much like Burke himself, regardless of her previous hostility. It almost made her thankful of his attitude, others had been less resilient in response to her temper, a situation both sides never wished to be in. Though, she picked up the feeling that he was a protective character, and if they had not been packmates, they would be having a very different conversation. 
She nodded her head in understanding at his vague explanation. "Well, whatever this something was, i'm sure you're better off here, where you belong". No place was better than Blackfeather, the one fact that stood strong about the place. The rest of the packs were headstrong, foolish in the least. It was a wonder why he hadn't returned sooner, why Ayana hadn't returned at all. 

Upon his name, her brows narrowed, her eyes and posture tensing under his gaze. Everything clicked in her mind, the pale witch who had taken Lusa's child, this Kove, once referred to as a traitor by Burke, it set her on end. "Kove you say? I've heard about you. Not good things i'm afraid" She said, suspiciously, still keeping her eyes on him. His question was forgotten in her mind as her thoughts circled vigorously in her mind. How mad Burke had been that day when Chevalier was found, the tone he said those things seemed unforgiving. Though, his harsh words were more directed to this Scarlett girl, Kove was still mentioned. Perhaps this thing he had left was Scarlett, maybe he realised what she had done and left. 
"I hope those things have been resolved, you seem decent enough" She let out, not wanting to make enemies with a new pack mate. If he is a packmate, her mind wandered.
"To answer your question, Blackfeather has been my home for a little while now, the darkness is comforting in it's malevolent ways. But you may find that it isn't as darkly habitated as when you left. I've been told it used to be a little darker" She said, not lying at all. Lusa had said it change quite a bit, it's members at least. And now, Lusa wasn't even here anymore. She found herself shaking her head at the thought, how lucky Kove was not to be here when Misty was around. She had the feeling his expectations wouldn't have agreed with her, and now neither did hers.

The ghost gave a nod of his head, agreeing with the woman’s statement. He was far better off in the dark forest, there was no denying that fact. It was his home, after all, the first one he’d had since leaving his place of birth so long ago. He’d witnessed wolves who’d come and gone, and had even become a member of the Brotherhood. His family was within Blackfeather, even if some of them no longer viewed him in such a way. He wondered what would become of the girl before him, if she would ever become a Sister, or simply stay as a regular pack member. Not wishing to assume things, he made the thought move along to the recesses of his mind, and instead focused entirely on the wolf. He noticed the tension that entered her form seemingly at the mention of his name, but said nothing on it. He could only imagine what had been said of him, especially due to his long absence some time ago.
 
When she spoke, his ears caught onto the suspicion in her tone. Hearing her words, his copper gaze narrowed, though he adjusted it once he’d realized that it had happened. The woman was not at fault for what had been said about him, and so he refused to take his frustrations out on her. “I suppose that’s to be expected,” he noted, pushing a short breath out between his teeth. “I was away for a long time, I know I can’t expect anything less.” Though he’d pretty much seen it coming, that didn’t make it any less aggravating. He was confident that the Dark Queen would not gossip in such a manner, leaving him curious about who had been speaking of him. Who all remained that he knew? Burke, perhaps, though he could’ve sworn he’d worked out his differences with the tank back when they’d sparred right after the Inuit’s departure. Then again, there’d been an incident that had taken place after that, making him less reluctant to believe a fellow Brother was speaking negatively of him—not that he didn’t deserve it. Kove still wished to further prove himself, if only in the eyes of the priestess. She was his Queen, after all, no matter who held the 'official' title of leader.
 
“If they haven’t, then they will be,” he informed her, his own thoughts being moved to the back burner so he could pay better attention to what else the girl had to say. He quirked an invisible eyebrow when she’d mentioned the woods not being quite as dark anymore, but then settled back into his usual expression after giving a slight shake of his head. “Not as dark?” He repeated, the query purely rhetorical. “I’m guessing there’s no current captives, then? No recent wolf hunts?” Though the border was marked in blood, that meant little. One could bleed without meeting death, after all. While their prisoner had, eventually, been released, she’d gone home with scars foretelling the story of what she’d experienced. He’d met up with her again at a later time, under better circumstances, but the scars had remained on her. None inflicted by Kove, of course. He’d simply interrogated her back then, earning her trust through lies in order to acquire the information they’d needed. It’d been eventful, and though it’d caused a skirmish between Blackfeather and the girl’s pack, the dark woods had come out on top. “What goes on around here now?” he asked then, wondering what he should expect. “What are the other newer members like?” What would he need to know about the others?

