Snippet #1980182

"This is a problem, now isn't it?" Franklin asked. "You can't simply go and kill the Queen without putting Crys in a way too powerful position. Maybe she is just counting on that too."
Sean nodded. "No, my friend... I know Crys, this isn't her doing." He said, leaning back in his chair. "She was probably not pleased with this level of attention." He sighed. "Well... Screw trying to be nice to Newhaven, if this is what their stupid brat of a Queen wants... It's exactly what they'll have!"
Franklin leaned forward in his seat towards Sean, his voice lowering as if there was suddenly someone else in the room. "You are going to take that risk? You would be putting an army or Crystal's hands."
Sean chuckled. "If it was just the army I'd be worried, but then there is all the rest that comes with it. If Crys once thought she couldn't handle the Pack... She'd seen nothing." He snorted out angrily. "They're all just waiting for me to crack, I see that, well... Let's put all the weight on Lady Rivers' shoulders and see how long she lasts. I'm not afraid of Crys... Like I said: I know her."
"That's insane." Franklin muttered. "It's just insane. You are honestly going to involve the Pack in killing a city ruler and leaving someone who wants you dead take said ruler's place? She'd have the perfect excuse to use Newhaven to get to you! And before you argue she wouldn't do it, think long and hard about everything you've taken from her, Sean... Can you honestly say it's beyond her to crush us like insects? And then there's Blackpond: Are you sure this isn't exactly what they want?"
Sean was silent for a moment, thinking of all the facts... It seemed that he was cornered and he didn't like the feel of it in one bit. "You have a good point, Frank, but then... I have to make a decision, it's been a month, and waiting any longer won't make the problem go away. So... Do you have a better idea?"
Franklin sighed softly, not giving any answer and moving on to another subject. "Are you really going to meet Dastan? Will you reconsider doing this in Plains?"
"No. We are doing this in the desert. I need to show good faith if I want this over and done with. Too many losses, and this stupid war is doing us nothing. If I have to bow my head to the Crimson this one time to finish this, then I will do it. Besides... The last thing I want is to give the White Shadows a reason to worry, I still plan on getting back on their good side somehow..."
"You are taking way too many risks, boy." Franklin shook his head, standing up and stretching slowly as if preparing to leave the Leaders' cabin.
Sean chuckled from behind his desk. "Yeah, yeah... You're just worried I'll get killed and you have to be Alpha. Say, Frank, do me one more favor... Would you please find Ari for me, tell her I need to see her and... Make it sound like she's in a lot of trouble?"
Franklin raised an eyebrow at the request and at the look on Sean's face. "What are you up to now?" He asked, a suspicious and amused tone in his voice.
"Just thinking we could all use some cheering up... In times like these..." Sean shrugged lightly, laughing as the expression of his Second became more and more suspicious. "Oh, come on now, just go get the Kid. You'll see what I mean later."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ari stared up at Mageria, slowly rising from her crouched position, to take the quiver and arrows from the woman. She was standing just outside the right of light, her shinny eyes reflecting the light from under her hood. Had anyone glanced at her a moment before she would have looked like a demon. But not anymore. Her hood had been pulled back so that just her face was showing, the soft feminine lines of her lips twitched with a bit of a foxy smile, one corner pulling up just ever so slightly as she accepted the prize. Her tattoo was also clearly visible, the swirling lines seemingly sparkling under the firelight, the little gems in her skin reflecting the light with an almost magical property. Her green eyes flashed, melding with the blue as her lips pulled into a real smile. Her sharp ears caught the hushed whisper as the unsuspecting archers realized that they had been beaten by a woman. There was a momentary hush as she raised the quiver and arrows, the markings there seeming to take off into the night sky as the fire flickered behind her body, her curves more visible now under the clothes as eyes finally saw the truth. The cheer rose then, roaring in her ears as her heart pounded and a giggle escaped her lips. Her eyes momentarily met Alison’s and she could have sworn she saw a flash of red hair that was almost the same shade as Cry’s, and somewhere amongst all the faces she swore she saw someone that looked like the girl Essence. She bowed her head to the men and women who had also taken place in the competition, her hood slipping forth to hide her face once again. Her cat like stance was forgotten as everyone moved onto the festivities, congratulating each other and boasting, passing over bets and many other things. However, if the competitors wished to congratulate the victor, they would have had to move a bit faster.
Ari vanished into the crowd the moment they took their eyes off of her, slipping along the sides of the buildings like a ghost. Tala, the wolf she had first ran into didn’t catch her now as with a running leap her clothes shredded in an explosion of blood and fur, scattering to the four winds looking slightly charred. The only bit of clothing that was unharmed was the cloak that hung down around her massive shoulders and back, hiding the quiver and bow she had secured around her shoulders before slipping off. She dashed through the trees, winding through them and under the guards undetected. She slid to a halt, throwing back her head and howling, the broach on her neck hummed against her fur, the melody happy and loud as it rose into the night sky. Somewhere people woke and clung to their blankets in terror and animals froze as their blood thinned to ice. Then the moon shattered.
Ari woke slowly, her eyes fluttering open as her fingers gently stroked the cloth on her bed, her hair a wild mess around her face and her green eyes lined with tiny tendrils of sliver. She smiled and stretched, pleased at her dream. Hr arms fell to her side and her eyes widened as she caught sight of the quiver placed by her bed. Her fingers moved over the raven, her eyes drinking their fill as her lips pulled into a smile. So it had been real and the dream was just a memory. She had beaten Ali and all the other archers that Mageria had thrown at her and she had proof she was there. Ari abandoned the quiver on her bedside, standing up to move toward a small chest at the foot of her bed. She shoved open the lid, flinching away from the sudden burst of light from the necklace that was lying on top of her clothing. She took the small silver dragon, turning it in the light from the lantern before tying it around her neck. The tiny creature fell between her breasts and settled there, the small ball it was clutching appearing green and blue. Ari pulled up the clothes she had set aside from her tree; a loose white shirt with large sleeves and a tight pair of black leather pants. She tied her hair up with a piece of leather, tightening her corset strings and watching with amusement as the pendent was pushed up atop her breasts as she was squeezed together and drawn upright. She tugged the shirt over her head, shivering as the cloth fell down across her freckled skin, a powdery white. Ari then pulled her pants on, pointing her toes and dancing around the room as she did on last final turn she slid to a halt, starring at a woman who looked shocked as well.
“Oh, excuse me,” she said crossing her legs and staring at the woman who had also crossed her legs, the pants stretching slightly over her skin. “Are you lost?” Ari asked as she took a step forward, the woman mirroring her movements before stepping back the moment Ari did. It was only then that Ari realized that she was looking into a mirror, and that the woman she saw was actually her. She looked older and her hair had grown paler with the dearth of light. Her body was lean but even Ari noticed the animalistic quality to the way her movements connected and even in some of her features. Her eyes were big and her nose slender and her ears sharp. She smiled and the woman looking back at her smiled. Her fingers delicately reached up to touch her lips, giggling as her reflection did the same. She made a silly face, trying out different poses and even growled at herself when there was a gruff noise behind her. Ari wheeled, in her hand the wolf dagger and her lips pulled back into a snarl showing off her fang like canines. It was only then that she recognized Franklin.
“Hi Franklin,” she said clicking the dagger into its sheath attached to her leg. She blushed as she turned back around to the mirror, taking a comb and running it through her long hair and pulling it up into a ponytail. It was shorter than when she had arrived and now she kept it mid back length instead of hip length.
“Ari,” he responded with a nod, watching her with those piercing eyes. “Alpha wants your presence, now.”
Ari turned, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. She had no idea he had been there but his little smirk just barely visible in the corner of his mouth told her he had seen enough. However there was something in the tone of his voice and as Ari sniffed the air she realized that he was slightly worried. She bustled about; rolling her hair up into a tight bun and securing it with the knife that looked like a running wolf. She then grabbed the new quiver, looking around the room quickly.
“Don’t bother hiding it Ari, you’re going to have to explain your absence for the past two nights anyways, might as well bring it. Besides its not wise to keep Sean waiting,” he said placing his hand on the outside of his thigh. Ari nodded and secured the quiver against her shirt, grabbing up the black bow she had taken from her tree the night of her return. She wasn’t supposed to have her weapons anyways, Sean had locked up her bow the moment she had arrived, but he didn’t know about the others she had stashed all though the forest and she was sure to keep it hidden from him if possible. She stepped around Franklin, his presence suddenly seeming so sinister as he gripped her elbow and steered her forward across the camp towards Sean’s cabin.
“How did you guys…”
“Find out that you had left? Did you forget that you were supposed to show up to spar with me yesterday? Now, keep moving,” he shoved her forward, a little smile curling on his lips as he passed a group of younger Wolves. Ari shut up then, keeping her head held high as Franklin rapped on the door to Sean’s cabin and then practically shoved her inside the door. She caught her balance as Franklin stood at the door way.
“You wanted to see me?” Ari asked, her eyes trying to adjust to the sudden change of light while trying to find the Alpha, her fingers resting delicately to the deer horn dagger attached to her leg, “Alpha?”
In the time it took Franklin to go get Ari, Sean had barely moved from where he was seated, the only change in the whole scenario was that the Alpha now had book open on top of his desk and was writing something on it, for a moment or two he didn't as much as acknowledge the other people in the room until he put down his pen an looked up. "Ari. Have a seat please." He gave Franklin a nod as the man's eye lock on his for a second. "Frank, would you excuse us a moment? Set things up for me, Donovan was already informed this morning."
Franklin nodded his agreement. "Alright, boy... If that is what you want to do." He stated, bowing his head momentarily before stepping out and closing the door after himself.

