This got a little bit long :P

The weight that had settled upon Den's shoulders some time ago, with the blossoming of trouble in the valley, had never lessened since its arrival, and if anything, it felt more than ever as though it just might curl to a noose and choke him, or else pin him to the ground, leaving him unable to rise again. Besides the constant that was the love of his mate, and now the curious joy of watching Quint grow up, there was nothing that felt right anymore. Even wolves that he had known for what felt like forever now, were behaving in ways that surprised him, and he was more than dissatisfied with the current turn of events.

Nova Mountain loomed visibly to the south, a constant reminder of the trouble brewing there, and the golden male could not shake the feeling that they were not taking the right course with their neighbor pack. Of course, what could they really have done with Sinistra and Bronx made their oh so delayed visit to the Creek to make demands upon Sphinx? An unprovoked attack upon Allure was unfortunate and Den felt such an action from one of his own inexcusable. But how could they bow to the ultimatums of the peak pack without weakening their own position in the valley? The fight had not even been on either packlands, so what real threats were there to be made? Den had already ran off the rouge Calico for trespassing and taunting Novan wolves, and what more did Sinistra want as a sign that Silver Creek was serious about keeping peace?

Truthfully, the young Aibheis was rather bothered that Rocky, or Ra, or Mark, or whatever name he called himself still walked freely on Creek lands. He had obviously lied to more than one wolf, and he'd been cruel and violent with others. Though Den supported Sphinx's decision in regard to facing the Nova Mountain leaders, he felt uneasy that she herself had not asked him to leave, or at least demanded an explanation, at least to his knowledge. Den would have done so himself, but without talking to the ivory queen about it first, the sunny king was unwilling to make a move. This was one decision that needed to be unanimous.

Ah, but there was so much more to think of. Tiamat. Kimoto. The odd actions of the tribe pack. Even Wip's recent death reverberated. In his mind Den knew that a pack meeting was long over due, but the thought of facing the worried sea of faces made his stomach turn. Things were just not well at the Creek. And suddenly, as though she had been reading his mind, a song came across the distance, his co-ruler's howl calling to him, and without a moment's hesitation, Den's oversized paws were loping across the snow covered lands, bringing him toward a destiny that he did not yet expect.

And at his arrival, as he closed the space between himself and his dear queen, his eyes could not help but linger on the swollen belly that told its own tale. He already knew that Sphinx was expecting puppies, but the visual reminder made him all the more concerned about the state of affairs. The children of this wolfess deserved to be brought into the world in a time and place of peace and happiness. And there was no doubt, by the expression in her turquoise eyes, that Sphinx was not happy. She could not have hidden it from him if she'd tried, for her weariness very much mirrored his own. Still though, he offered her a smile, and a caring nuzzle against her face, settling himself down in front of her, ready for discussion. If Sphinx didn't know what he was going through, who else would?

Mornin' Sphinx. I spose it's time we had that talk, eh? A simple greeting, but what more needed to be said?

Thank you!

Den's devotion to Sphinx had been in place for as long as he had resided in the valley, and though their relationship had shifted considerably over time, his loyalty to her had never wavered. As the months had passed, the two had developed a unique relationship, and with her return to Silver Creek, they had been able to lead the pack as a pair in a way that was rather unusual. They were not mates, but rather friends. And the ivory female had been the very one to found the pack. It was a true legacy that Den had to live up to. And there were times when the golden male still had to remind himself that they were equals, for he had been used to deferring to her for so long, but he had, with time, grown into himself as an Alpha, and was now more than confident in his position as king. And he could not have been more proud to share the position with the snowy wolfess that was before him.

And never had their leadership been more tested that now. There was trouble lurking at every corner, in every shadow, and there were no simple, clear-cut solutions. Peace, if one could call it that, held on by a razor thin thread, and whatever move they made had the potential to launch the hot-headed leaders of Nova Mountain into all out war. Nothing had truly been right since the peak pack had settled itself at the Creek's backdoor. Of course, when Tobin had taken the reins, it had seemed as though life might finally return to an easier time, but fate apparently had other ideas.

Looking into Sphinx's eyes with a knowing expression, Den sighed a sigh for both of them, for the weariness that dogged them at every step. They had no choice but to face the future and handle it the best they could, for what else could they do? If only they could wake and find that all the wrongs of the last few months had all been a mere bad dream.

Settling himself in for what promised to be a lengthy talk, Den's eyes involuntarily beamed with love at the mention of Artemis, and as usual, he could not help the smile that drifted to his face when he thought of his silver mate. She was what kept him sane, and he had no issue with admitting this. We're as well as kin be expected, a course. But Temi keeps me gettin up in tha mornin when I jist don't know if I kin do it these days. She truly is mah angel, Sphinx, n I dunno how I'm a lucky anough fella tah deserve 'er. N there's little Quint now too. Have ya met the dear lil guy? Temi and I adopted 'im a bit back, n I never knew bein a dad could feel so rewardin.... Here he trailed off, again glancing toward Sphinx's rounded belly. N how are you farin? And he hesitated for a moment, a bit unsure of raising the subject of the Creek queen's own other half. But he was one of the very topics that needed to be addressed in any case. And Kimoto too? Did ya... discuss matters with 'im? There was no easy way to dive into such a conversation.

