Wolf Tech 7 - The Cats

Chapter 2 - Passing

A night just past the summer solstice, the pack awoke with a start, and before they could lift their muzzles to start a deep mournful howl of loss, they felt another. The eldest and her mate had left the pack, and this life. The Elders that had been the leaders that had found them this safe home, where they could birth and raise their cubs in safety. They howled even louder, even if they all knew that they would loose both at the same time, it was very hard to lose two elders. The few Loners that were around, and even cousin wolves were moved to add their voice to the mournful howl of loss.

The few elders and those that were pure snow leopard, and lacked a voice in their animal form, shifted to give voice to their pain. It was slow, but the pure snow leopards were disappearing. Within a couple generations it looks like they would be gone from the pack.

The pack moved with the Alphas in the centre. Zinat nuzzled her daughter, as she pressed her side in, to give comfort, and to take it. At first light, they would start the sending of the bodies onto the next life. For tonight, it was for them to grieve the loss of the two that had led them so well.

Slavka was nearly mindless with grief.  No more could she ask her old pride leader for advice. No more could she get comfort from her soft fur when she was having to deal with an issue. No more could she hear the stories of the pride before it was forced out, or of their travels. No more could she have Nazar tell her of the meeting Slavka, and how she became his mate. No more could she hear the tales of exploring their home and finding out its secrets.

Aleksey and her mother were at her side and were two main anchors that were keeping her in this life. The pack was a third anchor that would keep her moving. The pack was curled up as much as they could. They all hurt, but the grief shared seemed to help start the healing of their hearts, so that they could go on with their lives. Their Elders would be reborn, even if they didn't see them again, their spirit would be reborn.

*Those that can handle it, head out and check on the patrols.* Aleksey ordered. He could feel the gaping hole in Slavka's mind and heart from the old leaders. While he comforted her, he would work to make sure the pack survived this most painful time. Those that were not close to the Eldests, they would be now needed to handle the security. He would need to concentrate on his mate, as he could feel the gaping hole that the loss seemed to have left.

*I'll handle it.* Ilmari said, as he stepped out, and started to give orders. He had lead a small band of Were, of three other wolves, and a couple of cats that had joined them to this new home, shortly after Slavka and Aleksey became Alphas of this Pack. He was a Beta, and had never wanted to be the leader, so he had sighed with relief when they decided to stay. Quickly, he had become Aleksey's favourite, and often would make sure the Alpha's will was turned into individual orders and made sure they were carried out.

Aleksey sent his Beta his agreement, and thanks as he turned back to his mate.

Finding those that were still able to function, Ilmari gave each member orders to find and check on the patrols currently out, and to report back. If the patrollers were not able to continue, they would be relieved, otherwise they could continue. He would rotate the patrols more often, as even those that could function would be impacted, and need the pack's touch to stay well.

*****

A couple of weeks later, the pack was mostly functional again. There was much sadness, but it would pass, with time. They were considered the founders of the pack, even if they were a Pride when they were leading it. That had amused Ilmari. He was glad that he didn't have to keep making the big decisions, although he glared over at Alelsey's back, as he had left him in charge of all the patrols, making sure they left and came back on time, and that they had enough out there to guard the pack... it was a fair amount of work! He had to step back, and no longer did patrols himself, other than to check up on the Enforcers.