Broken Antler Fen Getting Acquainted

@Sebastian 

Ambrosia lay sprawled out on her side, her tan-orange and black pelt glowing as the long, soft fur soaked up heat from the pool of sunlight she was in. Brandy was nowhere to be seen, her scent stale around her mother. Ambrosia stared up at the sky, wondering what it would be like in this pack. Would they have to leave, like every other place? Or would they really be able to call Broken Antler Fen their home? She hoped so. The tan she-wolf had been feeling lonely lately, despite having her daughter around. Daydreams of a mate and pups danced behind her eyes, and the stubborn she-wolf was likely to go for her goals; especially not being able to wander and keep her gypsy soul content. Though she was excited to re-join the routine of things and become a guardian, to fight and protect again, Ambrosia knew she'd always want to wander and would have to be content to daydream again.

Sebastian was making final preparations for his pack. He had returned from the coast with his friend Pearl. He was certain that she was going to help him well. The female had advised him well before. The grey male wandered through the territory wanting to check up on a few of his members. He expected them to be still in this territory. He only needed to finish some last few things. He was so close. It excited him.

Sebastian spotted Ambrosia laying down looking totally relaxed. The light hearted male smiled at the sight because it meant that she was feeling at least a bit at home to lay down like that. "Hello, am I interrupting?," he asked her as he approached.

Ambrosia had been so concealed in her own thoughts of Sebastian and the pack, she hadnt heard the real Sebastian approach. At the sudden voice, the orange-tan she wolf scrambled clumsily to her paws, fur growing hot as she tried not to acknowledge the dirt on her pelt or between her claws, or the way her fur ruffled the wrong way on her side. No matter what Sebastian would one day be to her, Ambrosia knew that looking ragged and messy wouldn't get her to that place. "Not at all! I just didn't hear you coming. I was a bit spaced out." The she wolf admitted to the male, laughing nervously as her yellow eyes scoured him; wondering what he was thinking as she sat and ran her tongue over her chest fluff.

Sebastian was startled because she was startled from him. The male had to laugh a bit once he was settled. The male looked at her, not even seeing her ruffled fur or the dirt in her fur. He was still a guy. The male sat down, his tail swaying lightly. "I noticed that," he returned. "But I guess that is a good sign, because it meant that you feel at home here already," he spoke to her. Sebastian smiled kindly. The grey giant had wondered how they were doing. Then he noticed that her little shadow wasn't there. "Where is Brandy? Out exploring?," he asked. It was good that she was not plastered to her mother always. She was officially an adult after all. So that meant that she should show interest in being without her.

Ambrosia, realizing with a slight smile that Sebastian didn't care what she looked like as much as she did, smiled and settled into a comfortable sit before speaking in a soft, kind tone; one she hadn't used in a long time. "You know, I haven't felt so at home since... Well, I was home." The she-wolfs lemon eyes started to wander, but then Ambrosia seemed to shake herself mentally back. "Brandy is out hunting for dinner, actually, or so she says. I think she wanted a reason to look around. IF she focuses enough to remember to bring something back, would you like to share?" Ambrosia used a playfully mean voice, obvious that she was kidding about her not bringing something back. She didnt like when Brandy was away from her and mostly grown, but she also knew it had to happen.

Sebastian smiled at her. "I am so happy to hear that," he spoke. He wanted his members to feel home. Sebastian did hope that eventually Ambrosia would help out, she didn't seem like a lacker but more one that needed a well deserved rest after all her traveling. "I think it is good for Brandy to go explore and hunting in an area that is safe. It will give her an opportunity to express herself and not be worried about losing you," he spoke, thinking about this. Now they weren't traveling, settled in a new land, and Brandy could now explore and see the things she liked, and most of all do the things she liked.

Sebastian was surprised by her question. "If I like to share? It is her meal, it is more the question if she would like to share, would it?," he spoke kindly. He wouldn't want to take away her first caught meal. Maybe he would decline just out of politeness, but then there as still the question if she would catch something. She was young after all, and she was hunting along. Rabbits were still tricky at times, seeing that was the most to go small prey.

Ambrosia pinned her black-rimmed ears, confused, and gave Sebastian a questioning look. "She went out for the purpose of catching a celebration dinner for us, I couldn't imagine her not inviting you to join us. Plus, you are the alpha.... Dont they usually take first pick of prey anyways?" Her lemon eyes flashed, laughter dancing behind them as she smiled at Sebastian. "Anyway, I do agree that it's nice to have a moment to myself to relax after what we've been through, knowing we are both safe, even if I dont like being away from my daughter. She's the only thing I have left, really...." Ambrosia looked down at her black front paws, trying unsuccessfully not to think about her past as she caught sight of the scars covering her toes. "But I cant keep her from living her life. I suppose that means I need to find one of my own."

