Another month, another shit hole in another podunk nowhere border town. This was life, Shomecosse thought as she shoved her belongings into a worn out shoulder bag. Harsh winds tore at the tattered, fluttering notices tacked to the dilapidated, sun-bleached door; rattling the shutters and stirring the dust outside into miniature tornadoes. Meco rarely stayed anywhere longer than a single month, and actually liked the places she stayed even less frequently. But this... this arid bowl of dust... was by far the worst. There was no green and no rain. Only dust and wind. The Earth screamed for water and rest, while the people moaned for food and work. Everything smelled stale and brittle... including the people; who looked as if the very life had been sucked from their bones. Not a single person she'd seen in the entire 28 days she'd been here looked nourished. Nor did the land or any of the creatures she passed in her nightly runs. Everything in a 100-mile radius seemed stuck in a haze of fading half-life; not quite living, but not dying quickly enough to realize it. 

It was a bit early for her to head out. The last few days had been harder than she expected; the adjustment harsh and exhausting. Normally she would wait, rest a day more... at least. But this place was sucking her dry, like it did everyone who stayed too long. She needed fresh air, clean air. She needed to be somewhere with running water, with trees and green, living Earth. She needed it like she needed food. This time of year, the North East would just be beginning to green up. The rivers would be warming and the Earth waking to the new life of spring. The land would be thriving and celebrating, even if the people in her cities weren't. 

It was months outside her usual circuit, but trekking another week across this cesspit of despair to make it to the west coast simply wasn't an option. She would lose her mind before she got halfway there. And if there was one thing... only one thing... that Meco COULD NOT afford to lose in this depression, it was her mind.  

The trek to New York took just over a week. It was a long and arduous trip; started with little rest and made on little sleep. By the time Shomecossee entered the outskirts of the city, she was exhausted. She'd passed the point of actually feeling tired days ago, and now only felt exposed, overstimulated, irritable, and raw. The sounds and smells of the city pressed in on her like a smothering, wet blanket. Every person she passed on the crowded main street caused her to flinch... like air against a fresh burn. She could hear her own heartbeat in her ears and the pulse felt like sandpaper behind her eyes. Pulling her scarf up over her head like a hood, she dipped into a secluded alleyway and slinked her way through the backstreets of the city like a stray animal. 

As she crept her way through the cramped and deserted alleys of New York, Meko kept her ears low, shrouded by the thick woven scarf that shadowed her eyes and features. Something was amiss. She could feel it in her very bones, as a light breeze danced through the alleyway; stirring the leaves into miniature vortices of twirling elemental fury. An indefinable unease settled over her as she ducked down another umbral lane, even smaller than the first. The hair along her arms and down the back of her neck stood at attention, her muscles stiffening with a familiar tension as a whisper of movement courted her attention from just outside her field of view.
The tips of her ears screamed with a white-hot fever as a pressured panic forced her eyes shut. "Not here. Not now," she pleaded silently with the dull, crushing ache that squeezed at the back of her skull and pinned her spine painfully against the straining muscles of her back, "Too many people." She panted heavily, leaning against the cold brick of an abandoned building.; the scents of the city mingling heavily in the back of her throat… exhaust, fetid dumpster puddles, men’s cologne, fine Italian leather, wet fur, freshly baked bread, pheromones.  Gulping air like a fish out of water, she hastened her pace, her frantic heartrate pitching up in time with the quickening patter of her soft footfalls. This was the last place she wanted to be.

Darting through the darkened doorway of an empty storehouse, Meko was ripped from her frantic thoughts as the weight of a well-placed blow slammed into her shoulder with a dull 'thunk', nearly wrenching her from her feet. The pain didn't set in immediately, as she turned... dumbfounded by the sudden force of it... with distant, empty eyes. As a cold heat spread across her chest and a coiling sickness rooted itself in the pit of her stomach, she felt her humanity begin to fray at the edges as her vision zeroed down to a pinpoint tunnel...fixating on the man who now stood triumphantly framed in the doorway.

He was a hulking brute of a thing. She could smell the violence rolling off of him in waves. Something in his eyes seemed almost familiar... like a long forgotten lullaby. Perhaps they’d passed on one of her many trips through the city, or perhaps it was simply that all men - white men - looked the same to her now; haughty, self-gratifying, and luridly psychotic. Panting heavily, she squared off with the man, her pin-prick pupils staring daggers into his pale, fresh tree-sap coloured eyes as she pressed a hand resolutely into her bleeding shoulder with a guttural whimper. “That’s right. Moan for me, you Red Skinned Slut,” he growled, palming the front of his pants with a dangerous, hungry glare.
For a brief moment, a deep sadness settled into her heart; holding the rage and frenzy at bay. She sighed with soft resignation, and the wicked grin that spread across his face told her he would enjoy this. “You don’t want to do this," she spat... coughing through the paralyzing pain. "It won't end the way you’re thinking.” 