Sean was sure he heard the man laugh outside the door, and shook his head slightly in amusement, going back to writing in his book as he addressed Ari. "Evin Bana was Crys' Second when she was Alpha, the man was a close friend of Crys' parents, he is as much of a friend to her, I believe, and he is a dangerous man. The day I challenged Crys the man burned down the clan records to the last one. Centuries and centuries of history turned to ashes is something that makes one think, and that day I decided I would rewrite history into something I could be proud of. And I may not be proud of myself at moments, but I take pride in the Wolfpack." He finished writing and closed the book, leaning back in his chair a bit. "Now, I won't get into the subject of where you've been, although I am told there was some sort of archery contest going on and I know for a fact Ali and Crys were in the camp where it took place; a camp that is inhabited by the former Black Knights, and a camp I have people watching for the sake of our safety, since they are not at all fond of Wolves... I won't get into that right now. I called you here because a month has passed, and I have come to the conclusion that it would be a waste of time and resources to keep you as a recruit any longer."
Ari didn’t know what to expect as she sat down across from the Alpha. She listened intently as he talked about Evin Bana, not able to help the small sense of dread that worked its way into the back of her mind as he talked about fire and the fiery death of all records. Why on earth would a Wolf destroy all that they were supposed to be proud of? She couldn’t just comprehend what was going on and as she watched his lips move she shifted uncomfortably. It wasn’t until he had finished speaking that she realized the words he had said. Ari blinked slowly, her ears rejecting the words she heard almost immediately. Waste of time and resources? She kept her composure, her face a mask as she waited for him to continue. What frightened her the most was the possibility that she could be forced to leave and all the effort she had placed into the training would be wasted. But Sean wasn’t a fool. He knew that if she couldn’t be a Wolf here she would find Cry’s and Ali, he had to know that. Right? So his only other option, and the one track she sincerely hoped he was headed on, was the one she had prayed to the Twins for. She would Graduate and become a full blood Wolf, a part of the family and an Assassin at last. But it was to soon to be making judgements so she just gave a slight nod, her green eyes searching his face, locking onto Sean’s eyes and starring deeply into them. She waited.
Sean was silent for a few moments, but since Ari didn't speak he went on. "I'll be very honest with you, kid... I'm still a bit torn between making you an Active and denying you graduation. What I know for sure is that keeping you as a recruit would be a waste, there's no more that I can teach you, you made an amazing amount of progress on only a month; which means that from now you'd have to learn from experience. Training, no matter how insane it can get, is never the same as the real situations... So there's that." As he spoke he opened a drawer from his desk and pulled from it a silver ring. The ring had no markings yet, those were to be made after the initiation took place. "But there is also the fact that you take a lot of unnecessary risks, for no other reason than to just see if you can get away with it, I assume. Risks such as wandering into a camp full of armed, expertly trained, soldiers that have more than enough reasons to hate us." He placed the ring on the table, over the closed book. "We wear a ring that binds us to an oath, we say we are born the day we receive it, and from that day on we live with it. If we are honoured... We die with it, and take it to Afterlife with us. If the oath is broken in our lifetime, the ring is taken from us, depending on how it's broken, our lives may be taken as well." He stated, pulling another ring from the drawer, the one that belonged to Alex, and placing it beside the other. "Now, if you receive a ring like this... You will be giving your word to remain loyal to the Wolfpack above all else for as long as you live; and that means you will be required to think of the clan before yourself and before any personal friendship, is that honestly something you are willing to do? Because, trust me when I say this: It may not sound like much of a sacrifice right now, but one day it will."
Ari stared at the two rings, recognising Alex’s without a moment’s hesitation, her words getting caught into her throat as she thought about the sweet red head. Several memories of them playing and laughing engulfed her then and she let them pass. If she had whimpered she couldn’t tell, but the loss of this Wolf still struck her to the core but then, who hadn’t been a little unsettled by his death? She raised her fingers as if to touch the small ring that lie in front of her before letting her hand fall into her lap again. She took a deep shuddering breath and blinked back a few tears, her face turning to the ceiling as she gathered herself again. Was she ready? Sean thought she had done well. But if she said yes this would mean sacrificing her freedom. There would be no more sneaking out for archery contests, and she made a small note to mention later that she was perfectly safe running into the camp as she wasn’t a Wolf yet. But if she did give away this freedom, this wild spirit of hers, what would she get in return. Freedom for what? She closed her eyes, replaying their first training session ever when she found it. Freedom for family. As she looked back at Sean she could tell that he was watching her and this time as she reached her fingers out to delicately touch the two rings that lie on top of the book, her hand did not tremble. She stared at the markings, dragging out the silence before she looked up at Sean with a small grin and as she spoke her voice was strong.
“I am ready.”
Sean waited patiently for Ari to answer his question, examining her expression carefully as he did. It was clear that Alex's death still affected her, but he didn't expect anything different right now. He nodded simply when the answer finally came, reaching out and retrieving both rings from the table. "If you are sure, then... Head to the center of camp and go stand beside Donovan, you will both be taking the oath tonight." Sean instructed, standing up and picking the book from the table to place it next to a few others upon a shelf. "I'll be there in a minute." He added. He knew the entire clan would be out there waiting; there were a few traditions involved with graduating recruits, and it ending in a party was one. Sean was aware that it might be the last celebration they had in a while, and he was sure everyone else could feel it too. Which, more than anything, meant that the clan was going to make this one count.
Ari nodded and stood as Sean did, her eyes trailing his movements as he placed the book away. With a small bow of her head in respect and thanks she turned, walking calmly to the door. She was about to become her dream, the real thing and become part of a whole. After exiting Sean’s cabin she smiled before raising her fist in the air, unable to stop the little giggle that rose from her throat, breathless with exhilaration as tears coursed down her cheeks. Family. That’s what she would have now, a big brother that stood up for her, and now, she would have a big brother to protect as well. She walked forward, taking her time until she had pulled herself back together into the strong woman she had been before. She was a little surprised to see the entire clan gathered around the boy she had previously insulted and as she walked forward, she felt several eyes fix on her. As she took her place next to Donovan she smiled shyly at him, nodding her head in acknowledgement. He looked older that was for sure and as she scanned the faces that were in front of her she thought she saw Franklins smiling face. How Alex had talked about this day, the day she would graduate, how he had even longed for it. Now he would never see. She turned her attention back on Donovan, not able to stop the small stirring in her chest as she parted her lips to speak.
“Congratulations Donovan,” she whispered.
The mass of the Wolfpack was gathered around the two recruits in the center of the encampment, the clan never seemed as large and intimidating as it did when they were all together in one place, however the expressions on most people as well as the tone of their whispered conversations was that of excitement. The air was lighter in the forest than it had been in a long time, and for that alone it was a great night, but for Donovan it was particularly sweet. He has waited for that night for a very long time, and he found himself almost in reluctant to believe it had finally arrived. He gave Ari a nod and smile, when she came stand beside him, he didn't say anything however as he suddenly found himself a bit nervous. Voices were beginning to rise from whispers to loud conversation in the time the two recruits were left to wait. When the voices slowly faded to absolute silence, that was what let Donovan know Sean was coming.

