Stirrings of the Moon

[Cole Loup Garou]

Long nights are usually spent alone on a hilltop, overlooking the camp of Loup Garou that were my charge. My brothers, sisters, loved ones and family all looked to me to keep the peace, to give the orders, to be just, and kind, and fair to all of our kind. I pledged up uphold our laws and protect our people.

Tonight my eyes wandered over the tents, campers, and other make-shift homes in the caravan, but my mind was miles away. I thought of my sons, the heirs to my place within the clan. Midian was the eldest, though if he brought no heir, Synge would take over. I hated to think of leaving this world behind, joining the munin, and handing over such responsibilities to my sons. I knew the Loup Garou would prosper under either of their rule. They were good men, my sons.

They'd left recently to visit Arwen. It was Arwen's sister who was lost to us, and her search took her from the safety of the pack. We'd let her go, I knew if it were my one of my sons, nothing could keep me here. I'd given her my blessing, and the edict that she report anything she found out. It was rare to hear from her. Though, she wouldn't report if there was nothing to go on. It was saddening. There was a thread, that connection to Lyra that was still intact. I'd told Arwen in confidence, Lyra was alive, somewhere, somehow. I broke one of our laws simply by telling her that. An Alpha's ties to his pack are sacred, but Arwen was her only family, and she knew even without the knowledge I'd shared with her, that her sister lived.

As I thought about my sons, Arwen, and our long lost Lyra, I felt something stir in the ether. As an Alpha, you're tied to all your wolves, both here and in the astral. The munin spoke to my mind, a channel opened only to those who lead. I bowed my head out of respect. "Yes?" Tinkling bells filled my mind as I dechipered their message, Lyra lived, yes, and would return to the fold....tonight. Before I erupted in a joyous howl, more came. They were being called away, to Arwen, for protection and strength. She called them, pulled them to her as she shifted to the between state. A smaller silver line tugged, though it was tied up with Arwen's and Lyra's, even Midian's now wrapped around this cord like it was....and then I knew. Lyra had had a child, this child would also be found and brought into the fold. Midian, who'd loved Lyra all his life, would love this child with equal measure.

I smiled to myself, in the corners of my mind, then pushed myself up to stand tall on all fours. Lifting my muzzle toward Mother Moon, I called to all Loup Garou, near and far. An Alpha's call cannot go unheeded. As the bellow ushered forth, with it came the joyous announcement of 2 of our own being brought back to their rightful place, with us, with the Clan Loup Garou. Once you're Loup Garou, you're Loup Garou forever.

I gallopped down the slope at an easy pace, finding my third in command, Devin, waiting. Without detailing the messages I'd recieved I told him to have camp ready to move out tomorrow afternoon. Tonight we would celebrate the reclaiming of our own. In a few days time, the pack would celebrate once more, as a whole, when my sons returned with Arwen, Lyra, and the one named Arya. This was a momentous time to be Loup Garou, a heritage we could all be proud of.

[Mick Loup Garou]

I laid upon my back, the moonlight streaming through the camp as I stared aimlessely at the sky, the moon, the stars. Beside my was a crackling fire, the flames danced and played with the wind that occassionally seeped through. It provided warmth, although we didn't really need it, but it was calming. I had been on edge for the past week, unable to detect what it was, I had gone to Cole, my Alpha. He had sat me down, called me 'Duke' like always, and asked what was wrong. I couldn't pinpoint exactly, but he managed to calm me down. However, tonight, something seemed different. I looked over at a few of the other Loup Garou's who were sitting around the fire, talking, before one looked at me. "Mick, you okay?" the female, a girl named Tyrian, asked me. "Yea." I sighed mentally, when the male, if I remembered correctly was named Jessyan, added to Tyrian's words. "You don't look it buddy." I laughed, sitting up and staring at them. "Just, tired." It was a lie, and I hated lying, but no one else could know apart from Cole. I think it was because I was worried about Arwen, Midian and Synge. Growing up with them, and now they were gone, of course I was worried.

Standing. I stretched, brushing my fingers across my jeans. Along with my jeans, I wore a cotton shirt, a leather jacket, an a rose quartz which was hung around my neck. When I returned to the clan, I was presented with it and from that day onwards, I never took it off. Even now my fingers trailed to it, touching the edges as my panic and fear dimmed. Ever since my parents were murdered, I worried about those who I was close to. No matter what anyone said, I would always carry that around with me. Their bodies, blood, was stained and etched deep within my head.

