Lyanti struggled with his inner desire to teach this pup a lesson and he nearly lost his control over it. Nearly. Instead of lashing out completely, he gave a final snarl before backing down and stalking back to stand by his mate and the daughter in question. With a glare back towards Tamarand, the older wolf growled,

"I do not approve of you, pup, I'll let you know that."

---

Tamarand was confused when the alpha backed down. When he ehard him say that, his lip lifted in a soundless snarl as he silently conveyed his determination. Determination? Had he decided upon this? Yes, he said to himself, I have, and it's final.

---

Shyra relaxed when both males backed down again, extremely relieved that it didn't come to anything. She felt a grin appear on her face when she read Tamarand's ex
pression in reference to Lyanti's statement. This is going to get interesting in the near future... she thought.

(im not going to worry about the other pack member atthe moment, they're not doing anything anyways. What are we going to sdo about pip's charas?)

Kioko gave an annoyed yet pleading look to her father, then glanced at Tamarand. She sat, curling her tail over her feet, watching him with concern. Of course, with Lyanti right there, she couldn't ask what was wrong, but she wanted to make sure her friend was okay. Couldn't let a father get in the way of friendship. She felt the ever-present mind of Kirano on the edge of her own mind, and an idea suddenly flared up in her head.
Hey, Kirano? Her tone was 'innocent'. Can you do me a favor?
...What?
Her mood considerably brightened, since she knew her younger brother could never resist helping her.
Could you check with Tamarand, to make sure Dad didn't get to him?

Kirano, of course, being the psychic he was, already knew the answer, but he went along anyways. He lightly flitted along the edge of Tamarand's mind, not wanting to enter it, and end up with a sharp stab to his own mind.
Tamarand...Kioko wants to make sure that Dad, I mean, Lyanti didn't get to you. Though I'm sure he didn't. You don't seem easily affected. Oh, and just to let you know, don't ever let him get to you. He's actually a pretty nice guy when you get to know him. Very fun loving.

Kirano grinned. He was very good at predicting. He had guessed this would happen.
Okay. Just let him cool off first. That was a very dangerous stunt right there. He is very strong. And if you two hurt each other it would kill Kioko. She adores Dad, and, well, you know how she feels about you, I take it? And anyways, dealing with Dad right after an avoided fight is bad news anyways. He's already pumped up, and without fighting, he has nowhere to vent that energy. That, and he will defend us at any cost. Us pups, and Fayte included. I've heard alot from Mom about his many rescues of her.
To Kioko, he merely as.sured her of Tamarand's well-being before cutting off connection again, returning his attention to Tamarand.

Tamarand chuckled, replying, I don't go down easy but I understand. I was much of the same way when I was a pup. I would fight anybody if it meant protecting my sister and younger brother; it got me into trouble many a times.

he glanced in Shyra's direction who looked up with a confused look on her face, but she let it be, pointedly looking away a short moment later.

Fayte shuffled her wings, glancing quickly at Kirano. He wasn't paying full attention, so she figured he was talking to someone. His mind was on the edge of hers and she aloowed contact.
Stop the chit chat, now. We all need to find someplace to sleep. I'm sure almost everyone's exhausted.
She glanced at Lyanti, and spread a comforting wing over him as she stood beside him.
"Don't be too harsh on him. I think he has reason to be trusted."
Her voice was a bare whisper, due to Kioko sitting not too far off.

Kirano laughed mentally.
I can imagine that. Kioko never defended us, it was always the other way around. Even though she's the oldest.
He chuckled mentally, thinking of Kioko's many mishaps.

Tamarand chuckled. he also heard an echo of Fayte's voice vibrate on the link between him and Kirano. He couldn't understand what she had said and asked Kirano about it, What's up?

---

(I need vince DX Aurora's gonna be all lonely now!!)

Aurora realized that the tension had finally abated and moved to her parents, nuzzling her mother's side. The familiar smell was extremely comforting and she felt a m*censored*ive weight lift from her shoulders. It felt good to see her parents again.

