Once they reached the cabin, Shomecossee was lead into a small back room outfitted with a tin tub and changing screen. "You've got nothin' I ain't seen before, child,"  said the woman who'd been waiting for them with an air of gentle indifference, "Off with 'em so we can get you taken care of." With a soft snerk, Shome shrugged off the blouse and skirt that veiled her bare frame, sinking into the tepid, soapy water with an audible hiss. The bubbles tingled and stang as they popped against her raw skin, seeping into her open wounds with unmerciful totality. 

Tarmarand chuckled and clicked her tongue as she dumped another pail of water over Meko's head.  "It've been warm if you hadn't run so far," she chastised as the younger woman yelped, the water cool and shocking as it washed over her head and snaked down her spine. Meko had hoped that perhaps the others were joking when it was suggested Tar 'give' her a bath. To her mild dismay, that wasn't the case. Sulking in silent protest, Meko chewed her bottom lip until it was nearly bleeding as the older woman rolled up her sleeves and began scrubbing her hair. On the one hand, it was somewhat humiliating. She was an adult, after all. On the other hand, the woman's lithe and adept fingers felt quite nice on her scalp. Meko had almost relaxed into the sensation when yet another bucket of frigid spring water was poured over her hair. 

Soap bubbles cascaded down her face as she gasped and sputtered, Tar laughing softly to herself as she continued the onslaught... a whole three buckets before Meko's long, dark hair was finally soap free. "Alright, up you come,"  the pack-wide mother figure insisted, chuckling softly when Meko glared at her incredulously. For a brief moment, the younger woman considered telling this stranger where she could shove it. But, she reminded herself, she was on thin ice in, in marked territory, and only skating by on Ely's current good graces. To refuse such a banal request, she thought, would surely reflect poorly on whatever proceedings were to follow. With a resigned sigh, Coco hoisted herself from the relative safety of the tub, shivering as the cool air of the cabin kissed her soaking skin. 

As if it had materialized from thin air, Tar produced a wide boar bristle brush from SOMEWHERE in the folds of her long broom skirt and set to relentlessly scrubbing the dirt and grime from the younger woman's skin. Nowhere was spared her... thorough... and vigorous scouring. By the time she was done, Meko's entire body as a clean, rosy pink. And while her wound ached, Shome had to admit that it was kind of nice to be really clean for what felt like the first time in ages. 

One final rinse and Meko was finally allowed to step out of the quickly-cooling water. A towel appeared from what seemed like nowhere, and Meko was allowed to wring out her hair while Tarmarand continued her full-frontal assault, dragging the younger woman behind the gossamer dressing screen where a small stool and a vanity awaited with a range of women's tools laid out and waiting. Wasting no time at all, Tar began packing Meko's wound with a thick, herby paste before bandaging them and moving on to doctor all her minor scrapes and scratches. The ointment caused a singularly unique sensation... something warm and soothing but cold and penetrating but numb and tingly all at once... that set Shome to wriggling in her seat. "Yes. Yes. Hold STILL," Tar scolded, reaching for a brush to rake through Shome's long raven locks, "It'll wear off in a minute and you'll be good as new." 

'You're too old to pout. You're too old to pout. You're too old to pout,' Meko chanted silently to herself, clutchgin the damp towel to her chest as Tar combed and coifed, brushed and braided her hair before moving on to apply a flatteringly light bit of make up.  "Just enough to bring out your eyes and cheekbones... and those pretty little lips," the old mother hen assured her when she noticed Meko scowling into the mirror. "It's your first night with the pack, after all. And we want you looking your best." She patted Coco's head with a soft smile that wrinkled her deep crow's feet. "Our Ely doesn't bring just ANYONE home for the night, you know. Especially considering...." Tarmarand trailed off, meeting Meko's gaze in the mirror. She didn't have to finish. 

"So! Let's get you dressed properly. I think I still have some old clothes that will fit... from back in my younger days. They may be a bit out of fashion at this point, but I think they'll flatter you... really. Give me just a moment." Tar disappeared out the door, leaving Meko to contemplate this odd turn of affairs as she stared at her fresh appearance. 'It could be worse,' she muttered to herself, jumping a little as Tar renetered the room, arms alden with fabric. "I think I've got just the thing," she smiled wickedly, and Shome got the distinct feeling there was something loaded about her words... 

