She hopped across the springy grass, smiling to herself as little butterflies fluttered about the flowers surrounding her and she could not resist the childish longing to raise a paw and bat at a couple. Plus, it helped lighten things. Not that she wasn't happy, there was supposed to be a pack here ruled by a small alphess called Quinn! It had to be her dear sister! But Lark had been alone for quite a while now and she felt awkward and out of practice as she continued in the direction that had been pointed out to her. She had hated her time as a loner so much, it just didn't suit the sociable fae.

She came to a sudden stop, honey coloured gaze shining with excitement. It was a fawn, but where was its mother? And more importantly, its herd? She frowned, watching as the small creature stumbled around. There was a shallow wound on its flank and she could smell the dry blood from here. The only thing she could guess that happened was that some wolves had separated a doe and her fawn from the rest of the herd and had killed the doe, letting the fawn get away or something she did not know. It could have been natural disasters either and somehow this baby had gotten separated. She shook her head, so many possibilities but none mattered right now, all that mattered was catching and taking this creatures' life as a gift for her sister and her pack. Usually she disliked the thought of killing babies, other ages she was fine with and she did kill young if needed it just wasn't her choice of kill...it felt wrong to be destroying the next generation of what would feed them for years. She'd much prefer to go for an elder if she had the choice. But the fact that this fawn would never survive out here alone and would likely be dead by tomorrow helped her get on with it and within moments she had caught the herbivore beneath her creamy paws and taken its life with a swift bite to the throat.

Her pink tongue flicked out and drew itself over her bloody muzzle before flicking back in, the metallic tang of blood filled her mouth and she had forgotten how hungry she was. But it was nothing she couldn't live with and she fought off the temptation and continued on with her journey only this time not stopping to bat at any butterflies and dragging a carcass along with her. By the time the other scents' of a pack's border began to fill her nose even over the scent of the fresh-kill, her neck ached and she was grateful to be able to set her kill on the ground beside her, staining the grass red. She picked out the scent of her sister, the strongest on the border and a sigh of relief left her. She had been worried that it may somehow not be her sister and that she had wandered all this way just to be turned away by some random wolf. Excitement began to flow into her now and she did not hesitate to throw back her head and let out a loud and clear howl and let it travel along with the breeze into the powdery blue sky. Hopefully Quinn would recognize the howl or be nearby, she would prefer it to be her sister who welcomed her. However if anyone else came she would simply be respectful and hope she got accepted. Her tail wagged from side to side and she stood with a strength she had not felt since the death of her beloved mate and the betrayel of her Beta, resulting in her going from the Alphess of the pack to becoming an Exile.

Waking in the early morning of the day, she rested in her den beside her mate. She loved the feeling of Fenris beside her. It comforted her more than anything else. Her young had already ran off, no doubt, rushing to see the new things in the day and get some exploring done. She enjoyed the private time with him, even as he peacefully slept. His large head rested on crossed paws as she began to groom him. She licked the fur on his cheeks, between his ears, and around his neck. He was so peaceful and perfect, an angel among the forest. Pushing up against his form, she closed her eyes and inhaled his scent. Her tail could not stop itself from wagging excitedly. The feeling gave her a warming sensation within her heart. It burned for him, and he alone. But before the fae could get a chance to wake her sleeping mate, she heard a howl in the distance. Ears perked to the peak position atop her head. Harvest eyes lifted themselves from the sleeping wonder to look out of her den. she knew the howl, yet the place she knew it from was hazy. It was from a time far far away. Rushing to her paws, Quinn zipped out of her den with a quick haste. She ignored the small voices that called to her and rushed on to the borders.

