Fel’s scheduled run of the gully had been mainly to check for the absence of dangerous predators. Erabus had been one too many casualties to nature within the pack, his mauled remains found out in the neutral lands with pieces missing that could only have been consumed by a particular, very large, reptile. It was such a waste too, for he was a rather skilled and powerful wolf. If Fel picked up the sight or sign of such predators in their waters, she would have to pull together a group. Desmond had specifically instructed that she was not to risk her life like that again if possible, and she knew she could not take an alligator alone. It would be much safer to do that with a team.

But through her search today, she had found no traces of any of them in this gully. Her instinct told her they were out there, but she could only scan the top of the waters… The beta sighed, turning to return to the clearing with a tentative report until more data could be gathered, but then she caught the whiff of one of their own. Or rather, it was not their own, but instead, one of the pups she had helped carry away. She wondered if it was the same one she had taken by the scruff, while she trotted in its direction.

When she saw the apprentice, she recognized her as Petra. There were few faes, and this one’s coat was one of the more unique ones. She was Juno’s child, if she remembered correctly. The little form was sitting by the water, laughing eerily. The laugh was not laugh of amusement or joy. There was something wrong… Something hurting her… Too bad Fel didn’t give a rabbit’s tail about her feelings.

The dark fae approached the smaller one, tail swinging limply in rhythm with her stride. She halted only a step away from the other, eyes fixed upon her while her ears remained facing the water. If there was an unnatural ripple, Fel would probably hear it. But there was no point in keeping the pup here. “Petra, why did you come to these waters? I understand the youth’s need for exploration, but I advise you not to visit these waters in this season. Monsters that lurk in the deep tore apart a fine Warrior of ours last year, a brute about the size of me. Admittedly, it did not happen in this very place, but the type of waters are similar. These creatures cannot run in anything but straight lines on land, but if they drag you into the water, you will never be found.” Her words were advisory, but with the tone of an order. She stretched a leg out, barring the other from coming any closer, “Step away from this brown muck. There are better rivers in our lands, if you would like direction.”

Although the fae did in fact step away from the most dangerous area of the bank, Fel was not pleased. Her order had been an order, not an earnest request. Besides, Fel was directly beside her, and the tiny, tawny steps did very little for the sake of safety. But was there a point to tearing a chunk out of this pup? An angry alpha in return for teaching a child about submission the hard way? No. Fel had better plans. ”Child, if you ever want to be taken seriously, you are to follow the direct orders given to you. Enjoy your solitude without my answers. I give no information to those I do not respect. And I respect none who disrespect me.”

As soon as she finished, the dark fae simply turned to the side and walked away in silence towards the treeline. If the pup wanted answers, she would and could easily stop her by following her and giving an apology. Fel would even pause for a moment to lick her paw in the shadows of the trees to give her that opportunity. She knew the pup was curious, and curiosity usually wins over dignity in the young as they have little to none of the latter. Petra could grow from this conversation… Or she could stagnate in that misery.

Answers or stubborn stupidity. The choice was hers.

As soon as her tongue let go of the short fur that covered her ankle, the rustle of little paws came up behind her. Fel turned her head slightly in the apprentice’s direction, looking at her pathetic display with boredom. The apology, she assumed, was empty. Of course it would be… Petra is a pup, and one who is not very keen of the wolves around her. Only Blaire would apologize to her in a way that she knew was genuine, for she earnestly did not want to hurt Fel’s view of her. The icy gaze slowly rolled back to looking ahead, and the brutish beast continued walking a few steps. “I expect you understand that though an apology is adequate, it is your future behaviour that is the true test of whether or not you are a worthy wolf. Arrogant wolves in Agavos are rewarded only with the rank of omega… We had one brute by the name of Noble who knew that all too well.” Fel suddenly turned so that her flank faced the pup, and there she lowered herself to lay down comfortably, tail flicking to rest by her side. The older fae wondered if there was any resemblance that rang in the youth’s mind between herself and her father, as she had about the same stature and color of coat - although that is where the similarities ended. It didn’t really matter, anyway. With a bored tone, she continued, “Yes, I did know Teren. He accepted me at the border. I served in different ranks - beta and elite - before I found Desmond in the neutral territories and convinced him to create his own pack. In Desmond, I found what Teren, Azul, Fenris, and Quinn never had. And as for your father being a warrior of any skill - that I disagree with. He is a fool, and there are mightier wolves who are waiting for the right moment to strike. And the best part is that he will never expect the attack because he is so full of himself.” She recalled the names Petra had mentioned, “Ambrose and Thad… Are those your siblings?” Fel focused her icy stare upon the tawny features, “Tell me, young one, are you the offspring of Beta Juno, or do you belong to Braelyn?” She had known that she would be bringing pups from both litters to safety in Agavos, but she did not know who belonged to who. Admittedly, she cared little for any of them, but the ones that belonged to Juno mattered slightly more.