Sebastian had to agree with her a bit. "Well yes, but I would only do such a thing with a pack hunt, one where we would all have put effort on. I was not aware that is was a celebration meal seeing that she is hunting alone she won't take home a big prey, one wolf can't take down a deer. So I figured it would be just a small meal, and I am not going to take that from her," he spoke to the girl's mother. Sebastian found that Brandy would be allowed to eat from that meal herself.

"I cannot pretend to know how you feel seeing I do not have kids, yet. But, I do think it would be good for her to let her go a bit," he offered with a hint of a smile to comfort her. "Plus, now you have a pack meaning you are not alone. You can make new friends, build a new family. You soon feel rich and socialized again. I promise," he spoke, trying to cheer her up instead of asking what happened in her past. He didn't feel like prying.

Ambrosia lifted her head and shrugged; stretching and flexing the lean muscles of a warrior. "I can go on a night hunt, if she only brings enough for you two. I wouldn't mind. I'd like to see the territory for myself anyways. But it's up to you, I cant pressure an alpha." The orange-tan she wolf laughed at the image before getting serious again. "I hope this is truly the place Brandy and I can call home. I've had enough of being lonely. It would be nice to settle down, meet some others, find a mate...." Ambrosia wondered vaguely what role Sebastian would play in her life, but shoved the thought away at once; scolding herself silently as her pelt grew warm. "Do you have a mate, Sebastian?" The words slipped out without her thinking, and she stumbled over words trying to make herself less.... Forward? Creepy? "I-I mean you said you didnt have puppies yet, I didnt know if you just hadnt found a mate yet or simply didnt have pups yet." Oh lord. Ambrosia begged herself to just shut up, sure she'd just embarrassed herself.

Sebastian really had to get adjusted to his new status. He felt really special how Ambrosia was treating him, and Sebastian himself didn't feel like he was special. He needed to mentally remind himself that he was indeed their alpha and their leader, but he would also like to be their friends. Unfortunately he had not found out how to be both. Before he could reply Ambrosia started about mates, a sore topic for the eternal bachelor. Sebastian cleared his throat. "Um. No, I am not mated," he spoke. Though he wanted to settle down badly. Since half a year he really wanted to settle and a female of his own. One he could take care of, but it never worked out for him. His first crush died before he could tell her, and the second one just didn't work out, and the third was now his ex girlfriend. "I'd like to.. one day," he spoke about being a father. Though he wouldn't mind if that moment would be there soon. He then looked over her. "How about you? Brandy's father?," he asked curious now.

Ambrosia settled down on her belly, listening intently as she studied him. When asked of Brandy's father, shadows haunted her lemon eyes. "B-Brandy is a.... A product of r-rape." She stumbled over her words, soft orange-tan fur spiking out in anxiety. "The male did it to get back at my father. I was told he didnt live long after.... I gave birth to a healthy litter. One looked like him...." She stopped herself for a moment, closing her eyes and prepping herself as to not breakdown. She barely choked out her words, "I blacked out. When I'd woken up.... Brandy was the only one left alive." She glanced around in fear, as if she expected Midnight to jump out of any bush.

Sebastian's eyes widened instantly when Ambrosia said that Brandy was a child of rape. The male looked disgusted and shocked, not because he was disgusted of Ambrosia but what she had been through and then to still be so caring for Brandy. The charcoal male frowned deeply. "I am sorry that this happened to you, this will never happen again under my watch, ever," he spoke. He could understand if she was wary of him now, Sebastian decided that he would be extra careful around her. He did not want to trigger her.

He did not comment on how she blacked out and only want was left. He could see that such a thing was understandable. Still, Sebastian disliked that this even happened to her in the first place. "I am sorry for asking," he spoke politely. Now he might have made her feel worse again.

Ambrosia sighed sadly, but looked over at Sebastian with her lemon eyes gleaming. "I made a promise to raise Brandy right, and give her a good life. I felt like that was the least I could do.... It was hard, at first. But then she started acting like me, such a sweet thing. After two months or so, life was easy again; even living as loners. I made peace with it after Brandy forgave me." After a short pause, the she wolf added, "I share my daughter's opinion of you, and I trust you to protect us and take care of us. I'm sure we'll find our home here. I don't mind being open with you Sebastian, it feels nice to talk about it. I never made friends outside the pack I was born in, not till you."

