At the sound of Sam's words "Doubt it" in his ears James made up his mind.

Said woman walked to his side and he felt her very nearly press up against him as she studied the clipboard. It didn't bother him much; his attention locked on the page and only shifting when a slender hand reached out to scribble a name onto the sheet.

Tilting his head he raised his eyesight to the figure next to him. Sam gave him a small smile, which he returned quickly. For a moment he had realized just how close she chose to stand beside him.....

Shaking his head free of such thoughts James took the pen from Sam's grasp and paused a moment. Then, he made a low sigh and put his name down on the list.
James Dauntley- Sacred Grounds

After writing his name the man's gaze lifted to see the Ulfric a little ways away from the crowd. The man seemed busy; talking to whom James assumed was his Lupa.....

Dropping the pen down next to the clipboard James smiled one last time to Sam and turned on his heels before walking back to the kitchen bar. Sitting into a chair he grabbed a piece of French toast from the plate on the counter and bit into it quietly; mind jumbled with different thoughts....

Acacia moved swiftly towards the russet haired human who refused a second serving of french toast offered by William and would quickly notice it was the 4 slices she'd given to the Ulfric, why do I even bother cooking half the time, some people are ungrateful, she thought sourly to herself as she perched on the counter, ignoring the fact that there was a chair nearby she'd lean over the bench-top and glance about, I go through all the efforts to make sure there's something decent to eat and some people don't even touch it, she continued on, barely focusing on the noise and moving forms about her as she seemed to stare off at an empty corner, sure, I get the dead werewolves, but I mean, it's still polite to at least eat a little bit, she contemplated her thoughts a moment and puffed an almost audibly ungrateful sigh.

Before long she'd notice someone speak to her, "Hey Ace, what'd you sign up for?", rung lightly in her ears as she blinked and shook her head before she peered to her left at Ryan, the bright mixture of clashing sapphire and emerald of her eyes more visible now as she stared at him. Allowing a light smile to pass across pale pink lips, she'd soon permit them to part as she spoke towards him, the Russian accent faintly twirling over each word, "I'm heading to town, I don't get out that far too often, so, it'd be nice to see how it's looking," she then gazed off and watched the small groups gathering and quietly under her breath spoke in what seemed to be a thicker and more predominant Russian accent, "spasibo..." she paused for a moment, "thank you for using just Ace," she'd offer lightly in his direction after a moment.

It was quite easy to pick out the different sections of the room, it was like a school yard with every student having their own clique to connect with and communicate with. Although Acacia seemed to stand out as she remained by both William and Ryan, almost seeming as oblivious to her own kind while listening and watching over the pair without actually watching them. This was of course before glancing towards the Ulfric and Lupa, barely picking up the pink haired girls words as she asked to come to town and Ace almost scoffed to herself, oh joyous days, more fun she'd then glance about at the rest of the room and refocus on the empty space she'd originally been staring at.

The Lupa hadn't expected her mate to turn when she approached him, his sudden turn around causing her to step back slightly though she soon righted herself and stood before him, her jaw set in determination. She was not able to see the look he gave her though she was very familiar with his tones and the way he moved his feet to stand, tension clear in his voice and the air he gave off again as he exhaled heavily. Her soft eyes trailed over him, finding his face above her as she tilted her head back slightly to look at him where she was sure he was. “I have not been for a while.” She answered him after restating her question back at her; she could hear the confusion in his voice, his dismay at her even thinking of the possibility of her going to town with him and the two hunters. It was dangers she knew, though she wanted him to trust her enough not to get herself hurt, she’d already had a bad feeling about today and didn't want to let the man out of her sight if she could help it. He was always running off without her, into town, through the woods, perhaps she would join him soon into the forest the next time he went alone and wasn't expecting danger.

She was silent as he continued, a lock of pink hair falling in her face while he spoke again, of the rituals that must take place now that two more wolves had died and threats were encroaching upon their territory and dangers came from all sides toward their family. She had been able to hear the spirits of their dead ancestors since she had lost her eyesight, their voices had becomes clearer than when she was a child in the days when she had been able to touch death after the hunters attack. “Me?” She was stunned by his suggestion, her eyes wide and pale, but they looked blue with the surprise of being asked to do something so . . . important. “A priestess?” Valerie almost couldn't believe he wanted her to do something like that, to open herself to the spirit world and the possibility of the danger that angry spirits possessed, a danger he would not be able to protect her from. Her heart swelled then, happiness and a new sense of excitement curling up the corners of her mouth as she smiled widely at him, lifting herself up to throw her arms around him in a quick hug. “Of course Markus.”

