Sky High

[Adelaide]

The young wolf had been traveling pretty much all day. It hadn't been too long since she had been excepted into Dexerous' pack and given Lien as her mentor. She was eager to prove that she was worthy of being in such a strong pack. She just had to prove it! Being the adventurous spirit she was, the two-year old she wolf had brought herself all the way to the eagle point mountain. It was known to be less snowy in the winter and with the coming of the colder months, it would be a wonderful place for her to find cat mint. Cat mint was used for all kinds of different coughs and colds, including lung problems that are very frequent in the winter time. One that liked to hang around was a very contagious respiratory disease that tends to hover in the coldest of winters. Because of that, the young wolf knew that it was very vital to get it in the earlier seasons as to beat out the competition of other wolves and animals that knew of how valuable they truly were.

That's pretty much how she found herself so high up on the peak. Luckily, it was a sunny and very warm day, making her climb much easier. They were still early in the summer, so the burning climate was yet to come. Another reason for her to get the cat mint here while she still could. Unlike most young healers, Adelaide was used to being on her own, she had grown strict and determined, even in only two years of life. She knew where to find a majority of plants and what seasons they thrived in. She was self taught - but had Lien to fall back on. This was another reason why she was on this mountain. Even though It was a long and dangerous trek, she knew there would be a lot in this area, probably only until the beginning of fall. Oh, she could already see the joy on Lien's face when she returned with it! She had kept it a surprise and snuck out a dawn to miss the morning border patrols. Now, the sun was highest in the sky and she had just reached her destination.

The black she wolf could now smell the cat mint, it's strong and fresh scent proving that it was in it's prime season of growth. She would have more than plenty to bring back. The wolf followed her nose until she could see a rather large patch growing on the ground. Using her strong hind legs, she pushed herself up, balancing her fore paws on the tree and shaking her head to bring down an elephant leaf. It was large and thick, but easily bent. The perfect solution for carrying a large amount of herbs over a long distance. Setting the leaf down, Adelaide carefully nipped off the roots and placed them on the leaf, careful not to rip out too much root and prevent the next seasons plant to grow. A few moments later, she had more than enough to get them through at least 3 outbreaks, which was highly unlikely. And she made sure to leave a good amount for other wolves as well. Even though she cared much for her pack, Addy wasn't a selfish wolf, she was a healer, and cared highly for the well being of the other packs, even if they were their rivals.
Her goal had been completed, and she even grabbed a bit of burdock root and comfrey, as well as cobwebs to hold them all together. It was a good bundle and an amazing turn-out to her long trip. Bending the elephant leaf to cup the set of herbs safely inside, she picked them up and she walked to the edge of the peak, looking down at the world below.

She had never been this high up before, she could see everything. It was absolutely breath-taking.

Lycurgus

[Lycurgus]

Gus padded along slowly as he made his way to the tallest mountain in the north. He'd seen the mountain when he had first come to this part of the park and, being young and having interest in all the world around him, he had promised himself that he'd travel to it's peak when the weather had warmed and it's steep sides wouldn't be so treacherous to climb. His day had started off with his normal enthusiasm to see and enjoy the world, especially since he had no true role to play in his pack yet in the Grand Canyon and therefore knew he wouldn't really be missed yet if he traveled, but as his adventure went on, his steps grew harder to take.         The journey had started well and all, and he'd even eaten fresh hare in his pack's land to start his day off right. But as soon as he crossed the pack border, it seemed as though a rain cloud had been hovering over his head. An encounter with a mother bear and her three cubs sent him running full speed until he met with sheer exhaustion. A painful splinter had buried itself deep into his pawpad and even though he was able to chew it out with his teeth, it left his paw sore and caused a slight limp in his gait. But the worst had occurred right at the base of the mountain. An unfamiliar animal scent had caught his attention, and what he'd thought was a big brown raccoon of sorts turned out to be a spiky, prickly, painful porcupine. He'd never encountered one up close in his short life, so he was caught off guard when the creature spun around, exposed a backside full of spines, and proceeded to slap him across the muzzle with it's sharp side. Luckily, the injury had been mostly superficial and the spines had missed his eye. He was able to brush away several of the spines that had dislodged into his muzzle, but as luck had it, a single barbed spike had buried itself so deep into his lip, that he couldn't help but cry out if he so much as curled his lips or rubbed at it with his foreleg. It was in there pretty good and the young male had no idea what to do about it.         But Lycurgus was an optimist. He had set out on this adventure in search of entertainment and he wasn't going to allow tired legs, an injured paw, or the devil spike gouged into his face ruin his day. Instead, he thanked the sun that he was alive and healthy and would have a pack and a safe home to return to at the end of the day. Positive thinking was what Gus did best, though, he wasn't one to sugarcoat everything. He knew he'd risk infection in his face if the barb didn't come out sooner or later. Perhaps one of his packmates would have a solution to his sorry plight.         Nearing the peak of the mountain, another canid scent hit the young male's nose. There was another wolf already up here. A female. And along with her scent came the smell of others. She was a pack wolf, but she was no familiar scent to Lycurgus so she couldn't belong to the Grand Canyon pack. He had heard of another large and growing pack to the east but he knew nothing about them other than that they called the shores of the Cougar Creek their home. Perhaps this female belonged to the creek pack? Lycurgus raised his head to look further up the mountain. He wasn't very far from the top, and that's where her scent was coming from. "Well," he thought aloud, "there's only one way to find out who she really is." He continued up the side of the mountain, his gait picking up slightly as excitement found it's way into his being. He wasn't too sure about how the Grand Canyon wolves would take it if he was caught mingling with wolves from other packs, but the lack of leisure he'd encountered within his own pack's borders left him aching for some good companionship. "Who knows, maybe this encounter will turn my entire day's luck around," he spoke quietly to himself as he padded along.         Cresting the hill, golden eyes fell upon the female wolf and the strange object she had dangling from her mouth. Lycurgus stopped in his tracks, not knowing whether or not his presence had been detected yet. He stared at the female, dazed by the beauty of her coat and the shape of her frame. She was smaller than himself, both in height and in bulk, but the sheen of her coat under the summer sun was lovely. Gus' ear twitched and he suddenly shook his head violently to dislodge his eyes from the other wolf. That's three times now he'd caught himself looking that way at a female. He'd glanced over one of the female's in his own pack that way, and even eyed up his own alphess. His actions were for the most part innocent, he was just getting the point in his life where he was truly noticing the physical and emotional differences between males and females, and with each female he encountered and got to know better, the more attracted he was to the sex. He found them all beautiful in their different shapes and sizes, wearing their coats and scars all differently and flaunting their good looks at him without them even knowing it. Human minds would have labeled his actions as him just hitting puberty, but Gus didn't have words for his new found attraction to females and instead just innocently reveled in it by staring when he could and politely looking away when he realized his gaze wasn't wanted.         Suddenly embarrassed by his own appearance, fur slicked back with sweat from running and a fresh trip in his step to match the spine protruding from his snout, Lycurgus considered turning around and leaving the female to her object and peaceful enjoyment of the mountain's view. But then, what good would come of such a lovely day if he passed up his only opportunity at a moment of pleasant company? The brute looked back over his shoulder and down the mountain, recalling all the trouble he went through just to keep a promise he'd made to himself back in late winter. Turning back now would be pointless. Wasted time on a wasted day. He saw no option other than to continue what he'd started.         With his gaze back on the dark coated female, Gus began to approach the very top of the mountain peak. His stance was neutral and he avoided any signs of dominance or aggression all the while trying to hide the limp in his gait which he was doing rather unsuccessfully. As he grew near to her, his ears leaned back slightly as his embarrassment for his looks got the better of him. He stopped alongside the female and made eye contact with her, though the rest of his body suggested neutrality. "Hello there stranger." He nodded to her, and the corners of his muzzle turned up into what one would believe was a smile. "My name is Lycurgus, and I come from the west. The Grand Canyon to be exact. You can call me Gus if you wish, as most do." His gaze lingered on hers for just another second before he looked at the unusual object that was dangling from her maw. He could see now it was a giant leaf, and something must have been wrapped up inside of it. She was using it to carry something, an excellent trick that he'd never needed or bothered to try out himself. "What do you have there? That is, if you don't mind he asking." He met her eyes again, and began to wag his tail slightly. Being in the presence of another wolf was a great feeling. Gus had never believed himself to be a social butterfly, not by a long shot. But he did grow up in a tight knit pack and he was used to having others to talk to if that's what he desired. He hadn't had any contact with others after he'd left his pack and even since he took up residence in the Grand Canyon, he hadn't quite befriended anyone yet. He'd had run ins with the alphess and his packmates on occasion, but he hadn't formally been introduced to anyone just yet and what little social need he had wasn't quite being met inside of the pack borders. Perhaps this wolf, whether she belonged to another pack or not, would help ease the loneliness he'd been feeling in the past days.