Nemesis held back a look of surprise that threatened to show underneath her cool exterior. It was all news to her, captives and wolf hunts. It was evident that Blackfeather lived up to it's reputation but she couldn't help feel like it could be so much darker, so much better. She would never talk bad about her pack, nor her Alpha or it's inhabitants regardless of the fact that the male had been there long before she had. The thought almost made her jealous, that when he had been in the woods, the pack was really reigning dark victorious, in it's pack members and reputation. She almost scowled at the fact that he had left the woods when it was in it's prime, apparently. What caused him to leave this life was a mystery to her, she could never imagine herself doing such a thing. 
"You must have some very interesting stories then" She chuckled, that almost felt like a grimace for she was truly just a beginner compared to him and what his expectations may be. But she would not show it, her insecurity. Whatever his ranks was, was no longer, she was above him, a fact she took pride in after exceeding those who used to stand above herself. No doubt Kove would surpass those others who neglected their rank, as she surpassed those before her. 

"Whatever used to happen then, you may not see as much of these days. It would be news to me if we had a captive somewhere" She shrugged, not extending the fact. 
"A little while ago some of the inhabitants were a bit.. soft. Not what you would normally expect" She sighed, unwillingly. 
"Normal wolves" Came her appalled mutter , the only nice way to describe their presence in the dark pack. 
"They've all gone now, mostly, for the better. Even though our ranks have shrunk dramatically recently, the spirit is much stronger. A few have betrayed us, some have left to make their own pack, and some have just abandoned their ranks. But all is better now, the pack cleansed of the freeloaders and the disloyal", she sighed, almost content at the fact.

And it was true. While Lusa, her mate and children had left to do whatever they thought they were doing, while Misty, Ayana and others had left, they had grown stronger as a group. Kove seemed to hold himself better, a figure of authority, and the red mark of his shoulder was proof. Instantly, she wondered how he had achieved the accomplishment, how he had proven himself to be worthy of being in the Brotherhood. 
"But enough about me or the pack, what about you? What trades do you hold?" She asked, wondering if he was a Warden too. Well, she was close enough anyways to call herself so. All her goal were within her reach, the Brotherhood, Warden, proving herself. But her one ultimate goal was still so far away, and with the treatments to reduce her bloodlust, the revenge seemed to travel farther and farther away. Her blood was being cleansed  itself, from the poisionous ink of fury that coursed through her veins, the one thing she had held onto. But it was better that way, to know that she wasn't a danger to others. Especially with Burke and Meldresi's children almost to arrive, she couldn't put anyone else in danger of what her blackened soul told her to do.

Interesting stories indeed. There were numerous stories he held, all from his time in Blackfeather. From interrogations to spars, he remembered every detail of it all. Even the first time he’d explored the tunnels beneath them—the same tunnels he'd yet to step foot in since his return, or even go near enough to see the ruin they'd met. As dark as the pack seemed to outsiders, it had actually provided him with many fun situations and stories. Some may view what he deemed "fun" as being warped, but many of the activities had brought him a genuine sense of excitement. There had been bad things, too, of course, but the good had overruled it without even needing to try. A grin attempted to take over his face, causing the corners of his lips to twitch as he gave a nod of his head. “I do,” he voiced. “Plenty of stories. I’d be more than happy to share some with you, if you’re ever interested.” Though he was not a storyteller at heart, he was decent enough to at least share some things he’d experienced.
 
Kove gave a nod, showing he was still listening to what was being said. He could understand the change in things, seeing as many of those who’d been apart of it all had left. Slade, Bane, Crescendo… well, he was glad Crescendo was no longer around, but the other two, not so much. They’d been Brothers, just as he was, and had been there long before he was even aware of the dark wood’s existence. He quirked an eyebrow at the mention of “soft” wolves, and nearly lost it at the part about “normal” wolves. Even the way she’d said it was amusing, but he kept himself from laughing. He did, however, allow for a grin to crack through his previously neutral features. “Soft? I suppose they didn’t last long, did they?” A chuckle came out at the end of his sentence, but he regained his composure soon after. “’Normal wolves’?” he mimicked. “I think we’re all normal, in our own rights. You’ll have to be more specific.” He was only teasing, of course, not that his tone really allowed for that to be gotten across. The ghost had a clue as to what she’d meant, and it just seemed odd to him. “Normal” wolves just didn’t join Blackfeather. Everyone who joined was odd in some way, at least in an outsider’s perspective. Their oddities were quite normal in Kove’s eyes, though. It was something he’d gotten used to.
 