It seemed like hours passed as the high noon sun slowly sank toward the horizon, the shadows of the forest lengthening out like sharply clawed talons straining toward the cabin. Dinner was almost ready, and Ely was beginning to worry. What was taking so long? Maybe Audo... no... not Audolf. Definitely not Audolf... poor thing would work himself into a wizz. Maybe DEMITRI should go check on the women. Elyan turned, spatula in hand, lungs filled and poised to bark his orders just as Tar escorted Meko into the dimly lit kitchen. 

She looked nothing like the ragged, low-born mutt they'd picked up earlier. The woman who stood before him now looked worthy of her age and heritage... mixed thought it was. Tar had dressed her well: a pleated skirt in deep burgundy plaid which Elyan thought looked itchingly familiar, a high necked, form fitting black sweater set off by a wide silver belt buckle, her wild raven hair sleeked into matching french plaits that framed her defined face. 

"Here we are. Just in time for dinner," Tar cooed, noticing the pleasantly perplexed scowl on Ely's face. "Come, darling, have a seat," she said, sliding Meko into a seat conspicuously next to Ely's place at the head of the table. A low, soft growl echoed down the kitchen hall as Demitri rounded the corner. But a single look from Tar as she patted Meko's shoulder silenced any protest. "Well, Elyan. Don't just stand there gawking. We have a guest. Get to it."  With a chipper snerk, she took the spatula from him and continue finishing dinner with a chipper smile. "Go on.." she nudged him, scooting him out of the way with her hip, "Go. On." 

Ely spun and at first he was taken aback. Coco looked absolutely different and well kept. A stunning contrast to the way the three had found her just earlier. The pleated skirt, his family's colors, and his brothers old tartan... That struck a bit of a nerve, but it wasn't Shomecossee who would answer for that, and Tar's reprimand would be later in private. Though as the pack-"mom" sat Shome in Demitri's seat, Ely heard the growl and looked at his right hand. Tar's look, however, was enough to shut him up. Elyan chuckled quietly to himself before Tarmarand came and attempted to kick him out of the kitchen. They exchanged what seemed like unpleasant whispers for a bit before Ely huffed, slightly deflated, and handed over the spatula.

As he reached the table, he stood behind the seat where Shomecossee sat and placed his hands on her shoulders. "You look lovely, my guest. However, sometimes Tar forgets her station... If it would be at all possible, could you switch sides of the table?" Ely gestured to the chair that would sit at his left, instead of the one to his right where Shome currently sat.

"You see, this is Demitri's seat currently. He's behaving, but, I'd hate to make things any more awkward on the full moon." He helped Shomecossee to her feet and escorted her around the table to the other side, giving Demitri a look that basically screamed -STOP WHINING AND GROW UP-...

Demiti's head lowered... "Thank you, sire. You honor me and my station. My apologies to our guest for stepping out of line." He looked to Shomecossee and his eyes lowered like a dog who'd been scolded and smacked with a newspaper.

Tar shook her head in the kitchen, but decided it best to hold her tongue currently... Instead, she focused on the rabbit stew that was roiling to perfection, the smell drawing in the wolves so to speak as Audolf and Jakoby made their way into the cabin.

"You see? She's gorgeous!" every one heard Audolf's whisper to Jakoby, who chuckled and smacked the younger boy on the back of the head. "She is, but ya should know we can -all- hear ya when we're this close."

Everyone, including Demitri and Shomecossee chuckled, though Meko attempted to hide her laugh. Audolf turned red and took his place at the foot of the table. "It smells absolutely delicious, Aunt Tarma... Thanks!"

"Don't thank me child, I'm just finishin' it. This was all Elyan."

Audolf looked at his maker and bowed his head. "It smells wonderful." Jakoby seconded it and grinned.

"So boss, ya gonna introduce me to your girlfriend here? Or... Is she free?"

"JACOB!" Ely scolded quickly... "You will behave yourself in front of our guest or you'll be chained for the run... Again..."

The man almost audibly whimpered before taking his seat next to Audolf. "Smells good." He kept his eye averted from the whole group and Ely sighed.

"I'm very sorry, Meko. This is Jakoby. He's a cousin from another pack who was sent to me for safe keeping and, well, obedience." He looked at Jakoby as he shook his head. "And this, is Meko. She's passing through and needed haven for the change. Anyway. That's enough for introductions. Tarmarand... bring on the food."

Tar spun and pointed a spoon at Ely, slinging a bit of the stew toward them. "In just a moment. The stew is still chewy."

"Wonderful! That's the best way for tonight. Satiates the wolf a bit more, getting to chew through the flesh."