[Adelaide]

One could always get lost in the beauty of the Yellowstone. Adelaide was one of the many victims in it. She constantly found herself staring at it, her mind dancing off into another universe and seeing it through a different eyes. Though, Lien would just point it at the fact that healing wolves had a special connection with nature. And the young she wolf had to believe her. Her first encounter with herbs was through a dream, one where many wolves guided her to where she now stood. Otherwise, she would still be alone and confused with the world around her. But, she had learned to take her abilities in stride, and be one with the world around her. So, it was in that own little universe that she didn't smell or hear the other wolf approaching her. When his voice rang through her ears, she let out a startled yelp and dropped her leaf on the ground, spilling the precious herbs from inside it. They were already close to rolling off the edge and she had to quickly rush around to try and protect them from falling all the way down to the heavens know where. Thankfully she managed to get them all back together before they rolled off the edge, and wrapped them tightly into the leaf. She used her teeth to nip the leaf, holding the two edges together. Only now did she raise her baby blue eyes to look at the wolf beside her.

Now that she was alert once again, she could tell he was a male, and he was, in fact talking to her. She had already missed part of his words, but caught up in time to catch his name and where he was from. The Grand Canyon pack. She knew that she should instantly run, get away from a member of her rival pack. However, she longed to meet wolves her age, rather than ones that were no younger than five years older. It just didn't feel threatening. And, even as a healer, she wasn't as tied to the defenses. All in all, she was a neutral. She protected the ones she loved, healed the sick, and tried to prevent injury. Now, where was there room for violence, hatred, and enemies in that? So, she let herself relax, giving into the comfort of company and giving the male called Lycurgus a smile. It was a nice name. It slipped off her tongue a few times before she got it right. "Lycurgus." She spoke out loud, testing her ability to say it out loud, trust her voice. "I am Adelaide." She told the brute, her voice laced in silk and as sweet as the song birds in her youth. She rolled her haunches back, sitting down and wrapping her abnormally fluffy tail around her paws. "I come from the Cougar Creek pack. Ya know, the blood-thirsty, evil pack of the east." She almost laughed at her choice of words, but it was the reputation they got. "Nah, I'm kidding ya." The she wolf laughed, flicking the male with her tail. "We're not all that bad." Another smirk and she lifted her chin higher. That's what Yellowstone knew her for. Her sense of humor and charm. My, she was such a lady sometimes, but a little rebel a that.

She cocked her head sideways as he asked about the bundle she had been carrying. "You might wanna ask that infection forming in your paw." She spoke sweetly, her eyes dancing with pride as she spoke of his injury so sudden, without even looking at his paw. She was a little arrogant in her ability as well. Either way, she bounced up to her paws, raising her tail and giving it a few wags. "Lucky for you, I have just what you need!" The dark wolf yipped happily. She lowered her head and opened her elephant leaf, breaking the cob-webs gently and pulling out a few comfrey roots and a paw full of cobwebs. "Give me your paw." Her voice was still sweet, but more firm, meaning she was serious now rather than playfully joking. She sat back onto her haunches and when he gave her his paw, she flipped it over and carefully balanced on her haunches so both of her fore paws could hold the injured paw. She then gently chewed up the roots until they were a poultice. She flicked her ear, a silent apology as she knew sometimes comfrey could sting. Once it was covered on the pad, she used the cobwebs to hold it in place. Adelaide then allowed him his paw back, a smile on her face. "I'm a healer's apprentice, self taught and still learning." She spoke, her head held high, blue eyes shining.

She then playfully, yet gently, bopped the quill in his lip. "Now, let's see what we can do about that." She chirped, jumping to her paws and heading back down the peek, her leaf of herbs in her jaws and her fluffy tail flicking, telling Gus to follow suite.

Lycurgus 

[Lycurgus]