Silence filled the encampment the moment Sean walked into the light of the fire pit that lit the center of camp. He stood before the two recruits and gave each of them an acknowledging smile before he started to speak loudly enough so that everyone in the encampment could hear his words. "The Wolfpack was created with the single intent of standing on the very center of the land, and outside of the war, to keep Valcrest in balance while it cannot have peace; we do not takes sides, and we do not let ourselves in. And even if in some moments we have failed in this task, and in others it's very easy to set it aside in face of personal resentments, this continues to be our main purpose in this world." He walked a couple of steps until he was standing before his brother. "Donovan Fletcher. Place your right hand over your heart and answer: Do you now swear on your life and your honor to live by, and enforce, the laws of the Wolfpack?"
Doni placed the palm of his hand over the left side of his chest, feeling his own heart beating rapidly as he replied. "I swear."
"Do you now swear on your life and your honor to defend this encampment and protect its people, to the very best of your abilities, for as long as you still breathe?"
"I swear."
"Do you now swear on your life and honor to never harm, betray, or abandon any member of this clan for as long as they remain true to this oath?"
"I swear."

Sean then pulled a shiny silver ring from a little black pouch tied to the left side of his belt. The ring was not yet marked with the figures of twin wolves facing opposite directions; representing Heart and Mind. The markings would be made after the new assassins completed their first assignments as Wolves, even so... The ring was visibly that of a Wolf, markings or no markings. He then pulled Donovan's right hand from where it had been resting against his chest and turned his palm upwards, placing the ring in its center and closing the boy's fist around it, and holding it between his hands. His voice now lowering to a more personal tone, despite it still remaining perfectly audible. "With this ring, you are now bound to this Oath until Lady Death claims your soul or you are released of it by the Alpha. Let it be a constant reminder that your life now represents the lives all of those here present, as well all of those who await in the Afterlife." At those words he released Donovan's hand and stood watching as the boy took the ring and placed it on his right ring finger with a satisfied grin. The gesture was followed by a few moments of loud cheering and applause.

Sean calmly waited for the noise to settle before pulling Donovan by the shoulder into a firm hug."You make me proud." He stated before releasing the boy and leaving him where he stood, quietly awaiting while he walked to Ari. Word by word Sean repeated the questions exactly as he asked them to Donovan, he placed the ring in the palm of her hand in the same way and close her fist around it, holding it in his hands and just as he spoke, he spoke to her. "With this ring, you are now bound to this Oath until Lady Death claims your soul or you are released of it by the Alpha. Let it be a constant reminder that your life now represents the lives all of those here present, as well all of those who await in the Afterlife." He then released her hand and leaned forward, a little smirk crossing his features as he whispered. "Congratulations on the tournament, Kid." He winked playfully at her and nodded to the rest of the Woves as he started to walk away from the two recruits. Doni caught the look in Sean's eyes and nudged Ari discretely, nodding in one direction. "Go that way." He whispered, just as someone in the crowd yelled out: "GET THEM."