Tar shrugged and spun, grabbing six bowls then delivering the stew to all of them.

Ely stood at the head of the table and looked over his pack-plus-one. "Eat, enjoy your fill, if there isn't enough I'll grab a side of beef and throw it on the table..." He sat and grabbed his spoon as all four others of his looked on. "Well, eat already!" Like ravenous animals, the table exploded into noises of chewing, slurping, drinking, and pleasure... Ely looked at Shomecossee and smiled, taking his first bite.

Shomecosse could feel the irritation rolling off of Elyan like shivering waves. It was enough to make her skin crawl, and she wasn't even one of his. As his hands came down on her shoulders, she flinched beneath his grasp; fighting the urge to shrug loose. With a tense smile, she nodded along and allowed herself to be moved about like a chess piece... or a prisoner. She was growing to like this evening less and less. 

Slipping from the seat she was given, she approached Demitri slowly with her head lowered... cautiously... carefully gauging his reaction to her, before reaching a tender hand out to raise his head. "Your apology is most appreciated, and your concern - while unfounded - is deeply acknowledged. But please, don't lower your eyes to me, Dear One. We all know your place here... and mine," she told him with the soft wisdom of her kind. Leaning in slowly, she pressed her forehead to his for a brief moment before returning to her seat. 

Her ass had scarcely touched the hardwood seat when the younger men rounded the corner of the kitchen. Shome twisted her braid shyly as the men discussed her supposed beauty. It was cute how Audolf so easily forgot the company he was in. And by the looks of things, it made him almost as uncomfortable as she felt. Jakoby, though, she found insolent and disrespectful. It took every ounce of self-control she had not to snap back at his chauvinistic comments. But her anger cooled noticeably when Ely claimed him as 'cousin'. Gods forbid she insult the kin of the man who was actively saving her life... for the time being. 

Tar brought the food around, and at Ely's behest, the men all dug in. Meko, however, waited until Ely was well into his third or fourth bite before picking up her own spoon. For a long while they all ate in relative silence; Shome keeping her eyes fixed on the soup in front of her. It was by far the best meal she'd eaten in weeks. And she wondered, briefly, how wonderful it must be to have a family such as this... to have a home and not have to wander the wide world with no rest and no sanctuary... to not feel this bone-deep weariness that seemed to follow her everywhere. But that was just a pipedream, a fantasy, she told herself as she wondered whether or not she should speak... at all. 

Glancing up at Elyan, she caught his gaze ever so briefly. And it was as if her lips moved audibly... a whisper, but so low that even his men wouldn't hear; a skill no doubt honed over eons of secrecy... a skill only a wanderer or a windtalker would have or need. "Thank you. Do we speak now?"  That was all. A single sentence, given in tempered deference. Yet Ely could see the trepidation AND the spirit smouldering behind her eyes. Even surrounded by strangers, beholden by laws older than the land itself; she burned with pride and passion he'd rarely seen in his men. 

"I have many questions,"  she admitted... more audibly this time, "And I'm sure you and your men do as well." Her gaze remained glued to the stew, even as she felt four sets of eyes sear into her skin from across the table. Everyone was silent and still, all eyes... save for hers... turned on Ely with bated breath to see how he would react to their half-breed guest. 

Ely chewed his food slowly as he sat back, his gaze falling on Shomecossee. He felt his men's and Tarmarand's eyes on him as his eyes closed. He laid his head back. "The stew if wonderful, is it not?"

"Ely! Please stop avoiding it!" Demitri spoke out, slamming his fist on the table to accentuate the -please-.

Elyan's brow was lifted as his face lowered until it was level with Demitri's, a look of sheer annoyance flashing over his features before he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

He turned to Meko and nodded. "We can talk now... I had intended to do it in the morning after the full moon's grasp, but there is still plenty of time before we are forced to heed the call." Ely sat his spoon down and wiped his face.

"We will do this the old way. The guest will ask her questions, first... Then, my pack will voice their concerns and questions. You -will- answer them, truthfully..." His eyes darted to Shome to make sure she understood. Her fiery gaze and the nod that followed told him she knew old tradition, which eased him.

"Afterward, I will speak my peace on this, and it will be over." His gaze cast to his own pack at that point, each of them nodding their understanding.

"Very well... Shomecossee, please rise. You have the floor and may speak freely. Ask your questions what questions, or make what statements you will."

Ely leaned back in his chair, his legs and arms crossing themselves as he got comfortable and prepared himself to listen.