Gus took a step back as the female seemed to be shocked into reality at the sound of his voice. He hadn't meant to surprise her, though he supposed he could have made his presence known from a bit farther away. He was hoping this small incident wouldn't ruin his chances at a friendship or alliance with this other pack wolf. The female had dropped her leaf bag and it's contents had tumbled about, several threatening to roll right off the side of the mountain's peak. She scrambled to gather her belongings and Gus too snapped out at an escaping cluster of stems, placing them onto the leaf but believing his action had gone unnoticed amidst the lady's struggle to regain her composure. After she was settled, she began to say his name aloud. At first, she seemed uncertain of the pronunciation but once it rolled off her tongue correctly, the young male gave her another nod and a smile. She offered her own name in return, to which the brute repeated the gesture of practicing it out loud. "Adelaide. What a lovely name. Adelaide..." He let it roll softly out of his mouth, as though tasting the name itself. It was indeed a wonderful name and so much more fluent than his own.         Adelaide seemed to relax a bit in the male's presence and he mirrored her actions to help ease the tension. He sat and smiled, listening as she spoke, enjoying the sound of her elegant voice. He couldn't help but compare it to the warbling of the tiny birds in the forest he'd spent his puphood in with it being so smooth and song-like. She confirmed his suspicions about her belonging to the eastern pack. They were known as the Cougar Creek pack, and the young male let his ears and tail twitch a bit as she mentioned them being bloodthirsty and evil wolves. That didn't sound right at all. Surely this lovely young fae with her bundle of foliage wasn't a vicious monster under that beautiful hide. Gus had actually assumed the exact opposite of her actually. Seeing her plants made him believe she was a healer of sorts. His old pack wasn't well practiced in the art of healing with herbs and objects, but he wasn't unfamiliar with the application of plants to wounds and wondrous things happening after the fact. His slightly tensed body relaxed again as she started to laugh, exposing her true nature and the fact that she was harmless to him. He joined her in laughter, "Eh, I think I could have taken you anyway, oh bloodthirsty one." He was confident that this female was no threat to him, but he knew better than to dismiss her pack so readily. If they had a reputation for being cruel, then surely they had somehow earned it.         With introductions aside, the dark coated female finally acknowledged the leaf bundle she was carrying with her. But rather than just tell him what was inside, she surprised him by mentioning his sore paw. He had been trying to hide his limp, but surely that didn't matter as he had just about completely snuck up on her anyway. There's no way she had seen him favoring his good paw, so how could she possibly known that he had injured himself? He cocked his head in confusion as to how she knew about the damage, but he wasn't about to hesitate when she offered to help. If she was even a fraction of as good at alleviating pain as the stories of his young life in the den suggested, she'd be able to do him wonders. After nosing around in her bundle and pulling out what looked to the brute like any other old green leaf and a wad of tangled cobweb, she asked him to stick out his paw. He did so, only slightly hesitant at first, and allowed her to handle the injured limb. He admired the way she shifted all her weight onto her hinds and allowed her forelegs to move freely. His face was full of curiosity and amazement as she chewed the plant and trickled it out onto to soft side of his foot. Her touch was gentle and full of finesse. The mood was changed abruptly though as a sharp sting found itself burrowing into the base of his cracked pawpad. The liquified plant seeped into the wound and stung him like a wasp, making him want to yelp and jerk his paw back so that he could lick it free of the pain juice. But to do so would only make him look like a sissy in front of Adelaide so he tolerated the discomfort, noting that her apologetic ear flick did nothing to ease the irritation in his paw but instead brought forth a forced and pain-laced smile out of him.         Sealing the plant to his pad with the cobwebs, Adelaide returned to the young male the freedom of his paw. As the initial sting from the plant subsided, it was replaced by a warm and tingling sensation. Gus looked the covering over closely before allowing his foot to return gently to the mountain's surface. The female spoke again and he wasn't surprised to hear that she was indeed a healer. "And a wonderful healer's apprentice you are, lady Adelaide. Thank you for this." He lowered his head and nudged at his now bandaged paw. "I've never been treated by a healer before. It's a magic my birthpack never learned nor taught. I only hope this herb of yours strengthens my foot, and doesn't cause it to fall off." He chuckled a bit after his last comment. He figured the female's intentions were pure but if there was ever a way a kill off a member of an enemy pack, poisoning them under the guise of healing them would be it.         If her smearing chewed foliage over the brute's paw wasn't discomforting enough, Adelaide then touched her paw to the barb that still stuck out of the young male's face. The brute shrieked as a surge of pain filled his nasal cavity, dropping his ears back and tucking his tail as though submission to the quill would cease it's aching. The female's actions were innocent enough, maybe Gus was just acting like a whiny pup. He mostly regained his stance and smirked stupidly, as though trying to insinuate he had just been playing and the barb truly didn't hurt him at all. Oh, how he was being such a fool in front of this Cougar Creek wolf. Surely she'd have a story to take back to her pack of the wimpy male pup of the Grand Canyon pack that she'd met who couldn't handle even the slightest bit of pain. When the female turned to walk down the mountain, Gus silently snarled at himself. He was acting like such a moron. He was an embarrassment to himself, his pack, and wolves everywhere. At least, that's what he was convincing himself of. So far he had really enjoyed the female's company and her skills as a healer would be helpful should he ever need a hand from this friend, but that required him to befriend her first. All he'd done so far was snuck up on her, announced he was from a rival pack, taken advantage of her healing techniques and cried about petty wounds. At this rate, she would never want to be his friend. He would have to improve his appearance if he wanted to impress her.         Impress her, the brute thought to himself as his rose to his feet and padded off after the female. What does that even mean? He hadn't started the day off wanting to impress anyone but his alphess, so what did he have to prove to this female of a rival pack? Yes, she knew her plants as a healer, but surely someone in his own pack would know what to do in the event of serious injury. He didn't necessarily need that skill of hers on his side. But where the other members of his pack had shown little interest in him so far, this female was quick to speak with him and offered him help when he needed it. Lycurgus, though a level-headed young wolf, was on the fence with what to think of this Adelaide character. He tried to consider the bigger picture. He saw a potential friendship in her, but he also saw unrest in both of their packs if they were to ever meet again. Maybe, if she took care of the wretched pin stuck in his face, he would just thank her for her efforts and leave her to be. His pack would never need to know that he was hanging around a Cougar Creek wolf. Or maybe, she'd ask him to stay with her. Or come join the Cougar Creek pack. Gus' head rattled with scenarios and options and possibilities and... it exhausted him. That was the downside to being an intellect, it was easy to overthink everything and it could be ever so tiring. He tossed his head to shake the thoughts from his mind. He would just have to play this by ear, see what would come of their little meeting, and think up a story later should he need to cover his tail about anything.         Gus left his own mind long enough to settle his gaze on that dark flicking tail before him. Though he didn't dislike the view from behind, he figured a further sharing of words would help to settle his thoughts. He increased his pace, being careful not to disturb the little patch of cobweb on his foot anymore than he needed to, and pulled up alongside the female at a trot. Making sure he wasn't about to crash into any trees, he looked over to Adelaide and tried to find her blue eyes against the dark mask on her face. "So Adelaide, this pack of yours. If they have a such a... rough-and-tough reputation, why do you run among them? You can't tell me I've misjudged you. You seem to be such a friendly young fae. I can't imagine you among hatemongers." He looked forward again to verify the path ahead was still clear, and returned his gaze to the female. "I'm sorry if I seem like I'm prying. It's just curiosity, truly and honestly. I haven't yet met any others our age since I traveled to this part of the land. My alphess is fairly young, but even she has several seasons on me. I'm just convinced everyone doubts me because of my age..." He took his eyes off of her and stared forward again. "Listen to me rambling on. I do apologize, lady Adelaide." He continued on in silence, waiting for her response and to see where she was leading him.

[Adelaide]

'I think I could have taken you anyway, oh blood thirsty one.' Adelaide felt her fur heat up and she lowered her head, rising crystal blue eyes to look faintly at the male from her embarrassment. Oh, young brutes. Always the charmers. Adelaide loved it. Her ears flicked gently as she began her trek to try and find the perfect herbs for Gus's injury. She continued to walk around, picking up the herbs as she went. Mallow; good for fighting infections. Juniper berries. To calm the nerves and help sway away pain. Borage leaves.. Prevent fever if already infected. She named and listed the uses as she picked them up, making sure she understood fully before she gave them to her potential patient. She put the plants into her big elephant leaf, and continued walking, bringing the brute to a pretty place above the canyon to sit.

Soon, he was walking up beside her and she turned her head to look at him - her blue eyes doing the smiling she couldn't do with the leaf in her mouth. He asked her why she ran with such a violent pack and she couldn't help the small laugh that forced its way through her throat at his sweet comment. "I'm not too bold." She told him, the taunt obvious in her voice. "Protection mainly." She told him with a slight shrug of her small shoulders. Before answering his other question, they came out into an opening where the trees ending. It was a peak just a bit smaller than the eagle's, with more tall grass and a homey feeling to it. She walked until she was about three strides from the end before she lowered her haunches and set down her leaf, her fluffy tail wrapping around her paws. "I'm not a violent wolf. My goal in life is to heal and keep the peace, not to fight and injure the sibling wolf. I just want to watch them grow, to thrive, and be healthy through out their lives. It's the past I've chosen. Even though my pack is known to be violent, they are a family in and out. No one threatens us cause of our strength, an there is more healthy, than sick. May not be peaceful, but we are almost always safe." Her voice was sweet, but her eyes were sad. She wasn't telling him the whole truth.

The truth would have been that there were constant battles for ranks, that there was more bloody and scarred wolves than sweet and pure. It was an army, not a pack. Soldiers, not family. She and Lien were the only ones that seemed to understand that there was more to life than fighting and being the strongest. You didn't need to be the perfect fighter to survive in the world. But, even with Gus being so kind, she was a loyal wolf. She wouldn't reveal those secrets. Not even to someone she loved. She listened in silence as he told her that he wasn't trying to pry an Adelaide gave him a warm smile. "Not prying, getting to know. Making friends." Her voice was sweet and there was a little dance to her eyes. She understood exactly how he felt. She was the only adolescent in her pack as well. Being with another wolf her age made her heart pound and she loved it. It was an amazing feeling. He told her that he felt like the others looked down on him because of his age and she smiled lightly, leaning closer to allow her long-furred tail to run down his spine in a comforting manner. Her voice lowered to a whisper, but her gaze was hard and daring. "Then prove them wrong." She smiled again, bumping her muzzle sweetly against his shoulder. "Make them eat their words."

Another swish of her tail and then her attention was back on the quill on his nose. "First step is to pull it out. I'm sorry, it's going to hurt, a lot." Her eyes showed her apology, but she was no good at sugar coating things. She felt the need to be blunt, and well, painfully honest when it came to such things. What was the use in telling him it wasn't going to hurt and then ripping it out and having it burn like a thousand bees? He would be mad at the lie, and even more stunned by the pain. It was pointless to the she wolf. Her icy gaze looked confidently at the small injury on the males muzzle. She was much more serious now, her gaze completely focused on the task at her paws. She wrapped her teeth gently around the spike, a silent count down from three and she ripped her head back, pulling it from his muzzle. "Sorry." She murmured afterwards, tossing the sickly thing aside and running her tongue over the wound a couple of times. She then placed the chewed up mallow onto it, allowing it to try and prevent anymore infection.

