Two Rivers Isle Arthendal, our new home

MANDATORY: CLAIMING HOWL! @Malice @Aeronwyn @Shink @Issun @Pyro @Vassago

Burke had fortified the borders one last time this morning. The male had been going of on their scent and how strong it was becoming. With the help of the four other adults it was definitely becoming stronger and an actual claim. The older male felt himself grow very pleased. There was only one thing that he needed to do, although technically two things. The large male wanted to trot to their den site but thought better of it. The tree stump on top of the hill was a nice beacon and meeting spot. Burke let out a loud howl, claiming this area and urging the others to join him in his howl. It would hopefully echo through the Hinterlands.

Then Burke followed with a summoning howl, he had a few words to say. The reason he came here too was because he knew Malice liked the flowers that were sprouting everywhere on this hill and the fields below. Pyro and Vassago would have to follow their mother, they were almost two months so that wasn't going to be a problem in his eyes. That was one thing done, they claimed this area. It was theirs only, between the West- and East River their islands. Burke had one other thing in mind. Now the pack was set up there was one other thing he would need to address, a very important matter which he recently realized.

There was something in the air today. Something was about to happen, but she didn't yet know what. She looked at her two children with a warm smile, giving them both a lick on their heads to wake them. It was time to go outside, and finally there she heard it; Burke's call. Malice lifted her head in the air, muzzle pointed to heaven and let out her own song. They had done it. They had actually started anew here, and they would protect their peace forever. Finally the Hinterlands knew that there was a new pack in town, and that they were as proud as ever.

Malice was already traveling toward her man, the two children close to her at all times, as he let out a summoning howl on top of the hill. She looked up to see a very glorious Bunnybutt between all the different kinds of plants and flowers. She helped her children get up the mountain, ignoring the fear of Vassago and hoping he would just really like to be with his father. She joined next to him with a warm smile, touching his shoulder with her muzzle before sitting down.

Her muzzle was pointed to the sky, a haunting melody surging from it and joining the notes of others across the summer air. She howled with pride, with joy and delight, utterly proud to be here, in this moment. The time had come now when their claim was strengthened, made official and made stronger than before, the footsteps of many crisscrossing the isle. This was their Isle, this was Arthendal, and all others would know it. This fact made the femme feel, finally, as if she belonged, here, with her ragtag family.

When the final notes of the claiming howl broke away and drifted further on the wind, another howl rose in the air, this one a summoning. Naturally curious, the femme broke into a quick lope, arriving at the scene in mere minutes. Malice, Burke, and the pups stood there already, to the pair she bowed, submitting with a lowered body and tucked head. This time, it was not only out of tradition or selfishness, but with true respect to the couple before her. 

She sat on her haunches, regal and stately, but a small smile still played on her muzzle. "My Lord, and my Lady. Greetings." she said, addressing them by their true titles now. They had hanged, she realized, as had herself. She was still a warrior, a fighter, and would never cease to be. And yet, she was not the reckless, emotionless assassin she had been before all this, the unfeeling and arrogant woman that looked down on all others. No, she had her family, her pack, now, and it had changed her.

Shink was roaming the forest, his nose pressed to the ground as he breathed in the familiar musty scents. In many ways, th the Isle reminded him of the meadow; it's warm, aura, the abundance of prey that was beginning to once again thrive. Yet from the bottom of his heart he knew it would never be the same, he just had to accept that and move on. By now, he was completely devoted to his superiors, glad to rely on them to determine most of the choices and hardships that the land threw at them. His auds pricked in interest as a howl sounded, it's call spiralling above the treetops until another joined in, harmonising completely. Burke and Malice; he knew their song by now. Lifting his muzzle to the skies, he joined in with his own wavering cry, a burst of joy sending excited thrills through his voice as he let the last notes of his melody fall prey to the wind.

He swung himself into a stable trot as the brutes summoning howl filled his ears and he emerged from the undergrowth to stand amongst the flowers, his agouti pelt a rosy gold in the sunlight. It seemed he was not the first to arrive; the pale vixen had already made her appearance noticeable and he regarded her silver figure with a warm gaze. Parting his maw, he let his tongue loll out as he let his paws carry him up the rise towards the pair and their brood. Sparks of energy rippled through his body as he dipped his head to both, more out of admiration and pride than general routine. A warm smile appeared upon his muzzle as he settled beside a flowering bush, his tail thumping the grass as he waited for what his alphas were going to say.

Vass was woken from fitful slumber by his mother, and with a wide yawn splitting his jaws he almost missed his fathers call. In fact, if not for Malice's reaction, he might've ignored it. But then Mom took them outside, loosing her own howl, and led them away from the den. Where were they going? Was it fun? Monkey see monkey do was applied heavily here, and the sounds of all the howling rose excitement in Vassago. Stopping, he tipped his muzzle up high and howled his best: a melody of squealing, yipping, but mostly thank god actual howling. It wasn't as strong as his parents', or as loud, but it was only a little shaky. One day, his howl would boom, but for now, it only echoed up the hill to Burke. Unintentionally, Vassago had howled his own claim alongside his parents and packmates. 
When they came upon the hill, Vass froze. ALLLLLLLL the way up there, all the way at the top, was the grey form of his Daddy. As Malice went on, the chestnut boy fell behind, eventually slinking after them at a distance. His ears were flat against his head and he was panting rapidly, but not out of being tired.