She withdrew, aware of people looking and a familiar heat spread across her cheeks while she blushed in embarrassment, looking down at her hands in front of her as her mate kissed her forehead lightly and turned away from her. “I’ll do my best Markus.” She said just as he stepped away from her. She brushed her hand over his arm, still smiling happily though she felt a gaze on her when he was gone, and her smile faded from her features. She couldn't tell who it was at first who had been staring at her though the malice in it was clear to belong to Acacia. The young wolf had always been jealous of her, and Markus, for the bond they shared and perhaps even for the simple fact that Markus had chosen a girl who hadn't been born in this pack as his Lupa. Valerie had been born a werewolf of another pack, able to see and always sweet though never really able to fight well either. She started toward the girl, though she was headed toward the dry pantry through a small door on the other side of the main kitchen, going to find what it was that she needed for the ritual later, as well as sheets to carry the bodies in. “I will see you at the ritual Acacia.” Her voice was clear and held no malice in it; in fact she smiled though she never looked at the girl as she passed her.

Valerie vanished inside of the pantry, following her nose as she looked for lavender, sage and several candles and a box of matches that she would need for the ritual later. With the bundles in hand she walked back out again, letting her feel fall slightly louder on the hard wood floor as she walked over to the table and set the things she’d gathered out on the surface. The Lupa cleared her throat, took a deep breath and let her voice be heard above the idle chatter of those around her. “Anyone helping set up the rituals meet here after the others have departed!” It was rare that she spoke so loud and when she did she was sure that she was heard, her voice reverberating in her sensitive ears. Leaving the command in the air the woman walked away, toward the stairs to find her and her mates bedroom to shower and dress before leaving in a few hours.

Marrec

Marrec was contemplating a blade that amounted to a short sword, unsure if he would prefer guns or knives, since usually he just relied on physical strength. The recollection of the guns he had confiscated from the hunters helped Marrec decide, so he plucked a couple handguns off the wall, popped the magazines free and began to load them up with ammunition. Markus' arrival turned his concentration, though he kept on eye on what his hands were doing.

“After all these years as Ulfric, you’d think it would get better..”

A laugh rolled out of Marrec's mouth as he shook his head. "Then you'd get bored and slow and be less prepared for when the rare event did occur." Marrec put on a double holster shoulder rig that settled below either arm, following up with a loose coat stashed nearby for just such an occasion.

“Got a inventory of what ammunitions we need to fill up on in town?”

"Yeah, I do. What did you have the Bolverk do?" he asked curiously, having seen the man mixed in with the others in the kitchen and knowing the hunters would be taken into town. Slipping the two guns into place as well as two extra magazines, Marrec turned to look at the wall of knives with a discerning eye. He turned towards the door when he heard movement, followed by Sam's arrival.

Sam

Her attention turned inward as Sam contemplated the upcoming tasks, concerned about the ritual given the pack’s lack of a Vargamor, or pack priestess. As if Markus was moving along the same wave length, Sam heard him suggest such a position to his Lupa. Curious to see Valerie’s response, the Geri lifted her head and focused her ears and attention on the pair, only to be surprised by the other woman’s willingness to step forward into a more active role. She was certainly intrigued by the upcoming evening now, that was for certain. Grabbing a piece of french toast from the ever-moving plate, Sam considered changing to even more ragged and worn clothing, but decided it wasn't worth the event.

Sliding off her stool, Sam started to follow after Markus, only to have her progress arrested by the Lupa's announcement to meet back in the kitchen once everyone else was gone. Unsure of what time frame that implied, she decided simply to move with her typical fast-paced stride towards the armory and the Ulfric. Coming up on Markus and Marrec, Sam blocked the doorway with her lean frame, arms folded loosely across her stomach.

"The lone werewolf, James, said some old crone in town told him how to get here. If there are people spreading tales about us... be careful. Perhaps we need to set up a couple people in town as look-outs, as well. Some of us are well-known enough to blend in as normal," she mentioned pointedly, looking at Marrec with the recollection that he had been a teacher. A frown knit her brow as she considered the potential ramifications if the people of Odessa began to seriously question the house in the mountains. It helped that most of the pack still maintained their normal lives within the city of Odessa, but enough werewolves had started to live and regularly visit the pack house that perhaps they were attracting attention.