She then wrapped the small, blue juniper berries in the borage leaves and used her paws to gently push it over to Gus. She for one, didn't like to eat anything a stranger gave her, so she proceeded to explain. "The blue berries are called juniper. They will calm down both your nerves and the pain. No one is a hundred percent sane after getting attacked by a porcupine." She offered a small giggle, her eyes rolling playfully before she continue on. "As for the leaves, they are called borage. They will get rid of any infection that may already be in your body from the quill and the paw. The leaves are a little sour, but the berries might sweeten it out." Another small smile and then she lowered herself into a laying position. It was getting close to when the sun would set, and she knew this was the perfect spot to watch it. Adelaide close enough to Gus so that her fur brushed his. Almost like a silent comfort to herself, but he was welcome to move away from her. As blue eyes looked over the clearing as her muzzle rested on her paws, watching the beautiful sunset start to form in all its oranges and purples - making this one of the prettiest places in Yellowstone.

Lycurgus

[Lycurgus]

Gus kept pace with the female as she padded along in search of something that would hopefully remedy his injury. He stayed moderately close to her so that he could see the different plants she was plucking for his treatment, but he mostly did so because he wanted to hear what she had to say. She claimed that she was a member of the bellicose Cougar Creek Pack primarily for her own protection, and Gus nodded in understanding. He agreed that the reason was a fair one, but he was also convinced there had to be more to it than sanctuary alone. Adelaide was young, small, and female, and all were good reasons to have a pack to back her up should she ever find herself in a spot of trouble. But security could be found in just about any reliable pack, including his own, so surely that wasn't the only reason she was living among mad dogs.         After having collected her supply of herbs, Adelaide led him to the summit of a slightly smaller hill just below Eagle Peak before coming to a rest and sitting back on her haunches. The young male parked himself directly beside her and allowed his tail to curl around his backside. He took a moment to glance around at their surroundings. The view from this hill didn't reach quite as far into the distance as the top of taller peak's had, but it was no less impressive to the brute. It was still a serene sight and he was glad to be sharing it with such friendly company. His eyes came down from the view to observe the hill itself, and he smiled as he realized the thick carpet of tall grass surrounding them reminded him of the plateau where he'd first met the alphess of the Grand Canyon pack and seen his first buffalo. Yellowstone was a truly alluring place, and he was glad that he was able to call it his home.         His head jerked back to attention and his golden gaze came to rest on the darker femme's face. She had begun speaking again, only now her story went a bit more in-depth and told of her personality and her place among the creek wolves. He listened in silence, nodding along as her angelic voice filled the air around his ears. It was a tale of a damsel among dragons, only she seemed convinced that even a pack filled with malicious intentions and diabolical ambitions still constituted a true family. When the last words rolled off her tongue, his golden eyes found themselves staring deeply into the sky blue orbs before him and he felt a pang in his chest. Those eyes weren't the same sparkling crystals he had looked into at the top of Eagle Peak. They had faded ever so slightly, dulled out as though they were trying to hold something back from him. There was something else to her story. Something she wasn't telling him.         A bout of melancholy seemed to settle into the mind of the young male. Adelaide spoke as though she were happy with her place in the Cougar Creek pack, but her eyes had told him a different story. He remained silent, unsure of exactly what to say in response. He didn't want to make it sound like he was suspicious of her story but surely the look in his own eyes called him out for being skeptical. In reality, he wanted more than anything to ask her to leave with him and come back to the Grand Canyon where she could be among those who weren't known solely for their violence. He wanted her to live alongside a family group that he believed was, for the most part, peaceful. He mostly just didn't want to have to leave her at the end of the day. This was the first wolf in all of these lands that opened up to him and was seeming to make an effort to be his friend. He didn't want to tread back to the canyon at the end of the day with the heavy weight on his mind that, if he ever saw his friend again, they'd likely be putting both of their ranks in their respective packs at risk. Surely rival alphas wouldn't take kindly to their subordinates mingling together in the mountains. And though Esperanza was a firm leader that would surely give him a good slap on the muzzle for his wanderings, he could only wonder what the alpha of a pack infamous for hostility would do to poor Adelaide if he ever found out that she was friends with a canyon wolf.         As the young wolf began to get lost in his thoughts, Adelaide spoke again and pulled him back into the here-and-now world. He still didn't have a reply for her, so he was glad she was lightening the mood. Making friends? Gus smiled on the inside and out. His tail began to wag as furiously as a feeding pup's. It was as though her words had made their friendship official on the spot. The day may have started out gloomy for him but the storm cloud that had hovered over his head on the trip towards the mountain had suddenly parted all at once. He now had a friend his young age who shared his love of peace and happiness. His smile started to widen into a toothy grin and he looked away from the female so that he could take in the view from the summit again. Though the sun was threatening to set in the distance, the young male couldn't help but believe it was shining down hard on him. There he was, sitting happy on a mountaintop enjoying a lovely view with his new friend, and it was a fae at that. What luck he had on this day!         He suddenly felt a touch on his backside and his view went quickly from sunset to beauteous lady. In response to his comment about his pack doubting him for his age, the female whispered to him to prove them wrong. 'Make them eat their words.' She nuzzled his shoulder and he realized the touch on his back was her tail playing with the hackles on his rump. Gus was suddenly thankful that his fur coat covered his face completely. If Adelaide could have seen past it, she would have noticed his face was swelling into a bright red and his body temperature was rising all over. He was flushing with pride and excitement, an arousing combination that he had never quite experienced before. His ears folded back unwillingly and his entire bulk began to quiver under the pressure of exhilaration. "I... uh..." Once again, he was lost for words. He chewed at his brain to come up with something, anything to say to her. "I... I think I would like to prove them wrong." The words had come out quick and sharp, and Gus knew the zing he was experiencing would be obvious to the female if she hadn't already noticed. Now he couldn't tell if the blush was still from passion or if it had converted to shear embarrassment. He considered himself wise for his age, but was that really all he could come up with in response? No, it wasn't. He wanted to do something else but thankfully he was still mostly in control of his body's actions. He wanted to playfully pounce on the female, to nuzzle and lick her all over, to pin her on her back and press his nose to hers, to nibble on her neck and paw at her sides. What was wrong with him? He'd never thought of these actions before around anyone, not even the other females he'd caught himself eying up. They were stimulating thoughts but there was no way in all of Yellowstone, in all of the world, that he'd be willing to act upon them.         But try as he may, he couldn't calm the spark that was flickering around inside him. His only counter against it was to continue to sit at attention with his tail wrapped so tightly around his hinds that it made his spine sore. He tried to ignore the touch of her tail against backside, but that's where it had come to rest and it seemed he couldn't push it entirely out of his mind. He even had to remove his gaze from Adelaide entirely and stared blankly with it towards the horizon. He was still flushed, and felt abnormally hot under his thinned summer coat. Gus tried again and again to shake all the thoughts from his head and despite being mostly successful, he just could not relax his nerves. The combination of excitement from his new found friendship and this other unknown overwhelming feeling was just way to overstimulating for him.         Lycurgus could not have been happier when the female reminded him of the quill that was still embedded in his lip. Though it haunted him with its dull and agonizing pain, the change of topic was all too welcoming and helped to ease his tension. As he had imagined the first step was going to have to be removal of the dreaded spine. Adelaide was upfront about the discomfort he was going to feel during the process but he appreciated her honestly. He never doubted that it was going to hurt. After all, when he had rubbed it with his foreleg after it was first embedded in his face, he yelped like a beaten pup from the torment of it.         "Alright then," he had started to recollect himself mentally so his words came out as smooth as normal, "Let's get this over with." He sighed gently and shut his eyes as the healer closed her jaws around the barb. She offered him a countdown, at the end of which he replied with a loud and nasty bark of pain as the quill was finally yanked free from his flesh. His company apologized before offering a few caressing licks to wound and prepping the magic plants for his recovery. The pain was surprisingly short-lived after the quill was finally gone and Gus had to rub the area with his foreleg to remind himself that there had ever been a spine there at all. Touching has lip yielded a dull ache, so he thought better of rubbing his dirty limb on it anymore and awaited instructions from his nurse. "You know, that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Thank you." She smeared a paste of chewed foliage on the area and then proceeded to place some unfamiliar berries and leaves in the grass at his feet. He listened as she explained what each item was and how it would help him, making a mental note of all, and then he offered her a soft grunt in response to her porcupine comment. Being the victim of the attack made the prod seem just a little less funny on his end.         Trusting the healer's judgement, the brute devoured the herbivore food as quickly as he could and stuck out his tongue in distaste when he'd finished. The berries had left an awful flavor in his mouth that he'd only experienced once before after chewing the bark off a pine branch. His ears pushed forward and his gag reflex caused him to choke on the flavor itself. It was a disgusting tang, and he told Adelaide so with the look on his face and the way he tried to lick his own teeth free of the repulsiveness. How can deer eat this crap? He wondered to himself and then thanked the skies that his prey items didn't inherit their taste from their diets.         Still dissatisfied with the taste in his mouth, Gus leaned forward and started licking his own paws. Even the dirt that collected between the hairs of his feet were more appetizing than the herbs he had just choked down. He licked his injured paw gently and turned it over to make sure that the cobweb bandage was still intact before returning the pad to the earth. He then felt Adelaide's touch again, only now she was laying close to his side and watching the sun set in the distance. The male hesitated at first, unsure of what statement he'd be making if he was to lay down with her, but ultimately decided that whatever that statement was, it felt right. He lowered his own body to the earth and pushed himself up against her so that both their shoulders and hips were touching. He allowed his tail to wander to her backside and wrapped it gently around her rump before lifting his nearest foreleg and putting it on top of hers, a gesture reminiscent of holding hands. A smile formed on his muzzle as he looked to the female to speak. "Adelaide, my day started off less than stellar but in the short time I've known you, you've done so much to make it better. For that, I thank you. And for patching my injuries and caring for my well-being, I now owe you." He stuck his snout forward and planted a few large licks of thanks onto her muzzle.         His attention turned out onto the view before them. The sun was starting to dip below the farthest mountains and it painted the sky a series of reds, oranges, and purples. The final moments of sunlight were highlighting the details of the land, giving colors to the jagged peaks and the canopies of the forests. It was a romantic sight, a natural wonder that they seemed to be wholly a part of while the rest of life went on quietly around them. The chorus of birds ceased their singing and were slowly replaced by the callings of crickets and cicadas. Squirrels made for their nests in the trees and hares for their underground warrens. A distant family group of deer filed out of a field and made their way to a bedding site. It was a moment to get lost in and Gus found himself wishing that it never have to end.         Before the last sliver of light sank below the horizon, Lycurgus shifted his gaze down to the ground before him. He was troubled by a sea of thoughts and questions and, in this relaxed state, he thought it wise to speak to the fae now. "Lady Adelaide," his words were soft and every now and then he would look to the female as well as to the setting sun, "Something troubles me. You've told me that your friendly, that your goal is to heal and keep peace. But I'd like to think that you're honest too." With the last of the sun slipping out of sight, his golden gaze looked to the female and he searched for her eyes there. He was quiet for a moment and then spoke again. "My mother told me, when I was just a pup in the den mind you, that I was never to lie to her. She told me that lies are like blowflies. They travel around quickly and get everywhere you don't want them to be, they eat their host alive on the inside, and they're good for a whole lot of nothing." There was no smile on his face as he spoke. Though his tone was gentle and his eyes were soft, his words were serious. "If we're to be friends, and I'd like that very much, I don't want any lies from you. Don't tell me one thing with your words and then another thing with your eyes." He stared deep into her crystalline orbs as though to emphasize his comment before gently pushing his muzzle into her cheek. He nuzzled gingerly at her face and then placed a single firm lick on her snout. "They're beautiful eyes Addy, they really are," He affectionately shortened her name and searched her face to see if she noticed it, "But they betray you when you don't speak the whole truth. I suppose I don't need to know all of the inner workings of your pack. Everyone likes to keep there secrets." He finally looked away from her and back out into the distance. "I have my own pack to worry about in that way and, if our packs are truly such rivals, I'm sure I'll meet your family and pass my own judgement soon enough. But my friend..." His head stayed forward but his eyes lingered back towards the fae. "Keep in mind that the Grand Canyon wolves are not far. We too are a family. And, as far as I know, we have no healers to patch our wounds while it seems the creek wolves have two."         Lycurgus ended his diatribe there and allowed his head to sink to the ground. He was hoping his last comment wouldn't upset her in any way. It was clearly an invitation for her to leave the Cougar Creek pack and take up residence with the canyon wolves, but that also meant it was a suggestion to leave the pack she considered to be family behind. He laid still and remained silent, waiting to hear her response but already considering every possible thing she could say in his mind. With the way she had spoken of them before, of them being strong, healthy and so confidently safe, he was unsure as to whether or not she'd ever be willing to leave a pack like that. But her eyes... surely they saw that pack wasn't the right place for her. Gus promised himself that if she did choose to join the Grand Canyon wolves, he would personally guarantee that she always felt safe. He would protect her. He would guard her life with his own. His ears twitched slightly as that little spark started growing in his abdomen again. He was starting to flush with excitement once more from thinking about how he could stay with her and protect her from the world. He knew it was a silly thought, he was no knight in shining armor, but the idea aroused him all the same. His body grew oddly warm as it had before, and he hoped Adelaide wouldn't notice despite his frame still being pressed up against hers. The young male was unfamiliar with the workings of lust, but he was coming to enjoy this fluttering feeling on his insides.