There is just so much to say!!!!!

The perception of the inequality between the two leaders was perhaps a normal thing, for there were those around who had only ever known Sphinx as queen, but who had seem Den rise to the position, granted it only because the ivory female had departed. And in many ways, Den was content to let the spotlight shine upon Sphinx, happy in the background. But it would be true to say that he'd felt insecure at times in his position once the Aigeann had reclaimed her role, though never because of her own actions. In fact, he'd voiced his fears to his loyal friend Takashi, and though the Beta had done well in his reassurance, the golden wolf still knew that some imbalance remained. Admittedly there was a proud and competitive streak in him, though small and well managed, that had made him feel out of place at times. But as time passed, Den had felt the worry less often, and he'd only grown to feel more comfortable in his position. Sharing the rule of the land was something he was more than happy to do, if it was Sphinx who stood beside him, and he would never begrudge her place. The two wolves had very different styles, and in most ways they seemed to balance well.

The smile returning to his face as the wolfess before him mentioned Quint, Den could not have been surprised to hear Sphinx's thoughts of surprise. For who would have imagined him as a father? The sunny male had hardly done so himself, though now Den could hardly imagine his and Temi's den without the ebony child residing there. Perhaps in time, they might even have natural born pups of their own added to the family. Now wouldn't that be a shock? Yup that's 'im. We're workin on gettin some meat on tha boy. He was awful mistreated I fear, n it just burns me up inside tah think about it. Was weeks bafore we even got a smile outta 'im I think. But he's doin well, n with Temi watchin after 'im, how could he not be? He's a charmer without even known it... ya gotta meet im soon!

Ah fatherly pride - such a new and cherished feeling. But there were many things to discuss, and so Den gently sat thoughts of his family aside for the moment, though they remained a comforting presence at the edge of his mind. The grin increased though at Sphinx's verbal confirmation of the imminent arrival of her own little ones, and the young Aibheis found himself pleased at the idea of these children roaming the Creek lands. And though reality might have different ideas, for the moment, it was a comforting thought to the golden male. Unfortunately, the unborn youth's father was not such a pleasing thought just then. Den and Kimoto had been good friends for some time, and the sunkissed leader had enjoyed watching his earthen packmate find love, and progress through the ranks until he'd been happy to agree to his placement in a leadership position. However, his recent actions had showed an immaturity of judgment that worried Den beyond measure. He listened closely to his co-Alpha's words, sandy ears twitching with interest and consideration.

I was already unhappy with 'im fer tha way he acted with Tiamat bafore she left. I want any Creek wolf usin their brain, but a leader especially must exercise judgment beyond what he ask of tha others. It stops bein about what you want, n has tah be about what's good fer tha pack. N I know you know that. N I know no one's perfect. I'd never want anything tah happen tah Kimoto, n I think of 'im as a friend, Sphinx. But I might not think he didn't daserve what he got, bein on Novan lands like that, knowin how things are. N 'e well mighta pushed those hot headed mountain wolves over tha edge. What'ur we gonna do then? How r we ever supposed to get things tah calm down if every time we get a break, someone else does somethin tah push their buttons? Ya know, there was a wolf called Calico that was tauntin Bronx too not long ago, wanderin freely on Novan packlands, n I kicked that worthless fella right outta tha valley. That's no Silver Creek wolf. 'Moto's a good fella n I know that, but he's makin me wonder if it wasn't too soon tah put im inta a leader rank.

Den had no intention of driving the Bùrn from the pack, for he knew the heart of the brown male was good, and he'd been a faithful member long enough to prove his worth and for Den to stick beside him. But how could they let him go with no punishment at all? At the mention of Wip, Den's head lowered sadly, ears folding against his head. Would the world never stop being so cruel? However, it was not the purple eyed wolfess that drew his attention, as much as it was words about "Sam" attacking Allure. Ah, so they had finally come to it, this puzzle that Den had done his best to unravel.

Wip... I really dunno what tah think about 'er bein gone, n if Nova Mountain had somethin tah do with it, we're gonna get tah tha bottom of it. But I wanna talk mostly about this... did ya say Sam? That wolf is a scoundral Sphinx! I think he's told ever wolf in tha valley a different name. Tah me he was Rocky. He told Mars he was Ra, not tah mention that you and he were, erm...intimate friends. N I ran inta a Novan named Ambition not long ago who called 'im Mark, n basides tha attack on Allure, she had a bad run in with 'im too on Novan lands, of all places. I'm not bowin tah Sinistra's arrogant demands, but I gotta say that I want tha falla outta here, unless ya kin give me a good reason otherwise.