The male was a bit interested after hearing some had left to start their own pack, but didn’t ask anything about it. He wondered if they’d been given Meldresi’s blessing as well, or if his own failure had ruined the chances of that ever happening for anyone again. Deciding not to think too far into it, as it wasn’t even his business, he went along with the woman’s change of topic. “Currently, the only trade I’ve got is the Warden trade,” he answered. “What about you? Any trades yet?” Kove felt it necessary to return the question, but not entirely out of his own interest. True, he wished to learn more about the other, but knowing their trades wasn’t always a good way to judge someone's character. The cruelest wolf around could be an ace at healing, and the smallest of furballs could be a warrior. While most seemed to pursue trades that “fit” them, he didn’t want to assume anything.

Nemesis narrowed her eyes at the chuckle that came in regards to her mutter about normal wolves. Did he think she was joking? No, it was one topic she felt quite passionate about. Blackfeather was different, better, in her opinion. The other's were just... not. They lacked in everything Blackfeather had, they saw the light, had their little moral codes. But Blackfeather had none of that, not boundaries to how far they wanted to go with their own demons. While other's would suppress their needs, Blackfeather gave a home to the broken and the bloodthirsty. Something those other pack's failed to understand. It put a sour taste in her mouth to think of those kinds, like her old pack, ruled by that dictating dumbass. In her opinion they were all alike, and Blackfeather was the only pack who stood out to project the truth, the way it was supposed to be. 

Her cold eyes trained to Kove's, almost in a glare of disapproval at his reaction to her statement. "What? Haven't you noticed? Blackfeather is the one that's stays, that works, that feels at home. You must know, things didn't work out for you outside of Blackfeather, they never will. Blackfeather is the one true pack, it only takes a fool not to see it" She replied, knowingly, truth evident in her tone. She didn't call him a fool, but to the whole wolf population outside of Blackfeather, where things were corrupt and broken. All else was nothing, nothing compared to Blackfeather, the dark pack. 

"And no, they didn't last long at all. They were weak, just like the rest outside of Blackfeather. You can call me wrong but from what i've seen, it's true. You're different because your soul rests here. Not out there" She sighed, knowing fully the attraction towards Blackfeather and how strong it could be. Those who didn't stick with the dark pack proved to be nothing, at all. 

Nemesis's ears perked up as the word Warden appeared, her previous mood forgotten, realising she was not alone in this feat. Maybe it was possible he could show her the way's, help her achieve the title faster than the rate it looked. "I'm working towards being a Warden, almost there actually. I've started training with Burke to be in the Dark Brotherhood as well. The pawprint mark suits you well" She replied, but in in a bragging way. And it was true, against his white pelt, the red stood out, noticable to anyone and clear to those who knew what it meant.

Noticing the narrowing of her gaze, he met it with a look of his own. Did she not possess a sense of humour? Though she was, clearly, a being meant to live nowhere but in the shadows her pelt was seemingly created from, so were many before her. Yet, even so, they’d been able to joke around at times. Things were not always meant to be taken so seriously, despite what others may believe. Slowly, his gaze returned to what it once was, and he gave her a look of mock surrender. Her glare held no effect on him, as the anger of women was something he’d become something of an expert in getting recently. “True, it does stay,” he agreed, his expression showing he didn’t take the topic lightly. “Blackfeather doesn’t leave, it’s always here. Things might not have worked out for me, or others for that matter, but that doesn’t mean no one can ever leave these woods.” Technically, anyone could leave, if they felt they needed to. Or, perhaps, if something drew them away, as had happened with him. The siren that love was, oh, how it’d betrayed him, but he didn’t believe the same fate would befall everyone who left.
 
“Don’t get me wrong,” he added then, meeting the woman’s gaze. “I love Blackfeather, and I know I belong here, but I’m not foolish enough to trample on what others think.” Having been a lone wolf for a long while before he’d first joined the dark woods, he spoke from firsthand experience. One could believe anything that want, and as strongly as they want. The second they tried to target another for not believing the same as themselves, however, is when the problems started. Issues that would, obviously, be dealt with far better by a pack wolf, than by a lone wolf. Even so, Kove wasn’t one to drag others into his messes, no matter how much heat he had coming down on him. The next thing the girl said had him starting to believe that she might be more trouble that she’s worth. “I wouldn’t judge another’s strength by the pack they’re apart of,” the male stated. “Blackfeather is strong, it’s members too, but there’s many others out there. Dark hearts exist all over.” As he spoke, he was reminded of “Aklaq”, the female he’d found and looked after for a bit. She hadn’t been apart of the woods, hadn’t been apart of anywhere, actually. The girl hadn’t even known her own name, and yet she’d showed skills that could easily be perceived as dangerous. Quite the opposite of being weak.
 