Donovan didn't look back as he started to run in the opposite direction as fast as he could. Having been born in the clan, he knew it was tradition to hunt down the new Actives and toss them in the lake, he also knew that there was no way to escape the entire clan, but it was more fun to put up a fight. He didn't go far though, and soon he was being carried away towards the freezing water.
Ari nodded at Sean, blushing slightly as he congratulated her and winked. The fire flickered, casting its mesmerising spell as Sean left its comforting glare and Ari couldn’t help but feel a pang of loss as his silhouette disappeared into the surrounding crowd. She looked down into her hand, the unmarked ring resting there gently and casting back the firelight as bright as the hundreds of eyes that belonged to Actives, who, Ari noticed with a small grin, were beaming at her and Donovan. Her attention was stolen though as he gently nudged her, telling her to run in a certain direction right before someone in the crowd screamed. Ari bolted the direction he had told her to go. She didn’t know what was happening but she didn’t hesitate to move, the ring clutched tight in her hand as she heard the voices of a mob headed in her direction. However, she realized with a small growl that he had gone the opposite way of her. If this was a game of cat and mouse, they would do better together.
She spun back, this time running through the crowd as hands tried to grab at her as she ducked and weaved thought the surprised people who seemed more focused on the chase then being charged. Within two or three bounds she thought she could see Donovan and a little ways ahead she swore she saw Sean’s laughing figure. She bolted past Donovan, her eyes burning silver as she moved with deer like quality. But it was only then that he quickly got picked off by the excited Wolves. Ari dipped around what could have been Sean; she didn’t know nor care at that moment, using him for a place to hide, when he too threw her to the Wolves, so to speak. Her body was lifted high up into the air, her shrill giggles and screams cutting through the air as she wiggled in their hands. No was apparently not a word they understood. Her eyes sparkled sliver as she saw Donovan, also being carried away, nearing the lake. So that was what they were going to do, douse them both in the freezing water, eh? Ari let out a bubble of laughter as she realised they were chanting Wolf. What could she say? They asked for it.
Ari tore up in their hands, those that had held her to the sky now lay pinned under her massive black paws. With a cheerful howl she dove forward, leaping over and diving around the Wolves that tried to grab her body and tail as she flew by. Surly they must have heard her coming, she wasn’t being quite about it but they never once turned her direction. The Wolves holding Donovan didn’t see her coming until it was too late, and by then they didn’t stand a chance. Ari bowled into them, knocking several to their knees as Donovan dropped from his high seat on top of them. There was a wave of roaring laughter, as she turned back to the Wolves who were trying to stand up and she bounded across their shoulders and backs to reach Donovan. Her silver eyes shinned as her lips pulled into a grin and she motioned to her back. She wasn’t horse sized, but Ari was unnaturally large for any normal wolf, and she wasn’t going in without a fight!
Sean was having a good laugh watching the actives run around trying to get Ari and Doni into the lake, but his smile began fading slowly as he let his thoughts wander to what tomorrow would bring; and what that past month had brought... Somehow, the words Lena Turner had spoke to him had stuck to his head... Was he strong enough to hold the clan together if something big was to happen? He couldn't help think something was already happening and he just couldn't see. There was this strange calm in the land, and anyone who's lived in the forest for as long as Sean had would know that too much quiet usually meant something was coming. Quietly he paced away from the party and into the graveyard; the only place that was still quiet, and there he leaned by a tree, watching the lines of graves intently... Pulling from his pocket an old, worn silver ring... The one that once belonged to his father. At first he was confused when Sheila had found it in his pocket while treating his stab wound, but then he remembered that Annie had hugged him, and as crazy as it all may seem... It was the only fact that explained how something he had been seeking for years had suddenly appeared in his pocket. He really didn't know what to do with it now.
"You should throw that out... And go back to the party."
"Hey Kate..." Sean mumbled, a little smile crossing his features. "A party isn't a party in this camp unless someone is avoiding it." He told her, putting the ring away in his pocket as he turned to face her. "You knew, huh?"
"That Annie had the ring? Yeah, I knew. She told me, and Doni too, but she didn't want to tell you. She was afraid that you'd react badly... Can't blame her, we all were. You... Seem awfully calm about it actually."
"What can I do about it. really? I would love to punch dad in the face, but he's gone... And Lena is just too scary."
Katie chuckled. "She is scary!"

