Phoenix Maplewood fast and furious

All threads using the Joining icon are automatically all welcome. :) I have a lot of other things to reply to but wanted to make sure I get in on this. I'm not feeling writing today, so feel free to skip me if I'm holding it up, at least until it's time to make a decision. I'm going to write present tense in this thread as part of my challenge.

The songbirds have all disappeared in the wake of the recent snow, the evidence of which has since vanished. The forest is quieter than she's ever heard it. It serves to unnerve the alpha female at times, as bird calls served a great purpose in warning of danger. Where their song was quietest, it was often best to tread carefully. Now the whole wood is silent save for the occasional rustle of the bare shrubs and the gentle patter of smaller animal feet. There's no warning signs of danger, so she relies on her eyes and her nose.

Thankfully, these senses still serve the alpha female well, and she scents the stranger on the wind just before his call goes up. She's quick to respond, but not quick enough. When she arrives, Ukko is already on the scene, presenting a bit of a wall between himself and the maplewood. She approves of his speedy response time—a likely reason he has climbed the ranks so readily—but her attention on him is fleeting, for the other male is the one who called. The white-haired alpha is smaller than both males, but makes up for the size difference with a posture that practically oozes authority. The lack of tail no doubt ruins the effect, but she pays the thought no mind.

She doesn't speak, but acknowledges Ukko with a dip of her muzzle. She's interested to see what he's made of. He's brought one member into the maplewood without incident so far, so for now, the yearling defers to his judgment in handling the situation.