Fel blinked her eyes slowly, noticing the subject matter that the pup was most interested in. With a cool tone, she responded, “Your past is of no concern, for you are an apprentice and have little history. A pup cannot be judged solely based on its lineage, though there are characteristics that are hereditary. The pack observes you in your every step and judges who you will be, which is why I advise you to watch your actions. You were forgiven for your behaviour before, solely for your youth and relocation. But now you have been warned.” Fel paused, licking a fang boredly, “Your father is not intimidating to me, and I personally know several Erenyx wolves who do not fear him or his so-called actions. All he has done is overthrow an old bag of bones and the pack hated the previous alpha so much that they just accepted him, then kill two faes about half of his size. He hasn’t done anything noteworthy, and his leadership is idiotic. He wastes his resources for the sake of personal pride, but doesn’t do any dirty work himself. Some are blindly loyal to an alpha, some are loyal out of duty to their pack and rank, and some feign loyalty for the sake of gaining an advantage - be it for personal gain or a better shot at him. The only wolves I can think of who fear him are the weak and the young… Even I’m bred from far a more intimidating brute.” The dark fae looked over the younger wolf before her, wondering if she feared her father. It was possible. Fel only feared one wolf, but for far different reasons. “As for your reputation, we were both at disadvantages. I overcame them through my effectiveness in my duties. I am a wolf Desmond can rely on, and he and the pack know that. Only training and good behaviour will help you for now though, as those are your responsibilities. Have you decided upon a mentor?”



Fel smirked at the other question. What did Desmond have indeed? It was not chivalry, nor was it any intimidating factor. “My alpha is a wolf who is actually worthy of respect. Unlike Azul, he would not step down from his post out of sheer selfishness. Unlike Quinn, he is a strong leader who knows when to assert himself. Unlike Teren, he does not waste the lives of those who might be of some value, and he does not overlook the strength of wolves with more brain than brawn, nor those of a sex opposite of his. Unlike all three of them, he is cunning and intelligent, and that makes all the difference.” It was a little bit exaggerated of a response, but Fel only sought to prove the point. Physical strength was very important in a wolf, but if there is a lack of intellect, they even simpler to fight. She released her back legs from beneath her, letting them lay casually out by her side. Her head was still held upright, and one ear still flickered towards the water and then around to their surroundings. But the shade was enticing, and she figured this chat would last a bit longer.



A bird chirped its song in the distance, the sound floating and echoing through the trees. Petra confirmed that she was indeed Juno’s pup, and at that Fel wondered why she had only sent one. Perhaps the others were too much like Teren, and she even preferred to let them die. Fel knew she intended to keep one for her own safety, but why this change of heart? “Apprentice, do you know why you and the other two pups were sent here?” She was aware that the arrangement had stated the pups would be oblivious to their upcoming relocation, but it was unclear whether Petra had acknowledged that reason in her turmoil.

Fel shrugged at the little one’s question. “Of course there are. Instinct can be overriden, and emotions can be controlled. Personalities are somewhere in between hereditary and developed… They are very strong qualities that a wolf is born with, but they alter throughout life and can be stamped out or changed by sheer will, if the will is strong enough. However, it is easier for someone else to beat it out of you - to destroy you and build you up again. I have done it before, and it has been done to me when I was young. There are strengths to every personality though, and it is important to crush only what you need to.” The fae, she assumed, wondered if her personality was inherited. Fel thought that there was something of Teren within her, a sort of power-hungry quality that flowed through her. That quality, for instance, was one that needed to be crushed. Fel could put two and two together, as this wolf was making a lot of questions about strength, leadership, and intimidation. Ambition was a great characteristic, but not when mixed with a lust for control over others.

The little retort was a well-qualified one. Fel smirked, rather enjoying their conversation. “Let’s put it this way: when Teren assumed power, most were just happy to have a different wolf. Since then, disloyalty has spread throughout his pack and hatred has spread beyond his lands. Teren is the center of a festering sore… The longer it festers, the worse it gets. The trouble with attacking an alpha is not the alpha, but the loyal subjects he commands. As time goes on, there are fewer of those subjects and therefore a better chance at success. For an outsider to come into Erenyx, they would have to fight a pack if everyone was loyal. But if everyone hated him as much as the outsider did or simply didn’t care anymore, they could walk straight to him. Strategy is the reason for the wait.” She chuckled, “And some wolves, like me, are just waiting to catch his face the next time I see him. He seems to only come out around young Helidos wolves that don’t even make a fair fight.” The dark wolf gazed over the other thoughtfully, considering some options. “There are several wolves worthy of a title of a reputable warrior. You ask for the most capable, and I simply cannot answer that for you. Our ranking wolves… and creature, are all capable, for they would not be in their ranks if they weren’t. The Elites, Breeze and Desoto, are granted by their ranks the title of the best fighters. Lead Warrior Narla is the lead canine for the rank and file warriors. And there is me, the once-Elite and now Beta of the pack. Breeze has the lightest personality and is very outgoing, Desoto is antisocial, Narla is unique, and I’ll let you decide on what I am for one cannot accurately describe oneself. Any of them would likely be happy to train you if you asked, but if you ask me, you will be forced to partner with Blaire. You are around the same age, and it would be well for both of you to learn from each other’s mistakes as well as from my training. However, I do recommend someone else to give you their full attention.” Fel wondered who Petra would like to learn from. In any case, she wanted some joint training sessions so that the pups could spar against each other and use what they’ve learned in a fairer fight than against their mentors.