Word that Sphinx had been attacked was news to Den, and at the thought his ears folded tight against his head and a low growl rumbled in his throat. A wolf had dared attack Sphinx in Silver Creek? The outrageousness of it was enough to send his blood boiling, though never once did it cross his mind to suddenly declare war on the Mount, spouting off insults about their entire pack to anyone who would listen. Nor would he march to Oni and present ultimatums to her regarding this Hassain, though in this situation, it seemed that the Creek would have far more right to do so than the Novans ever had. This had been on packlands, and there had been a trespasser. But no, the golden Aibheis was simply not that sort. Although, he would be interested to know later that Hassain's deeds had indeed been reported to Oni, and added with other transgressions and generally bad attitude, the offender would not be a mountain dweller for long.

Equally interesting to news of the attack though, was that of Sphinx's rescuer. The red-eyed trouble maker had actually risked himself to save his Alpha? It was an interesting quandary then for the ivory wolfess, and Den could easily see now why punishment was no easy decision for his co-leader. Why didn't 'cha tell me Sphinx? I had no idea... Ah...Ai understand yer hesitation then, n I don't think I woulda handed him tah Sinistra no matter what that no-good fella had said. That does change things some. But still, I can't help but feelin uncomfortable with 'im here. Ya cant blame me fer not trustin 'im, even if we all owe 'im fer what 'e did...

In some ways, the issue with Kimoto was both simpler and more complex to deal with. Den would never have demanded a harsh punishment for the earthen male, for truly he did like and even respect the older wolf. This was one mistake though that had potentially cost the Creek more then the Bùrn could know, and so to let it go by completely unaddressed also seemed inappropriate. What were they to do though? The sunkissed king tried to put himself into Sphinx's position, imagining the agony of having to meter out some punishment to his own mate (though truly he could not imagine Artemis and wrong-doing even in the same sentence), and the turmoil that must be swirling in her mind. How would he handle the situation in her place? How did one truly balance being a monarch and a lover? The good of the lands verses the wellbeing of one's heart. How could it ever really be reconciled? But perhaps, in the scars and physical damage that Kimoto had suffered, he had met all the punishment that would really be called for, along with the scolding that Den knew he would have received from Sphinx. Was anything more truly necessary? Weak is tha last thing ya are, or ever have been Sphinx. Yer one a tha strongest wolves I know, n ya can't help that yer havin tah face some impossible choices. Ya didn't ask fer any a this...none of us did.

And he was about to say that all he wanted was for things to just settle down and return to normal, when the snowy female before him uttered words that made him startle in disbelief, dark green eyes opening wide. Had she just said "take her leave of the Creek?" Such a jest was in poor timing and he could hardly believe it of her. Especially considering the anger that she had directed at Tiamat upon her departure. Mhm, that's funny Sphinx. Next thing ya know, you n ol Sinistra'll be runnin a pack tagether, with Danflower fer yer Advisor. What....what would make ya say such a thing? Silver Creek... it's home. Isn't it? Suddenly the golden male was terrified that Sphinx had not been in jest. Surely she too was not going to abandon the lands that she herself had made so welcoming to so many.

Something in Den suddenly just broke as though the weight he had been carrying had finally gotten the best of him and had snapped him like a brittle branch. The rest of the conversation faded into a distant memory, and the only things that lingered were the last words spoken by the ivory wolfess before him. Sphinx was telling him that she wanted to leave the pack. Again. Leave Silver Creek. He started at her openly, blankly, his green eyes void of emotion. Outwardly he did not move, though inside a fire raged.

He was not sure if he felt more like to falling onto the ground, shaking with sobs until he could not breath, or if he wanted to scream and growl and tear into anything in sight. Perhaps both. How could she do this to him? Perhaps he had not founded Silver Creek, and perhaps he had not been its Alpha as long as she had, but he had given all of himself to this pack and to its members. When she'd needed to leave, for whatever reasons called her away, he'd proudly stepped up, ready to accept the mantle of leadership for the pack he loved. And when Sphinx returned, he'd never thought twice about her retaking her role as queen along side him. He'd truly given everything, and when it got hard, he was not about to run for the hills with his tail between his legs. Did she think that he liked what was going on, that it was easy for him, that he didn't worry every day about the safety of Artemis and Quint?

Selfish! flashed repeatedly in his mind in regard to the snowy Aigeann and his more rational side did nothing to quell this rush of anger. There would come a time when Den would understand and accept Sphinx's reasoning, but in the brief moments after this revelation, thinking straight was not an option that asserted itself. Was everyone that he trusted and cared about going to desert Silver Creek? Did it mean so little to them? He had just as much stress as she did, but did she see him packing up when it got hard? Suddenly the shimmering enchantment of the Creek dulled in his emerald eyes. Things would never be the same. Wheels had been put into motion that would mean the end of the Silver Creek pack.

There were oh so many things that he could have said in those moments. Some of them would have been hurtful, some pleading with her to change her mind. But Den suddenly found that his throat was closed, and all that he could manage was a meager, Very well. He could not trust himself to say more.