A low, rolling growl slipped from her throat, her lips pulling back into an animalistic snarl as he laughed, twisting the gleaming knife in his hand. Something about the sight of her own blood trickling in thick rivulets down the silver blade made her sick. So that was his game. He liked it close; personal. "Please, don't do this..." Meko tensed as she felt the call of the wild tearing through her mind and her body. There was no begging. Simply a matter-of-fact statement. More like a warning than a plea. Of course, her words fell on deaf ears; like a dog barking uselessly at its master. The man lunged at her, grazing her side and burying the blade in her back as a bestial roar ripped itself from her throat, shaking the dust from the rafters and drawing timid stares from the nearby bustling streets. Even from blocks away, the city stirred at her fury.

An uncontrollable wave of violence crashed over her as her mind melted into pure, primal, unbridled rage. The man was unprepared. Faced with the monsters of his childhood… as Meko melted away and the dark frenzy of the wild replaced her... he was confronted with a brutality that shook him to his core. No amount of storytelling could ever prepare someone to witness the shift for the first time. It was dreadful and aweful, in ways that rattled the most primeval parts of the soul... as if something in the ancient roots of one's very spirit recognized the terrible, raw echo of wild divinity in it with disturbing wonder. It only took a moment's pause... a split second of frozen enthrallment for both of them to cease to exist.

What was left of the man leaked out onto the wooden planks of the storeroom floor, seeping down through the cracks to stain the cement foundation a tainted crimson. What was left of the woman, howled in wretched pain as she disappeared into the darkening night to prowl and stalk the back streets of the city... hobbling and wounded... frenzied with pain, leaving a trail of crimson behind to betray her. Surely someone would find the body by morning. And she could tell, by the heavy scent on the faint breeze, that she was trespassing on someone else’s territory. One or the other would find her eventually. Likely sooner rather than later.  She could only hope to find some shelter in the city, despite her frenzied state, before then.

The air was cool and crisp on the northern side of New York. The trees and the Hudson offered a lot of fresh scent for the spring season, and it helped cover the scent of the bloody war in the underground that had just rocked the whole nation. Elyan perked his ears as he rushed through the low brush, the birds chirping as they woke with the rising Sun. Light slowly washed over the treetops and a sense of warmth spread over his body. The luscious, green canopy that hung overhead was breathtaking, the gradient fading into the deep browns and reds of the northern woods. Lifting his nose, his nostrils flaring, he took in the smells surrounding him. Bacon... Nothing smelled better than bacon frying over an open fire. But beyond that? It was also a signal that he was needed at home for some reason or another.

Closing his eyes, Elyan shook his body and fluffed his bright coat before stretching. Then, the last of his run... He was off. Dirt and fallen brush crushed under the weight of his form as he ran full speed toward his weekend getaway, whipping through trees and bushes, jumping small brooks and rock formations. It wouldn't take but a few moments to reach his property, more specifically the pond that he could make it look like he'd been swimming in... On the off chance that it was someone who needed to speak with him.

He slowed his pace as he neared the water's edge, and padded into the cool, refreshing water... It always helped him shift. His breath shortened, grunts and hisses escaping through his teeth as he eased into the water. It didn't take long until bones cracked and he howled... His shift was easier, but it still wasn't the most pleasant. At least it was quick at his age. Within moments, and a few sharp snaps, his howl turned to a yell... He collapsed into the water and fought for his breath, his chest heaving as he held himself at the edge of the pond. The moments passed at a snail's pace until he'd slowed his breathing. Finally taking a deep breath, he sighed happily, refreshed and renewed.

Dragging himself from the water, Elyan wrapped himself in a towel and grabbed his clothes. Taking one last look to survey the land around him, he turned and began the tromp through the tall reeds into the yard of the cabin...

"HURRY UP ELY!" he heard his long time friend, Demitri, yell. "Bard is on the phone!"

Shaking his head, Elyan gripped the towel around his waist tighter and jogged toward the house. At least it was a phone call and not actually meeting someone in person. Not many were supposed to know about his monthly hideaway. Snatching a piece of bacon from the skillet as he passed by, Elyan headed into the house as he moaned from pleasure with the savory taste of pig in the morning... It was a good, FRESH, piece of hog bacon. "Cooked to perfection as always, Demitri... Thank you," he called over his shoulder before shutting the door behind him and walking through the house, wet footprints following him to his office. He shut the door and plopped down in his seat at his desk, picking up the phone...

"Bard, what is it my friend? You don't often call me unless it's impor-" Elyan silenced himself as the muffled voice on the other side of the line commented.

