Aquila

The black-pelted wolf was very old, with deep graying around his muzzle and ear tips. His teeth were terribly worn and discolored, and his stomach gaunt from lack of food. He could no longer hunt for himself, and had to rely on what he could uncover from the humans and kills made by other predators. His joints were riddled with pain when he moved, especially in the chill of mid-winter.

It was a miracle that the elderly wolf still lived, but luck seemed to be on his side. He knew he wouldn't have much more than a year or so left with his weary body, but he was bound determined to live as long as he could. And now Aquila knew that his survival was in the paws of his fellow wolves. No longer could he test fate in finding meals for himself, or push his tired limbs to wondering around as a lone wolf. He needed to settle somewhere and find a family that might take him in till his last days. So Aquila found himself once more at the border of the Apsen Grove terra. The border carried no trace of those he once knew, so the old wolf only hoped that these lupines were of the kindly sort.

Lifting his haggard muzzle towards them, Aquila let out a deep, resounding howl to the alphas. He did his best to look healthy and fit, but it was clear he was well past good health. Aquila hoped that he could be of some use to this pack, if they even accepted him.

Shika

She was fully grown now as she slinked. She slunk through the terrain, her tail still behind her. She lifted her head alertly and sniffed it with her tiny pink nose. The cat's grey and black tabby pelt was even more beautiful when she was that of a kitten. Her blue eyes were opened fully and she continued on after the scent. SHe remembered this place quite well and was searching for her friend. She spotted Aquila a few minutes after her howled and let out a yowl of joy. The young feline dashed over to him and rubbed up against his legs purring. "Aquila! I thought I'd never see you again... remember me?" She asked, her voice full of hope.

Aquila

Aquila hardly noticed the blurry mass heading his way, and indeed, his eyes couldn't make out what she was. Yet her voice and scent were as sure to him as the morning sun. "Shika, could it really be you?" The old wolf spoke, dipping his head down to the fuzzy object that rubbed against his legs. "How could I ever forget you?" Came his next reply, in a gentle laugh, stooping his grizzled muzzle down to give the cat a lick on her head. His tail gave a flicker of a wave, showing just a hint of how happy he truely was to have his friend back.

Shika

Shika continued to purr and finnaly stopped rubbing up against him so she could sit beside him. She wrapped her tail around her legs continuing her soft melodic purr. "I'm so happy to see you again. How have you been Aquila? I am sorry I had not returned sooner." THe last part her tone of voice was apologetic.

V.estige

The alpha male trotted forward with a look of benlovent interest on his features.

Yes, What is your buisness here?

He was slightly shaken. He had been asked only a few hours ago to go to war and now this? Hmmm. He shook the thought out of his mind for now and continued to inquire as to the visitors buisness. He hadn't seen the cat.

Aquila

The wolf was just responding to Shika before noticing V.estige arrive. "Oh, no, don't be sorry, Shika. It was me who..." Aquila trailed off, hearing the alpha approach. His eyes weren't good enough to make out the detailed features of V.estige, but he knew from the border scents that this was indeed the alpha. Acting accordingly, the old wolf let his body come down and his head drop. "I was hoping to find a home with your pack. My name is Aquila..." His voice trailed off as his mind worked frantically to think of something encouraging to say about himself. Why didn't I think of this earlier...? The brute thought glumly before adding, "I can do well to watch pups. I may not be as spry as I once was, but I am confident I can be useful in some way."

Shika

She froze at seeing the other but soon calmed down. She hadn't realized he hadn't noticced her but it mattered not. She looked to Aquila watching him suddenly change his stance to a submitive one and hearing him say encouraging things about himself. She realized what he was trying to do so she thought she'd try to help. She glanced to the other wolf with her blue eyes and flicked the tip of her tail. "Ah yes Aquila is a brillant wolf! He's very wise too, he'd make an excellent addition to yuour pack. To top it off he used to live here long ago so I am sure he knows the land." She said complimenting her friend as she tried to help. She purred lightly.

V.estige

Hmmm...

The Alpha was pleased with the submissive behaviour of the wolf and realised his small companion. The arguments were tempting and he could also tell that this wolf was an elderly, sick one. He smiled and nodded.
Welcome to the pack Aquila. I am V.estige, Alpha male. It was quite a bad time for you to come but never mind. Our pack is at war.

He tryed to make it sound as none important as possible, but even the wolf could sense the regret and fear in the strong wolf voice. He sighed before looked down to the feline.

You are welcome here too if you wish. We already have a grey fox living with us.

He looked back to the lands.

I am terribly sorry but we must move, I have to get my pack sorted for this up and coming battle. Follow me please...

He turned and slowly tortted to the Central Pack Lands, slow enough so Aquila could keep up and sense him yet quick enough to get there as soon as possible.

Aquila

"Thank you, V.estige. We are very grateful." Aquila replied sincerely, giving a curteous dip of his head. He smiled down at Shika and whispered a "Thanks." to her, for speaking up. Then he followed after his new alpha, carrying a pronounced limp in his stiff legs, but was able to keep up.

Shika

"Thank you." She purred to the alpha. Of course she'd stay, especially since Aquila would reside here now. She glanced up to Aquila at the thanks and purred a your welcome. She then proceded to follow after the two.