Well, of course we are. Those two hunters are here and even if they don't mean us harm, there will be some that will, she thought worriedly, fretting her lower lip between her teeth for a moment. "Perhaps I should go to town instead."

Sasha

On the tail of the Lupa's order to meet back, Sasha slowly unfolded her long legs and stepped away from the table, dark eyes scouring the kitchen without settling on any particular face. Shaking back the thick main of dreadlocks, the woman approached the kitchen's main passage with a predatory grace allowing her to move in a swaying, stalking gait. Once she arrived at the open archway, she stopped only to turn around.

"Anyone who chooses patrol can meet me outside when you're done with breakfast, which should be in under twenty minutes," she said, contralto voice vibrating on the air. "Back deck," she added as she turned to look at the human man, Blanc. Reaching forward to curve a long-fingered hand over his shoulder, she used her other hand to gesture towards the door. "You should come with me to find Markus and we can take you back to town."

Twenty minutes. Aldo wished they would just get going, because his stomach did not want anything in it right now. His gaze lowered at the sound of Sasha's voice, leaving him wondering: Make myself eat, or get out there and wait? He let out a small defeated sigh, grabbed a slice of French toast and crammed it quietly into his mouth. As gruesome and horrible the deaths were, after all, he would still need his energy for the patrol. He chewed slowly, acutely aware that he'd literally bitten off more than he could chew, swallowed the under-digested hunk of toast, and slipped outside.

He wasn't fond of the idea of taking the young, weirdly-pale human along on patrol either, but there was no way he was going to challenge Sasha's decision. Absently he leaned against the wall on the back deck and waited, twiddling his thumbs restlessly. His mind was cycling from the grizzly sight of dead pack members to the worry that hunters were onto them to hating himself intensely for developing a crush so quickly. Aldo closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath. That's better. Just pretend she isn't there.

Vashti had moved to the off side of the room for the moments that she waited for the patrol to begin. While there her brown eyes floated across every face in the kitchen; either smiling amidst a bubble of laughter, toneless with thought, or seemingly annoyed.....possibly at the noise of the room.

Leaning against the wall the tall girl let out a breath and let a smile come to her face. She had missed the bustle of pack life; while traveling she hadn't realized how lonely she had become.......her heart felt full again, even though the fact that this wasn't her permanent home hung in the back of her mind.

Sighing at this Vashti reached up to play with a lock of brown hair which had pulled from her braid. Twirling it in her fingers she almost didn't notice a young woman speak up over the crowd.

Lifting her gaze she watched as she, a rather stern female with dark skin, announced the patrol volunteers would meet on the deck.

Well....that's my cue.

Pushing herself off the wall Vashti strode confidently through the crowd. Passing the female, whom from the Ulfric's words she assumed was named Sasha, she cast her a simple nod and made way to the exiting doors.

After Markus had finished loading the rounds he just smirked at Marrec, and turned around only to find Sam staring at him. “You should go?” He taps his chin in thought for a moment.” That sounds fine to me. You come. Bring the Bolverk.” He brings up his hand and counts on his fingers “One, two, three, four, five. Yeah we’ll all fit. The hunters will just have to sit in the bed.” He motions for them to follow and points into the kitchen. “Gather everyone up. We’re leaving” He heads out the door. He pulls open the doors to a shed and low and behold there sat the UTV a Polaris 900 with five seats, and a bed. He had brought the hunter’s weapons and put them in gun bags that he had strapped to the side of the UTV along with the shield.

Time Skip

Markus had loaded up everyone in the UTV and sat in the driver’s seat. “Everyone ready? No yes? Doesn’t matter.” He pushed his foot to the pedal and it took off in the snow white rooster tails shooting up as the tires spun through the snow. He turned his head to look at the two others who were sitting up front with him then at the two in the back seat. Finally the hunters would be sitting on the tail gate getting the worst of the ride. “Not to bumpy right guys?! Only about thirty more minutes before we reach town then you can walk out the shakes.” he chuckles and looks back towards the way he was driving dodging around trees and making sure to hit single hill of snow just to blast everyone with the cold white stuff and give the ride a good shake.