"There has been an incident. Something I think that pertains to -your- way, more than ours..."

"Mhmm... I see. I'll return to the city immediately."

"That would be best... I'll see you soon, friend."

Elyan hung up the phone and quickly rushed from the room, sliding out of the door and almost running in to Demitri who had headed inside.

"Well?" the man queried as Elyan slipped passed him.

"Get the others, we're heading back to the city."

"That's unwise Ely..."

"It's necessary, Dem. There's been an incident."

"And there -will- be one if you aren't here by tonight, Elyan."

Elyan stopped and turned to Demitri... "It's going to be fine, but I have a straying problem in -MY- city."

Demitri shook his head as Ely turned around. "Elyan ap Llewelyn, my sire, we -need- to stay here. It's the full moon tonight!"

Ely turned, his glare making Demitri take a step back, the tension easily rising in the room. "DO NOT, remind me when the moon is, Demitri. We've been friends a long, long time, and have I ever missed a moon since we've started these getaways? I know damn well it's tonight, and we have a limited window. But it -needs- to be handled, now. If anyone can get a wolf out of the city, it's you and me."

Demitri sighed and bowed his head, "As you wish, Elyan." Demitri turned and made his way outside to gather the others who'd come with them. Elyan headed to his den and quickly dressed himself for the trip back into the city. It would be a long drive that had to be made as quickly as possible...

New York City, already the large buildings and concrete surroundings made Elyan feel claustrophobic. And if he could feel it, he -knew- Demitri and Audolf could. His muscles tensed and his stomach churned with a feeling a nausea as his breaths shortened. The overstimulating smells that filled the city, from pollution and exhaust to trash bins and flowers. All of the smells combined smelled like a trash barge in the hot sun. For someone with a heightened sense of smell, it made it difficult to single anything out, and that was enough to give anyone a migraine.

Once in the city, and with Demitri driving, it didn't take them long to reach the crime scene. A remote part of the city in the south-west district that had been ravaged by the recent war and the depression together. The car pulled to a halt near the police cars that surrounded the are. Elyan and his cohorts got some strange glances as they exited their vehicle, one officer even walking up and putting his hand on Ely's chest.

"You can't be here sir, this is a crime scene. I suggest you leave."

Before Elyan could even say anything, Officer Bard stepped out of the broken down building and saw the group.

"ELY! It's about time you made it here! I see you brought your friends..."

The other officer turned and eyed Bard questionably before stepping back from Ely and his friends to let them through, grumbling beneath his breath. Audolf patted the officer on his shoulder, "You shouldn't say things out loud that you don't want others to hear..."

The look of embarrassment that flashed across the policeman's face made the three men chuckle, and then Bard led them inside the room.

"Gentlemen, give us the room please?" Bard asked of the two officers surveying the scene and laying out numbers. The two stood and exited with a nod, probably assuming the other three to be Feds.

As soon as the door shut, Bard looked directly at Elyan. "Well, was I right? Ya gettin' anything?"

"Probably... I definitely can smell another that I don't know. That's not normal." Elyan's nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply.

"Ely, there's something over there..." Audolf pointed behind some busted crates in a darker corner of the room.

Elyan made his way to the crates and pulled out a satchel and a red scarf. "Well someone was certainly here, boys. Bard, get your men out of here, tell them we're taking on the investigation into the missing..." He sniffed the belongings and chuckled, "... person. Tell them it appears to have been a horrendous animal attack, and let them know to be on the lookout for a rabid canine loose in the city. I promise though, I'll find them soon and help them to get away and be safe. Or you'll find another body that looks like the second, missing victim."

Officer Bard nodded, reaching for the satchel. "Alright, I'll just ta-"

Elyan pulled back and handed the bag and scarf to Demitri. "No, you won't take this poor girls belongings. She will need them. This bastard probably thought he had an easy target and picked the wrong person. But that leaves me with a naked, probably hungry woman that is going to need my help and soon. And she will need her clothes."

Bard grumbled before finally resigning to the fact that Elyan was both right, and too strong for him to try and pick a fight with. The two shook hands and Bard made his way outside. He'd worked for Elyan for years, but there's was truly a love/hate relationship. Elyan helped the city with certain -special- issues, and Bard kept the police and the rest of the FBN off his back.

"Alright boys... We've got ourselves a lady to find. If you catch scent of her, call me... I'll do the same for you." Elyan's nostrils flared yet again, and he searched for it... Though they were easily -hours- behind her and she could be anywhere in the city, something told him she was hiding and laying low. Regardless, she'd already made it difficult to track her, making sure she'd walked many different directions while retracing her steps. How many hours had she padded around the building itself just to supersaturate her scent?

"Audolf, you take the northern trail, Demitri, take the south-west, and I'll take the western. Remember, call once you've located them, and do -NOT- approach them without me. Am I clear?"

