* Khal awoke on the edge of the forest, where he'd settled down earlier after returning from yet another patrol. He sorely missed the summer hollow, and the den he'd spent so long digging for himself and, later, Frost. Sleeping out in the open had never been something he liked doing. A yawn forced its way from his muzzle and he snapped his jaws shut when it was finished, half-rising to shake the sleep from his eyes and then settling on his haunches to survey the clearing. It had warmed up a bit, even more than yesterday, and the patches of snow that had once littered the clearing were gone. Khal sucked a breath through his nostrils and held it a moment before letting it go all at once, then rose. Stretching as he walked, the dark-furred brute padded towards the lake with his head down and ears half-pricked.


* %`Frost` was sleeping in the clearing, curled up nose to tail against a tree. She missed sleeping beside Khal in the den they shared in the summer hollow, and waking up beside him. Hopefully they would return to the summer hollow soon. She grunted softly, her eyes opening slowly as she woke up from her much needed rest. Then she yawned, her pink tongue lolling out briefly before her jaws snapped shut once more. Her silverywhite ears perked and she sat up slowly, letting her gaze take in her surroundings. Her ears twitched lightly as she listened and discerned where everyone was. She wasn't quite awake yet... and she was still tired.


* Khal made it to the lake and dipped his head, lapping at the water. Despite the warming weather, the mountain-borne water was still icy, but very refreshing. After another -drink he quit the lake and turned away, blinking away sleep from his eyes. The clearing was quiet, and he didn't see anyone in the immediate vicinity. Disappointed, he lifted his muzzle to the sky and let loose a short, gruff howl, hoping to bait anyone in hearing distance towards him. He had spent so much time on his own of late that he was starting to miss the company of others, something he hadn't really experienced before.


* %`Frost` 's ears flick towards the sound of Khal and she immediately gets to her paws. He sounded so... lonely. It hurt her heart to hear him sound that way. She stretched out a bit, to loosen her muscles, and then she immediately headed in Khal's direction at a fast trot.. Her silverywhite tail flicking behind her and her ears perking up while concern was etched into her muzzle. She let out a sharp yip in reply, alerting Khal to her incoming presence.


* Khal heard Frost's reply and immediately pricked in that direction. His tail swished across the ground and he nearly danced in place until she came into view. When she did, he bolted forward, slowing down only enough so that he didn't slam into her when they finally connected. He licked at her muzzle, then backed away, still wiggling excitedly. "Frost! I've missed you. It seems like we have spent so much time apart since moving to this side of the territory." He sat, wanting to touch her, to nuzzle her, to bury his face in her fur, but not wanting to overwhelm her all at once with his exuberance.

* %`Frost` 's heart seemed to lift the moment she spotted Khal and he didn't seem as upset as his howl had made him sound. She would whine softly at first, still worried about him, as it has been some time since they've been together. Responsibilities and such now. She would start murring immediately when he licked at her muzzle and she would follow him when he retreated, licking at his muzzle
and rubbing hers against his. She had no such reservations about getting into his space; she'd considered him hers since they were pups. She nips gently at his fur and her tail wags back and forth, happy to see him. "As I have missed you, Khal," she murmurs. Her ears pin slightly and she briefly nods in agreement, "It sure seems that way," she said a bit sadly.


* Raejin felt strange about leaving Nazareth but he knew she was fully capable of defending herself. She was very strong willed as he quickly found out, he was actually very surprised her and him had gotten so close as to talk about such matters. The howl of earlier seemed to die off and he was unsure if the source was still around, he almost wanted to go to Taska's den and just hide but instead he continued back into the hollow. He offered a loud chuff before he could tell himself to run and hide. Now he was going to have to go through with it. He started to hear voices and he took a breath through his nostrils finding out quickly it was two wolves he hadn't yet met. One seemed to smell greatly of Kazmarez and Saigh so his interests were piqued. He was thinking definitely familial, yet he didn't want to assume so he slowly approached waiting back a ways till they had welcomed him. The two wolves now in his sight he haunched himself awaiting their replies.