Before Time Skip

Ryan leaned back in his chair with a smug and prideful grin on his face after hearing Ace's reply. She's going to town with me. And she thanked me for calling her Ace, mixed with some sexy Russian words to boot. Oh yeah, she's totally into me. Completely forgetting about his prior panic attack over the origins of the French toast, he grabbed the one that William had left behind for him and took another bite out of it. Life is lookin' pret-ty gooood.

After Time Skip

Ryan, standing up in the bed of the UTV, was looking to find a good place to sit with the little space given to him. Maybe if I- No. How 'bout- Nah, that won't work. Suppose I- Nope, too uncomfortable. Ah, here we- Suddenly, he heard Markus say something about it not mattering if they were ready and the UTV took off. "Whoa!" was the only thing Ryan said before he lost his balance and was sent onto his ass, almost throwing him out of the vehicle. "Oww. That hurt," he said as he rubbed his tailbone. "I think I landed on my keys." The rest of the ride though was pretty smooth, though the occasional blast of powdery snow to the face was annoying. Ryan glared at Markus' reflection in the rear view mirror. You're enjoying this aren't you? Doing that on purpose. Jerk. Ryan then looked over at Ace's direction and stared at her, smiling. Wait, what if she turns around? She'll think I'm totally creepy. Hurry, look away, Ryan. Look away. The amateur hunter then began looking in every other direction that wasn't Ace's, with the exception of an occasional, split-second glance.

Watched as the Lupa passed her, "I will see you at the ritual Acacia," she heard from the woman in a light yet clear voice, this caused Acacia to eventually grumble to herself as the woman disappeared into the dry pantry. Slowly she'd allow herself to partially glance towards Ryan as he collected another piece of French Toast, after just stating he wasn't hungry it seemed like that statement had evaporated into thin air while he began to devour his fourth slice.

Eventually though she'd notice people filing out after commands where given, the Lupa's voice had come first, "Anyone helping set up the rituals meet here after the others have departed!" and was then followed by, "Anyone who chooses patrol can meet me outside when you're done with breakfast, which should be in under twenty minutes... Back deck," she had to quickly glance in the direction to notice it was Sasha before shrugging and glancing about.

---

Found herself following the humans to the shed, loading up within, Acacia would find herself in the front middle seat between Markus and whoever else had chosen a front row view of the Ulfrics driving. She'd partially glance back to ensure the hunters were seated before the Ulfric spoke “Everyone ready? No yes? Doesn't matter.” and then the vehicle took off and she'd laugh lightly at the site of Ryan toppling over, "Oww. That hurt, I think I landed on my keys.", she'd listen while eventually turning back and watching the tree's zig-zagging as they drove past. “Not to bumpy right guys?! Only about thirty more minutes before we reach town then you can walk out the shakes.” she'd hear from beside her followed by a partial chuckle and the vehicle going over a single snow hill causing snow to fly everywhere, everyone in the UTV would have been covered, didn't matter where they sat it seemed to find it's way around.

She hadn't even considered changing her clothes when they'd left, and she was only now partially regretting it as she sat with a light shiver in the front seat coated by a layer of snow, fluffy slippers still wrapped around her feet as she moved both of her arms over the middle of her torso to provide warmth, god, this was not a good idea in denim shorts and a tank top, she thought lightly to herself as she shuddered and tried to get off the ivory ice particles that tickled her flesh, yup, definitely a bad idea, she'd continue while watching where they were going. Slowly without realizing it she couldn't help but partially lean again the warmest figure nearby, which happened to be the Ulfric and before long she'd glance over at him and suddenly thinking to herself, damnit, don't lean on him that's a bad idea, she'd huff before straightening up in her seat whilst remaining partially huddled to herself, but, he's warm, then again everyone's probably warmer than me right now.

Even before he reached the dining area, Emil could hear the conversations and the hollow sound of a pen dancing on paper that was attached to a clipboard. From the sounds of it, it appeared that the group was being partitioned off into 3 groups. He didn't have the detail as of yet, but he figured he could make most of it from what people were talking about. In the mean time his focus changed from that of finding the Ulfric to finding food. The smell of the French Toast was enticing to say the least, but it most likely all gone at this point. He considered dipping into the cookie stash that he had squirreled away, but thought against it as it would take far to many to fill up and it might attract unnecessary attention to the fact that he had cookies. As he entered the kitchen area he heard the final orders coming down from the Lupa and another, the first being for help setting up the ceremony and the other for patrol.