"Yes sir!"
"Aye, Elyan!"

The two blurted their words out together and made haste to begin their search... Elyan, on the other hand, stayed behind and studied her scent. There was a reason he'd wanted the western most trail... It led back toward the out-stretches of the city, and the south-west trail seemed to be the weakest, meaning she'd probably come from that direction. He took a deep whiff of her scarf before breathing out slowly, pulling the fabric from his face and balling it up, sticking it in his pocket.

"Just who the fuck are you?" he pondered as he finally made his way out of the building and onto his westward path... Hopefully he'd be the one to find her first, if his assumptions were correct.

Trees. She came here for trees. She refused to die in this godforsaken, smog-choked hellhole. If today was the day, she'd breathe her last breath beneath green leaves and open sky, even if it killed her. A city park wouldn't do. It was too stuffy, and there were too many people, besides. She wouldn't be able to sustain herself long, so going North simply wasn't an option. She'd never make it. Old trails and mental maps danced in her head as she backtracked and looped around through the city. It took more energy than she really had to spare, but it was all she could do to deter anyone from tracking her... at least for a little while. Padding back toward the Western entrance of the city, Meko set her mind on South Mountain. It was her best bet... if she could make it.

A whole 2 hours west, at least. And by far, the longest two hours in recent history. Shome's feet settled into the coolness of dew-laden grass just as the horizon behind her began to lighten from inky, midnight blue to something... less. It was still early, very early, as she limped her way into the depths of the wooded paradise; the horizon only barely tinged with a shimmering whisper of dawn. Wriggling herself beneath a fallen tree stump, long since abandoned by some other creature as a barrow. Rolling to face the paling dawn, she wondered silently if this would be her last sunrise. Forcing her eyes to fixate on the faltering light for as long as possible, Meko finally relinquished her stranglehold on consciousness just as the sun crested the edge of the Earth. It was almost as if, in a literal flash, she was gone. 

The morning sun was high in the sky when Shomecossee finally stirred from her comatose slumber. The world danced and spun around her like spiralling shawl dancer embodying the butterfly. And as Shome stretched, she thought nothing could be more fitting. Soon enough, she would crawl out of this damp hole in the ground and emerge, like her own kind of butterfly to a new day and a new life... yet again, Great Spirit be praised. 

Her body was sore... and cold... as she twisted, crying out in pain as her wounds protested the movement. She was alive. But it didn't have to feel good. Even still, the pain brought with it a certain awareness and appreciation. And Meko smiled through the sting. Laying back against the cold, shady earth, Shome breathed a relieved sigh... laughing, then coughing, and laughing again as she soaked in the perfection of simply still being alive. There was much healing to be done, but she was alive. The birds were chirping, the bees and bugs buzzing around her. The whole world seemed to be alive and thrumming with energy. And she was deeply, keenly grateful for this one more day. 

Closing her eyes she listened softly to the hum of life moving on around her as she quietly contemplated her next move. She couldn't lay here forever. It was already today, after all. And she would need to find somewhere else to go... to run, and eat, and sleep, and heal. She needed bedding and clothes and shelter from the damp cold that was slowly seeping into her bones. It felt wonderful at the moment. But she knew that it would kill her if she lingered too long. 

With a tense hush, the forest around her suddenly fell uncomfortably silent. The soft susserance of wings lifted away from the branches above her. The soft cawing of crows grew distant as the birds departed. The squirrels and the chipmunks scurried back into their hidey-holes. And every muscle on Meko's battered body tensed uncontrollably. Something was amiss. Her breathing quickened and shallowed as the agony across her back and torso tightened into a strangling vice grip. Rolling onto her side, she tried to peek from beneath her low-slung hiding place, but the movement ripped a pained cry from her throat. Stifling the noise, Meko pressed a hand hard against her mouth as the sharp crack of a remote snapping twig rang out. Her short breaths came in ragged, agonizing huffs through her flaring nostrils as a familiar scent wafted on the silent breeze. In the distance, a sharp howl cut through the crisp morning air. Everything in her screamed to run as tears began to sting her eyes. Maybe she WOULDN'T survive today after all.

Hoisting herself from the ground with a shrieking grunt, she squeezed herself slowly out of the low-slung den. The pain in her shoulder was nearly unbearable as she clawed at the dirt, writhing out from beneath the log like a babe being born of the Earth. She fought with all the strength she had left to free herself from the damp moss-covered prison in time but to no avail. Warm breath covered her face as the heavy scent of sweat and fur filled her lungs. With a defeated sigh, Meko collapsed to the ground with a groan. "Please," she pleaded, staring up into heart-wood coloured mahogany eyes.