They were both silent for a bit, Sean's eyes crossed the line of graves and landed on the one with Crys' name on it; that empty grave that he had never gotten rid of. It was reminder a of his failure...A promise left to keep... He couldn't just let it go. Lost in those thoughts he startled slightly when his sister leaned into him, but immediately put one arm over her shoulder protectively. Still he didn't say anything until the girl herself broke the silence.
"You know, when Evin came to see me in the Plains... I was very angry with him, I didn't want to listen, but... Even when we want to ignore things... Sometimes they are just there, and he was sorry. I could see it clearly on his face that he was. I know he did mean to kill me at some point, because he tried, and for the look of him he was either disturbed by what he almost brought himself to do, or by the fact that he couldn't go through with it, maybe both..."
"Why are you telling me about Evin now?" Sean asked, not liking where the conversation was going.
"Because I had seen that once before and I couldn't remember when, but now you just reminded me... It was when Evin came back holding Crys' weapon. I saw that same look in your eyes. You regretted it, didn't you?"
"I didn't regret what I did... I just wished I didn't have to do it. I respected Dani Rivers, and... I even looked up to her, I never had a thing against Crys up until then, and you know what? Those feelings made the truth more painful and my choices more difficult, but they didn't change what I believed was right. Do you understand? Let them say what they will, but you need know, when this is over, that I did what I felt was right."
"Even pushing Lionel against Crys?"
"I did push him, I did encourage him, but I didn't think she would kill him. She always had the choice not to, and I assumed she would make it. It never occurred to me that she would just kill him like that, after everything... I never planned for that to happen, and what I said to her... Was just to make her angry. It wasn't all true. Do you understand?"
"I guess, Sean... I just wish you would... Take care of yourself. You don't seem to realize, or care about, what this is doing to you."
He sighed, pulling her into a tight hug and forcing a smile. "You should go back to the party... It's an important night to Doni... And I think I will just go to bed. Tomorrow is a new day, huh?"
"I guess." She agreed. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, just a bit tired. When you see Don will you tell him I want him and Ari both to come find me in the morning?"
"You will be sending them away already?" Katie asked, a bit of shock in her tone.
"It's nothing dangerous... Well, not too dangerous. It'll be fine."
"Alright. I will tell them." Kate agreed. "Goodnight Sean."
"Goodnight, sis." Sean replied, listening to Katie's footsteps as they slowly disappeared amongst the noisy party. Not long after he made his way to the leaders cabin and locked himself in for sleep.
Ari had felt him leave, pausing mid run to cautiously sniff the air. Something was troubling him again, she could smell it. But before she could bound after him, talk to him and maybe get him to release some of his fears she was tackled to the ground. Donovan had chosen against the ride that could have taken them into the woods, a poor choice she had thought and it confused her a little bit but his eyes were alight with joy and his lips were smiling and laughs escaped from his chest, so she had let it go. After all, he knew better right? She could hear the actives laughing, their hands digging their way through her coat as she struggled under them, forgetting all about Sean for the moment and instead focusing on escaping. With one wild kick to the jaw and a snap and a roll she was free of their hands once again. She skirted away from the pond, her silver eyes training back on to her fellow graduate. Donovan seemed to be faring well, but even so the actives would still have them soon. With a growl she ran at them, the ring that was slowly closing in on him breaking the moment she flew past. She stood beside Donovan, her eyes glimmering as she looked up at him, the slight motion of her mussel directing. He glanced at her, giving a slight nod before the actives dove in. There were two loud splashes followed by Ari’s scream as the water stabbed through her skin as she shifted. Water crystals fell from the air, tinkling across some of the frozen patches and across Ari’s skin. Her powder was wiped clean from her face and the silver in her eyes faded slowly, leaving the moon above and the fire below the only two things glowing in the dark of the night. The actives stood on the bank having to have detangled themselves from the pile they had left where Ari and Donovan had once stood, some laughing, some just smiling and shaking their heads. What else could they do?
Ari swam over to Donovan, her wet hair clinging to her face and her lips tinged blue. They had won. Well they had ended up into the lake, but they choose to put themselves into the freezing water and had denied the actives that guilty pleasure. Ari knew that they would never escape the water, but by leaping into its icy cold embrace, she had bested those that would rather have thrown her in. Donovan was wiping the hair from his eyes, his lips pulling into a smile as Ari swam up to him, her ripples slightly disturbing the pattern from which he was treading water. Her teeth chattered as she smiled at him and with a little laugh Ari kicked herself away and toward the shore. She could hear Donovan’s chuckle behind her as he fell in tow, both of them making way to the shore where the actives had once stood.
“I guess their happy that we made the water,” Ari giggled, watching as Donovan climbed the bank, his clothing sending a waterfall back down into the water. Ari watched him from the water, keeping everything but her neck and head under the water as it offered some protection from the loss of her clothing which lay scatted about in small bits. Sean wouldn’t be too happy with the way she was going through clothing, but most of it was hers from her tree. But her thoughts were not left to roam as a shiver ran down her spine and she looked up to see that Donovan was starring down at her, with what emotion, she couldn’t say.
The moment passed and he turned away, walking back to the party as she slowly climbed the bank into the warm night air. Well that is in comparison to the water that had felt like death. She quickly and quietly made her way over to the scattering of cloth, bending slightly to pick through them until she found her ring. She held it in her palm, her finger stroking the thing gently as it glittered in the moonlight, her eyes locked to it as she slowly stood from her crouch and slipped it onto her finger. Her head shot up as there was a loud crash and her eyes narrowed as she saw a group of men walking towards her. Her body quivered and she snatched up her arrows and bow, gathering everything she had left from her transformation before looking up again. The men had come closer, away from the fire light and away from its warmth. She bolted, running through the trees as nimble as a deer before circling back to her cabin, slipping inside. She would have to think of some manner to be able to shift without losing her ring, she thought with a sigh, looking at the silver object that glittered on the table next to her quiver and bow. She quickly got dressed, pulling on something a bit more modest than what she had on before the ceremony. Ladies didn’t dress in men’s clothes, she thought with a sneer as she pulled over the white dress she had been saving for this very moment. She redid her hair, pulling her chin up as she took her ring and slid it back onto her finger. She would discuss the issue with Sean tomorrow, she thought with a grin as she opened the door and walked smack into Franklin.
“There you are you little scoundrel,” he grinned, pulling her into a tight embrace that crushed the wind from her lungs, “You’re missing your own party girl! Get out there and make a name for yourself!”
“Beta,” she wheezed as his arms disappeared from around her chest and instead on her shoulders, steering her toward the fireside. “There’s a problem with my ring.”
“What did you say,” he asked, pulling her to a stop.
“There’s a problem with my ring.”
“No no before that,” he laughed,” what did you call me?”
“Beta, it’s what the wolves call their second.” Ari stared up at Franklin, not sure if he was drunk, her arms crossing over her chest as she stared at him. Her eyes narrowed as his face lit up in a grin, his arm clutching her around her shoulder tighter. “Are you drunk?”
“Twins forbid!” Franklin laughed, his hand falling over his chest, “‘There is no alcohol to be consumed inside pack territory Ari.”
“How do I know you haven’t scurried out to the woods and drank there,” she teased, wincing slightly as she was shoved forward and toward the party.
“And how do I know you haven’t been carrying a weapon in your hair this entire time,” he winked as she reached up to touch the small wolf in her braided bun. He was right, in the end it narrowed down to a needle like dagger but she never intended to use it. He laughed at her face giving her another push toward the roaring fire, “Get in there girl and dance. Enjoy yourself; your ‘beta’ commands it.”
With another shove she was forced into the ring, the music she had heard earlier picking up pace as an active caught her and began to pull her into a dance around the fire. Her feet moved lithely under her dress, easily keeping pace with the man as he pulled her around, darting in between other dancers. She thought she caught a glimpse of Donovan dancing as well but before she could get close enough to see her partner swung her away to the opposite side of the fire. Actives laughed and clapped along, some shouting out insults to other dancers which would set of another wave of laughter. She found herself enjoying it, the way everybody’s cheeks glowed with a ruddiness that hinted toward drink but was entirely false. She too began to feel the buzz, the excitement and cheerfulness that ran through the camp and that feeling intoxicated her. She laughed along with the rest, threw her soul into dancing and even took the chance to lift her skirts above her knees and twirl until she fell down to the ground which again set of another roar of laughter. Her partner had taken the sidelines, along with most other dancers as she wove her way around the fire, dancing and laughing and singing. The music ceased and Ari took a bow, giggling as the actives cheered and she moved out of the firelight. Ari moved around the actives, her eyes looking for Donovan when she caught sight of him with a girl, her heart skipping a beat as she turned away. She was quickly pulled back into the circle, and sat in a group of actives that had first bullied her. They cheered and patted her shoulder, congratulating her over and over until she was sick of hearing the word. Finally her eyes drooped and she smiled slightly, exhausted from everything that had been done that day and the nights lack of sleep was slowly getting to her. She rose slightly and the crowd cheered again, causing her to freeze in her steps.
“She’s going to sing for us!” a voice called and Ari nearly groaned aloud but instead took her place near the fire, her eyes closing slightly.

Welcome to a land of lullabies,
Where everything will be alright,
The world around will laugh and cheer
As Wolves come marching there and here.

Are hearts will beat loud as one
As we raise our mussels to the sun
And our howling will spread hope and fear
As we fight for those that we love dear.

