... sorry she is frazzled. XD

She had retreated back to the pack lands those weeks ago and she had not left. The bronze woman had watched over her mate after the confrontation with the loner, making sure she did not stir as she slept and fought to keep the nightmares away. Cambria was so fragile, but Mati would not allow another to hurt her. It had take some time before she even left the surrounding yard of the Manor. And now after the span of an entire moon she felt strong enough to walk the borders.

The large wolfess patrolled, like any other wolf of the pack, in her lupus form. Black nose scanned the ground, and her marks were clear and frequent to keep the boundary formed. Part of her wished for the male to come for them, to step inside the pack lands and test their strength. She wanted to see him ripped to shreds, and to help her pack mates do so. But there was no sign of him and her wish was not yet granted so she kept moving.

Purple eyes looked through the wooded lands, narrow and suspicious at every shadow. Her steps were purposeful but light and without much of a sound. The artist and pupsitter was not much of a warrior but she had the skills any wolf did and her determination helped her focus.

A sounds was brought to her ears, a call from a voice she thought at first was familiar but then shrugged off as nothing but another stranger. Was he coming to challenge her? Was he looking for another fight? The wolfess took to running paws, rushing through the woods towards the sound. The scent came, and when it touched her nose she slowed. Her brain fought her emotions and she told it to concentrate.

She looked upon the male, walking slowly as she approached him. There was a bit of wildness still laced in her body, a form perhaps he had never seen before. Strelelin, what are you doing here? She asked, her voice trying hard to be friendly but obviously forced. He was a friend, the thought rolled through her mind again and again so that she did not come across as unwelcoming.

i hope to be faster with replying next time

She was a formidable sight even in her lupus form. Her stature wasn't the lean lines that many wolves in the summer season gave. Mati held bulk and the same curves that her standing form showed. Now it clung to her barrel chest, and thick legs and shaggy neck and shoulders. One might not recognize her if they were only familiar with her two legged body. But her bronze and golden flecked fur was the same, as were the purple orbs that gleamed in the sun's light.

Those eyes looked away as she took in the confused features that he wore. He spoke and her heart sank but she looked back to his face with the need to explain herself strong and rising in her chest. The male smiled at least, and when his question was brought to her Mati shook her head and spoke. "I apologize Strel." She began. Mati felt close enough to the male that she knew she could confide in him, "My mate and I had a conflict with a lone male not long ago, I can't help but think he will try to 'see' us again" She hoped that he would now understand why she had come to greet him in such a manner.

"You are always welcome here, and a sight for sore eyes. How had you been." She was a changed wolf, relaxed and at ease now that she had explained herself.

i totally needed this thread for mati! yay!

We were on our way to see my brother Haven, Princess and their pups. My young brother Alder lives with them as well, and we were hoping to see how they were. Mati paused, wondering if Strel had had the pleasure of meeting the Knight's pups yet.They had not gotten there, diverted by the lone wolf. But she hoped they were well, healthy. Mati figured Haven would send Alder with messages if they needed Cambria's healing art. He just scared us both, threats and I don't want Cambria scared like that again. Mati didn't wish to relive it and did not give the details that he might be looking for.

The woman leaned into Strel. He was right, she felt better as they wrapped their arms around one another. Mati pulled back, her purple eyes watching their match. Yeah, so who is this Noss? Mati questioned, her lips turning upwards into a smile and looking at him coyly. Mati was suddenly so very happy that the male had come to see the Dreaming pack. Her mind drifted away from the lone gray wolf and the fear that he had brought her. Instead she happily engulfed herself into the happenings of his life.

Mati remembered the scene, and she felt as if that running with her tail between her legs was just about what she had done. She hated that feeling, the fear that seeped so deep that it fit her core with rapid, sickening speed. If she had been alone perhaps she would have been okay, but she had had Cambria with her and Mati would do anything to protect her mate. She grew protective instantly with the chocolate female at her side, any unknown beast was not just a stranger but a threat. Pretty much did just that. She spoke, but her tone was not as hollow and depressed as she felt about it, trying to laugh it all away. Thank you She spoke softly, appreciating his concern for her well being.

There was something behind his eyes, a playfulness when she asked about of this Noss. He had a secret, or something that he was a bit too proud of. She listened, bronze hued ears taking in his words and his story. Mati knew that Strel was a kind beast, but he was flamboyant and not the most modest of creatures. A trip to Halifax was likely tainted with liqueur and perhaps even some marijuana. But she listened with an open mind.

Her brows peaked, and she smiled at him with a sideways glace. 'In Cours', with you? she questioned, what did this mean? Mati and he had always shared their relationship tales and Mati needed more details this the thin lines he had given her. Are you saying he shares your bed Strelein? She spoke in a jesting tone. He was the one friend that she could joke about such things with, thoughts of the gray loner lost and forgotten. I need a little more then that! She took one of her hands and pushed his shoulder lightly. He was hiding things from her and she wouldn't have it!

we need more!! i want Gen dramaplotage!

He just made it easy for Mati to smile, to joke and for her to forget the happenings of the not to distant past. She didn't gossip with anyone else, but she wanted to know just a few details of the male's life. They were always good ones, juicier then all the rest. She smiled as he spoke, taking his nudge but stilling the urge to shove him further. The large woman would likely hurt him.