Another howl sliced through her senses like a torch. And Meko screamed and writhed in reply, grass staining her russet coloured skin. Smears of crushed, mossy green, rich, damp brown, and crusted crimson streaked her shoulders and hips; chills arching from her shivering body as beads of cold sweat glistened in rivulets down her bare curves. Rolling onto her back, Shomecosse turned her face away from the ivory beast at her side... wounds clear and vulnerable as she pleaded once again, "...please..." It was all she could manage in her current state.

The breeze picked up as Elyan ventured out into the wooded surroundings of New York. He'd already tracked her scent as far, and further, than it had gone... Water had been her ally, or she had doubled back. Whichever the case was, he'd lost her scent. Crouching near the small running brook that snaked it's way down from South Mountain, he sighed quietly. Her smell was gone, but that didn't mean that her lingering presence wasn't... He surveyed the Earth beneath his feet and scooped up some of the dirt and rock that would be this babbling brook's bed later in the season as the ice melted and filled the stream. The trickling of the water was soothing, and he closed his eyes as he rolled the dirt around in his hand. Searching for answers, he inhaled slowly, and then exhaled even slower before blowing the dirt from the rocks...

As he opened his eyes, the breeze picked up and carried the dirt particles that floated softly in the air, toward the south. He chuckled and stood. "She's a smart one, then... Thank you..." he said to the rocks still in his hand before setting them softly back on the ground. He stood and began to make his way south along the bank of the brook. He could feel it in his bones... They were closing in on their mark.

What felt like a peaceful hour of trekking across the padded woods, Elyan cursed himself for not wearing better clothes for the hunt... a suit? Really? What had he been thinking? He paused and listened to the stream travel it's north-eastern path for a moment, watching two foxes scamper about playfully in the distance across from him. As the breeze shifted, he watched as they froze, catching a whiff of something out of place. With a smile and a sigh, he turned to continue his march only to be met with Demitri's call...

The howl cut through the distance like a hot knife slips through butter... Elyan grinned. Demitri had found her. Elyan spread his arms back, took a deep breath, and answered him. The sound of flapping in the wind was immediately heard following Elyan's answer, the birds quickly vacating the premises from the loud, startling howl that ripped through the air. With a wide grin he took off in a sprint, hurrying himself to make it to Demitri as quickly as possible. Trees whipped passed, as he navigated the rest of his trek, hearing a third howl further off in the distance... Audolf was on his way as well... Elyan huffed and groaned. Running like this, in this form? It was for the birds... He'd much rather take to the call, but, then he'd have to come back for his suit. And that wouldn't be acceptable, especially since he carried all of HER stuff as well.

Elyan huffed and fought to catch his breath as he stumbled out into a clearing. He could see Demitri's beautiful white coat in the distance. Admittedly, he was slightly jealous of his darker brethren's bright coat. But, his own grey and white coat was just as beautiful and a wonderful contrast to his piercing blue eyes.

"Demitri!" he called out... "Step away." It wasn't a warning, it was a command... Both Demitri and Shomecossee would know it. Demitri's head lowered as he took two steps back from the woman who lay sprawled out on her back. Elyan slowed to a jog, then to a brisk walk, to a slowed, hesitant walk as he closed in... His nostrils flared as her -odd- scent filled his nose. She was like them, but not. The accosting scent made him shake his head and blow out through his nostrils quickly as if to clear the smell before he realized just how rude he was being to a guest in his territory.

"Hello my kin..." He edged himself closer, Demitri stepping between them. It was obvious that the shining white wolf was also this ones protector...Of sorts. Elyan placed his hand on the back of Demitri's neck and gave it a rub. "It's fine, my friend... See, she offers herself and pleads. She's hurt, and I'm sure quite cold and, well, feeling exposed."

Elyan, tugging on Demitri's coat to pull him back more, dropped the satchel and red scarf nearby. "I brought these for you. I thought you may appreciate your belongings."

A whine behind the two other males made Elyan smile, and Demitri's head to whip around.

"Audolf... Come, meet our guest." A large, red-haired wolf made it's way toward the group, head lowered as he sniffed about. His nose, cold as it touched Shome's skin, took in her scent quickly... Though a yelp followed immediately as Elyan smacked his underling. "Behave! That is quite rude... We may have a gift but we are not uncivilized dogs." Audolf whined again before backing away and taking a seat...

"Forgive my friends. They only worry for me. As I'm sure you know, it's full tonight. We hope to keep each uncontrollable shift as safe for all of us involved, including the rest of this great....smelly city." Elyan smiled as he finally crouched near the woman.

"I'm Elyan Llewelyn. A pleasure to meet you... I hope?"