[Adelaide]

Once the painful part was over, the peaceful part began. Adelaide allowed her gaze to flow out over the land, peering out into the distance where she knew the brute behind her would call him. Beside her, she could feel his touch and his paw on hers. She rested her muzzle on it, her eyes soft as she stared out. She would give just about anything to live in this moment forever, to be with Lycurgus all the time. It was a dream, however. She knew it was against her rules, that Dexerous would never allow her to do it. But, she was a sly little thing, had always done whatever it was she wanted. And, if she wanted to see this canyon wolf, she was going to see him. She could tell in the way he breathed that he wanted to say something, and she already knew on the inside what it was. He had picked up on her lie from earlier and most likely wanted the truth. But, she couldn't tell him. Dexerous would kill her if she eve opened her mouth about such a thing. Her eyes lowered down to her paws, looking at the blend of color where Gus's paw met hers. It was a warm feeling in her stomach, but she knew when the night fell and the moon came out, it would be the pain between her loyalties and her emotions for this wolf.

How could she had been so blind? Bonding with a canyon wolf? It had trouble written all over it. She had heard the emotions she was feeling before in words. It was called love. Was she in love with this male? Her heart was in knots. She had promised herself that she would never get to this point. That she would be like Lien, a strong healer that would never take on a mate and focus on her abilities alone. Never, let alone, let herself love a wolf of the rival pack. It hurt. It hurt her worse than any sting or poison that could course it's way through her veins. But, love was not a poison. It was a drug. An intoxication that could not be cured. It could be a loving and wonderful thing, but if not, it could be the worst pain that can never be healed. Even if forgotten or given up, it would always be there, just hidden away, an addiction that was left to stand alone. And here she was, starting her own, with Lycurgus at her side. However, she was not ashamed. More so, she was proud. She was a strong wolf, she could love and be loyal. She would love him, yet be loyal to her pack. Yes, that was exactly what she was going to do.

Adelaide had finally come to peace with her emotions when the sweet boy beside her spoke up. He was telling her about how much she had helped him and she felt her fur warm up, a bright smile on her face that lit up her pale eyes. "You owe me nothing." She told Gus, licking his nose softly before returning her head to it's previous face. Still, she couldn't hide her light giggle of amusement when he ran his tongue over her muzzle in large thank you kisses. Her tail swept the ground behind her, causing a small swishing sound in the grass. Oh, why couldn't she have something like this every day? She didn't even know this affection with her own siblings. However, the young she wolf felt her heart stop in her chest as his voice lowered to a more serious, yet gentle tone. Her eyes grew large and she turned to look at him. His gaze was hard on hers as he spoke about the lie she had told him earlier. Gus told her about a promise made to his mother, and it was obvious he wanted the same of her. Once again, the brewing argument in her heart about loyalty and love came back, stronger than ever. Damn her for being so emotional to everything. She had always hoped she would outgrow it. She remained silently until he was completely done speaking, her eyes lowered to her paws and her appearance almost liked that of a puppy who had been kicked a few too many times. She had already betrayed him, it was obvious in the way he wouldn't look at her.