Strel spilled the beans, and she giggled at him. He hadn't had a lover since she had come to know him so the thought that he may have met his match was an exciting prospect. He did not use the word "mate" so she did not push the idea. Males seemed to move a bit slower with official then females. Once Mati had understood her feelings she had been willing to commit to a life with Cambria, no fear left in her heart.

Yes, you've got it right. She said with a light laugh. You don't have him chained to your bed post or anything, do you? She teased. This Noss was no captive of the bright eyed boy, right?

Mati sat to enjoy the shade of the tree, taking in the story and eying the fabric that he brought with him. She smiled, For me? She asked, and held it in her hand with a grin. It shown bright against the brown of her fur and even brighter against his purple hued gaze. Perhaps it would do the same beside her own. She wrapped it around her neck, sloppily but as neat as her inexperienced hands could make it. But, I have nothing for you. I owe you greatly. She said, the more polite side of
her personality shinning through.

short! sorry... :o

All she could do was stick her tongue out at the redheaded male. She and Crambia were not the sort to be playing with ropes or easels, their intimate moments were just that, intimate. Mati thought them more sacred then the way Strel spoke of Noss, but she knew it was all in good fun and she was even relieved that she could let this side of her loose. Though the next words of rebuttal were beyond her, and she felt heat on her face as she blushed. Perhaps she had taken it too far. It was sort of fun though. Mati simply made a face and shook her head. Free range? Like a chicken he refused to keep in a coop. He would never stop would he? Mati only laughed.

Well thank you. She spoke, fiddling with the scarf. She did not wear clothing and even its light weight felt odd on her neck. But it was beautiful and she wondered how her mate would like it. I don't think that's necessary. Mati returned and giggled lightly. No one would be tying anyone to anything, not on her watch. She leaned back on one arm, her other hand toying with the ends of the scarf. Other then your bed warmer, how is the Court? My little brother Alder lives there now too, have you met him? Mati was always wondering how her younger brother was fairing.

A man of your talent? She asked, addressing the first issue. No one in need of a tailor? Mati was sincere, and it could be heard in her tone.

Mati thought of her young brother often. Though the two had never shared any blood relation, she had known him only as her brother and nothing less. The bronze furred woman had watched over him while he was growing up, and she had been there at his birth. Their mother had a way of drawing all her children close, keeping them together and reminding them often that the love between them would live on as long as they allowed it to grow.

Though Mati was not surprised when Strel had not met him, Alder was a shy beast and she figured that he stuck close to home with Haven and probably slept among the horses most nights. Just by the look of Strel, Mati imagined that her brother would shy away from his outgoing nature.

He had only been there since the beginning of winter. He is shy though and living with Haven and his family. She explained. Then the woman smiled, He enjoys the horses, you could probably find him at the stables. He has a black mask around his eyes, you couldn’t miss him. She hoped he was well, though wasn’t sure how well the two males would get along. Alder was such a quiet boy.

This was the way of their conversations, fun and light to something serious. But Mati did not find it odd or uncomfortable. She moved fluidly as the pages turned, and hopped from one to the other. She hadn't thought that Strel would wish to be more then just an even ranking wolf as she herself felt was her proper place. She had no true desire to be beyond the others in the pack, she had no taste for disciplining or being looked to as an alpha. Of course there was so much more to it, the benefits great. But Mati had seen her own birth mother fall from that pedestal, she saw the hardships first and foremost.

Do you have a history with the King? She wondered, curious about this past he spoke of. Perhaps if she understood that she would be able to understand how to help him.

She had wished he had seen Alder, but the two wolves were very different. It was a long shot. Her heart sank slightly, but he was right. If he hadn't heard anything bad about him then that was good. No news was generally good news. She nodded her head, Do look out for him, for me. She asked, just in case he saw him.

She smiled, honest and soft with the memories of the things that did make her happy. Yes. She replied, the vision of her beloved passing over her mind's eye. The world was hard at times, but she knew that she could rely on Cambria. She knew that the chocolate woman would always be there for her, and she may be fragile but she was a source of strength for Mati non the less. You need to be happy too. Mati said, thinking of his trouble among the Court's ranks, thinking of Noss and of the way she looked when speaking about him.

wrap this up? ^^

This story was a juicy as the bits of gossip they had shared just minutes ago, but this was no frivolous gossiping. Mati listened with a caring heart, the smile she had worn fading with concern. Though she and Strel often joked she was was still surprised by the detains. She hadn't expect this to be the reasoning. It was certainly awkward, but it wasn't against the laws of pack life. A lover was free to love whom they wished, connected to leadership or not. Perhaps its time put the past to rest and look to the future. She commented, her smile returned and softer then before. She didn't think that one incident should keep him from pursuing a higher rank, it was time to move forward. She wished she could forget the past and more forward too, and no longer be afraid. It was much easier said then done.

Mati smiled her appreciation, a silent thanks for looking after you younger brother. There would be time when she would travel to visit him, but her duty was here with her mate. Perhaps before the first snow fall.

It was nice to have Strel, their friendship had lasted through many seasons even with the distance between their packs. His happiness was just as important as anyone else's, and she was glad that Noss had given him a stronger sense of it. I'm happy for you Strel she said, as they hugged once more. She could not help but think of her mate with all this talk of happiness, and love. It made her yearn for the Marino girl, as the need to be close to her was always present in Mati's mind. She placed a hand on the scarf he had given her, the yellow striking against the purple of her gaze. And thank you again... for this. She added.