Kove caught the immediate change in the girl’s composure at the mention of his trade. It was as if a switch had been flipped, once again reminding him of the dark woman he’d once helped out. “Really? I’m sure you’ll acquire it sooner than you think. There’s always someone coming too close to the borders, despite the noticeable threat.” There had even been some who had outright crossed the border, racing into the pack’s land. The outcome of their foolish mistakes had always depended on the member to catch them. Some were let off easy, while others met death. His ears perked when she mentioned the Brotherhood, brows furrowing slightly. “Training?” he repeated. “Since when do wolves train to be brought into the Brotherhood?” He shook his head at that, the concept entirely new to him. Never had he needed to train, he’d simply needed to prove himself. He adjusted his features at the mention of his mark and then glanced at it, examining the faint colour. “It’s in need of a touch-up. The dye has faded so much since it was first placed upon my shoulder.” Pulling his gaze from the print, he looked back at Nemesis. “Thank you, though. If you are accepted into the Brotherhood, I’m positive yours will go well against your coat.” It was surprising, sometimes, how well the red went with the black.

Nemesis nodded silently, releasing her words were quite harsh for such a relaxed conversation. She wasn't that type of wolf anymore, she refused to be that blood drawn, revenge crazed girl that had entered Blackfeather for the first time. 
"True, you are right. Forgive me, I get carried away sometimes. I have a problem, in all seriousness" She chuckled, completely contradicting her statement. She had to remind herself that not all other's thought on the same level as she did, who really dug down to the core of the problem. In this case, though, he was right. Darkness was everywhere, the problem was, it didn't consume everyone. Something she didn't understand. It was a fine line between good and "bad", it didn't make sense to her why other's thought that the darker side was bad when the good was equal in comparison. 
But, she put the argument to rest, saving it for a other day when her voice would really be heard. 

Nemesis gapped at Kove's question on the Brotherhood, how else were they to gain the title. "What do you mean? How else would you prove yourself? How else would you learn how earn the title? You can't just go off, kill a wolf and ask to be apart of the Brotherhood" She cried, teasingly. "Burke, or another mentor teaches us, well actually just me right now, lessons on ways to improve our skills for the final test when we go out and complete a task for admission into the Brotherhood. It's not as simple as when you were around" She explained, not fully adjusting to the no training part of the used-to-be Dark Brotherhood regulations.  

Nemesis gave a light smile at Kove's comment, being not one to simile at anything really. It was strange how her attitude had changed, from when she had first joined. She recalled how half the pack had hated her for how she disrespected them even when she was just a beginner. But now, she was above them, and most had left. It was only Akela who had surpassed her, and their first encounter had been nothing different than the others. They had demanded respect, out of nowhere, and she would not give. At least Kove seemed to have the patience, and the manners for her to give respect on the first encounter. For that, she did applaud him. 
If what he said was true, and not just out of manners, she had another thing to yearn for and the long days went by as she was not yet in the Brotherhood. The mark symbolized everything she strived for, respect, authority, and the fact that she would be a trained Assassin, unlike the phony's who claimed to be something they were not.

But bringing herself back to the topic at hand, she realised a truth she could not admit about anyone else, save a few. She could actually see herself liking this Kove, at least he was civil and seemed to be a man of his word, if she was correct. He would serve well here, it was obvious, not a slacker like others before.  
"Well, thank you" She replied, shortly, not one accustomed to such compliments of any kind.

We can wrap this up soon, if you'd like~

Giving a flick of his ear, he waved the issue off as being no big deal, but gave a stiff nod to assure her that she was forgiven. The corners of his maw twitched a bit when he heard her chuckle, the sound not seeming to fit with what had been said. No matter, he didn’t call her out on it, not wishing to start anything with a pack mate. “Be careful with that problem of yours,” he warned, though the threat was not his own. “Out there, outside of Blackfeather, you can never know what to expect. One wrong word and you could have jaws secured around your throat sooner than you can blink.” That could be said for anywhere, however, even within the borders of the dark woods. Some just didn’t take kindly to having their own thoughts and ideas walked all over, and would be quick to lash out if such a thing ever occurred. Not everyone fit together, he’d learned that at a fairly young age, and some matters lived deeper in a wolf’s soul than others. It couldn’t be helped, but that didn’t necessarily mean a negative encounter with such a being couldn’t be avoided. It was all a matter of reading into another being, observing everything down to the faintest of micro expressions. He did not mention any of that, though, figuring it’d be best for her to find out on her own—if a situation ever called for it.
 