Sebastian was pleased that they were in fact bonding. "But living as a lone wolf would not be the right way for Brandy to really grow up. She will miss the social contact and natural pack structure. It is good that you decided to join my pack. You are helping me and I will help you two with the rest of the members," he spoke. He liked the idea that Ambrosia was really looking for a family too seeing that Sebastian wanted to create a family. Not just with a female but also with wolves he could call his friend. "That is sweet of you to say. I am glad. I hope I will be a good alpha. At least I know I have morals and will try to do the right thing,' he promised.

"One more thing though. Since you trusted me. There is a pack, not that close to us more like a day travel or more. But it is a dark forest, there are carcasses on their border and... the wolves are just horrible. Yet, the alpha of that pack is unfortunately my father. I do not like other's to know about him seeing they might think I am like him but I am not. I tell you this because I look just like him. Scarily so. The only thing that is different is that he has a docked tail and more scars. Please when you see him don't confuse him for me. He is horrible I wouldn't want him to know we live here."

Ambrosia smiled, happy to be bonding with the charcoal alpha as she continued to open up. "I know, that's why we've been jumping from pack to pack for the past few months. I've tried joining, even stayed a week or two with some. But they all were cruel, or expected too much of a pup and a mother. Once, pure jealousy of a petty female." A low growl sounded from her chest, but she flicked a black-rimmed ear dismissively after his next words. However, as he told her about his father, she frowned and seemed to think for a moment before speaking slowly, carefully, as if she wanted to make sure he heard her without doubt of her sincerity. "Before I had Brandy, I would have turned and left; one with bloodlines as such would have scared me. But seeing Brandy turn out more like me than Midnight.... But still be her own self.... I believe you are who YOU are, not who you're kin is. My opinion of you hasnt changed, Sebastian. And i wont let him know we live here, but wont he scent the borders?" Ambrosia questioned, tipping her head and looking over at him with warm lemon eyes.

Sebastian nodded slowly. "Well I am glad you found a good place now. I think now we are setting this up you are all new. I think that is a good start for you both. You should meet FallenStar, Pearl and Aduin, they are really nice too. Then you already have some bonds with them!," he offered as a suggestion to the female.

Sebastian then listened to her words, slowly starting to smile at what she was telling him. This gave him great confidence that Ambrosia was not going to think badly of him. The male slowly shook his head. "From the time I've spend there, really don't ask, he didn't really leave the territory. He has his scouts to do that for him. I don't think we should be worried about them...," he spoke, but there was always a chance something could happen.

Ambrosia nodded, storing the names in her head to call upon later. She would seek out the other wolves of the future pack, make friends; they had to be okay if Sebastian suggested them. Faced with the probability of having a family and friends again, the she-wolf realized just how lonely she'd been as her heart ached to once again share prey with friends, to hunt and share dens again. A chill ran through her, tail quivering as it wagged behind her in excitement, and she couldnt help but dig her nails into the earth. "I'll be sure to find them eventually. Is there a specific camp, or will there be later?" It would be much easier to find said wolves if they all slept in the same area. But she knew of packs that had dens spread throughout the territory too, Ambrosia preferred a camp setting and assumed Brandy would too; it offered better protection and more socialization, plus a set place to bring prey every night for hunters like Brandy and one place for guardians like Ambrosia to defend. Chosing not to be worried about Sebastians father, she flicked an ear and dropped that subject.

That is actually a great idea! I am going to have that in this pack! :D

Sebastian listened to her and started thinking. How great would it be, not only for their bonding but also for their safety if they would all sleep together? Sebastian instantly thought this was a good idea to have a rendezvous site where they would meet and sleep. "That is a good idea. I am going to find a good location and mark it as our central meeting point. I like your idea, that is a good one," he agreed and smiled at her.

Sebastian really liked that idea and had the feeling that if he would set it up from the beginning it would be a normal thing for them to meet, bring the food and have someone to play with. Sebastian's tail wagged at the idea.

:D Glad to give an idea



Ambrosia felt her face get hot at his praise, her tail wagging like crazy behind her as she puffed slightly in pride. "No problem, thats how my old pack did it. We had a nursery, for any mothers who wanted the company and help of others, and a healers den to store herbs. Most wolves slept in family dens.... I could help you, if you want. I've got a lot of ideas. Plus, all of this would be much easier with someone to share the work." The orange-tan female smiled at the alpha, glad to be of any help and even more so to know Sebastian was happy with her. It'd been a long while since Ambrosia had felt the need to impress somebody, but here it flooded her again as her mind raced to think of new ideas.  "Maybe a specific den for food, so other hunters or scavengers dont get at it? We could bury it in the Winter, the earth would keep it cool." Ambrosia's lemon eyes sparkled in excitement as she awaited an opinion and an answer.