Adelaide kept the feeling of his muzzle on her cheek as long as she could. Her eyes closed and her ears lowered. She had been giving a lot to think about, a lot to take in. If she wasn't as strong minded as she could be, she might have even whined the grief and torture her heart was feeling. Even sitting here with Lycurgus was wrong, but then why did it feel so right? Why did everything good, everything lovely that happened to her need to be taken away because of the seriousness of her pack? Why couldn't she just be the adolescent wolf she wanted to be! This time, the whine escaped her throat. A low, hoarse sound of just pure agony in her emotional state. She turned her head without thinking and pressed it tight into the brute's shoulder, her fur trembling gently as she breathed in his state. The she wolf stayed like that for a while. Her pack wasn't cruel to her, she loved Dexerous and Lien, she could never leave them. They had been so good to her. Never harmed a strand of fur on her body. Why could she betray them like this? Why was she finding comfort with a rival? Why couldn't she think of Lycurous like an enemy? Why was she feeling so strongly drawn to him? Her heart ached, but she didn't pull away, instead, she pushed herself closer, seeking every ounce of comfort she could from him. Finally, she pulled herself away, a few deep breaths to calm herself down.

"I could never leave them." She told him softly, her voice softer than a whisper. "Horrible things would happen, to all of us. The loners, the canyon pack, me, you." Adelaide didn't look at him, her ears remained down, her eyes everywhere but on him. "They haven't laid a paw on me, never yelled at me, done nothing but appreciate my skills and give me a home, love me. I have betrayed them." Now it was another pained whine of her voice, her head shaking slowly. "But, this feels so right. How could it be so wrong?" Her blue eyes lifted to look at him, clouded with her emotion, and silently begging him to give her the answers she so dearly needed to know. Because, she didn't want to leave this moment. She knew even if she did, she would still want to meet him, still want to be with him, no matter how wrong it may have been.

The only question was, what would be the toll it would take on her heart.

Lycurgus

[Lycurgus]

Lycurgus listened for the lady's words but found that none were coming his way. His head continued to rest on the ground but his eyes rose so that he could see what she was doing. It was about that time a sharp whine met his ears and it was enough to raise his head in alarm and look hard at his companion. From her posture and the bare expression on her face, Gus could tell she was deep in thought. He felt a bit guilty. He had put a lot into her mind and closed with an offer that would change her life if she was to accept. Is was so much for her to think about and the sinking sun gave the impression that she only had a short time to make up her mind. This, however, was untrue. As much as he would have loved her to stand up then and there and tell him they were going home together to the Grand Canyon, it was an unrealistic expectation. He knew he'd be lucky if he even got an 'I'll think about it' response out of her. It was a big decision, so he didn't expect her to act on it at the drop of a hat. But the pain he saw creeping into her eyes suggested she was having trouble even wanting to think about it.         One moment, Adelaide was frozen still as though she was in a trance. The next, her face was buried into the mottled color fur that lined the brute's shoulder. Gus hadn't expected this of her but he remained calm and still for her sake. Where he had just seen the young healer Adelaide of the Cougar Creek pack, he was now looking at one of his young sisters. Growing up, he had always been the voice of reason for his younger and less mature siblings. He provided them with guidance and support when their parents weren't there to give it to them. He had essentially become a father figure to his own littermates. They too had buried their faces in him to whine and cry about the woes of the world and he had heard them out for their problems every single time. Gus attributed this responsibility alone to his growing up with a personality full of peace, mental strength, and an oddly emotional state for a male. He was the rock among his siblings, the one that always knew what to do, the one with the softest shoulder to cry on. Having Addy bury herself into him like this brought back so many memories of the family he once had and it pained him for a moment not knowing how his sisters were doing. But his full attention then shifted onto the dark coated female. His memories were just that, memories. Adelaide was real, was here, and she needed him for emotional support now. He would do all he could to give her that feeling of comfort. That was what he knew best from his puphood.         Gus twisted his head around as best as he could so that he could lick reassuringly at the female's nape. He stayed quiet for he could tell from her trembling that she was still lost in thought and he didn't want to disturb her. After a moment of licking he finished off with a nuzzle, made sure his tail was still wrapped tightly around her, and he rested his head on her forelegs. Though he was merely waiting for her to free herself of her burdensome thoughts, he realized that from this position he could here her chest thumping. He had no concept of what the heart was or represented to the rest of the world. But what he did know was that his own chest only beat so fast and so hard when he was exhausted from a run or scared out of his wits. Obviously the female had not been running so Gus assumed she was in a mental state of worry beyond what he could comprehend. He felt so sorry for her... he never meant to worry her this much. He believed his invitation alone was the only reason she was getting so upset and so lost in thought. It didn't really occur to him that maybe she too had that butterfly feeling in her gut and her fondness of him was playing an equally large role in her decision making.         Gus had closed his eyes and though he was nowhere near the point of sleep, he was at such peace laying with Addy and listening to her heart beat that he had fallen into a sort of peaceful daydream. He wasn't in it long, just long enough to see himself with Adelaide standing beside each other nuzzling on top of the tallest mountain in all the world, before he felt his companion's face pull away from his body. He raised his own head in response and met her gaze as she spoke. The first word's out of her mouth about broke his heart on the spot. She wouldn't leave them. He knew she wouldn't want to leave them. Oh, why had he been so bold to even ask and hurt her the way he had? His brain threatened to explode from the overwhelming thoughts of regret, disappointment, and sadness he was feeling all at once. It was as though in the short time he had been waiting for her reply he had, for the first time in his life, only truly considered one scenario. He didn't know exactly how it would play out, but he knew that Adelaide was definitely a major part of his future in it. To hear her say that she wouldn't leave the creek wolves made him feel as though that opportunity was instantly out of the question. And it broke his heart. He was going to lose his friend the very same day he met her.         He listened on and remained still throughout her words, moving only to wince at the painful whine that escaped her between sentences. As she finished, he pinned his ears backed and looked at the ground between her forelegs while he thought over what he had just heard. She was right. Her leaving the creek wolves to join the canyon pack would likely spell out trouble for both packs and definitely for both of them. And it was clear from her positive thoughts that she was attached to the wolves near the creek anyway. But the comment he got hung up on the most was her final one. He had no answer for it. Why was it so wrong that they enjoyed each others company? Why couldn't they be together without fear of what would happen to them? Gus knew for a fact that if he marched up to his alpha, any alpha, and told her that he had fallen in love with a wolf of the rival pack, he would be chewed up and spat out faster than he could turn to run. Adelaide had done no harm to the canyon wolves and Gus had never even met the creek pack. How could either of them be held responsible for the negativity between the two family groups? It was not their fault there was competition in Yellowstone, and it wasn't fair that someone else's problem was going to spoil their friendship. The young male's eye twitched in frustration as he thought about it.         The brute looked back to the female and realized her sky blue eyes were boring hard into his golden gaze. This was the face of his sisters for sure and he knew it all to well. She needed answers, and she needed him to have them all for her. It seemed their goals were the same, they both wanted peace and and good in the world and they wanted to be able to see each other without leaving their families or bringing harm to themselves or those around them. Gus thought long and hard for the right response. He wanted her to know that no matter what he would have her back in any situation. But to come up with a plan that would allow Romeo and Juliet to meet freely without stirring up trouble in either family was going to be a tough one.         First, he considered why joining each others pack wouldn't work. He didn't necessarily want to leave the Grand Canyon or it resident wolves and the same went for her at Cougar Creek, so there was that. And she had made a good point. If one was to leave to join the others pack, there would be serious tension in the abandoned pack that could stir up trouble or, worst case scenario, lead to a war. That wasn't an option at all. And all that aside, it wasn't really fair to ask just one of them to leave their new family and join the other anyway, was it? They both loved their new homes. How could one be forced to leave theirs while the other got to stay? It was wrong of him to suggest that she should betray her pack, her family, and he regretted having done it.         His ears suddenly perked up hard and he looked forward into the darkening distance. A crazy thought just entered his mind. They could both leave their packs. They could run away together and build their own pack elsewhere in the land. The euphoria of the thought was grand, but short-lived. As fast he he could picture himself leading his own pack alongside the fae, pups running wildly between their legs, the reality of that thought actually happening slapped him hard across the face. They were just too young to do that sort of thing. He was a great hunter and he knew Addy was a great healer, but it took so much more to ruling a pack than just simple skills and he figured neither of them had quite the wisdom to do it successfully. And with their lack of experience in authoritative positions and their young ages, surely no serious wolf would join their league anyway. Without a pack, they'd struggle to eat in the long winter that was coming and it would just put too much unnecessary stress on both of them. And perhaps the most deterring reason of all was knowing that both the Grand Canyon Pack and the Cougar Creek Pack, two packs already well established and strong with members, would be at their doorstep the entire time. Surely the local alphas wouldn't come to them bearing gifts and good fortune.         Lycurgus sighed as he thought on. So far, he had no solution to the problem at hand. He glanced back at her long enough to find her gaze, and then he looked away again. She was so much like a pup looking to its parent for answers that he couldn't dare disappoint her. His ears flicked as he started thinking once more. At the back of his mind lingered the most depressing option, one that would involve them parting ways to live with their own packs and never seeing each other again. That was the most painful thought of all, never getting to spend time with Addy again, but it was the only thing he could think of that would allow them both to continue living peacefully in their families. He couldn't say that out loud though. He couldn't tell her to just leave him and never look back. He didn't want to. Gus had a good idea what love was and he had grown confident that, between the lust he had been experiencing as he laid on the summit and the fear he had of leaving this female and not seeing her again, love was what he was starting to feel for this female. Having bonded with her so much in such a short time made him feel almost obligated to get her away from a potentially violent pack and find her a true home where she could be herself among like-minded others. He couldn't let her down.         He continued on thinking and realized there was another option, but it was less than ideal. Perhaps they could just go on about their business and not tell their packmates or alphas about their interest in one another. They could just both pretend that they've never had any affiliation with the opposing pack. They would still be able to enjoy each others company outside of their home borders by sneaking out in the dead of night while the others slept in their dens, or whenever else they could slip away to see one another. They would have to be careful to make sure they weren't being followed and they would have to find a way to free themselves of each others scents before returning home, but none of that would be too hard. Sneaking around wasn't exactly near the top of his list of interests and he knew there would be dire consequences if either of them were caught. But it was the only option he knew that would allow them to see the other while still living in their own packs, and it was a risk he was willing to take.         Satisfied with the answer he'd come up with, the young male looked to his companion's questioning eyes with a smile and gentle gaze. "I believe I may have an answer but it's going to be hard, Addy. If we want to keep seeing each other, we're going to have to have to take a few risks." He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then stared hard at the female as he spoke his thoughts. "We will stay with our home packs, me in the canyon and you near your creek. We will not breathe a word to any of our packmates about this meeting, about this friendship you and I share. As far as they should be concerned, you've never heard the name Lycurgus in your entire life. It will be our little secret. Surely you can keep it safe? You won't give me your any of your pack's secrets, so don't give your pack mine." He reached forward and shoved his snout into hers, a serious gesture to remind her that she'd already kept one secret from him and told him a lie in it's place. Hopefully she would do the same should the creek wolves ever ask of her late night adventures. "That's not the end of it though. We won't be parting ways forever. Do you see the moon?" He looked off into the distance and stared at the pale globe that had started to peek over the hills. "It is nearly full. That is when we will meet with each other, every time that moon renews and then grows it's plumpest in the night sky. Find a way to sneak out of your pack's borders when your fellow creek wolves settle themselves into the comfort of their dens for the night. If anyone stops you, give them a story. Tell them you're searching for a healing flower that only opens it's petals at night or some nonsense. Once you're free, find me in the neutral lands. It is there we will get to see each other once more." He found her gaze again, and looked to see if she had any thoughts so far. "Hopefully it will only be a temporary arrangement. It will hold us out long enough to come up with a better plan, or it will give us time to further judge the character of our packs and come to a better conclusion about staying with or leaving them. It will work, Adelaide. It will have to work. I can't imagine never getting to meet you like this again. The only thing worse would be if the next time we met, it was in battle..." He trailed off quietly, not wanting to think about having to fight against the Cougar Creek pack. He would do what he needed to to protect his own pack, but the thought of hurting the wolves she loved pained him ever so much. His next words were much quieter, almost a whisper, as though he was trying to keep it secret from the very night around them. "Think about it. You will get to live on with your pack and I will get to stay with mine. But most importantly, we will still be able to spend time together. It will be hard, but I think we can do it."         Gus closed his eyes and pressed his entire face into the female's cheek, forcing her to break that painful look in her eyes if she still had it. He nuzzled her affectionately, trying to reassure her that everything was going to be alright. With this plan, she wouldn't have to choose between her pack and her friend. She could have both. Surely that thought would help to ease her troubled mind. "This night is young," He spoke with his muzzle nudging and rubbing along the bottom of hers, "But it will be painful for me when it comes to an end because I know I'll have to leave you. More painful than all the porcupine quills in the world." He grinned widely and moved his face aware from her cheek so that he could nuzzle and lick at her throat area instead. "But when the moon grows full again Addy, so will my soul, for that is when I will get to look into those alluring eyes of yours once again." He continued to nose around in her neck fur, every now and then pushing his cheek against her encouragingly. He hoped this answer would please her. If not, he had no idea what he was going to tell her next. Adelaide