Again, his focus was drawn to the woman’s words, the concept of being trained unfathomable. “No, just going out and killing a wolf, then requesting to join the Brotherhood, wasn’t something that happened,” he started, his mind having already provided him with the words he planned to share. “When I was brought into the Brotherhood, being “trained” was not a necessary thing. We each possessed our own skills that we would work on bettering on our own, not have someone else come in and try to teach us. I was welcomed into the Brotherhood because I was able to prove myself to the Dark Queen, my loyalty to her never faltering.” Kove gave a slight shake of his head, the news of recruits being trained like dogs not sitting well with him. Then again, he was reminded of what Nemesis had said moments ago, how the woods had changed along with its inhabitants. With softer wolves having been allowed into the ranks at one point or another, it came as less of a shock to him about the part on lessons. “I guess there’s a want to have the newer members molded a certain way now,” he said, allowing an expression to show through just long enough to give her a look of encouragement. “Best of luck to you with your lessons. Hope you’re being taught well.” Perhaps, he noted, it was easier nowadays. Completing lessons and assignments was a much easier task than offering up all the loyalty one might be capable of. That, however, was something he did not say aloud, not having enough of information to voice those thoughts without providing just enough wiggling room to start an argument.
 
The smile that touched her lips surprised him, the expression looking odd with her features. Not to say it didn’t look nice, in its own rights, but he hadn’t expected to see such a gentle look cross her face. He gave a nod of his head, then, confronting the smile with one of his own. “You’re welcome,” the Inuit voiced, the words easily falling from his maw. He could be a polite man, after all, just as long as he was not angered. The scorching feeling of aggravation was something that had a knack for taking over when coursing through someone’s veins, and though Kove was usually a well-mannered and calm wolf, even he was not spared of that. Lucky for her, he was in a fairly good mood, still glad to be back in the dark woods.

Just noticed, I meant to say "You can't just go off..." instead of "Can". Which would be bad. Sorry for the confusion!

Only a nod of her head signified her appreciation to his comment. It really wasn't everyday that someone was this nice to her, at all really. But that same could be said about her. Her attitude towards him was unusually nice, for her standards. And he was right, her problem was out of control, she was taking meds for goodness sake! But no medication or herbs or meditation could relieve her of the lucid temper that controlled her mind at the most bitter moments. It was pure will and self control that would save her from her dooming conscious, only she could salvage the remnants of what made her sane. Even that was slipping from her grasp. 

She couldn't help feel Kove didn't approve of the whole training situation, or so what her intuition said. Yet, it was true. Lessons were informative, yes, but was it really what she needed? What was best was not to question her Alpha, not for a subject as unimportant as it was. There was a time for speaking up and a time for shutting up and sitting down. Kove was entitled to his opinion, and she refused to let others influence her thinking. As resilient as she was, they did. No longer, she promised herself.

"I will see you around sometime. A word of advice, things have changed. I'd advise you to talk to Burke and sort out your problems or something. Those situations never work out well if you don't figure it out" She said, purely relaxed about the whole thing. Her tone didn't suggest scolding or warning but purely her advise, her opinion. It was up to Kove if he wanted to take it. 
"But hey, nice meeting you. I'll be waiting for those stories" She smirked, with a flick of her tail before turning her back and starting back to her own fortress, well what could be called so. The night was approaching, and she desperately needed sleep if she was to function the next day. 

You'll end?

Aha, it’s fine. Thank you for the thread.

 
The concept of being trained was still quite new to him, but the more he thought about it, the more benefits he could see coming out of it. Even so, he was glad he’d never been made to partake in such lessons. Not due to a lack of confidence, but rather his feeling that it’d be unhelpful. The man had figured things out on his own, finding that procedure far more appealing than having to pay close  attention to every little detail of another being's actions and words. There were ups and downs to both sides, of course, but he didn’t dwell on it for too much longer. What the new recruits were made to do did not concern him, less he be made a mentor for certain things—but the chances of that happening were unlikely, at best. A fact he both recognized and, slightly, appreciated.
 
“I’ll consider doing that,” Kove stated, unwilling to share his exact plans. Even if he was to discuss the matter, there was no guarantee it would ever be resolved. Even so, maybe he would try when the opportunity presented itself, or maybe he’d just let things go how they were. Not even he was sure of his choice just yet. It was something deserving of his full attention, and would be thought through at a later time. Currently, though, he gave a short nod to the dark woman. “Same to you,” he returned. “Let’s hope you don’t wait too long to hear them.” The Inuit caught the smirk that had crossed her features before she turned, and then watched her take her leave. He lingered for a few extra moments, before turning and heading off towards his own space. There were many things for him to think about, several things to consider.