Weaving his way through the crowd, Emil finally made it to where the food was. Deciding to keep out of everyone's way he settled for a couple pieces of bread and some cheese. Chewing on the food he made his way back out of the kitchen to find somewhere a bit more quiet to finish his meager meal and enjoy the rest of his morning. That was when he heard Marrec's footsteps for the second time that day, coming towards him.

------
-3 hrs later-

“Everyone ready? No yes? Doesn't matter.”

Emil grinned as the UTV lurched forward, sending one of the hunters in the back into a fall. As the vehicle picked up speed Emil hummed absentmindedly lightly as he settled into where he sat, simply enjoying the ride. That was until the plowed through what he guessed was a snowbank, a dull thud preceding the tiny pinpricks of cold that suddenly stung all over his face and uncovered hands. Drawing up his hood around his neck Emil grumbled slightly as he then stuffed his hands in his jacket's pockets, hooking the bottom of his cane with his feet so it didn't bounce out as he let it rest in front of him. His grin returned as his extremities warmed up again, and in time he once more began to enjoy the ride. "So anything in particular on our shopping list today, or is it just general stuff?" he asked after a while, really just to make small talk more than a need to know.

Before the skip

William tuned out most of what was going on in the kitchen. He heard that there would be activity at "sacred ground", which probably had something to do with their two dead werewolves. Not precisely feeling in the mood to be surrounded by so many werewolves, William stepped outside to enjoy the cool air, and gaze over the now lit forest. It was a much better sight in the light, but the hunter knew all things wicked crawl out in the night. For the hunter, what was considered wicked was considered his prey.

After the skip

The hunter followed the others out to the shed and boarded the UTV, standing in the bed of the vehicle and holding onto the railing. The Ulfric wasted no time hitting the gas and speeding through the snow though. William decided to hold onto the railing with one had now, using the other to keep his hat on his head. Holding on was no easy task, as the Ulfric made sure to hit every bump along the way. Ryan fell flat on his ass and complained about possibly landing on his keys. William smirked, though he certainly wasn't enjoying his driver's driving. He went as far as to drive them through a pile of snow, raining white powder upon everyone in the vehicle. William shivered, his coat now covered in snowy powder. "I've sailed through storms!" He shouted, trying to be heard over the engine of the UTV. "You'll have to do better than a couple heaps of snow!"

The hunter grumbled something else, but continued to hold on, wishing to return to his motel room already.

The Lupa came back downstairs again, dressed in a pair of jeans and a long sleeve soft grey shirt with her hair pulled up in a high ponytail just as her mate was getting ready to leave and she made her way toward him, catching his arm just before he walked out to the door to meet everyone. "I'll see you when you get back." She said to him softly, smiling as she let go of his arm and listened as he and his group drove away; subsequently, the patrol group left just after them which left her and those who were helping set up for the ritual later tonight under the moon. She waited until she couldn’t hear them anymore and turned to the others gathered in the room, waiting for her orders and she swallowed dryly. “Look. We may have gotten the worst pick of the lot, but that doesn’t make it any less important.” She started, both of her hands held in front of her, her fingers wrapped together as she spoke, hoping that everyone who needed to be there was actually there already. “Tonight we hold council and call upon our ancestors for help and it’s our job to get ready for it.”

Valerie paused, taking in a deep breath and closing her eyes again, aware of the scar tugging on her face as she furrowed her brows, thinking for the few moments that she was absolutely silent; not even her breath made a noise for them to hear. She looked over toward the two young men and the girl who were standing the closest and blinked, focusing in on them mostly and, unfortunately, she couldn’t smile at them as she began instruction. “James and Xavier, there are the bodies of two wolves in the den. I need you to bring them with us to the sacred grounds, after-” Valerie paused, looking over at where she knew the female was and blinked. “North was it?” The young woman was not familiar with the wolf but she had heard her name, just once, and had tried to remember it. “I need you to help me prepare the bodies first. We will send them away with their pride intact.” The young man next to James, with his hands shoved in his pocket nodded and called out his agreement to his Lupa. He was glad that neither of them were his brothers body.