* Khal nuzzled into Frost, ecstatic to just be in her presence again. He was pleased to see that she had no reservations about showing affection, even after his time away from the clearing. It made him feel good, like no amount of time or distance could separate their hearts. He nuzzled at her cheek, then nipped at an ear. "Actually, I'm glad to see you, I've been meaning to talk to you, and it's just been a little crazy here lately, you know... after everything." His lips tilted downwards as he recalled the Lunakai's treachery, but he was happy that they'd been away during the chaos in which she could have been injured. Not that he'd ever admit that to her, of course, and risk getting a tooth in the butt. Her strong will and determination were only a couple of the things he loved about Frost. That didn't mean he'd ever stop protecting her, though. Whatever Khal had to say was quickly interrupted by Raejin's presence, and Khal tilted his head at the newcomer, having never seen him around before. He cast a glance at Frost, and saw no recognition in her icy stare either, though he smelled of the pack, so he had to be a newcomer. "Hello." He said. "I'm not sure we've met."


* %`Frost` murrrs happily, nuzzling into Khal, and her heart felt all the lighter for it. Missing him was like an ache inside of her that wouldn't go away. "I'm glad to see you, too," she easily confessed. She was not as happy that she had missed the Lunakai's treachery, but she had definitely learned now that not all wolves could be trusted. She actually felt rather bad for Xiodax, the fallen Lunakai Alpha. Khal knew her well enough to know that she was a feisty female, and perhaps she had brought out that protective side in him. Her ears perked slightly, realizing that Khal said he wanted to talk to her about something, and curiosity burned within her gaze. Her attention was then drawn to to Raejin, and although she did not remember his name exactly, she remembered seeing him at meetings. Though she did not remember ever truly speaking with him directly. She chuffed softly in greeting, "I am Frost Vae Atradico," she introduced herself simply. After all, with a name like that, it was easy to figure out who her parents were. Raejin was covered in Naz's scent, as he must have just seen her. Her nostrils flared, curiosity within her gaze burning even more.


* Raejin dipped his cranium as Khal spoke to show he had heard him. He lifted his form back to a standing position, "Hey," he called out not changing position or charging, "I am Raejin Lonemoon, a Packmate of Kladd'atir, and you are?" He felt he himself was probably inferior to both of the wolves before him so he didn't want to make them think he was a threat, thus the distance he kept. He slowly
tilted his dark pelted cranium revealing his white underfur showing he meant no harm and was honestly just inquisitioning him. His brown orbs pierced the dark looking more greenish in color because of the lack of light. As he heard Frost's full name he relaxed and his cranium turned back upright. Since he had now introduced himself. He felt a bit more at ease and slowly approached, "Is this not a good time?" He asked letting his gaze wander back towards the dens. He was a bit nervous and his tail lost a bit of height as he got close.


* Khal shook his muzzle shortly as introductions were made. "No, no, not at all." His and Frost's conversation could be picked up at a later date, and Raejin seemed nervous enough as it is. Sending the poor fellow away so they could chat would likely give him the wrong impression, and Khal himself had once been that uncertain, untrusting wolf. He had no doubt that Kladdatir would change Raejin into the confident young brute not unlike himself. Khal cleared his throat. "I am Khal, Guardian of Kladdatir. It is a pleasure to meet you, Raejin Lonemoon. How long have you been with Kladdatir? I have been away for quite some time, on the trail of the Lunakai traitors that escaped."

* %`Frost` sits on her haunches next to Khal, and she rubs her muzzle into his once more. Her grayblue eyes took note that Raejin was slightly bigger than the two of them, but she wasn't intimidated in the slightest. After all, have you seen her twin Tundra? She's rough housed with him, and he's big like their father. "Nice to officially meet you, Raejin," she says politely. Now though, she's dying to find out what Khal wanted to talk about. Patience isn't exactly one of her virtues. Though she growled softly when Khal mentioned following the Lunakai traitors and her silverywhite tail lashed out behind her in irritation. Then she nosed Khal gently, worry evident in her gaze. "Please be careful, Khal." She also noted that Raejin seemed a little skittish of the two of them, though she didn't know how to ease his concerns. For a female, she wasn't small by any means, but she wasn't the biggest wolf either. She nipped gently at Khal's shoulder, unable to help herself. She was just so glad he was home safe.


* Raejin shared both Frost's and Khal's hatred of the Lunakai, though he was touched at how the former leader was now joining Kladd'atir. It wasn't a big secret he had growled countless times just thinking about them. He needed to restrain that for now not wanting to appear aggressive. Instead the male slowly paced in a circle to restrain his anger, "I fought alongside Kazmarez that day," he said closing his orbs, "I remember the last breath of that Lunakai member like it was yesterday." He puffed out a breath through his nostrils expelling air quickly to calm himself. It wasn't the best memory he had since coming here but it led to him making his decision to finally make it known he wanted to join. As he was able to control his anger and stop pacing he decided it was high time he answered the actual question. His gaze was still intense but softening with every second that it became real that the event was over, "I have been here five moons," he admitted, "but didn't actually voice that this was my home till that night." His gaze was soft as he noted the one memorable event that was actually kind of nice about that evening. He slowly turned towards Frost after he had got done with his temperamental outburst, if one could call it that, and finally nodded to her slowly showing he had heard her, "Nice to finally meet you as well Frost." He noted how the pair seemed close and also how they fit together, it was actually kind of cute to Raejin seeing a couple interacting so sweetly even with his presence. His gaze shifted between the two as he again haunched himself, this really wasn't as bad as he was making it out to be. Perhaps that was what Nazareth meant.