Come my children, come!
Come my Children come!

Family, friends come one come all,
Come and answer the Wolves call.
Join the wild and bring your gear.
We are wolves we shall not veer.

Come my children come!
Come my children come.

Come and join us wild and free
The earth is ours to see.

Her voice faded, the song cut short as her memory failed her, the words that her mother used to roar out gone from her mind as the fire behind her lashed out at the people that had wandered too close. She blushed, her voice still lingering as the Wolves around her stared in awe, waiting for her to continue. She bowed her head, blushing.
“I’m sorry,” she muttered, walking out of the fire light and disappearing as they sighed, some even calling for her back. She ran to her cabin, reaching the door as tears fell from her eyes and she closed the door behind her, brushing the wetness away. There was a soft knock at the door and with a huff she walked over and jerked the door open.
“What!” she cried, pulling short when she realised that it was Donovan, “I’m so sorry, my deepest apologies. I had no idea it was you.”
“It’s alright Ari,” he said softly his eyes shining slightly, “Sean wants us to meet him in the morning, that is all.”
“Alright,” she nodded, sighing slightly. “Well, I’m going to bed Donovan; I’ll see you in the morning. Good night.”
He nodded and she closed the door, falling into the bed a moment later and falling into a fitful sleep.

-Next Morning-

"Just... Tell me the truth Sean. Why did you hurt that woman? That's all I want from you."
"Why bring that up now, what does it matter? It happened ages ago! It's done, it won't bring her back, won't fix anything..."
"It was completely unlike you to do something like that to an innocent woman and I never got you to tell me why you did it. I want to know."
He sighed. "They never pay. If you let them live they don't pay, because they don't care. If they cared they wouldn't live with what they did... They wouldn't just move on like that. Jake couldn't see that... I had to make him care. Was it the wrong thing to do? It was, I admit it, but I'm not sure I wouldn't do it again."
"And can you live with you've done? Or have you become like 'them' now? You... You are better than this."
"No, I'm not." Sean laughed. "I'm not! And we're past the point when you can 'talk sense' into me, because I don't believe a word you say anymore. You are dead to me, Alpha."
Dani chuckled. "Well, you can be better Sean, but that's really just a choice you'll have to make." She stated. "I know this much, kid: Your mother was a good person, she didn't deserve to die the way she did, and it's not fair. Life is not fair, but what you had to go through doesn't excuse inflicting the same on others. Nothing will ever excuse that. Do you understand me? Jake refused to say you did it, and your father thought it was sane to protect you whenever you pulled this kind of stunt, but I always knew better..."
"What are you trying to say?" Sean muttered.
"I know you are doing Sean. I have been Alpha for over twenty years, you don't think I know everything that is said and done in this camp? And I know you, boy." Sean tried to argue, but she didn't let him speak. "What I'm saying Sean... Is that I sincerely hope you change your mind, but if you don't..." She sighed. "I pray the Twins will care for you... Because I don't think you understand what you are getting yourself into and I won't be here to talk sense into you any longer."
"You're not trying to stop me?"
"Of course I am... If I had proof of anything you would be accused of treason, but I don't... So all I can do is give you some advice; let it go Sean. No matter how this ends, it won't bring you peace and no one knows that better than I do.

"Hey, kid, are you listening?" Franklin slammed his palm against the wooden table Sean was leaning against and chuckled when he startled. "Am I boring you?"
"A little bit, yes..." Sean snorted, scooping up the last remains of oat meal from the bottom of his bowl. "What is it you were saying again."
"I asked if you are stopping by the healers before heading to the desert, or if you changed your plans."
"I'm going straight to the desert, I think. Sooner we get this done the better... I'll go to the healers afterwards." Sean replied, setting the bowl aside and rubbing his temples.
"Bad sleep again?"
"Is it that obvious?" Sean muttered. "Was a loud party, that's all...Kept me up."
"I see..." Franklin stated, not seeming convinced at all. "Aren't you supposed to be talking to the new kids about their assignments right about now?"
"You're right, I really should. They might already be at the leader’s cabin waiting." He stated standing up and giving Frank a simple nod as he walked out of the cafeteria towards the leader’s cabin.

The world mocked Ari as she stood outside of Sean’s cabin in nothing but pants and a loose shirt. She dare not step inside, but chose to lean against the walls, near the window. Walls frightened her today. Her stomach growled in hunger and she stood alone, nearly doubling over as her pain caused her to cramp. It was all from hunger but Ari had quickly figured out that nothing she ate would stay down and it was a fight to even get it down without gagging. This morning had not come kindly, she thought as she let out a huff of air, the markings on her face visible once again and her hair quickly pulled back into its long braid. She rapped her fingers against the wall, her sharp green eyes searching for Sean. He was probably still at the dining hall, she realised with a small sigh as she sank to the ground. This morning was also cold and she couldn’t stop the small shivers that crawled up and down her spine because of the cold, or was it the dream. She flinched inwardly, her face becoming a mask as she remembered the entire thing.