Excusing myself, I left, stripping from my clothes and putting them near my tent before I began to shift. Golden fur lined my body, with silver eyes that were very pale in color. A black ring surrounded my front right paw, while my tail was dipped black. Shaking my head, I began to run, trying to escape my own mind which always sorted to annoy me when I was relaxed. Then I heard it. The call of the Alpha, and I tilt my head towards the sky and smile as only a wolf can smile. My own call bellowed forward, in celebration of the news before I hurried through the camp.

I knew where Cole would be, so heading towards the spot I found Devin. Nodding to him, I sniffed the air, finding Cole instantly later. "Good news." I said simply, looking at my leader. I respected him, more than the rest of the pack because he took me in when my parents were killed. He taught me more before Syren, and even though I wasn't his son(which means I wouldn't become the Alpha which I really didn't care. I couldn't lead, it just didn't hold my interest, and didn't think I would be a good Alpha anyway), they treated me just as good as what they did with Midian and Synge.

"Is there anything you need me to do?" I ask, ready to go forth and do anything he asked me to do. I was his second in command, an honor if you ask me. I was happy, the news was something that made me relax and enjoy being happy. As long as my packmates were safe I was happy. Yea, sometimes I got too protective, but thats just who I was.

[Cole Loup Garou]

Devin nodded and ran to join the rest of the clan, already in the midst of their revelry, shouts and howls of joy echoing through the Luna. I heard Mick coming up as Devin passed. I paused, and turned to face him. "Good news indeed, friend." I walked over, to stand beside him. "Not at the moment. Let them rejoice." I grinned, scratching my right paw in the dirt. Some things, as Alpha, I had to keep to myself, but there was much I could share with only my Duke. I sat back on my haunches, the Luna still within my view. "It seems, from what I gathered with the munin, that Arwen has finally found her sister. Lyra is safe now, Midian and Synge are also with them. She even has a daughter, Arya, if I am correct." I chuckled a bark. "Guess that makes me a Grandad, Duke." I sighed, then stood once more. "We'd better join the clan, there's questions I must answer."

With Mick at my side, we trotted down the summit into camp. Most all of the Loup Garou now gathered around the main fire, some wolf, some human, all eyes on me. I took my place before them all and shifted. Syren was immediately at my other side, handing me a white button up shirt and a pair of tan slacks. I pushed my arms into the shirt, and slid on the slacks. Brushing my hair back from my face with a sweep of my hand, I looked over my clan. Raising my hands to the air, I addressed the pack. "Friends, family, Loup Garou all, this is a momentous night for us!" Cheers errupted, silenced only as my hands fell back to my sides. I began circling the fire as I spoke, taking a moment to look into every pair of eyes that belonged to my pack. "Arwen's quest to find Lyra is successful, after all these years." Another eruption of cheers from the crowd. A wave of my hand quieted the group again. "There is more, as you all heard from my call." Howling was indeed one way to convey a message to my clan, but speaking to them had a different feel, somehow it held more finality. "Arya, she is called, Lyra's daughter. Though conceived outside the pack, she is Loup Garou. Midian has already claimed her as his own." Gentle oh's and aw's rippled through my people. "Four years without her clan is too long for any Loup Garou. We will take Arya as our own, holding her initiation as soon as they come to us." More joyous outcries. "For tonight, let us feast in celebration of their return. As Devin conveyed, on my orders, we'll move out at daybreak. The Luna will relocate 72 miles west of here. Arwen and the others will join us there in 3 days." I turned to the fire, facing it's blazing embers. Arms upraised once more, the fire leapt higher as my magick stirred. "In honor of all the Loup Garou, tonight is a night for celebration!" My voice carried over the land, joined by shouts and howls from my people. As some left to gather supplies and begin preparing the feast, I moved back to Syren and Mick.