[Adelaide]

I'll stand by you, when the night falls on you, you don't know what to do, nothing you confess, could make me love you less.. I'll stand by you, i'll stand by you...I won't let nobody hurt you, i'll stand by you. Being here, right now, with Gus, the young wolf felt like she was in complete peace. His muzzle buried in her fur and the way she could just relax around him, it was almost magical. After she had told him about how she couldn't leave her pack, she felt a peace of her heart snap, broken, into little tiny pieces. The look on his face, the way they fell into a dead silence, it was enough to make her feel like she was going to break, right there and then. How was it possible for someone to feel something so strongly toward a wolf she had only met a few minutes ago? How was it that she just suddenly couldn't picture her life without him? She forced herself to hold back the choked whine that threatened to escape her throat. It wasn't supposed to hurt this much. He wasn't supposed to be hurting this much. Adelaide put her head down on Gus's front paws, cuddling her face into his chest fur as he gazed out into the darkening sky. All she could think about was him. His scent, his beautiful eyes, the way he spoke in such a handsome, yet mature tone, he was just perfect. She allowed his scent to flood her nose, her body feeling warm and depressed all at the same time thinking about leaving him. But, she needed to find an answer, she couldn't leave him. Maybe they could run away from here? She could heal, he could hunt.. They would provide for one another! Then it struck her that fall would be coming soon. She could feel it in the way the wind blew and the changing colors of the leaves. It would be cold soon. Even with her warming herbs and all the food they could find, they were both still adolescents. There just had to be another way. The she wolf forced her eyes to close once again, trying to picture a world with Lycurgus in it, because it was just too hard for her to think about one without him. Maybe, creating a life for him in her head, would be enough for her to go home with and not feel like her entire world would collapse. Suddenly, he was speaking to her again. He spoke that he had a thought, but it was going to be risky. Risky or not, she was willing to do anything for him, without a second thought. She pulled her head away from him, moving back far enough so that her icy blue eyes could meet is own amber ones. Her heart was in her throat, and she could tell that the brute before her wasn't much better. Her tongue ran gently over her muzzle before she listened to what he had to say to her. His first couple sentences made it sound like he was saying goodbye to her, and she couldn't help the pained whine that escaped her throat. Though, she managed to keep herself from pathetically shoving her face in his fur again. Still, her heart felt as though it had been pierced with a thousand needles, and it was written all over her sweet face. Suddenly, his muzzle crashed into hers and those bright blue eyes widened in surprise. We won't be parting ways forever.He had murmured, causing her tail to give a few slow, unsure wags as she turned to face the moon. Could they really get away with this? He told her of how they would meet every time the moon was full, right here, just the two of them. Adelaide felt her eyes spread with emotion, and in response and pressed her muzzle into the crook of Lycurgus's neck, a gentle, yet full of admiration whine falling from her throat. When he had finished explaining, she pressed her nose gently against his cheek, allowing her eyes to look lovingly into his, an obvious agreement to the situation. How could she say no? Finally, she pulled back, never once breaking her gaze from the beautiful male before her. “My heart tells me this is the best and greatest feeling I have ever had. But my mind knows the difference between wanting what you can’t have and wanting what you shouldn’t want. And I shouldn’t want you.” she murmured softly, her eyes never wavering or flinching back. Her gaze was hard, yet sweet all in the same. "However, there is no pretending." She whispered, running her muzzle gently down the brute's face until she reached his shoulder point and left a few warm licks of comfort. " I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there's a life after that, I'll love you then, too." Her voice was still as gentle as that of a whisper, but there was a sweet, sweet, tone of her love that mind it's truth nothing but honest. Finally, he face once again pressed to hers and she smiled lightly, the words slipping like sap from a tree off her lips. "Even though we were never supposed to be together…I can’t be with anyone else, no matter the consequences.” She returned the pressure an rubbed her muzzle tightly against his, repeatedly. She craved his touch and didn't want the moment to end, ever. More painful than all the porcupine quills in the world." Adelaide looked at the silly little smirk that grew on his face and she playfully tapped his nose with her paw, as if to say 'don't get any ideas, you crazy fool' before lifting her nose and allowing him to cover her throat in gentle, sweet kisses. Once more, silence fell between them, but this one was much more comfortable. Adelaide moved her body closer to the male, allowing every ounce of her fur to press lovingly against his. Her head pressed against his lower chest and she closed her eyes, seeping everything in the moment that she could. Every once in a while, her eyes rose up to the sky to peer at the moon. There time was running low, but she wasn't worried, he would be back again soon, and they would spend another, breath taking evening together. Lycurgus , Quotes from Lure of the Moon & City of Glass