The sun shone down though the trees, the snow sprinkled over the aspen with precision and beauty that shone in its light. Small birds flittered from tree to tree, chirping and signing sweet songs to each other with the coming of spring. It was magnificent to see and the girl in the white dress almost blended in if it wasn’t for her long blonde hair which fell in waves down to her hips. Her green eyes were fixated on the path ahead of her and the only sound around her was the crunch of the snow under foot as she walked. Ari walked like a vision, moving carefully thought the trees, her mind consumed by thoughts of the previous days and the life she now lived. From rags to riches as far as she was concerned; the assassins part of her life. She had a home and friends. She wandered through the trees; the light dusting of powder on the ground getting kicked up from the trailing of her dress. It was a bit nippy and her cheeks were flushed red with the cold, the markings on her face standing stark against the virgin snow and skin. She smiled, her lush lips pulling up in the corners as her hand reached out and she ran her fingers along the tree, leaning into it and pausing in her walk to admire it.
A twig snapped in the distance and she was pulled from her thoughts, her head snapping up to look off in that direction, her green eyes narrowing as she caught sight of a women approaching though the trees.
“Who goes there,” she called, her voice sounding as crystalline as the snow around her.
"Fear not, just a lone traveller making her way to the city" spoke the woman with jet-black hair, the armor that protected her torso well hidden under the black cloak. Her twin swords still sheathed, hanging from the two belts that crossed over the armor. Her forearms protected by the same steel that protected the torso, and a dress that would allow her to make fast movements, if needed be. She dropped the hood and the silent cold wind kissed her face. It was cold and that clothing wasn't supposed to warm her. "And yet, you could always help me."
Ari leaned against the tree, wondering how she could have missed this daunting figure stark as a black wolf against a white world. She sighed, realizing that she was again too deep in her thoughts that any assassin could have taken her out if there had been an ambush.
“How may I aid you sister,” she called, returning back to her town’s common greeting of others. She had noted the protection of this other and she cocked her head slightly. Such a display of armor could mean two different things: one, that she was not a good fight or two; she had power that was displayed through her clothing. Ari mentally shrugged, even unarmed she could still put up enough of a fight to cause trouble and it looked as if this stranger wanted none.
"Just on my way to..." the woman laughed when she saw the expression on the green eyed woman's face "By the look on your face you must be a Wolfie... and you surely wasn't paying attention, were you?" she still laughed, the psychopathic sound of it making a few birds fly from their nests. "Doesn't matter where I was going to... since I have something far more... interesting here to deal with." The woman unsheathed her swords, the laughter stopped but a devilish smiled appeared on her face.
“Hell,” Ari cursed, her eyes glimmering. Fight with an opened mind, stay calm, don’t move first. She crouched slightly, the dress she was wearing making it difficult to move, there was the sharp sound of tearing cloth as she ripped it up the side, shivering as the wind caught her exposed leg. Better but it would still make it difficult. “I didn’t want this,” she growled, “May I ask why?”
"What about....." she sprinted jumping and spinning in mid-air her right sword almost doing the down-cut "...just for the fun?" the sword motioned.
“Fancy,” she said moving quickly out of the range at which a strike could be made. “But can you fight?”
From seemingly out of nowhere she withdrew a curved sword, its blade and hilt coloured so that it looked identical to an aspen tree. She playfully twirled it in her hand, the blade light as it sang through the air. She smiled and playfully lunged forward, aiming for the girl’s left leg but quickly bringing it up to strike at her sword arm instead, at the last moment before it could be blocked Ari changed her style again and instead went for her chest. The swipe was true and good, her eyes glimmering with the bit of fun.
"Fancy moves..." she moved her body to the right, watching the woman's sword softly touch the black armor. The heavy cloak and quick movement gave the impression that she floated over the ground while she gained distance. "But that's surely not what you have, eh?" She spun both swords on her hands, when the motion ended both swords were aiming to the ground. "Show me what you really have."
“Convince me,” she said with a wild laugh, her eyes glimmering slightly. She turned and made a run for it, the girl following in the game of chase. Ari ran toward a tree, her eyes burning silver as she flashed, her cat senses coming to her. Her feet hit the trunk and she flipped up and over the head of the woman, landing on the balls of her feet, her body down in a crouch. Her head snapped up, a smile spreading across her features as she saw the bewildered look on the woman’s face. This was turning out to be very fun, she just hoped that the sounds they created wouldn’t cause one of the other Wolves to come running. She could get in trouble with Sean for this. With a yell she jumped forward, spinning and slashing down at the girl’s calves.
"Ah..." she once again evaded the attack by moving to the right; she was angered by the wild moves and lack of strategy. The woman still attacked her and she only dodged them."Fast" another swing that almost hit the woman's face "Strong" only the face moved this time "But you don't actually care to think.... do you?" She avoided a swing from left to right. "Too young to do that, is this not true?" The woman's psychopathic laughter sounded once more. Ari paused, letting her sword point down at the ground as she took a step back, her eyes darkening in anger. “I was always one for defending.” She spun and jumped, her kick aimed for the woman’s shoulder as she began to slowly push her back towards a tighter grove of trees. Ari was getting confused, none of her hits ever reached their targets and the woman had never stuck back. She shook her head and with a growl, launched herself forward. The kick hit her shoulder, although it barely affected her. She walked to where the young woman was driving her. Every step the shadows grew longer, darker. The sound of silence little by little made both deafer. The wind emanated the smell of death. "Too bad thou cannot understand it, little one." Both still moved, the tree that hit her back was nothing but an amount of living darkness. She smiled as she saw the woman's expression."Horror is amazing, is it not?"
Ari flinched, and her eyes burned silver. “I fear nothing! Who are you,” she cried, her sword arm shaking slightly with exhaustion and anger. She could smell the death, the fear, the pain. She knew the woman was flesh and blood just as she was; there was no doubt after her kick had gotten well into the shoulder of the woman. She shook slightly, maybe it was wise to fear her, this woman but yet she didn’t fear, only stood in awe and wonder. The silence sounded deafer than before, the earth trembled, the shadows grew deeper, the air taste worsened. The woman laughed, amplifying all of these sensations. "Who I am is not important. Lady Ari. Just remember these words. Remember them." Everything worsened, bringing everything to the blink of madness. "Temný rytier sa blíži!" And then there was nothing.

Ari bit her lip again, wiping the small bead of sweat that dripped into her eye with her damaged hand. She had sliced open the palm reaching for her hair dagger that morning after she had woken from the dream in a cold sweat and screaming as she cried. The pin lay nestled in her hair again, the only weapon she had on her, and even then she was not going to reveal it until it became quite necessary. The woods, the woman, the white and the black, the trees and the shadows, what did it all mean? What did the dream mean? What did the woman mean? Those words were so foreign; she realised with a small twinge and thought about mentioning it to Sean, then dismissed it. He may know what they meant, but how on earth could she tell him without sounding rabid. She sighed and with another shiver that sent her teeth clacking she looked up to the sky. Twins have mercy, she thought with a small grimace. She would have to appear steady and brave today. Her hand reached up to clutch the small ring that she had tied around her neck with a piece of soft leather. That was yet another thing she needed to talk to him about. Better meet him on the way up so she could discuss it with him as they walked. She stood and ran down the path, making her way to the very beginning when she saw him, slowly making his way up the path. She let out a sharp laugh, having smelled him the moment his foot had stepped onto a branch.
“Alpha,” she called, dipping her head and waiting for him to get close enough before she fell in step with him. She couldn’t help but to notice how exhausted he looked, she swore she saw dark rings under his eyes from a lack of sleep and his lips were pulled into a thin line as they moved forward. “I need to talk to you about my ring,” she said after a moment’s hesitation, pulling it from around her neck.