Syren knew I would watch from afar, always apart from the pack, yet connected to them all. I bade her farewell as she took to organizing the others and joined Mick's side once more. Resting a hand on his furred head, I stoked him, calming myself through the contact. "Let us run." Shucking my shirt and slacks, I shifted once more, my tawny brown wolf slightly larger than Mick beside me. I barked once, batted at Mick, then tore off across the valley the Luna was camped in. As was customary, we'd run one circle around the outskirts of camp, ensuring the safety of the clan before venturing further into the woods, away from the merriment at the Luna.

[Mick Loup Garou]

I half grinned at his words and actions as he scratched the dirt with his right paw. "If anyone could have done it, Arwen could." I was pleased, impressed and joyous that Arwen had found her sister after all these years. I have to be honest and say I never thought she would be found. Harsh to think, but getting hopes up to potentially have them crushed? Not going there. I listend to what Cole said, and chuckled, which sounded like a low barking sound, before speaking myself. "'Twas bound to happen sooner or later." Before he did anything, I yipped and danced upon my paws, grinning like the idiot wolf I was. Hearing about other pack mates like this increased my joy, because we were a family. And family meant the world to me.

I trotted alongside my Alpha as we went down the summit and into the clan, which my eyes trailed upon those who were wolves, and those that stayed in their human form. Cole moved ahead and shifted while I stayed behind, kept watch from the shadows. I was a very protective Duke, especially when it came to my Alpha. I knew most of it already, so I howled along as they cheered, voicing my deep and utter elation. I yipped, and again danced upon my feet, shifting side to side. There was no point in shifting myself, for I knew what would happen after Cole's speech. We would run the perimeter. Make sure it was safe. As Alpha and Duke, we took this seriously. I refused to let any hunter or someone intent on hurting the Loup Garou near the clan, and I was sure Cole felt the same. Heck, he was the one who helped teach me all this. For that I was grateful. He gave me chances that no one else would have, especially after the death of my parents. He was also the only one that could get away with calling my 'Duke.' If it was anyone else, I would be snippy, but Cole, it gave me a warm sense of pride. Once he had finished his speech and came over, I nuzzled into his hand as he petted my fur.

"We won't be long my Lady Syren." I nod as Cole shifts back into wolf, his own wolf form larger than my own, the eagerness of running pumped through my blood. As he barked, I yipped, before following suit. My body ran side by side, but Cole was slightly in front. It mattered not anyway. My tongue lolled from my mouth as we ran into the night to run around the ouskirts of camp.

[Ursa]

Leaving my people was harder than I thought.
On my home-lands, my people's ways were all around me. I have traveled far, and am surrounded by different culture constantly, with little rest.
With little money, and an overwhelming agitation at the unnatural ways of the city, it is more practical to go to my bear form, to wander in the forests, the more wild, natural, beautiful lands outside what they call the 'concrete jungle'.
Seeing signs about no hunting, and protected wildlife, the area I have found seems perfect for getting away to.
It really is beautiful here.
I had kept a leather wrap, in case I needed to walk through public, I would not be indecent, and stashed it, rolled up, in the branches of a tree, shifting into my Bear form, shaking my entire body a bit before sniffing the air, my ears perked out for the familiar sound of natural water flowing.
I walk toward the water, slowly, enjoying the nature around me.
The trees, the scent of the wild, the birds above my head making lovely music.
Stepping into the water, my thick coat good enough insulation from the cold, I stand still in the current, looking deeply into the water, saying a silent thanks to the fish for giving me sustenance.
After a few silent moments, I start to fish.
After a few fruitless whacks at the water with my huge paws, I hear the sounds of Howling in the distance...
Wolves.
I sniff the air a bit, but they sounded off in a distance, no threat to me, but knowing the direction it came from, and the amount of different calls I hear, I will make note to not wander into their homes directly.
The howling sounded happy, as if an entire pack was celebrating. It was beautiful just to listen.
After the chorus of howls got quiet again, I turned my attention back to the fish.
I have not eaten in a day, running out of money before realizing that I was denying half of my soul by not traveling as my bear form, convenience to live free from the land, but part of myself to walk with... the entire purpose of my journey from home.

[Cole Loup Garou]

We started slow, the first run around the perimeter. Better to check for unusual sights, catch a stray scent, or hear something off in the distance. Having Mick run with me was best. He was my second, my right hand. We worked well as a team, with no need to communicate how the other should move. We just worked in tandem, each complimenting the other to perfection. It was much like things were with Syren and I. Though, I hated the thought of my mate and Lupa of the Loup Garou doing patrol.