* Khal slanted his ears back in irritation as Raejin paced in a circle, his hackles prickling with the tension he picked up off the other male. He knew it was bothering Frost, too, and only served to further increase his angst. He was about to snap and tell him to knock it off, but he must have realized what he was doing and he quieted down. "Indeed? We were... away from the clearing at that time." He admitted, though now that he voiced it out loud, it kind of bothered him that he hadn't been able to protect the pack when they needed it most. Frost was safe, though, and he was sure that the Alphas were thankful for that, at least. "When I returned, I tried to track them, but they are quick, and sneaky, and I was unsuccessful." He growled to himself, leaning into Frost.


* %`Frost` did not like the Lunakai, except for Xiodax, that is. But really, he was trying to be a Kladdatir wolf now, so he didn't totally count as Lunakai in her mind. It rankled her something fierce that she was not around when her family needed her, but she was definitely working on that now. Her eyes were drawn to Raejin's movements, and it was easy to pick up on his irritation, as it was barely restrained. Her fur bristled slightly when she heard how he was able to fight alongside her father. She had the strongest urge to nip Raejin, as if that would help to calm him down. It wouldn't, but it would definitely get his attention at least. However, she had learned her lesson that biting others in the pack was not okay.... except she nipped Khal whenever she got the chance, though
perhaps that was a bit different. She didn't really know why she felt the need to nip Khal as though he belonged to her. Maybe she should ask someone about that? She shook her head slightly, as if to shake off her thoughts. "Likewise," she said politely, finally able to relax a bit when Raejin physically calmed himself. It was strange how in tune Khal was to her, not that she was aware of  it though. Her own ears pinned slightly when Khal admitted that they weren't there. She then rubbed her muzzle under Khal's, and then she licked his muzzle as though trying to reassure him. "I am glad that they are gone. If they know what is good for them, they will never return." She darted a glance to where her younger siblings resided within the nursery. She would keep them safe. Her
tail swished; and so would Khal and Uncle Lindin.

* Raejin kinda nodded to Khal showing he had given him his full attentions all anger seemed to be set aside. He didn't get angry often but this was the first time he thought he controlled it rather well and on top of that he didn't feel the adrenaline rush he had so many times before. That made it a bit easier for him to calm himself much quicker. Raejin actually tried to comfort Khal a moment
as he stood before him, "You tried," he said, "I can tell you gave it your all. You truly did what you could, I respect you for that." Though it was true he hadn't know him very long he truly felt respect for Khal, it was actually awe-inspiring seeing his dedication to Kladd'atir. He again noticed how affectionate the couple was when Khal stopped speaking and he himself did likewise. As for Frost's comment he added a eerie, "Only time will tell." He left it at that in a way hoping the Lunakai never did return, but had doubt planted. As he finished he looked up to the stars again as if searching, for something. A powerful yawn parted his jaws as he continued to look up, "Not there," he said to himself barely audible. He then lowered his gaze to the two wolves before him, "I'm
sorry," he emitted apologetically, "it seems later than I thought. I hope you have a good rest, perhaps we will meet again soon." With that Raejin dipped his cranium respectively to the pair and padded tiredly to the dens. He laid his form in front of the den he was saving for Taska hoping she would return someday. His eys closed after he once again looked up to the heavens and went to sleep.