Sean wasn't at all surprised that Ari had already been waiting on him, although he was forced to wonder where Donovan had gone if he wasn't with her, or anywhere in sight. Maybe the kid had enjoyed the party a little bit too much and was sleeping late. When he finally glanced towards Ari she had already finished speaking for a few seconds. "What about your ring?" He asked as he removed his cloak and casually wrapped it around her shoulders. "And don't you own a coat? We're in the middle of winter, you know." He added giving a more watchful glance as they walked, but not saying anything more.
“Thank you,” she said accepting the coat gratefully, wondering if he really expected an answer to the coat question. If he did, she would have answered no, she had given it to Stephan who was high in the mountains by now and Twins know where else. She pulled the coat tighter around her, catching glimpse of Sean’s glance. She slightly shook her head, not understanding what it was supposed to mean and decided to let it slide. The coat smelled of him, powerful, musky and something else that set her teeth on edge, but best of all it was warm. If he would let her she would run to get her cloak from her hiding place, but until then she would be cold and as soon as he looked cold, hand him back his coat. But in the end she let it slide and continued onto the ring. “I realised last night, if I shift, the ring would break or harm me in the shift, or it might get lost.”
"Huh." Sean mumbled, scratching the back of his head as he thought. "Well, it's not necessary that you wear it on your finger, but not losing it is kind of a big deal. It's also kind of important that you keep it on you, as it identifies you to other Wolves... Not all of us spend enough time in camp to know everyone's faces and names. That's why we have rings and healers have robes and the Crimson wear a random red item of clothing." He stated as they reached the leaders cabin and wandered in. "But... We can think of that later, because you'll be leaving your ring behind for this." He told her, sitting behind his desk and leaning back in his chair comfortably. "I'll explain as soon as Doni gets here. Which should be soon, I hope. I'd hate to have to suspend him on his first day." He joked, giving Ari another watchful stare. "So, do you own a coat? Have you slept the night? Have you eaten? I'm not sending you on assignment unless you're fit to travel." He stated.
“I was thinking about tying it round my neck,” Ari said, sitting down across from him and removing his coat. With a shrug Ari pulled the ring off from around her neck and placed it onto the desk in front of Sean, nudging it towards him. “I slept, ate, and I do,” she responded, everything in her words the truth, but not the whole truth. She hadn’t slept well, nor had she been able to keep her food down and she did own a coat, several in fact if you wanted to count her pelt, it just happened to be out in the woods. She beamed at him, her eyes sparkling at the remark of her possibly going on her first assignment, and she sent a silent prayer to the Twins to have Donovan show up soon.

Sean raised an eyebrow at Ari's answers to his questions; he wasn't all too convinced. "You don't look like you slept all too well, and believe me, I know a thing or two about that. I won't get into detail until Donovan gets here, but this is the kind of innocent looking task than get a Wolf killed fast if said Wolf is reckless. So I expect you both to be in your best condition." He warned, pulling her ring towards him across the table and feeling the smooth surface of the silver with his fingertips, keeping silent as they waited for Donovan to arrive.

It was a few minutes later that the door opened and Donovan entered smiling shyly and apologetically. "I'm sorry... I should've left the party earlier than I did." He stated.
"It's fine, Don." Sean replied. "Just lock the door and have a seat."
Donovan locked the cabin door before pulling a chair and taking a seat beside Ari, giving the girl a brief smile before turning to Sean and patiently waiting for him to speak.
"Donovan, give me your ring." Sean asked, indicating that it be left on the table. "I'm sending you both to Newhaven, to infiltrate the Castle as workers. I need reliable information on the Queen and the White Knights, so I want you to take positions as close to them as possible."
"But Sean... Ella knows my face, she would recognize me the moment she laid eyes on me."
"I know that, that's why she can't see you. You'll stay as close to Thomas as possible without drawing attention to yourself, but if someone as much as give you a second glance; get out, alright? Don't risk getting caught, because if you do, and this goes for both of you, you're screwed."
"Huh... Comforting." Donovan chuckled, placing his ring on the table. "Will I be looking for something specific?"
"You'll know it when you see it." Sean replied. "Ari, I want you find a spot amongst the Queen's maids, stay as close to her as you can for as long as you can, pay close attention to her schedule, who she speaks to in the Castle and who visits from the outside. Be careful of former Wolves roaming the Castle, and..." Sean sighed. "Knowing Ella, I'm pretty sure I need to remind you to keep your temper in check and keep to yourself no matter what happens." He smirked slightly. "Your Highness can be a royal bitch at times."

Sean then took both the actives' rings and locked them within a drawer, looking from Doni to Ari with a serious expression. "Now, look: No one in this camp, aside from me and Franklin, knows of this assignment; the other person who is informed is Sheila at the Inn. You'll arrive at Newhaven and enter the Inn through the sewer tunnels and NOT the front door, once there you will be given clothes to wear, and it is up to you to make your way in the Castle to where you have to be. Avoid being seen together once you're inside, and in case one of you gets caught and captured the other should come back immediately and let me know... Please don't try to be heroic in a castle full of Knights. Whatever you need to inform is to be send through Sheila at the Inn... Castle staff are not allowed to drink there for obvious reasons, though, so make sure to never be seen going in or out. Any questions?"
“One does not simply become a maid to the queen,” Ari sighed and rubbed her temples gently, “Tell me you know how I’m going to get to rubbing elbows with the queen? If you don’t, then I’m sure I have some friends in the castle that could get me in.” She saw a look of scepticism cross Sean’s and Donovan’s face and hurriedly added, “Don’t worry; no one knows I’m a Wolf. They’ll still think I’m a poor orphan girl from the woods.”
Sean chuckled. "Oh, you want me to do the work for you now, Kid? You're an active now; you should find ways to get your jobs done for yourself, but... This is a very important task, so I have contacted a friend that cooks the servants' food make sure one of the girls falls ill so you can take her place. Whatever you do to get there is your business as long as no one asks questions about why a poor orphan girl wants to be close to the Queen of Newhaven." He stated with a little smirk.

"Alright, how close do you want me from the man in charge of all the Newhaven army?" Donovan asked, a slight sarcastic tone in his voice as he grinned at his brother.
"Not close enough that he'll look at you. Stay close to the nobles, that should be enough to watch his movements."
Donovan nodded in agreement. "Alright, well that's all I need to know... I'm going to pack a few things and I'll wait by the gates." He announced, standing up and walking out the door.

Sean leaned back in his seat as Donovan walked out the door waiting a minute in silence, before turning back to Ari. "Anything else, Kid?" He asked, running a hand through his hair and wandering if he would be late to meet Dastan. "I have something I really need to take care of today, and I'm also running a bit late."
Ari turned to watch Donovan leave and then turned back to Sean and gave him a wicked grin.
“I think that covers it, don’t worry Sean, we won’t let you down. Oh and Sean, be careful”
With that Ari sprang to her feet and bowed her head before dashing out the door, heading through the woods to get to her tree, not cabin. Everything from the Wolves was too grand, for this she would have to get dirty, at least for the first part. She tore into a wolf, the cold leaving her body the moment it happened and she ran into her tree, under the roots and into the small cavern that lead to the trunk. There she grabbed a pair of pants and a shirt, her jaws closed around a cloak and she managed to stuff it all into a bag along with her small bone knife. Then, without even bothering to shift back she took off at a run, pack in her mouth as she skidded to the gates a moment before Donovan showed his face.