Sebastian nodded. "Lots of packs have caches," he spoke and nodded. "Actually I think we need several spots seeing that if one would get raided we would always have another one," he spoke, more in thought really. "But I do like the camp site idea a lot. I think I will scout for a good location," he then spoke. "I hope you don't mind? Then you and Brandy can enjoy a meal together," he offered kindly. He felt rather out of place to eat Brandy's hard earned meal. Sure, he was the alpha and all, and eating habits would slowly change... Yet Sebastian wanted to wait for all that when everything was official.

Ambrosia's yellow eyes glowed with hurt but she looked around their surroundings, blowing it off. She stayed quiet as she listened to his words, eventually flicking an ear. "Alright, that sounds good. Suppose you'll find me again when you need me. Brandy should be back soon." She just couldn't understand Sebastian's hesitance, but soon squashed down her stubbornness and accepted it with quiet grace. "I do hope everything gets settled soon, I'd like a proper den again, and good company." Ambrosia sat and looked over the water of the lake, quiet.

Sebastian noticed that something was bothering Ambroisa. The young male felt a bit guilty. Maybe he had unknowingly rejected a great gift. The grey male wagged his tail and looked at the Black and Tan female. "We will settle very soon! I am trying to recruit a knight that could help us!," he spoke.

Sebastian then kept her eyes on her. "I.. Did I do something wrong? I could stay for the meal, I can look for a campsite later if you like that better." Sebastian was very sensitive to hurting wolves mainly because he likes to avoid it. Especially with his new members. "You can tell me if something is bothering you! We are a family now!," he encouraged.

Ambrosia listened quietly, tipping her sharp-featured head at word of the knight. "A knight? That sounds interesting. I assume it's like a protector or a guardian, right?" Such a wolf could be a great asset to any pack, especially a new one in need of fighters to protect new boundaries. Ambrosia felt a twinge of happiness, knowing she was a wolf as such: specifically trained to fight and protect her pack. But as Sebastian spoke again, she felt her heart try to leap through her throat. Sighing but smiling slightly, the long furred she-wolf flicked her tail and looked around again. "No, you're in the right. I-Its just.... I haven't had a friend in a long, long time, before I even left my home. But I've got no right being wounded that a wolf I barely know doesn't want a stranger tagging along your every move like a moony pup." Her words seemed harsh, but her tone was light and amused, her lemon eyes sparkling with mischief. "I do hope, maybe one day, can at the least be friends...." With a little extra emphasis on the "least" and "friends", she trailed off, leaving him to take her words as he pleased. Her yellow orbs betrayed the growing fondness she had for this young alpha, but she kept her mouth shut. As she'd just said, they barely knew each other; Ambrosia assumed she wouldnt be dissapointed.

Sebastian nodded lightly and quirked up his lips. "Yeah, she is quite a tough girl. I hope I can convince her," he admitted. Sebastian knew that her advise would be good for him, and his pack. He was a first time alpha and he wanted to do well. Just like why he was bothering to ask Ambrosia what was wrong. "Oh! But... I thought we were already friends! I am sorry if you thought something else," he spoke to her on a friendly tone. His tail wagging. Sure, he would want her to listen to him as an alpha but he wanted to be their friend too. The large male smiled. "Don't worry about that. You know what... I will stay. I can search later. If you want my company I can totally stick around," he offered with a smile, pretty clueless to what she was feeling, as he always did.

Ambrosia's ears flicked back for a moment, his obliviousness evident to her. Swiveling her ears around to listen, hiding her initial motion, Ambrosia again stayed quiet as he spoke. Though she could tell he was sincere, she was worried it was out of pity. She spoke softly, making sure to keep a level of cheer in her tone as she struggled for a response. "The pack is more important, I can understand wanting to get things done. Brandy will be back soon, I wont be alone long.... I would hate for you to stay just because you're sympathetic." Even if her tone was kind and sounded cheery, her eyes betrayed her distress. She looked around again, averting her lemon gaze. She wanted him to stay because he liked her and he wanted to stay here with her. "I know we're friends I just.... I...." The bright tan and black she-wolf sighed. "I dont know. I dont want you to stay if you dont want to."