So many things rolled around in her mind. Had her family finally found her? Even after all these years? Three years she had been gone from home, making it in so many different worlds. She had changed the lives of so many, to include her own. She was no longer the timid little Caretaker from before, no, she was an Alphess now for her second pack. As she moved through the bushes, she slunk past the trees and rocks. She was on a mission, one she would not stop until she would find this guest, a blast from the past. Quinn could feel her heart beating rapidly within herself. It tried its best to burst from her chest, but luckily her bones had kept it in place. The anxiety flowed through her, forcing her to run harder and faster, as if the bear had been chasing her yet again. Finally the reveal had come. Quinn's tiny paws led the way to the border line, to the loved one he left behind. As she drew nearer, the smell, she knew it well. It was of her own flesh and blood. Her mother? Her father? A sibling? She could not tell completely for it had been too long since she last smelled their sweet scent. It used to rest joyously upon her pelt, but no longer. It was now her own stand alone smell mixed with a blend of Fenris, dashed with a tad of the land. But before she could see who it was, she paused. Her body froze in fear. What would they think of her now? Would they judge her for leaving? Would they still be mad about the Alpha's son being killed? The questions were endless, and for the first time in a while, Quinn felt true fear. She had wished that her love would be beside her in this moment, but she knew how hard he had been working. He needed his rest. Taking a deep breath, the Alphess closed her eyes from the world. She released a sigh and opened them once more. Everything is going to be alright.. she thought to herself. Raising her head high, she stepped forward. One paw at a time until she was no longer hidden among the shrubs and grasses. Two harvest hues laid upon the form of a wolf much like herself. This wolf was lighter, slightly taller, but just as beautiful and perfect as Quinn remembered. "Lark..." she spoke gently as her tail wagged crazily behind her back. Crossing the border into unclaimed lands, Quinn pushed her body against her sister's. She nuzzled her neck from front to the back, showing the affection she was not able to give for what felt like an eternity. "I have missed you so..."

Nerves pricked at her pads and Lark pulled at the grass beneath her with her claws anxiously. What if Quinn would be pissed at her for finding her, what if she wanted to be left alone? What if she didn't want anything to do with her family anymore? What if she blamed Lark for not being there to help save the pups from that horrid bear? For a few moments she was tempted to just turn tail and run but with a deep breath she pushed such cowardly thoughts as far from her mind as she could. Plus, the thought of roaming the lands aimlessly as a loner was so unappealing that she forced herself to sit, trying to loosen her tensed muscles but failing. Her ears flicked at every sound, nose twitching continuously for any new scents. However the forest was silent siding the noises that were always just there. The twittering of birds, rustling of little critters scurrying around and the breeze causing the high branches of the trees to creek and their rich green leaves to rustle. Her own heartbeat filled her ears and she wouldn't be surprised if whoever was coming to greet her could hear it. Taking a deep breath she gave her head a sharp shake, she really had to get a grip. What would Quinn think if she came across her sister completely freaking out? No, it would be fine…Quinn had just been stressed over the death of the pup, of course she'd been, who wouldn't? Obviously the caretaker had just wanted to get away from the death and the Alphess' mournful cries…nothing to do with any of her family obviously. She let these thoughts comfort her despite their lack of anything pleasant, all nagging doubts were pushed aside like why she had not come back to let her or her sibling's know she was even alive. But this was Quinn, her beloved sister…she would never turn Lark away. The bright morning sunlight shone on her grey pelt, making it look almost silver. She blinked her honey colored gaze and could feel excitement beginning to mix with the nerves as she began to calm, heart slowing and quieting. A noise took her attention and in seconds Lark was on her paws, ready for anything. However she dropped the protective stance and seemed to almost deflate at the sight of her sister. Her sister, with the pelt of much more vivid colours and the petiteness that had never stopped her being as strong a wolf as any. And now, if the rumors she'd heard were true…she owned the largest pack out of three in these lands. She could not recall the name's or anything else about the other two but she could not care less. The only thing that needed any attention right now was the wolf before her.