He tilted his maw to the skies, joining in their claiming song. It was time to write a new chapter. New home, new environment, new faces, new everything. With this start, he promised to make the most of it.

Soon after their claiming howl accompanied a summoning. Issun quickly trotted towards the sound. He took his place, waiting for the pair to speak.

Pyro couldn't name what it was, despite his ample knowledge of voiceless words, but there was something in the air that told him it was a different kind of day, and mother clearly felt it too. She ushered both her children out of the cozy den after a deep and proud howl, it was definitely father calling, and Pyro followed airily all the way to the colorful hillock. His voice did not join the others at the claim, he was an observer, but he shared his excitement for whatever-it-was-all-about shaking his booty. That's right, his booty.

But something was wrong. The dark-furred boy looked around, suddenly realizing Vas' had stopped following. Pyro found him at the base of the hill, he wasn't even sure what his facial distress was about, but didn't actually pay much attention. Vassago couldn't miss whatever-it-was-all-about, that was for sure, so Pyro took it upon himself to drag him all the way up the hill and started by tugging at his left ear because that's the perfect method, everyone knows that.

Everyone instantly responded to his howl. Burke was pleased to see all of them. They were small now but he was certain that they would expand and their ranks would grow. He knew some of their members were really driven and that they would be scholars in no time. Yet, that was not what Burke wanted to do.

Malice came to stand by him and once everyone was there his two sons seemed to come up the hill too, one dragging the other. His pale eyes watched the two with some curiosity, though decided not to intervene into their brotherly relationship. Burke cleared his throat. "Welcome all. We claimed these lands as our own. We are the pack that we like to call Arthendal," he announced. Some knew this already. "However, I as your Lord, do not intend to rule alone," he spoke and then smiled at Malice. It was a rare sight for him to do in public.

He quirked up his lips. "Malice, you have been patiently waiting for me for a long time now. I know, hence why I wanted to ask you if you want to be my mate before all of these witnesses," he spoke, voice still calm and collected as always. Yet, from the inside he was kind of freaking out a bit. Because he never declared his love so openly. "So, will you lead this pack with me as my Lady and trusted mate?," he clarified.

Malice watched amused at how everyone gathered. She almost couldn't believe they had done it- together. Burke had officially turned her life up-side-down, and with him near, she felt like she could do anything. Her almost golden-like eyes sparkled with joy as they landed upon the two brothers, Pyro helping his older brother up. Maybe his methods were questionable, but it was a sweet sight. Malice just hoped it didn't hurt all too much. She puffed out her chest, closing her eyes in delight, waiting for some sort of speech from Burke, not knowing her dreams would become reality.

She watched the experienced older male explain shit, her ears perking up at his next bit. At first she was questioning if he had met some other female with more experience and loveliness. She would not be surprised if that was the case. When he smiled at her, though, she melted.

Her eyes widened as he spoke, wanting to jump up and yell "I DO, KISS THIS FUCKING MATE, BOY", but found it inappropriate for this situation. Instead, she stood there, mouth gaping open, clearing her throat after a few minutes of silence. Of course... She answered, placing her head on his shoulder to give him a cat-like hug of affection.

Shink arrived shortly, Aeronwyn offering the excited male a quick smile. Issun, the newest member, arrived shortly after, she spared him only a quick nod. Her attention turned to Burke as he begun to speak, her gaze falling a moment on the odd site the pups made. Ah, yes, Pyro. The ear was always good. She held in a laugh, and stopped, surprised and a little shocked. She hadn't laughed, in...months. At least not in all her time in Teekon. 

Burke's next words garnered her attention quickly enough, and her smile increased as Malice accepted his proposal, going forward to greet him. It only felt natural to do so, so she tilted back her muzzle and howled. A beautiful, haunting song, one of joy and a celebration of the new mates. She lost herself in it a moment, ending off the strong song with a final burst of notes, then lowered her muzzle and let the last notes of the melodious harmony fade.

As the remaining wolves trickled onto the scene, the agouti boy gave each an excited glance, his focus hovering over the odd sight of the two brothers cutting their own unique way of scaling the rise in amongst the various adult forms. A rumble of amusement wound its way up his throat, escaping in a light chuckle as they reached the summit.

He found his gaze drawn back towards his Lord and Lady as the grayscale brute began his speech, his ears pricked as the name of their pack was announced. Arthendal. Mystical yet somehow purposeful, much like the wolves who resided here, sharing and gaining knowledge with each other and the land alike. Burke earned a quiet yip of approval before he fell silence one more.

