Stone Circle on a dare,

Ameline knew the pack would grow. She had yet to feel the stirring within herself, but with evergreen confidence she assured herself that there would be no way, considering how many times they had coupled, that she would not bear children. 

Haughtily she harboured the private thought that considering how many times they had coupled, they were also likely to have a full brood of children, as if that was the way it worked. She didn’t know any better, but she had every reason to hope it was so.

But they would need more hunters, more guardians. The valley was often avoided by others, as it couldn’t be seen without risking trespass- but she felt that if others saw the home they had chosen, they would come and join them. 

Even if it meant leaving their own home behind.

They’d noted the packs in the area- and the recent departure of wolves from the area near the river. Two more packs remained- Swiftcurrent seemed strong enough, but Kvarsheim had been quiet. Agreeable, so she had been told. And so, they went forth to the borders to summon the wolves- keen on finding perhaps a few who might be ready to leave the nest.

One came to greet them, and she offered a smile to the solemn-faced wolf. ”We’re the Bearclawth,” She said, and looked to her mate, admiring the ambition glistening in his eyes.