Shome nearly choked on her stew as Demitri slammed his fists down, a choked yelp escaping her as she jerked away from the table. But, for whatever reason, that seemed to do the trick... a little better than she'd intended, in fact. Sliding away from the table, she rose to her feet, eyes locked on the intricate grain of the hardwood table. It was a beautiful piece; hand carved, no doubt. Shome chewed her lip for a few moments as she decided how best to approach the situation. 

"My apologies to you, my most gracious host. It was not my intention to cause tension in your ranks," she whispered softly, nodding to the table in Demitri's direction. "First, allow me to thank you for your kindness and generosity. I have been around long enough to be keenly aware of exactly how unwarranted and unprecedented it is."   Slowly, she raised her eyes and nodded respectfully to each of the pack members in turn... in order of hierarchy in so much as she could figure from their brief interactions. 

Lowering her eyes again she continued, turning slightly toward Ely's place at the table, "Secondly, allow me to be clear and frank... please. I did NOT intend to complete the course of justice tonight. Only to clear the air, in so much as necessary to complete the shift comfortably... for all involved. But seeing as you have made your decree clear, I will continue... with the caveat that you stop me at any point that you've had your fill and I will be glad to continue this tomorrow morning as is traditional and appropriate." 

Taking a sip of water, Shome cleared her throat, giving pause for any protest before continuing, "I'll clear the air first, I suppose. Yes, I smell funny. Yes, I am a hybrid. Yes, I was born this way. And yes, that is possible. My mother was a Wolf, like yourselves. My father was Coyote. They were together once during the first uprising of the ordering," she took a breath, turning to Ely and Tarm in turn, "which I believe you are old enough to remember." 

She took a deep breath, lifting her eyes ever so briefly to gauge the reactions of her new acquaintances, "As I'm sure you know, Wolves don't take kindly to interbreeding or hybridization. So I've been on my own for a VERY long time. My mother was allowed - by her tribe elders - to keep me only until my weaning. I underwent my first change at 12, and was branded an exile at that time. I have been a wanderer ever since... though I have ALWAYS tried to uphold the Old Ways as much as a mutt possibly can. Which brings me to why I am here..." 

Pausing again she chewed her lip, waiting a moment for anyone to protest, "I live on a monthly circuit... coast to coast and back. Never anywhere more than a month. I was on my way to the North Woods when I passed through the city. Had everything gone according to plan, I would have been in and out of your territory in less than a day... as is expected. But the pull, in combination with my exhaustion, made the main streets far too... stimulating. I took the back streets instead and was accosted by a man. He pulled a knife. I pleaded for peace, but he wouldn't have it." Shome's eyes went blank and cold for a moment as she decided exactly how poignantly to speak her peace, "He wanted me to 'moan for him'... 'like a red skinned slut'," she confessed with righteous rage; a guttural snarl sneaking from between her painted lips. "You can see from my wounds," she lifted her shirt for those who had not seen them yet, "exactly how that went. I would never have drawn undue attention to myself... much less to your territory without DIRE cause. Take it how you will and I will accept whatever you decide." 

Shome nodded at Ely, indicating that was the end of her "peace". "As for questions," she continued,  "I would like to know your protocol for outside shifts. I fear I'm in no state to fend off your hormone flooded younglings." With a shy smile she nodded and shrugged apologetically at Audolf and Jakoby, "So, again, I place myself at your mercies and discretion. It would be an honour and a rare pleasure to run with someone else... it has been... decades..." the word slipped out with a hiccup of realization mingled with deep sadness, "since I was allowed such bliss."  

A wave of soft murmurs rolled along the table and Shome waited patiently for the room to calm and quiet, "I also acknowledge my unique position and the precarious state of my health and presence here. Therefore, I will understand... deeply and truly... if you would rather provide a room for the night. And chains if necessary. Beyond that... what comes next? I believe that's all. May I have your permission to clarify more as it comes, if necessary? Please??" 

Raising her gaze to meet Ely's eyes, she nodded lowly... holding his gaze... and took her seat. He would answer or he wouldn't. She would run or she wouldn't. She would live or she wouldn't. And there was nothing more to be said about it. She would accept their questions, their protest, his ruling... and if need be, her death... with the grace she'd always given life. 

Ely leaned forward in his seat as she spoke her story... Her truths... He rested his head on a fist and eyed her body language, as well as his wolves unspoken concerns. As she finished with her questions, he smiled.