A sense of admiration washed over his body as Malice agreed to Burke's request; they were prideful, a perfect couple in his eyes. He knew they would serve their clan to the best of their ability, now united with their new mateship and he raised his muzzle to the heavens, releasing a wavering call of his own as Aeronwyn began her melodic tune. It stirred a strange feeling deep inside the boy; like pride... but not, tugging at his heart as he let the last traces of his cry fall prey to the wind.

It was his little brother who came for him first, latching onto his ear and tugging him faster up the hill. 
It worked, granted, but it did smart a bit. Pyro's  sharp baby teeth were digging in and drawing blood but didn't actually rip or tear. So long as Vass slunk unwillingly behind him, all was well. The height of it all was still uncomfortable, but with Pyro's grip on him maybe he wouldn't fall. It wasn't a mountain, after all, not as many places to fall and die. 
                           "D-daddy! Moooooom!"
Instinctivley, he called out to his parents, pushing closer to his brother for comfort and whimpering slightly. The little chestnut boy trembled, his nostrils flared, and he didn't in the slightest understand what was going on. His eyes, though, rather than being on their caregivers or even the heights, were on Pyro, as if asking him to keep his older brother safe. Was the darker boy not afraid of the cliffs? Did he not worry of falling and feeling the pain of wounds?

Pyro ignored everyone around him as he struggled to drag his brother up the hill. He was doing something completely sane in his opinion, and so he figured they were all laughing at something else. He tried not to hurt his brother too much, but Pyro had little control over his growing teeth and managed to draw some blood. Whoopsies.

Once up the hill Pyro sat happily next to his mother, making sure Vassago wasn't left alone. Something seemed to be bothering him but Pyro never thought he might be scared, what on earth could scare Vassago? He was the bravest wolf in the world! (right after daddy, of course). His baby-blue eyes met with Vassago's own for a moment, he looked sad for some reason and he tilted his head in confusion. He needed to be happy right now so Pyro tried to cheer him up with a loud yip and a soaking lick all over his face. Couldn't he see that daddy had something important to say?

Suddenly everyone started howling again, and Pyro's attention was drawn to the risen snouts of all the wolves around him. But this time he couldn't help but join them, their tunes all sounded to happy and proud that he just had to be a part of it. And so his instincts took over and his snout pointed upwards as his own off-key howl joined those of the Arthendal pack. One day he would understand what that meant.

Burke instantly got a pleased smile on his face. So he was mated once more, to a female that could be his daughter. Oh well, he was rather happy with her.  And the howls of their pack members made it even better. This old man could die happily he decided. He gave Malice a lick over her cheek, which was quickly interrupted by their oldest son crying out. He first cried out Daddy giving Burke slightly more pride. Burke walked over to him, which was literally a few stepped.

"What is wrong, Vassago?," he asked and moved the pup between his legs. It was not for Vassago to be scared but after that bear attack he did seem more timid. He didn't want to be out in the open. Burke didn't want this to haunt his life forever. The male nudged him, saying that it would be alright. "Lets howl all together once more to state our claim!," he let out, and started howling.

Edit: @Pyro you seemed to have skipped @Issun! :O Feel free to post whenever Athena!

So, this is where he would officially stay. Arthendal. The name ran through his mind over and over, getting used to the name. It couldn't be Moonlit, never would, but perhaps something more.

Unlike the wolves around him, he couldn't find the joy in Malice's acceptance to the Lord's proposal. He didn't understand why. He should feel happy for her like everyone else, yet no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't. It just didn't feel right. The warrior could only hide the unease with a fake smile.

Issun lifted his muzzle to the sky, letting loose a proud howl to join the claim. It felt good to have a home again.

Her ears swiveled to the side as she was called by one of her children. Her mouth made an "o" as she looked upon the stumbling brothers, practically rolling up the mountain together. She wondered if she should do something, as she knew of how afraid Vassago was of heights, but then remembered; brother could help each other out perfectly. One day they would have to fend for themselves and work together anyway. This was perfect practice where no one got hurt. Well, almost no one.

Her attention went back to the group as they begun howling, and Malice let her own haunting tune join them in their claim upon the Isle. She wondered if they should call it "The Isle of Wonders", to hide where they truly resided. She would discuss it later with Burke, after the party that was brewing now.

Pyro led him to Mom, and neither of his parents' voices had reached him through his fear. When they got to more level ground, Vassago pressed between his little brother and his mothers leg. The first seemed worried, and with only a small yip as a warning, Vass was covered in a slopy kiss. A cute little giggle fell through the eldest boys lips, and the corners of his mouth rose up on a smile. He returned Pyro's affections, licking at his brothers cheek and sending a nip or two at ears for payback. Never, though, did his paws move from where he was rooted, and he stayed crouched to keep as much balance as possible. But then all the adults started howling, and they sounded happy: Vassago couldn't help but loose his own higher pitched but luckily strong howl into the air.