There was a moment of hesitation where she waited to try and detect what reaction would Quinn give her, would it be happiness and joy? Or pain and anger? However it only took seconds for her to let out a joyous bark-like sound and step forward, tail wagging to and fro much like Quinn's. Happiness flowed through her veins and she buried her nose into the soft fur of Quinn's neck, drinking in her familiar scent and feeling comfort finally take hold of her body. It had been a long time since she'd felt such happiness and..safety. As the former Caretaker spoke her name, Lark nodded joyously. "It is me.." She murmured, eyes squeezed shut. She had not even realized just how much she had missed the smaller wolf until now. "Oh sister, I missed you so much! I cannot even explain the joy I felt when hearing of a pack not too far off being ruled by a small fae named Quinn. I just knew it was you!" Her eyes shone as she finally pulled away, eager to hear what had happened to Quinn after leaving their birth pack and then sharing her own stories but that could all wait. A small crooked smile became present on her maw and she nodded to the freshly caught fawn. "A gift for you Quinn dear, just to remind you of my amazing hunting" She added the last bit with a wink and a little laugh, still feeling shook with emotion. She had almost forgotten her manners! She gave a respectful bow before straightening again, sister of not- Quinn was now an alphess and ruled the pack she would hopefully soon belong to. She then sat, ready to let Quinn ask the questions first and she would answer them all willingly. Honey colored gaze shone with joy as she sat there, tail still swishing form side to side across the long lush grass. Finally, her struggles were over. She had found her proper home.

[Sorry for how bad this is, I am really tired.]

When the two parted for a little space, Quinn could not stop herself from looking over her larger sister. She was not bigger by much, but she was still bigger. Her coat seemed to be so light, or perhaps it had just been so long since they had last seen one another. Quinn quickly did a walk around Lark, making sure she was completely well, not missing any fur or limbs. She whined with anticipation as she discovered her sister to be perfectly fine. "Yes, I am lucky to have found these lands over a year ago now. If I had stayed in the Haven, I fear you would have never found me. After all this time, though? What made you come looking for me? How is mother? Esmé? Our brothers? The rest of the pack?" Quinn could feel herself wishing to ask a million questions, but she knew that if she continued, it would lead to speaking of the old Alpha. She knew that might spark a little controversy into her life, so she decided to avoid it. She didn't know how anyone felt about her fleeing from their natal pack. To be honest, she really didn't want to hear any negative issues from it. Her life was grand now, better than it ever had been because she fled so quickly. "Sister, you must see Azul. He is far older than when we first met him so long ago, but he was the original Alpha of these lands. Last year, he stepped down and gave me this chance to be the Alphess of Helidos. So tll me about yourself. How have you been? You look so gorgoeus! What have you been doing? Have you found love? I want to know everything! And yes, thank you for the kill. You always were such a wonderful hunter!" Quinn could feel the excitement raging on through her body. It was hard to control it with her tail going crazy from side to side and her heart beating like the paws of a thousand wolves racing after a lonely deer.

[No worries, I loved it!]

As she felt Quinn's gaze bear into her as the smaller wolf trotted in a full circle around her, Lark let her own honey colored one travel over the silky pelt and little frame of her beautiful sister. The female was looking very well and Lark heaved a sigh of relief, having been worried that something bad could have happened to the Alphess after leaving her birth pack. Her ears flicked as little flies buzzed around them and her tail thumped rhythmically against the soft earth beneath her. Life buzzed around her, ready for Spring to end and Summer to roll in. Smiling contentedly, she stretched out as the warm sun dappled across her pelt as it peeked through the thick canopy of leaves. She listened attentively as Quinn spoke, telling her about how long she had spent in these lands and such. As the awaited questions were asked, a thoughtful frown became present on Lark's maw. "To be quite honest with you sister I do not have much knowledge as to how our pack or siblings are doing, it has been a long time since I have seen any of them.." She admitted with a sigh, wondering what had happened in the pack since she left, did her siblings still live there? She stopped herself before any more questions managed to fill her mind as she knew it was pointless, they would never be answered. She kept silent for a few moments, unsure as to wether Quinn was finished or not. The alphess spoke again and her ears perked forward. Once she was finished she tilted her head to the side with a small smile. "Azul is here? It would be great to see him again!" She stated, just about remembering the brute. "And congratulations on the rank dear sister, I can not imagine any wolf that would suit it better than you" She grinned and dipped her head respectively. "I am alright now, but I had to suffer spending a year as a loner and I can tell you it was very unpleasant, I was an outcast, framed by a bitch.." She whispered, shocked at her own language. Lark was a very pleasant wolf, always trying to find the goodness in others but she could not find anything pleasant in her former beta who had first murdered her mate and then framed her and taken her pack.