The Lupa had finished what it was that she needed to say right then, their reactions to her orders would begin her defining time in how she would deal with them. It had been a while since she had had command of even a small group of the pack, as normally it was only her and a couple others home and they was only for a short time. Half the time Markus was there as well, always when there was trouble for him to take care of. She would adjust over time, work on how she did this and planned on making sure that everything went the way it needed to for this to really work.

Sasha

Sasha missed Markus and didn't really know what to do with the fellow named Blanc, so she told him to go follow the group heading for the sacred grounds. A part of her just wanted him off her hands, and another knew that if he saw the sacrifices and threatened to blab, he looked like an easy enough kill. Sasha then headed to the pack deck to meet her own crew.

“You are now on patrol. Follow any unusual scents, do not engage anyone if possible, report back any news. I will repeat this again: your job is to report, not attack without need. If you die in the attack, we may not know and you will be risking your pack members by being stupid – so don't be stupid. You will need to shift to optimize the telepathy between us as a group. Be careful, avoid being seen by any more hikers or hunters if possible. I will be going alone, you can pair up if you need to do so.”

With that, Sasha turned and moved off the porch, pausing only to fall into the shift. Shaking out her fur, she bolted to the left of the house, along one of the trails that fanned outward.

Vashti lifted her head when Sasha appeared from the house; listening to her instructions, even though she knew how pack patrol goes. However in her old pack, they did not stress the need to travel in pairs for safety. She supposed they didn't really care.....being that their numbers were so small and so few knew of their exsistence.

This will be a piece of cake.

Stepping in front of the others Vashti allowed the change to overtake her. Her human body transformed, and in moments a tall wolf with brown and tan fur stood before the rest.

For a moment her hind leg rose in the sudden hope that it wouldn't hurt, but as she put pressure on it, she grinned. It would be fine.

Turning to look at the others Vashti was surprised to see Aldo within the bunch. Was he coming on the patrol as well?

At this she smiled with sharp white canines and sat on her haunches while waiting for the others to shift. She had not yet seen Aldo in wolf form yet.....part of her was curious of him....

Ears tilting back over her skull she tilted her head to one side, then glanced to Sasha.

As the Lupa entered the room, James looked up and came to full attention as she began to give them the details of their ‘chore’.

When she stated the sad importance of their tasks, he mentally agreed. The dead would need a proper send off…….

Remembering the moment he had come across the two dead bodies, James again felt the agony and anger rising in him. Whoever had done this…..he wanted to find them and gouge their eyes out.

He glared at the floor while thinking this, until the Lupa said his name.

Slowly his blue eyes rose to hers and he frowned; noticing something for the first time.

This wolf was blind…..the way she stared ahead and spoke to them hinted of it.

While others would have grown doubt of the female within themselves, James felt pride. To be blind and have a pack to ‘watch’ over was a very difficult past so he assumed.

Realizing he would have to speak to let the Lupa know of his agreement he stood and smiled.

“I’m ready when you are. I can do what is asked of me.”

Here goes nothing. Aldo suddenly wished that he'd eaten more, but it was too late now, unless he could snatch up a rabbit on patrol. He could feel the change in himself as he watched Sasha shift and leave; he made a bit of a sour face as he did not much enjoy the feeling of his skeleton changing shape or his organs sliding into different positions. After that unpleasant experience, he finally noticed Vashti and felt his ears give a feeble downward twitch. Stupid, stupid crushes. But if he wanted to live, he mgiht as well act on it, right? Talk to her, idiot. Before she notices you looking and gets creeped out.

Carefully the large black canine form stepped toward Vashti. His tail tried to put itself between his legs as if it had its own mind, but he didn't let it. He hadn't quite gotten the hang of the whole telepathy thing, yet, at least when it came to 'sending' messages, but he gave it a try regardless and simply hoped that the mind-speak would work.

Would you want to come with me? I know the land well.

He was thankful for the lack of stuttering that communicating in thoughts gave, and for the fact that it sounded much more confident than Aldo actually felt.

Words crept into her mind and Vashti's attention shifted from their leader Sasha, to a dark male wolf approaching her. Standing up she wagged her tail, recognizing the tone in the voice as Aldo's. He had obviously shifted while her eyes were turned.