"Thank you for sharing, Meko. For outside shifts, I will wait to answer that one... As for being allowed to clarify at any point? You may, just raise a hand to interject peacefully and respectfully. As I expect all of -you- to do the same..."

His eyes rolled from Shome to his pack, one member at a time.

"We shall start with Audolf. What are your concerns, or questions, for our guest, Shomecossee the Hybrid Wanderer?"

All eyes fell on the newest member of their pack, the wolf of nearly forty years... A speck of time on almost all of their lives. Audolf stood quietly, lowering his head in respect to Elyan, before turning to their esteemed guest and lowering his head as well. She was much older after all, and his mom had taught him to respect his elders. He thought to himself and then finally smiled.

"Honestly... I really don't have many concerns aside from making sure she's okay to run... I know she made it pretty far considering her wounds before they were ever addressed, and I know Aunt Tar can pretty much heal anything, but... Will she be okay?"

He nodded to Ely and to everyone else... "I relinquish the floor..." As Audolf took his seat slowly, Jakoby stood.

"If she's running with us, what are we going to do? Where will she run? What is her place in the line? Will she be with you bringing up the rear? Will she be in front with Demitri? I apologize if I sound like an asshole, but, we need to sort out the line before we make our trek... Especially if we run in to trouble..." He bowed his head to both Shome and Ely before sitting, passing the floor. Tarmarand stood...

"I'm just gonna come out and say it Elyan... Yes. She's a hybrid, but ya know? She's the only other -born- shifter at this table. Are you going to let a chance like this pass you by? Elyan, you aren't getting any younger! You're nearing ei-" Elyan cleared his throat loudly, cutting Tarmarand off.

She glared at him, but understood and continued, leaving his age out of her mouth. "As I was saying, you're not getting younger. You should really see how our guest feels. She is absolutely gorgeous in this form... And your colors look good on her." She chuckled. "I'm not -sure- how her shifted form looks, but, this is the one you'll see more often anyway so, she could be mangy and I'd still lay with her."

Audolf and Jakob's jaws were practically on the table. They thought -they- were the hormone driven ones... Turned out, Tarmarand was pretty raunchy herself. Demitri and Ely both shielded their faces and laughed... Before Demitri took his turn, Ely held a hand up and looked to Meko...

"Would you care to interject before you hear Demitri's concern? Care to tell Tarmarand she can mind her own business?" He snickered and waved her up if she so wished... Otherwise, she could pass and the floor would fall to Demitri...

Shomecosse nodded quietly, a faint smile tickling her lips in an almost coy way. She didn't stand. She was still sore, and she knew it showed on her face. She shot Ely a look that said as much and prayed he'd understand. Raising her eyes from the table she spoke softly to each person in turn. "Audolf, sweetling, thank you for your concern. It is more than anyone has shown me in many years. Your youth and your honesty are refreshing. Even if I never live past tomorrow, my life is better for knowing you briefly. I assure you... so long as neither of you strapping young men goes trying to mount me, I WILL  make it safely through the night. I have that much left in me... and no matter how I feel, I would gladly give the last of my strength for one, single, proper run." 

Turning to Jokoby, she smiled, "You're crude, but you're practical. I can appreciate that. And I agree. The order must be decided before we leave. I will leave it Elyan or subject it to a vote. As I am an outsider, I will honor whatever decision is made with gratitude and grace." 

Chuckling and twisting her braid she turned to Tar, "I... don't even know what to say to that... BUT...." a brash smile spread across Shome's face. If everyone else was to be bold, she might as well let the trickster out to play at least a wee bit, "You all... well, almost all... have seen everything I have to offer in this form. So... you may argue with her if you want. And if not... I'll just assume you agree." She winked playfully at Ely and mouthed 'sorry' to Jakoby with a coy smirk.

Bowing her head, she relinquished the floor to Demitri,  "I look forward to hearing your words, my outspoken friend. Let's have it. And hold nothing back, save for by order of your superior." Biting her bottom lip, she held the man's dark gaze with her jaw set. Accepting of whatever he would throw her way.  

Demitri stared quietly for a bit, his hand covering over his mouth as he thought of just how to word his concerns and thoughts.

"If..." he started, then closed his mouth, tapping his chin. He looked at Ely for a moment, before looking to Shomecossee again.

"Let's say at first I was against you coming here, but... Ely is wise beyond my years. I trust his judgement on keeping everyone safe from us... But what of us from you, or us from them?" he motioned back toward the city as he spoke his question.

