Notes:
Birdflame- Begin asking questions, of course. Bad Birdflame XD
Btw, I really need to start thinking up names that start with a letter other than "R". That last chapter with Ridge, River and Ritco got kind of hard to write without making things sound repetitive :P
Ch. 5
~Ritco~
Ritco sat in front of the large Beta male, thankful that River was allowed to stay in the nursery with her. "First", he began, "are you a rogue or a Darkseeker?" So, no Lightbringer option? I suppose that makes sense. My name wouldn't really fit the part. Ritco took a breath before answering so that she wouldn't sound as afraid as she felt. "Rogue." Ridge narrowed his eyes but continued. "Were you travelling with anyone?" Ritco shook her head. "I think it's best if you answer my questions in words." She swallowed. "No, I wasn't travelling with anyone." The Beta flicked his ear but said nothing more about it. "Have you been living with any wolves in the last two moons?" Ritco answered hesitantly, "I had lived with my mother, but…" she trailed off. Then, in a moment of confidence, the pup glared at Ridge. "…but she was killed one moon ago." The male didn't bat an eye at her words or the expression on her face, but River bowed her head in sympathy. "And no one after that?" he said, leaning in slightly. Her bravery quickly melted away. "N-no." Ridge leaned back. "No." he repeated thoughtfully, his unreadable gaze sending a chill down her spine. "Next question."
~River~
The stars had appeared in the sky by the time they were finished. After Ritco had answered the last question, Ridge stood and turned to leave. At the entryway of the den he stopped and looked back at River. "You're not to tell anyone what you have heard." River nodded silently and the Beta male walked out of the nursery. She exhaled loudly when he left. She turned to Ritco, who seemed to be relieved. River nudged the squirrel that had been waiting. "It's a good thing we did that in a den. The sun would've gotten to this." The pup smiled gratefully and began devouring the prey. "Slow down", River told her with a smile. When she heard a yawn in the back of the den, River almost laughed out loud. Pool and Storm were sleeping the whole time! But I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Isn't that what pups and elders tend to do?
Ritco coughed up some of the food but quickly resumed eating. River frowned down at her. "Hey, I said take it easy. It won't do you any good to choke." Ritco swallowed and looked up at her. "Actually, you didn't say to take it easy, you said to slow down." River grinned. "That's the same thing, and you know it." The pup let out a "Hmpf", but did slow down. "River, where did that pup come from?" River smiled and gazed kindly at Pool. "She was found on a hunt." The old she-wolf looked over at Ritco sympathetically before looking back at River. "I don't suppose you would mind watching Storm while I go get something to eat?" River shook her head, saying, "Not at all." Pool smiled and slowly stood, stretching her long legs, and walked out.
Storm whined. "Pool!" He had recently turned three moons old, so he knew the basics of speech. His wide, dark blue eyes glanced at River. But when he caught sight of Ritco, he went silent. This must be the first time he's seen a pup so close to his own age. Ritco finished her meal and licked her chops before noticing Storm. The two smiled shyly at each other. "Hi", Storm said in a small voice. Ritco looked up at River momentarily, then back at Storm. "Hi." River smiled at the pups.
~Ridge~
The Beta walked away from the nursery den. He hadn't seen any point in continuing after the pup had answered his very first question. Speaking to a rogue is a waste of time and breath. But I had to question her further, just in case her presence signaled a threat. It was expected of me. Ridge walked to the main den, where Fox and Ivy were waiting. As he approached, they nodded to him and led the way inside.
Inside the den the air was cool and there wasn't as much sunlight. The Alphas sat down and patiently waited for his report. Ridge stood before them and bowed his head in respect. Ivy flicked her ear and asked, "Did she give any important information?" Ridge stared at them for a heartbeat or two before answering. His superiors looked at him expectantly. "My Alphas", he began, pausing. His gaze hardened. "She is not to be trusted."
~River~
The pups had started playing when Pool returned with a rabbit. The elder watched them in surprise, but River smiled when she saw her expression turn to one of delight. Pool walked to the side of her nest and began eating. Storm hopped on Ritco's head when he called to his grandmother. "Pool! You have to meet Ritco. She's the best!" Pool smiled at them. "I'm sure you're right, dear." Ritco jerked out from under her playmate's paws and nipped at his ears. The two pups laughed as they rolled around the den floor.
"Hmm", Pool purposely thought aloud. "You two are getting a bit rough to be in the nursery. You'll have to go to the main den soon enough." Storm sat up. "Really?" Pool nodded. "In a few moons." A huge grin grew on his face as he went back to tumbling around with Ritco, her black pelt and his silver pelt standing out against each other. River smiled. "You two seem to be becoming fast friends." But the pups didn't seem to hear her as they continued rolling over one another. To think, her first day here and she's already made a friend. She watched them. She'll have no problem fitting in with the rest of the pack. Well, after some time to get to know her.
It was then that River heard heavy paw steps come into the den and stop behind her.