❤

[Lycurgus]

The young male was glad to be greeted with a whine of joy as the darker pelted female buried her muzzle into the hairs of his neck. He had wondered if she thought this idea was going to work, but the way her nose came up to meet his in a sort of gentle kiss and the way she lovingly locked eyes with him, he decided there was no need for audible confirmation. Her actions alone told him that she agreed with his plan. She would meet him when the moon grew fat again. A joyful tail wag swept the grass behind him and a smile curled up the corners of his mouth. He was already counting the days to when he'd get to meet the young fae Adelaide again.               As she pulled away from his face, Gus turned his head to look down at the female as she spoke. He was excited to hear her words and comforted by the fact that she too shared a feeling of this moment being the best they'd ever had. Gus couldn't recall ever feeling quite as happy in his entire life as he felt in this particular moment. He had made a friend in a new land and here she was promising to meet him again and again with the phases of the moon. His smile on the outside was nothing compared to the colossal grin he wore on the inside. He listened on as the fae continued, following the movement of her head along his neck and down to his shoulder with his golden eyes. There she planted several loving licks before saying something that made his heart skip a beat. Love? She... loves me?               Lycurgus didn't know if he should bounce around with joy like a hare enjoying the summer sun, or roll over and pass out like the possom that wanted to play dead. Love! She loves me! He repeated the words several times in his head as though testing them to make sure they were real. That is what she had said, right? Somehow, he couldn't believe his ears. Somebody loved him. Oh, how could such a night get any better? His amber eyes widened with exhilaration and he could barely suppress the jubilant whine that was clawing at the back off his throat to get out. She said love! His tail started wagging furiously, brushing over Adelaide and coming back to smack him on his opposite side repeatedly. He once again started to flush underneath his pelt and the elation that filled him begged to get out. The rest of her words only fueled the fire in his own heart. As she came to the end of her final sentence, Gus could no longer hold back what was inside of him. "Oh Adelaide," He sprang to his feet and began to nuzzle and lick at the fae all over. "I knew I couldn't be the only one feeling it. I love you too. I'll love you until the sun sets on the end of my life and even then I'll still love you for infinitely longer. Until the end of time!" He circled her several times, bounding around like a playful fawn and letting his tail raise as high as an alpha's. He sure did feel like an alpha... he felt like the whole world should have it's eyes on him and the beautiful fae before him. He would slow himself occasionally only to place a few licks on the young healer's hide and face. Finally his bounding reduced to pacing as he worked off some of the energy that had built up inside of him, yet he still dared to bark his excitement over the edge of the summit for all the sleeping animals to hear. He was in love with Adelaide and the entire world, except maybe their packs, needed to know. Not satisfied that the yelps alone had carried his message across all of Yellowstone, he came to a halt at the female's side and tipped his head to the starry sky. The howl started as loud and as powerful as the feeling Lycurgus had in the depth's of his chest. It was only the song of an adolescent male betraying his pack, but to a loner, surely it would have sounded like an alpha wolf establishing his territory and warding off all nearby challengers. The call was so full of strength and passion, it touched all places in the Middle Rocky Mountains. As it neared it's end, the sound became as gentle as the breeze caressing one's fur before tapering off into pure silence.               Gus had put the last of his bliss into the howl and now panted silently at the female's side. His eyes were still wide with excitement and his heart threatened to pound it's way out of his chest from the adrenaline rush. He gave himself a second to catch his breath before turning his gaze back on Addy. "Until the end of time." It was as though he was was confirming a promise. His body dropped suddenly to the earth in the same place it had been before. He was exhausted from his effort. He continued to pant softly, even as he reached over to place a few more loving licks on the fae's cheek before rolling onto his side and stretching out his legs. His back was pressed tightly up against his companion's side and he reveled in warmth of her body. In one moment, his mind had been overwhelmed with all of the emotion and love he felt for the healer. The next, it was blank. He had passed out into the world of dreams only shortly after hitting the ground, his over expenditure of energy putting him right to sleep. --------------------------------------------------------               Golden eyes cracked open slowly as Gus tried to remember where he was. This didn't look like the canyon at all. His jaws spread in a massive yawn and the brute looked around, still groggy with sleep. Once his gaze fell on the dark pelt of the female Adelaide, he no longer had to wonder. All the emotions and memories of the day before began to fill his mind. He smiled at the fae, remembering everything she'd said to him. She loves me. Even the next day it just didn't seem real to the young male. He'd just been so overwhelmed by his feelings last night...               The brute suddenly jerked his head to the east. The sun was already starting to reach over the tops of the mountains. He had to get back to his pack before anyone realized he was gone. Oh, why did he even fall asleep? He could have been up the whole night with the fae. Lycurgus climbed to his feet and shook his body to rid himself of debris and the stiffness of sleep. He sought out the female with his eyes. "Adelaide," he checked to make sure she too was awake before speaking. "We must leave. Both of us. If we're gone any longer our packs may grow suspicious of our absence." His head twisted back and forth to make sure no one else had joined them in their sleep. "Remember Addy, when the moon is full again, I'll be here. I'll be waiting for you." He leaned in towards the healer and placed one final lick on her forehead. He wouldn't say goodbye. Goodbyes were for wolves who weren't coming back. He also didn't want to drag their leaving out any longer. He needed to get back to the canyon wolves as soon as possible to make sure he hadn't missed anything important. That and a long goodbye would just cause his heart to ache even more. After looking into her baby blue eyes one last time, the male turned away and dashed off down the hill. With every step between them his chest would sting just a little bit more. This was the most painful exit he'd ever made. Even leaving his birthpack and his sister didn't hurt him this much. With amber eyes on the path ahead, Lycurgus pushed all thoughts of Adelaide as far to the back of his mind as he possibly could. He needed to be level headed when he returned to the canyon and he wasn't sure if he could be with the love he had for the fae so fresh in his skull. He shook his head to free himself of the thoughts and charged on, blazing a path to the west. ~Lycurgus Has Left The Area~ Adelaide