Shome snerked with a pained grimace as Elyan sneezed. So predictable. At least his words were civil; almost kind... if not warm. He was right. She WAS cold, but being exposed didn't really phase you after a while. It was just part of the deal. She nodded reservedly and eyed her bag, but made no move... yet. She'd rather be naked a few moments longer than move too soon and lose a limb. 

She almost chuckled as the white wolf's head whipped around. It was a cute little whine that drew their attention. And she almost looked excited at the red coat that came around from behind... that is, if someone in her position could actually BE excited... which was arguable. She actually laughed as the red's cold snout brushed her exposed skin. Though it was strangled and followed in short order by a rough cough. Without thinking, her hands lifted to ruffle his fur, wrapping around his neck as she leaned into him; nuzzling lightly. He smelled nice. And he was certainly friendly. 

Both of them jumped as Ely smacked the youngling. Meco looking nearly as shocked as if she felt the slap herself. Instinctively, she shied away as he crouched close to her. It was as if her entire form shrank two inches. Ely smiled, and offered his hand... not unlike a person does when meeting an animal for the first time. Coco snerked again, eyeing him warily before taking his hand. With a throaty groan, she allowed herself to be hoisted into an upright position before reaching for her scarf. Draping it lightly over herself she pulled her bag into her lap, hugging it tightly. "Thank you. Your kindness is... unexpected and deeply appreciated," she assured him with downcast eyes. 

The little wolf behind her whined audibly as the deep wounds on her back became apparent. With a shivering kind of anticipation, he looked to Elyan... who nodded... before approaching her and tenderly licking the gaping gashes and deep stabs. Arching her back, Meko moaned and shivered, stretching well before sifting through her bag for clothes. 

Even then, she didn't stand quite yet. Such was the way of things. "I'm sorry," she whispered softly. It was ALL she would say for the time being. Raising her eyes, she flinched away from Ely's gaze briefly before finally looking him in the eye.  "Shomecossee Twoskins," she smiled weakly at his oh-so-typical expression of perplexity as the syllables played over his ears, "You may call me Meko."

Standing ever so slowly, she slipped into a traditional blanket-weave skirt and loose white blouse. If she wasn't so badly injured, so odd, and dangerously trespassing, it might've made an extremely attractive combination... the cut, the drape, the thin gossamer fabric, and nothing underneath. But, alas, there were far more pressing matters. And it was nothing they hadn't ALL seen before. 

Sighing heavily, she turned to Ely, "So, Mr. Llewelyn, how do we do this?" She eyed his expression, her keen eyes tracing the lines of his face but never fully meeting his gaze. She could hardly walk, much less carry her bag. She'd never make it out of the city by nightfall. And there was the small matter of compensation for her indiscretion in his territory. Silently she hoped he was as civil as he seemed. But they ALL knew, this was no simple matter. 

Ely sighed as she stood... As odd as she was, she was certainly pretty. Regardless, they were in a bit of a pickle. It wasn't as if she could simply come with them, it wasn't the way of things. She was an outsider... Though she'd already seamlessly been accepted by Audolf. Elyan forgave the red-haired wolf though, seeing as he'd only been there for the last four years. We was, undoubtedly, the baby... And Shome was more than likely, the second oldest one in this gathering.

Elyan stood with her and looked her over. "Well... We could go through all the formalities, but that would leave us little time. I can't just leave you out near the city because you pose a threat to the existence we protect here... And there's also the threat to yourself. Other animals that don't like your smell, or even the city-folk who venture a bit to far and shoot wolves, or, whatever it is that you are..."

His jaw shifted to his left as he thought. "I can't run you off... You're too wounded to get completely out of our territory before dark. That leaves one of two ways. You come with us, and we can sort out what that looks like later, or we kill you here and we go home."

As sure as he was as he said it, his tone relayed that it was NOT what he wished to do and was more than likely the last resort of his options. Audolf whimpered at the thought of it and Ely reached back to comfort his friend.

"Do not worry, Audolf. I believe we will come to a civil agreement." He ruffled his friend's coat before leaning close. "Go and get your clothes, and return to the car." Audolf barked in reply and, with his tongue hanging out, he took one last look at the group before loping off into the distance. Turning to Demitri, Elyan told him the same. The white haired wolf growled a bit low, and then bound off towards the city as well.

"Well, and then there were the two of us. So, Madam Twoskins... What will it be? Do I kill you? Or will you join us for dinner and a safer, more enjoyable shift this evening? I have a cabin out in the woods on the northern side of the city. With everything Demitri, Tarmarand, and I have set up, it's the safest place in all of New York for our kind. We can discuss today, tomorrow after everyone has gotten tonight out of their system. What do you say?"

He tilted his head, smiling as he eyed her over. If anything, her scent was intriguing enough for him to want to find out more about her.