"She's uncertain in these woods, and she could stray or get lost... And I know you, Ely, you will search her down until your dying breath. It's just who you are..."

He looked back to Meko, his eyes closing slowly and bowing his head. "I admit, I'm not keen on an outsider, and I'm not keen on a mutt-hybrid... But you -are- older, and born this way, and your wounds do all seem defensive so I'm inclined to believe what you say about the human that was killed. Ely's friend Officer Bard will make sure that the city thinks it was a rabid animal attack. That is no longer my concern. And your wound is obviously the reason why you were not gone from our territory in the twenty-four hour grace period. I do not consider it a challenge for our lands."

Demitri smiled at her. "While I do -not- accept you as a pack member, mostly because only Ely can do that, you do have my blessing as a guest... For now. Though do -not- break my thin trust. I am wary, and will be watching carefully."

Demitri looked at Ely, who seemed to be shocked at his words. He chuckled and nodded, "I'm not always the one who disagrees... I only advise. And after hearing her story, I'm inclined to believe she means no harm, and I believe it would be a kind gesture to allow an ancient to run with a pack, seeing as she's been so far removed from the ways. It's a... release that we all need and deserve."

He bowed his head and gave the floor back to Elyan.

Ely sat there, completely abashed at Demitri's demeanor and at his acceptance of Meko. At least as a WELCOMED guest. That was big. That was real big.

"Well," Elyan spoke up finally... "That was unexpected. Allow me to answer some questions."

Ely looked at Jakob and smiled. "She will run with me, where I can keep my eyes on her. The order will be Demitri, Jakob, Tarmarand, Audolf, Shomecossee, and myself." He nodded to Jakob, then looked to see if Demitri approved. A quick nod told him everything he needed to know. Turning back to address Tar...

"What I decide to do for a mate, is between me and the person I choose. Careful not to overstep your bounds. I love you like a sister, but the well being of my lineage, is of -my- concern."

Next, he looked at Coco... "And of course, I assume you gathered that I am granting you the freedom to run with us. I can assure you that the younglings will not attempt anything with you... because if they do, they will be breakfast."

The glare that shot across the table as Audolf and Jakob laughed, shut them up in an instant and made them realize he was completely serious... They would be breakfast.

"Now, Shomecossee... I pardon you of trespassing, and forgive you for not leaving our territory. I invite you to come running with us tonight and to partake in the traditions of the pack. You will be our guest, from now until that which you decide to leave, or until you cross the pack as an outsider. If you so wish to remain, and wish to be a part of a family, we may discuss that at a later date. Until then, my home, is your home."

He waved his hands wide, meaning all of the land that was under his reign. "ALL IN FAVOR?!" he yelled, and the pack resounded in a howl of approval, their chords almost harmonizing and making a sweet sound to Shome's ears.....Almost. Jakoby was just off pitch, making a dissonant waver.

As the group died down, Ely stood... "And there you are, the aye's have it." He smiled, "We should go prepare for the run... Full bellies, it's time to head for the pond."

Shome's eyes remained locked on the dark grain of the table as s breathless whimper escaped her lips. 'Until she decided to leave.' 'remain... be part of a family.' The words crashed over her like a crushing wave... over and over as she tried to come to terms with the mere possibility being laid before her. Her lips moved wordlessly as she fought back the tears that threatened to show her weakness. 

Turning her gaze up to Ely, she sighed softly... as if the breath had been stolen from her lungs by the mere sight of him. "Thank you,"  she whispered... the depth of her gratitude and smothering emotion exuding off her in rolling swells. Everyone else stood as Ely rose, But Shome waited. Demitri made his way out the door, followed in short order by Jakoby, Tarmarand, and Audolf. Shome lingered behind, standing slowly once everyone else had exited the building. For a split second, she hesitated, mid-step... before rushing in to hug Elyan tightly. It was rash, and impulsive, and downright STUPID given how on edge she'd made everyone. But in that moment, she felt a pull from him stronger than she had ever felt from the moon. 

Nuzzling her cheek against the smooth fabric of his dress shirt, she fit her soft curves tightly into the hard angles of his body. His scent was strong, woodsy and intoxicating... in sharp contrast to the soft, warm cashmere that rolled off her skin in waves. It had been ages since she'd know the contact of her kind. The promise of it now awoke a ravenous, aching need within the deepest recesses of her very bones. It set her blood aflame and brought a bright flush to her cheeks and chest. She lingered just a bit longer than was proper, but in short order peeled herself away from him with a shy smile... eyes downcast. "Thank you... Elyan ap Llewelyn. Truly."  There was that echo of beautiful past again as she slipped out the door, her skirt swaying in time to the twist of her slight curves as she followed the scent of the others to the lake. 