* Khal dipped his head to Raejin as the other brute said his farewells, and then watched him leave. He certainly was a curious brute; not that Khal particularly minded. It made him interesting. But now that the distraction was gone, he had Frost all to himself again. He flicked an ear, turning back to her now that Raejin was out of sight, and out of earshot. "I really did try to find them." He said, still a little down in the dumps. "Not sure what I would have done if I had..." He knew he was certainly not able to take out multiple wolves by himself, but he hadn't exactly been thinking about that. He'd been thinking about the pack, and mostly Frost, and securing their future together. Which brought him back to their earlier conversation, before Raejin had interrupted. "As I was saying earlier... I've been meaning to speak to you." He fell to his haunches, short tail curling about his rear. "The day before the Lunakai attack, I spoke to your dad... it was quite possibly the most terrifying moment of my life, but I did it. I asked requested permission to ask you to court... and, he granted it. Now... I know that wasn't really... /required/ for me to ask him first, and I apologize if that makes you feel angry, or upset... but it was something I felt like should be done, and I did it, and..." He realized he was rambling, and took in a shuddering breath as he collected his thoughts. "Frost, I know we have been all over the place lately, both mentally /and/ physically, but my feelings for you have stayed the same throughout. I... I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So... what I'm trying to say here is, will you be my Court?" That having gone much better than he had anticipated, Khal let out a breath, pulling back to survey her with eyes of molten gold. Scratch that, /this/ was now the most terrifying moment of his life... these next few moments would decide the path of his - no, their - lives. "I love you."


* %`Frost` snorts slightly at Raejin's comment to her; he obviously didn't know her very well. Though he earned a bit of respect from her because of how he spoke to Khal. She would chuff a good night to Raejin as he took his leave; she didn't really have much to say. Honestly, she couldn't quite focus because of Khal's closeness, she had missed him so. She whines softly and noses Khal, "I believe you, I am just glad that you did not find them all on your own. If anything happened to you..." she trailed off, not wanting to explore that thought any further. Her attention was drawn in completely by Khal as he stated that he had been meaning to speak with her. Her silverywhite ears pricked towards him and she tilted her head slightly as she listened. He had spoken to her father? Asked his permission to ask her to court? ...and her father had given Khal permission? She stared at Khal, her insides feeling like color flutters were swarming inside of her. His next question followed by the admission of his love for her; indeed, now it felt like her insides were melting from winter into spring, just like the seasons were changing. Softly, "Oh, Khal. I am not upset; that is the bravest, most romantic thing ever." After all, she was very much her father's daughter, and it warmed her heart that not only had Khal been brave enough to approach her father, the Alpha, but had requested permission to ask her to court and had received it. She darts towards him and nuzzles into him, unable to help herself. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. I love you, Khal." She
nipped him, for good measure, though gently.

* Khal felt like his heart was going to explode in the few moments it took Frost to reply. And when she did, it took him a moment to register exactly what she was saying. He had been fairly sure she'd say yes, but just hearing the words come out of her mouth was enough to send him into cardiac arrest. He managed to restrain himself for only a few more seconds before bursting forward and nuzzling her a little more aggressively than he intended. "You just made me the happiest wolf in the world." He whispered, nipping at her ear. "I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you." He drew back, wanting to throw himself onto her but also attempting to keep some measure of composure. He was pretty sure he was vibrating with excitement, though. "When should we tell your parents?"


* %`Frost` would murrrrr loudly when he aggressively nuzzled her, and her tail would swish happily. She wasn't intimidated in the slightest, in fact, she reveled in it. She had always been a feisty thing. A smile broaded her muzzle and she nosed him affectionately. "I want to spend every moment with you," she admitted, perhaps a little shyly. Usually, she was fearless, but his question made her pause. Obviously her father already knew and it seemed as though he approved. What about her mother? What if they decided against it? She could not imagine her life without Khal; her heart was set on him and it had been from nearly when the first met. She snuggled into him, pressing her slightly smaller form into his. "As soon as possible?" she asked; she wasn't sure how long she could wait to discuss this with them.


* Khal listened, nodding slowly at her suggestion. "I'll make the announcement at the next meeting." He declared, although, to be honest, he wasn't entirely sure how long he could keep it to himself. This was, after all, the biggest, most important moment of his life. Even more so than meeting his father and sister for the first time. He briefly wished that they were here, still, to share this with him, but Brom had long since moved on to try and find their mother, and Korra... well... Korra had never been his biggest fan, much to his regret. An ear drooped as he thought about Frost's abundance of family, and his lack of the same. But it didn't get him down too much. Kladdatir /was/ his family now. It was loyalty that bonded them, not blood. And he felt that was even stronger. He embraced Frost as much as one wolf can do to another without totally knocking her over. "I love you. I love you, I love you." He growled. "I'm so happy I squished you." That one brought a chuckle out of him as he remembered their first meeting, and the ensuing "punishment" he'd received from her. It seemed like so long ago that they had been pups together. And now here they were, embarking on a new journey into the future. He nosed her cheek. "You tired? I know we don't have our den in the winter territory... but we can sleep together, at least."