As if the sudden thought of my mate stirred her, her familiar voice came through my mind. Synge was home, earlier than the others. Good. I could spend the night of feasting and celebration with part of my blood family. All Loup Garou are kin to me, but there is a special bond between those who've formed families within the clan. I told her to give Synge my love, and that we'd be back in time for dinner.

Our second scout of the perimeter was further out, and we ran this faster, pushing ourselves to our limit. We were nothing but streaks of fur flying by. I chuffed at Mick, knowing we all loved a good, all out run like this. On the far eastern side of the Luna was a river, I could hear the rushing water as we moved further around the eastern edge. I slowed, a scent tickling my nose. Mick followed, a glance passing between us let me know he had caught the same scent. Meat, musk, fur... There's no mistaking the scent of a bear. But here? So close to a pack of werewolves? It was almost unheard of. In all our time, all our travels, bears were rarely seen. One on one, a bear and a wolf might pass each other by, or, should a dispute over food or territory occur, then there would be a fight. Generally, wolves would shy away from a bear in the wild. But a pack of wolves would prove the same nuisance to the bear.

We caught the trail coming in from the south, and followed it along the river. No way could we cut our patrol short and return to the Luna. If the bear was simply catching her fill of fish, then we'd wait and watch. When she left, we could return. There was a ridge that overlooked the river, our best bet for keeping watch on the bear, but as we moved closer, her scent hit another nerve. She wasn't just a bear, she was a shifter. That subtle hint of magick lingered with her. I shot Mick a curious glance, then nodded. We'd proceed, initiate conversation, and move from there.

I watched her carefully as we slipped from the rim of forest along the river bank. When she could see us, I dipped my head in greeting. "Well met, sister Bear." I determined minimal threat from her. Appearances conveyed that she was simply out for a meal, and perhaps enjoying her bear form as we so often enjoyed our wolf. I trotted closer, Mick still at my side, and grinned a wolfish smile her direction. "I do not mean to interupt your meal. We are camped not far from here. Forgive me, my name is Cole. I am Alpha of the Loup Garou clan." With a nod to Mick, I introduced him as well. "This is Mick. We were scouting the perimeter of camp when we caught your scent. Not often do we find a bear close to our midst." I chuckled, a rumble in my chest. "Allow me to offer you peace, and extend an invitation to tonight's festivities. Good news has come to us, and a celebration is in store. You are most welcome to accompany us and attend." As Alpha, it was my duty to protect the clan, and in cases such as this, decide whether or not to extend an invitation to the Luna. I felt no threat from her, only the urge to bring her to the Luna. Perhaps Synge's fascination with other shifters was rubbing off on me. Not that I'd ever admit to me truly being one who was enthralled by other lycans.

[Mick Loup Garou]

Running alongside my alpha was, just insane. We worked well together, no need to chat along the telepathic link we had, each knowing what the other was thinking, definitely the best for an Alpha/Duke duo. Our paws hit the ground in unison, when I simply told him that I had seen Synge at the border. Moments later, I assumed Syren had contacted him, and she would have told him too. Coming from her made things more final than coming from me, and I didn't mind. My muscles didn't burn as we ran faster, liquid lightening movements through the forest. The river, I could smell it. It was wet in the air, and I grin, tongue lolled out as we carried on, pushing ourselves to the limit of our abilities. Then, something else mingled with the water scent. Fur, a large predator, I didn't even have to finish the thought. A bear. I was wary of other creatures, and looking over at my alpha I knew he had also caught the scent. Our eyes locked, telling each other what the other one knew.

I followed my alpha, close enough to him to keep up, but behind enough to let others know he was in charge. And just like Cole, I could smell she wasn't just a bear. Sniffing the air, the tingle of magick that hit my nose sent shivers down my spine, coursing through my fur. If I was wary of other creatures, I was more wary of other shifters. I don't know why, nothing really instigated that in my blood, but I was. Yet I wasn't going to attack or leave Cole because of my feelings, I didn't even know the shifter. It would be rude of me to just up and leave, not to mention, putting shame upon myself and my alpha. The duke, second in command position, was given to me for a reason, and that wasn't because I went around, snipping and snarling at other shifters.