Ely followed closely behind, keeping his eyes keen. Night had settled heavily over the forest and the moon was just beginning to peek over the trees; reflecting brilliantly off the rippling surface of the lake. The others had already prepared; Audolf and Jakoby splashing playfully like children as Tarm chastized them in typical matronly fashion. Demitri was settled on a rock near the edge of the shore, just within the water. His harsh and domineering gaze surveying all with the seriousness and alertness expected of the pack enforcer. 

As Meko neared the edge of the lake, she slipped slowly from the clothes she'd been given, savouring the kiss of the moonlight and the feeling of cool water around her ankles. Silhouetted against the silver moon, she smiled sweetly, beckoningly over her bare shoulder at Elyan - eyes aglow with amber anticipation - before gliding gracefully into the water with all the elegance of some ancient native goddess. 

Elyan smiled as his pack prepared themselves; Shomecossee included. She was young in appearance, with an elegance that told of her true age. As Demitri watched over them he finally made eye contact with Elyan and nodded, slipping in to the water to prepare himself as well. Elyan, smiling as he approached the water, kicked off his boots and shucked the restrictive clothing from himself, basking in the glory of the moonlight that washed over the pond.

Audolf, Jakoby, Tarmarand, and Demitri all howled out as they played in the water, ALL acting like pups and playing. Ely looked over to Shome who seemed to bathe herself alone off to the side. "Join us, outsider. Play as one, for tonight you run with the pack." Ely slipped into the water with ease, his head popping up near Jakoby and dunking the youngling with a jovial laughter that made him seem much more youthful than his actual years.

Demitri took his chance as Elyan laughed, and the man pounced on his senior... Both of them went underwater, but as they rose, Demitri found himself struggling in a loose headlock. "GAH! Why? Always!" The two laughed and Ely let him go and gave him a playful shove... "Because you're transparant, Demitri... You'll better me one day. I know you will."

Demitri chuckled, "I'll not make half the leader you are, Elyan. Even if I best you, I'd still seek you for guidance." Elyan gave the man a pat on his back, then dunked him again for good measure... Everyone laughing at their folly...

"Shomecossee! Will you honor us by showing your form first?"

Elyan grinned, as all eyes turned to face her...

Five sets of shining eyes stared at the place where Shome had floated moments ago. Now only gentle ripples distorted the shimmering reflection of the moon on the lake's surface. Silence fell over the group as the wheels began to spin... some for better some for worse. Demitri growled lowly as he scanned the surface of the lake. But the sound was cut short as both he and Elyan disappeared suddenly beneath the dark water. 

Audolf yelped audibly, back-splashing away from the group while Jakoby and Tar lunged toward the place where their leaders had been. 

Shome, beneath the surface, released her grip on Demitri's ankle with a mischevious smirk.

Ely, she held onto a bit longer, keeping him secreted away below the waves as the pack above frantically scattered. It was almost cruel... but then he had told her to play. It wasn't her fault if they played into their own fears rather than giving her the benefit of the doubt. Muffled conversation and barked orders could be heard above as she slid herself up to meet his gaze, bubbles dancing around them like moonlit glitter. Winking playfully, she wrapped her arms around his neck; her soft warmth warding off the chill of the water against his chest. Leaning in, she kissed him gently, simultaneously giving a single kick to send them back above the water. 

With a splash and a giggle, they broke the water's surface, the scattered crowd stilling into dumbstruck silence. "Gotcha,"  she teased the Alpha who looked something between impressed and shellshocked. Backstroking away, she booped Demitri's nose as she passed him,  "Got you, too," she antagonized him with a hearty chuckle. Smoothe as silk, she hoisted herself onto one of the many rocks that dotted the lake's surface. Her raven hair glistened in stark contrast to her moon-kissed skin as she stretched into the night sky; looking like Venus emerging from the sea. 

Audolf gave a strangled whimper and Jakoby cleared his throat. Tar chuckled and Demitri growled. Ely, however, remained utterly silent. 

Wringing the water from her long locks, she rolled her neck and exhaled before crouching low to the ground. Truth be told, she felt something like a Vegas showgirl or sideshow attraction... placed on display for others to gawk and wonder at. But, she told herself silently, it was a small price to pay for peace and the promise of tomorrow. 