Reaching over to lick at an itch on her side, Fel nearly ignored the next question, giving a simple, “I have given you the beginning. It is upon you to find the other chapters through observation. But I will give you a hint: it is the way an alpha behaves that gains respect, or loses it.” She continued grooming the spot, ears flicking from direction to direction as words continued to come out of the youth’s maw. It was as she thought: the pups knew no more than what they were told at the meeting. The faes had kept their word, even if solely for their protection. Lifting her head back to its position allowed for her uncaring eyes to settle upon the flower and then float up to the face above them. “Wrong.” Smirking, Fel dipped her maw to lick at her paw, paying careful attention to the stub that held her dew claw. The claw was becoming unnecessarily long and dull, and it needed to be scraped down soon. In fact, all her claws could do with a good grind against a rough rock or tree bark. She had allowed her silence to settle for a while before she ended the grooming session and began to elaborate upon the subject while slowly raising her head to stare at Petra. “The last batch of pups in Erenyx were raised and trained until they were yearlings, at which point Teren called for a sort of cleansing to happen: each litter was forced to fight in a free-for-all battle to the death until one pup of each litter remained. Striker is one of the survivors of that fight, if you do not believe me. So, when I ran across Braelyn and Juno in the neutral territories and found them both to be pregnant, I offered them the choice of sending some of their litters to Agavos for safety. Juno had to keep one or two for her own safety, as she would be killed if she lost all of you. But the shortage of pups should urge Teren not do repeat the battle, given that he has already lost too many. It is still a possibility, but a much smaller one. Your mother sent you here so that you, of all of your siblings, would be the most likely live to become an adult. I’d actually assume she valued you the most, given that she used the rest as a canine shield for herself.” Fel had respect for the old Helidos wolf, but she could not grasp why she had only sent one. Perhaps the other two were worthless, or too much like Teren. Fel guessed she would never really know.

Fel’s ears flicked back in annoyance momentarily. She did not appreciate when her words were misinterpreted, since she spoke rather bluntly. “Child, there was no mention of organized rebellion. It is neither practical nor necessary.” Straightening her ears out and returning them to their surveillance, she continued, “As one wolf told me when I joined Erenyx, all he needs is for others not to get in the way. Teren doesn’t even deserve the honor of facing an army single-pawed. One wolf can kill him, as one wolf kills another again and again on this earth. So long as the pack is distasteful of his regime, there will be few that stand in an usurper’s way.” She thought of Samael for a moment. The kid was a jackass to her, but also he seemed more level-headed than Teren. It was clear which Erenyx alpha she preferred.

The question pertaining to Blaire made her nostrils flare in a snort. Maybe her intellect had been overcalculated. “She was there, as were all of the leading canines of Agavos that I mentioned. If you had paid attention, you would know who was who already.” Fel then eased up, taking into account Petra’s state at the meeting. Desmond’s timing was off. He should have told them his talk at the border and left the pack meeting to a later date. ”But I suppose you were distracted. Blaire has the ginger coat of my creature and eyes like mine, but more vibrant. I am her adoptive… owner, as I call it. She was an orphan I found in the woods, but she is turning into a fine warrior of good strength, wit, and passion for self-improvement.” The choice of mentorship was met with a shrug. They would train together, and that would be all there was to this agreement. ”Meet us in the training pasture tomorrow at sunrise.” Fel would be back from her dawn patrol of the inner pack. It was a tiring life, but at least she had no trouble sleeping. Not that she ever really would. There were few decisions in her life that she disagreed with, and she tried not to dwell on them.

Fel finished grooming her paw and sat up quietly. The conversation was turning from interesting to exhausting as it went further into the emotional side. It was nearly time to go. Rolling her eyes mentally, Fel appeared calm and focused but still visibly bored. “Foolish pup. Keep you all together and what? Watch two of you die at each other’s jaws? Or send you all over here and die herself? She sent just enough to save you all. I don’t know about love, as I do not believe in its existence. But she must have cared about your survival.” This mess was pointless. She said her dues, and she didn’t intend to argue with a pup about her own mother. Fel and Juno had never quite been friends, but there had been a lasting respect between the two females. This fae knew nothing of her as a delta, beta, or even as a pregnant and desperate fae. She had only seen the captive, defeated wolf that Juno became as a result of Quinn’s idiocy. Petra could vilify her if it helped her sleep at night, but Fel had better things to waste her time on. “Stay away from the water.”

She stood up quietly, swung her tail into a position parallel to her back, and slowly tread into the shadows that led to the clearing.