Shome's face was a range of emotions as Ely spoke... mostly tired acceptance; even as he cast doubt on her heritage. With a heavy sigh she lowered her head deferentially, "Please, call me Meko. And it would be my pleasure." She could tell he was trying to figure her out. Wolves like him always did, especially men. And she could almost HEAR the wheels spinning in his head. 

With a pained purse of her lips, she offered him her bag, "Would you mind? I realize it's out of order, but I'm afraid it's the only way... unless you call one of your men back." Ely took the satchel with a chuckle and guided her toward the car. His right arm draped lightly over her shoulders. To the outside world, he looked very much the gentleman, shielding her from the chill of the morning, but the white-knuckled grip he maintained on her shoulder was far more than that as he steered her through the reserve. 

Two eager and antsy faces peered at them through the windows of the car as they approached. One looking relieved, the other tense and distrusting. Meko made note that the latter must be Demitri, and mused to herself how interesting the contrasts of his forms. Silently, Ely opened the back door of the sedan, blocking any egress as he waited for her to slide into the backseat. Hesitating, Meko turned to face him and he frowned warningly; 'don't try ANYTHING' written clearly in the lines of his scowl. For a brief moment, panic gripped her heart, and she was sure they could all hear the hiccup in its pace. Taking a slow deep breath, she turned back to the car just enough to demonstrate she had no intention of running. As best she could, she raised her eyes to meet his gaze, "Hybrid." the word came out softly, barely a whisper, but crystal clear to the four who were gathered.  "Born. You understand?" she asked resolutely, actually holding his gaze for a full few seconds as she searched for something in his reaction. Whether she received it or not was unclear as she turned away and slipped into the backseat of the car. 

As she turned away to enter the vehicle, Elyan nodded... Hybrid. That explained a lot. Born though, this was intriguing. He slipped into the car beside her, handing her satchel over as he did so. As soon as he sat and shut the door, Demitri protested...

"I do not think this is wise, Ely. A hybrid?! It's not our way! She encroached on our territo-"

"On -my- territory..." Ely growled out, Demitri almost hiccuping in his speech as he was cut off.

"Y-yes... in your territory, Ely. She encroached on your territor-"

"On... -MY-... territory..." he reiterated, seemingly more irritated that Demitri was being thick-headed.

"Yes, we established that. On yo-"

"Then what is it that you don't understand, Demitri? It is my territory, and I will run it as I see fit. The traditions are older than me, maybe it's time they change a little... The whole fucking world is changing around us, Demitri. We'd better get used to it. We're going to be here a long time..."

Demitri swallowed hard, the gulp ringing in everyone's ears. Silence filled the vehicle as they sat there for a moment, until a light chuckle could be heard. Audolf, fighting hard to keep himself from laughing at Demitri's expense, simply couldn't hold it in any longer. It started with a light bit of rasping noise as his lips parted with the first pass of air, until it was full out laughter, bellowing from his stomach as he doubled over in his seat. He laughed so hard he started to cry and couldn't breath, which started Ely chuckling a bit. He reached up and slapped Audolf on his back.

"Caaaalllm yourself my friend. Calm down. Don't give poor Demitri too much of a hard time. He is right, it's outside of our traditions, and it is not what he knows... But I've watched traditions change thrice in my lifetime to keep up with the changing world around us. And for us, it's been some time... Since before Demitri's change. Tarmarand may remember the last time... Damned old bitch." All three men started to chuckle at poor Tarmarand's expense, though as soon as he looked at Meko, Ely gathered himself and took a breath.

"Forgive us, Meko. We are slightly on edge, I promise you it's the tension of the moon. After tonight, Demitri and I will be the best of friends yet again. As for Tarmarand, she is like our pack mother. At least, she attempts to be. She was turned many, many years ago by one of my brethren... When I killed them, I freed her and she decided to follow with me. She was my adviser for many years until I brought Demitri to us. I trained him as my soldier, as my right hand, or paw, whichever suits you." He smirked at his joke.

"Tarmarand has been with me for nearly four centuries, now. She's an old, wise woman. She's seen her fair share of things. She often helps teach the new pups about everything, including teaching them to prepare a room for their change if they can't make it to the woods with us. In fact, she's preparing a room for you at the cabin. I had her do so in case we brought a guest."

Demitri chuckled and shook his head, finally putting the car into drive and pulling out, heading for the north. He was starving, so he could only imagine the poor hybrid, or Audolf and Ely who hadn't really eaten before rushing off early in the day. It was easily the early afternoon and beyond lunchtime. They needed to get home and "cook".

"You came to town already knowing you were bringing back another, hmm?" Demitri again shook his head and put his foot all the way to the floor board, the car rocketing forward on their way home.

"Indeed, I assumed we might, my young Demitri."

"Please, don't patronize me... I'm not -that- young. I'm nearly three-hundred and fifty years old..."