Her shift was amazingly swift; almost unnatural... as if that weren't already the case. There was no noise. Not a single sound escaped her lips. Simply a sigh and then it began and then it was done. There was no agony, only a gentle almost graceful yielding as her body rearranged itself with tired, expert accuracy; like she'd somehow learned to make more room within herself for her body to move... to become something else. There was a certain peace about it; with only a resigned expression of passive determination etched across her face... until that too disappeared and was replaced by something else... something other. In what felt like mere seconds Shomecosse ceased to exist, and in her place stood an amber-eyed almost-wolf.

She was prettier than they'd expected, with a lithe frame that vaguely reminded Demitri of a ballet dancer he'd dated once. Her burlap-and-russet coloured patterning a fetching contrast to their uniform reds and greys. She was smaller than them by about half-again. Her ears and legs were longer, too. But her size fit her frame with elegant proportion, and undoubtedly gave certain advantages in the wild. 

So this was a hybrid. 

From across the lake came an audible gulp as Audolf adjusted to the change. Tar, as usual, chuckling softly in the background. For a long while there were no words, as Meko stood, silently, patiently waiting for it all to sink in;  five pairs of silent eyes glued to her as she perched atop the lake in the pale moonlight. 

Tossing her head back, she howled to Grandmother Moon with all of the force and reverence within her; the call echoing off the nearby hills and shaking the stillness of the night as it faded into tense silence. Slowly, she lowered her sentient gaze back to Ely's face. Waiting... 

"Magnificent..." Ely whispered finally, almost to himself, taking a few steps and creating a small wake through the water. Demitri rumbled a bit, still unhappy about being dunked. He removed himself from the water and sat at it's edge, awaiting for his call. Ely, on the other hand, was entranced by Shome's form. He'd seen many forms, but this one was new...

As he approached her, he slowly stuck his hand out; his eyes never leaving her's. "May I feel?" he whispered in question as he reached out to place a hand on her coat. She leaned away from him but did not stop his encroachment, not so much as a whimper or even a growl. Her fur was soft and fine, nice enough to keep her warm, but light enough to not overheat her. She almost looked like a perfect specimen, the best of both worlds. The strength and power, majesty of the mighty wolf, and the stealthy, agility of the cunning coyote. She was ... inspiring.

Elyan smiled to her. "You bless me with your form, Shomecossee. I am honored, as are all of my pack." He climbed onto the rock beside her, his hand still on her neck.

"DEMITRI! You are my beta, my enforcer. Take your place among the pack. Show us your beautiful white coat."

Demitri slipped in to the water and vanished beneath the surface... What emerged moments later was no longer the milk-chocolate skinned man that stood at Ely's side, but a stark white, arctic wolf, large and powerful in appearance, dripping wet until he shook himself off. He perched himself on the rock from before and laid himself down to watch over the others.

"Jakoby! You're next in line. Take your spot."

Jakoby nodded and moved to the edge of the water where he immediately began to shift, howling out lightly until his face changed and he was no longer Jakoby, but a contrasting opposite of Demitri... A black coated wolf shimmering in the moonlight. He was noticeably smaller than Demitri, but no less impressive.

"Tarmarand and Audolf... You two. Take your places." Elyan gave them their chance, and both changed quickly, the moons pull growing ever greater. He knew it was getting difficult for his younger kin to handle it. Even he was starting to have to fight it. Joining Demitri and Jakoby on the shoreline was Tarmarand, a beautiful brownish coat with a black face gracing her form.

Next to her Audolf stood, the youngest of their group... A warm, ruddy red coat covered his form and he yipped quietly, excited for the run.

All that was left, was Elyan... He looked at Demitri, then to Shomecossee and smiled. "Stay with us... You'll be safe. Wander, and you may find a trap or another predator." With that, he nodded and shifted. His was as quick and smooth as hers, without a word or even a growl. Within mere seconds a large, gray coated beast stood beside Shomecosse, dwarfing her in comparison. Even Demitri looked small next to him... He turned his head in her direction, his eyes studying her before arching back... She got to watch in in true form as his head lifted high. His throat stretching to create the horn that would echo his howl across the vast woodlands... Every beast would know they ran this moon. Some took warning, some would not, but his pack answered him and joined in the chorus of howls to their Matron Moon. As his howl faded, he faced Shomecossee one more time, before barking loudly and leaping from the rock they stood on.

Demitri, familiar with the command, began to lead them on their trek through woods, moving at a slow pace until they could reach the openings to play and frolic.