---

Lyanti smiled at his mate's comforting gesture and his ex
pression turned completely tender as his children began to gather around them.

---

Kurano was not far behind Aurora, except he moved to greet his father.

---

Kale watched the proceedings with keen interest, especially the change that overcame the entire family as they greeted each other. It made him a bit jealous, but he smothered that feeling down. this was not the time or place to let envy take holld of him.

((Aw. Poor Aurora. And think about StarMoon? DX))

StarMoon let out her breath, aware finally that she had been holing it. She gazd at the small family with longing, before hardening her ex
pression again. She was the Celetial wolf. She had to stay strong.

~~

Fayte licked the top of Aurora's head comfortingly, extending her other wing over her pup.
"I've missed you, little one."
Her voice was soft, and tears of joy shone in her eyes. She glanced over to see Kirano sitting next to Lyanti, as well as Kurano. But Kioko had disappeared. She couldn't find her oldest pup. She worried for her, but the orange she-wolf had other things on her mind. The winged wolf glanced at Tamarand. Catching his eye, she nodded her approval.

~~

Kirano grinned. As he joined his father, he answered Tamarand.
Got caught. Mom says we need to find someplace to sleep. Oh, and Kioko wants me to let you know that she'll be at the clearing, if you want to know.
He laid down beside Lyanti, yawning.
So Dad, how's it been lately?

~~

Kioko focused intensely on one thing. She focused extremely hard, until a small twig blew into her fur. She opened her eyes to see a half-finished product. growling to herself, she closed her eyes, focusing again, channelling her energy into the one pattern.

Tamarand immediately rose and padded off, barely waiting to return the alpha female's nod. he dashed through the trees, wondering what was going on, why had she run off? Especially after she had just been reunited with her family... it was odd. He entered the clearing with an ex
pression of worry on his face, but his spirits lifted at the sight of her.

---

Lyanti nuzzled both of the twins and said to Kirano, busy busy busy, you know how it is. You and your sisters seem to be well on your way to establishing a pack of your own as well; I'm proud of you.

----

Aurora swallowed down the tears of joy that rose to her eyes as she simply stood there and basked in the warmth of her family. It had been a long, long time since she had felt this.

----

(i forgot about someone O.o)

Medina watched the proceedings with a smile beaming on her face. It was a beautiful scene and she refused to do anything to ruin it.

(oh no, Ouka's out too DX *horrified*)

Tamarand looked at her, somewhat confused. He moved closer, weaving in between the many flowers and vines she had created in the past,and asked,

"You don't seem happy? I thought you wanted to see your family again?"

Kioko nodded.
"I am, no doubt, but...I'm in need of some time to think.."
She glanced at him, meeting his eyes.
"Tamarand...have you ever been in love?"
She was curious. Naturally, she wouldn't ask this without willing to answer herself. She flicked her tail, still on her stump. She laid down, still meeting his eyes, paws over the edge.

((Heh. Decided to make this a bit interesting. <333))

((Bump))

Tamarand was caught somewhat off guard by the question. He stared at the ground, silent for a moment as he thought about it. After a short while, he said, still staring at the ground,

"I was always the silent protector for my younger siblings and we never really came into contact with other wolves, so I would have to say no." His eye rose again to meet hers as he hesitantly, almost painfully, asked, "Have you?" He dearly, dearly hoped that the answer was no, because if she had, it would tear him apart, especially after what he had just decided upon.

Kioko flicked her tail. She hadn't really expected much else. She herself shook her head in answer.
"Not that I know of. I've encountered a few wolves before you guys, but...Kirano's a bit over-protective, despite being youngest. I was actually suprised at first that he hadn't torn you to bits. Then again...."
She trailed off. Staying on subject wasn't her strong suit.

~~

Fayte glanced over at her mate.
"I'm worried about Kioko. Kirano won't tell me where she went. Would you mind going to find her? I'm a bit worn out, after today's events."
She licked his muzzle softly, caringly. She also wanted him to find Kioko because the orange she-wolf had always looked up to her father as a pup.