Ely chuckled, "And still barely a speck on my timeline." Demitri smirked from the front seat and nodded, "Aye, this is true."

Audolf turned and faced the back seat, looking directly at Shomecossee... "Don't worry! I'm only thirty-eight years old! I've been with Ely for fourteen years! He's pretty great, I think you'll like him. Or maybe me?" He chuckled before turning back in his seat, receiving a swift smack from Demitri before the two older males starting laughing...

"What? Did I fuckin' say something funny?" He looked over his shoulder... "WHAT?!"

Ely simply chuckled and looked at Meko apologetically... "I'm sorry. He's well behaved normally."

Meko nodded calmly, she'd smile if she wasn't in pain.  "No need to apologize. I appreciate the honesty; on all fronts,"  she smirked wickedly at Audolf, "When you've lived nearly 500 years, you tend to grow somewhat weary of social impositions." Pursing her lips she eyed the other two men, meeting Demitri's gaze in the review mirror. It was gentle, but it wasn't exactly subtle. At least now they all knew where she stood. "And you're very sweet,"  she assured Audolf, ruffling his buzzed red curls. 

Tucking her feet beneath her, she shifted her bags to the floor and stretched out across the seat; laying her head in Ely's lap unceremoniously. "Forgive me, gentlemen. I realize exactly how unorthodox all of this is. But I do appreciate your indulgence. I'll gladly answer ALL  of your questions. And I assure you I will submit myself to whatever requirements you put before me for what has transpired. But please indulge me just a little. I'm feeling nauseatingly lightheaded. So please don't mind if I continue this conversation from down here." 

With a soft, coughing chuckle, Meko gently nuzzled Ely's knee with her cheek as she settled in for the long ride ahead.  Casting a glance at the back of Demitri's head she continued, "So let's have it. If we're to be sharing a change you might as well get it all off your chests." She paused briefly, twisting as much as she could to glance up at Ely from his lap; her amber eyes searching his face for any hint of reproach,  "With your permission of course, Elyan." It was the first time she'd used his name, and it rolled off her tongue with a lilt that he hadn't heard in ages. A soft smile coming to her lips despite the pain in her pale eyes. 

Ely chuckled at her age drop and rested his arm across Shomecossee's mid-section as she rested herself, stretching across the seat like some queen. At least she knew it was unorthodox and uncouth... He allowed her indulgence, simply because he knew she hurt and was tired. As for the questions though, Ely shook his head. Demitri started to open his mouth to say something, but caught a glimpse of Elyan's eyes in the rear view mirror and quickly pressed his lips together.

"We will worry about questions in the morning. For now, the only focus is getting to the cabin and all of us making a safe, successful change." His fingers drummed lightly across her belly as he hummed... The rest of the ride remained silent, everyone's minds running wild with questions and worry. Demitri gripped the wheel tightly and continued to drive, the landscape opening to rolling hills and luscious greenery. Ely rolled his window down and the smell of wild flowers, fresh pine, oak, and cedar filled their nostrils. Every one of them sighed happily as the stench of the over-populated, over-polluted city was left behind. Elyan looked around the vehicle before finally laying his head back and resting his eyes.

An hour later the group was pulling off of the main road and taking a small dirt path that led north into the woodlands. Tall pines stood guard over the land, surrounding them like giants as they drove along the winding trail. Soon enough, the vehicle emerged into a clearing. A large, wooden cabin stood, backed against the trees. In the common yard there was a water well, a grill set in the ground, wooden tables, a fire pit, and a privy.

"Out behind the trees there is a pond. It's a very relaxing, underground fed, cold spring."

Elyan smiled as he looked at Meko who had sat up to survey the land as they arrived. Elyan opened his door and stepped out as an older woman walked out of the cabin.

"D'ya bring 'em back, Ely?" She called. Elyan, Demitri, and Audolf laughed as Shomecossee stepped out as well.

"Your nose must not be as good as it used to be, Tarmarand. We've brought her back, yes. Help get her cleaned up and show her to her room? Everyone should relax, and we'll eat dinner in about three hours. Fill ourselves before we set out on our evening hike." Elyan grinned, looking his men over, "You're dismissed, lads. Go, rest."

Demitri and Audolf nodded, walking towards the cabin as Tarmarand walked over.

"C'mon girly. Let's go give ya a bath. Elyan, prepare the dinner?"

He chuckled as he shut his car door, handing Meko's things over to Tarmarand. "Yes mother... I'll go and get it started." Sarcasm dripped from his statement as he poked fun at Tar for simply being herself.

"Hush you!" she fired back before looking to Shomecossee. "Come darling. Let's leave the men to play with themselves. So, tell me about yourself?"

Elyan shook his head as he walked off toward a stand alone, wooden building and vanished inside...