"You too are looking as beautiful as ever. Yes I found love, despite it only being for a limited time. I found this handsome and oh so kind brute in our territory one day, I chased him out of course but we got talking...and then I ended up meeting up with him everyday and then along came love I guess. He never spoke much of his past or even his current life but then one day he surprised me by speaking of how he was an alpha of another pack and invited me to join and be his alphess. I had never found love in our birth pack and was not too close to any of our family but you so I said yes. We lived so happily for a while but our Beta female grew jealous, she loved my mate and had wanted to be his alphess for a long long time. When he brought me back, a wolf he knew not nearly as long as her, I believe it pushed her over the edge. One night she murdered him and being the sly creature she is, she managed to make it look as if I did it and got me chased from the pack, taking over as Alphess." She sank her claws into the soft earth, gaze fixed on her creamy paws. She took a shaky breath and shook her head. "Since then I have been wandering as a loner, I was so happy to hear of your pack I cannot even being to explain." She murmured, finally letting her gaze return to her sister. Nodding she forced a smile despite the pain clawing at her from the sudden memories of her mate pushing themselves into her mind. She nodded in response to Quinn's thanks for the meal. "I am glad you like it, best quality that is" She attempted a shaky chuckle before finally shaking her head and standing. "Quinn I would love to serve you with whatever rank you may choose and be a part of this family."

The tiny Alphess listened to her sister, collecting all the information she knew and did not know. It was sad that she had not stayed with the family long, but it was understandable. How could she expect any of them to stay after what happened? "Yes Azul is here and he is doing great. He has given me much insight over these lands the wolves who live in them. I should take you to him." The Alphess smiled as her tail never stopped wagging. She had been so overjoyed with happiness and that the thought of being calm only made her even more happy. Her sister was here, part of her past had found her again and was planning to stay for the long haul. Quinn had found love and loss before, hearing that her sister went through it made her tail stop wagging momentarily. But it would be easy to overcome that. After all, it had been easy for Quinn. Listening to Lark, she lowered her ears against her head. "There is still hope for you yet, sister. My mate is not the first love I have ever found. After I left home, I ran as fast and as far as I could. I ended up passing out from exhaustion right at the borders to another pack. A very large male found me at the borders and accepted me into the pack. After what I had done, I wanted to be an Omega, but this wolf forced me to be a Warrior, and he forced me to train beneath him. As my mentor he was tough on me, but soon he began to love me, and I loved him. We were proclaimed mates and I was given the rank of Elite, which was the Beta in their pack. We worked side by side until one day he disappeared. For months he was gone, and one stormy night he finally came back to me. He told me that he could not stay long, but that he needed to do something. He stayed with me for the night, but by morning, he was gone. More time passed, and I grew so depressed, I left my lands to become the Alphess of another pack. Months later, I found a black wolf atop a large mountain. This wolf told me that my beloved Kraven had died at his own will. He told me stories of the horrendous things Kraven had done to he and his family. But with time, all things pass. Fenris found my lands and immediately I was drawn to him. We fell in love quickly and soon we were mates. We have had two litters together, yet I don't know what happened to my first. My second litter was just born this spring. They are growing so fast. But let us get you from the border so you can meet your new family." Quinn's tail began to wag again as she started to head back home. "Do you need help taking the kill home? Of course you will be a Hunter in our lands, for you have already shown me how well you have come in the knowledge of hunting."