Horizon Ridge chasing the sun · pack meeting

The piebald yearling sensed some of the Alpha's discomfiture when his hopeful query was met with uncertain silence. He didn't let it linger long, launching next into a description of the pack's co-ranks. A few of them intrigued her, though the one that stood out to her most, that called to her, was Caretaker. Pied hoped to be one of the pack's mothers, for sure, but her interest in children went beyond her own hypothetical brood. She would be very happy indeed to help rear and teach all pups born into Horizon Ridge's ranks.

At last, the monarch conducted the ceremony and it, like the couple itself, was sweet and simple. Akhlut gave them a blessing of sorts and then those with gifts were welcomed to present them. Pied leaned into Kisu as their pack mates approached, setting down little tokens and trinkets that were received with a smile of thanks. Pied even favored Jinx with such a response, though secretly Pied wondered at the voodoo nature of the Kesuk's gifts. Although the amulet looked very well put together, Pied would most likely store it in the back of their den, out of sight and out of mind. Thoughtful though the gift certainly was, Pied did not trust Jinx's ulterior motives whatsoever.

"Thank-you, Ahklut," Pied said once the little ceremony drew to a close. "Thanks for the gifts and well wishes, everyone," she added, looking at the small smattering of wolves, whose heads bent back toward the sunny sky to howl in celebration. Although it was meant for her and Kisu and she wasn't sure she should join, Pied found her own throat rippling, so she closed her eyes and threw her own head back, howling in unison with the pack.