Looking his wolf form over Vashti walked around him a bit, smiling despite herself. So this was what he looked like; tall dark and handsome even in wolf form.

Interesting choice of words, Vashti...... But these thoughts she kept to herself.

Coming to a stop near Aldo's head she stood up straight and replied to him, "I'd very much like to come with you Aldo. It would help to be with someone who knew the terrain.....I haven't been in this area long enough myself to be familiar with it.."

Vashti shook her head so that the fur around her neck ruffled, then added with a weak smile, "How are you feeling? You didn't seem to be doing too hot this morning."

She had noticed his state of emotional wear earlier that day.....part of her worried for him....
Of course most would feel like crap after learning of the deaths of two pack members, yet he was the one she picked from the crowd.

Maybe it was his personality that drew her to him. She hadn't known many males with his kind of sweet and admittedly shy attitude; she kind of liked it.

And if that was the case she might as well get to know him; what better way than to patrol together?

North flinched when the Lupa mentioned her, but responded anyway. "Um, yes-s ma'am. It's North." she rubbed the side of her arm nervously. "And how do we do that?" She was hesitant to display any sort of incompetence, as it had gotten her in trouble in the past, but she figured that knowing exactly how to do this kind of thing was a necessity. When it came to matters of death and respect, making a mistake could be much worse than just asking for help. "I'm not really even officially part of this pack, so why is she asking me anyway? I would've thought that this would be against some sort of tradition." she sighed. "At least I can be of some help."

The Lupa listened while the three replied; closing her eyes as she carefully heard the way their feet shuffled on the floor while two of the three nervously moved around. She could feel the prickle of unease on them and made sure to keep her eyes closed now so that the sightless orbs wouldn’t make them any more nervous than they already were after being singled out by the Lupa of the pack. “There are towels in the closet down the hall and warm water from the tap. Could you bring them to me in the den please?” She asked the girl, stepping away from the door slightly, her toes touching the floor quietly as she walked, her feet bare and the nerves in her feet very sensitive to the movements and touch of the floor on the bottoms. It was how she often found her way around, with her feet and hands instead of her eyes. There were no scars on any of her visible skin, none but the single line across her eyes that stuck out against the smooth pallor of her usual skin.

Walking passed the three of them she walked into the main hall of the ground floor and followed it towards the den where she had found the bodies earlier that morning. They were still in the same place on the rug, the floor stained with their blood and the scent of death hit her hard enough that she stopped in the doorway for a moment. She hated this feeling, every time that a wolf died, she could hear their soul around and listen to it mourn its own death. It got stronger every passing year and yet she couldn’t find it in herself to just ignore it, it was her duty to listen when others couldn’t. Stepping toward the wolves corpses she knelt next to them and touched a hand to their fur, finding the places they were injured and she could feel tears stinging in the back of her eyes. She could practically see the two dead wolves in front of her and it tore at her like nothing else but her mates own death could.

Valerie shook her head, reaching back a hand to pull her hair away from her and she tied it with a ribbon that had been sitting around her wrist, tied tightly where she had put it earlier that morning without a thought toward it but now the black silk became of use to hold back the pale pink while she found each and every of the wounds that tore the flesh of the two. Her hands were spattered with their blood, her fingers covered in it and flakes of dry liquid clinging to her clothes.

Aldo flashed an embarrassed and very toothy grin that he immediately wiped off of his muzzle, his ears twitching as he tried to keep them upright in a confident position. Her concern for him only seemed to be fueling his awkward and clumsy body language, but the next thought he sent betrayed none of his pitiful demeanor.

Don't you worry about me. It was just a shock, that's all. I'm very sorry you had to see that, I assume right after waking up.

He shuddered when his mind wandered back to the scene of the murdered werewolves. Now it was less shocking, though, and more like a terrible weight that dragged down his heart. Aldo hadn't known them well at all, but they'd been kind to each other, they'd hiked and patrolled together, and most of all, they'd been part of the Odessa Pack together.
Shaking the unwanted and dark thoughts from his immediate range of concerns, he started in a direction that none of the other wolves on the patrol team seemed to be heading. He turned his head to make sure that Vashti was following and gave a small, slow wag of his bushy tail.

Maybe when we're finished patrolling, we can chase hares. To lighten things up.

This was followed by a thought which Aldo kept private: What the hell are you thinking? This is no time to ask a girl out.