I followed through with Cole, meeting the bear face to face when I sat upon my haunches, looking at the bear with no thoughts nor emotions running through my body. He began speaking, and I didn't envy him for that, introducing himself and then he introduced me. With a dip of my head, I acknowledged what he said, and acknowledged the bear, whoever it was, before I went still again, watching. Often with others, I was silent as a statue, and once I deemed fit to speak, I would. It didn't take me long to forgo that silence, to speak myself. Curiosity got the better of me, I'm not afraid to admit that. "A feast would be more better, more filling than fish." I chuckled to myself, glancing into the river water. "I don't mean to offend." I add, looking towards Cole. My last words were directed to him. "Another shifter with the celebration and feast? Could be interesting my Alpha." I grin, wolf like, to show I wasn't annoyed by his desicion.

[Ursa]

Wrapped up in catching the fish, my hunger more on my mind than anything, I don't notice the Wolves until one reaches out, to speak in my mind, Shocking me a bit on how close they got without me able to pick them up, as well as the fact that they are not just Wolves, but able to change form as I do.
One introduces himself as Cole, the Alpha of the pack, and the other is Mick, inviting me to join their celebration.
Mick does not seem as generous as his Alpha, but welcomes me none the less, noting that a feast is more filling than the fish.
I couldn't agree more.
I think my words to them, to speak in their minds as they have mine,

[glow=brown,2,300]I would be honored to join in your celebrating.
I heard a chorus of wolves not too long ago tonight, Was that part of the celebration?
You all sound beautiful together.
My name is Ursa, though most of my clan call me Sister Bear as well.
I am on a journey to learn, and I feel that meeting you is no coincidence, your clan must have much to teach.[/glow]
I step from the water, away from them a moment to shake the access from my form, heading over to the tree where I left my Leather wrap, taking it in my mouth.

[glow=brown,2,300]Lead on brother wolves.[/glow]
I nod my head to them demurely, excited to meet some I feel the Earth in... not the rush and race of the people from the city, but those that are close to the planet as we should be.

[Cole Loup Garou]

I pushed a calm over Mick. "Easy Duke, she's a friend." I couldn't be Alpha of such a large pack if I wasn't attuned to detecting friend from foe at a mere glance. This bear, though a threat if she wanted to be, was gentle. She would not harm us unless we harmed her. She was native, a being who loved the land and all of nature. Surely she would sense that was the case with our clan as well. I bumped my nose against Mick's shoulder. He was absolutely right. There were no laws forbidding other shifters in the Luna, and what better night than tonight! Synge would be over the moon to see a bear shifter.

I grinned, tongue lolling out between my teeth on the left side of my face. "Thank you sister! It was indeed part of the celebration. A herald that one of our kind, long thought lost to us, is alive and well, and is returning to her rightful place within the clan. It is a pleasure to meet you, Ursa. My wife Syren should love to speak with you at length. Whatever you feel you may learn, you can learn from our Lupa, or our Oba, Nyta. You will meet them and more at the Luna, I promise you." I darted forward, coming to stand beside Ursa as she spoke, biding us to lead on. I stood on my hind legs to rub my head along her paw, then ran on past Mick. Large or no, bears are fast creatures. I had no doubt that Ursa would be able to keep pace. "To the Luna!"

A sense of pride and excitement that I had too long gone without feeling poured through me. My paws pounded the ground, Mick and Ursa running with me, as I lead them back through the perimeter and into the heart of the Luna. I shifted at once, calling the clan's attention to me with only a thought. "Friend, family, Loup Garou all, I bid you well met, and I bring a friend. Welcome Ursa, Sister Bear to the Luna, and to our feast!" Cheers, howls, and applauding rose on the wind, every clan member welcoming the great black bear into their home and hearts. I patted her flank. "Already, you are Loup Garou for the night. Be merry sister, many thanks for joining us this eve." I smiled up to her before seeing Syren and welcoming my mate to my side. Her hand wound into mine, and I knew in that instant, joined with my Lupa, that one of ours was missing. Ziva. I gave Syren an apologetic look, one she knew all too well, and nodded once to Mick. He'd look after Syren and Ursa, not that I would have to worry about either of them. I had to find Ziva.