Silver Moon: Bk. 02 Ch. 03

Dan was sipping on his coffee as she was speaking and nodded occasionally to continue. When she had obviously finished speaking he glanced at each Kitsune and met their eyes. Most of them gave him the Kitsune equivalent of submission. The Black Kitsune simply had a sardonic smile on his face and settled for nodding to Dan. "Okay, I can see how that might be advantageous for the splinter groups as you put it. I can understand why the spirits might have asked you to come to me as well. What I am not quite sure of is what exactly are you asking of me. If it is just advice to create some sort of unified council that is fine and shouldn't be a problem. If it is something else I can't say anything till you tell me more."

Wade couldn't help but grin since it was obvious to him that Dan was trying to ignore the implications. "What she is trying to say is we have been told point blank that you are to be our Clan Leader. You are in charge of all the Kitsunes in New Cascadia and we will be reporting to you. As part of this you will be given a sum of money to set up the Clan house and we will have someone from each of our splinter clans here at all times. This will essentially be the council of elders who will keep you updated on the clans and what is happening."

Cynthia glared at Wade when he stated it so bluntly. *Why did you just drop that on him? I was trying to ease him into it.*

Wade mentally snorted. *Feel his spirit woman. He has been a wolf for a long time and wolves tend to be direct creatures. That and he is by inclination blunt and direct. I am sure he can beat around the bush with the best of them but the direct approach is the best with him. Besides that was rather fun to do.*

Dan took several more sips of coffee before saying anything. He lifted one eyebrow and in an almost monotone voice spoke. "How fascinating." They wouldn't catch that reference and he wasn't going to bother explaining it. "You will be assimilated into one united clan huh? Resistance is futile and all that?" Oh god he could feel Gene Rodenberry spinning in his grave at the abuse of those old jokes.

"Right now I am not going to say yes, no, or discuss this further till the day after tomorrow. I can understand their wanting to do this but I have enough on my plate right now that I need to think on how best to do this. All of you are welcome to join us for the full moon ceremony since I will be taking Pam as my mate and she taking me as her mate. If you will please excuse me but I need to talk to my Beta and I have some business with Arthur as well."

To be honest it didn't really surprise him and he wasn't going to bother getting upset at the moment. He did need to talk to Arthur in all seriousness because it was simply becoming too complex for him to deal with.

Cynthia stood up and nodded. "We will see you at dinner Lord and Lady Legarith." The seven of them stood and walked out of the room and closed the door behind them as they left.

Dan leaned his chair back and let out a deep breath. "Well I must be getting used to major shocks since that didn't hurt nearly as much as I expected. Maric make sure we have everything needed for the ceremony tomorrow night. Talk to Felanzi as well since she can help you. I need to talk to Arthur in private though. Pam if you and Maric would give us some privacy I would appreciate it. Maric see if Sarah or maybe Julia are available to show Pam around the manor till I am done." He gave her a light kiss as he took Amariah from her and settled her in his arms.

When Amariah turned a bit towards him and grabbed his shirt in one of her small hands he had to smile. "You are going to give me headaches little one but when I get a chance to look back I will laugh at your antics." As he was talking Maric and Pam left with Amarish.

Arthur moved around in front of Dan's desk. "So what do you want to discuss with me?" He poured some more coffee and inhaled the scent and smiled. "Damn you have some good coffee. If you want to offer me a job one requirement will be access to your coffee sources." He was pretty sure what Dan wanted to talk about and it was fairly obvious.

Dan snorted and stood up and walked around the desk and settled in a couch. "There are times for the desk but also times it just gets in the way. As far as the coffee I would have to refer you to Saul. I have long since suspected that he has contacts he shouldn't have for supplies." He took another sip before holding the cup out. "Can you refill it? My other hand is a bit occupied."

Once Arthur had done that he settled back. "Actually I do want to offer you a job or maybe a change of where you work. As you know my relationship with many of the spirit cultures in the Pacific Northwest is complex. I am connected to two Kitsune clans, the wolf packs in two countries, probably one of the tribes above Alysson's country and god only knows what else. I need someone who is knowledgeable with all the lovely intricacies of working with leaders of the other countries. That and who is knowledgeable with the rules and regulations pertaining to contacts with the other countries."

Dan had to roll his neck to release stress. "I might look and maybe act all high and mighty but before I came here I ran a pack and a business. That was it. Now it is looking like I am going to be some sort of ruler in my own right and the very last thing I want to do is annoy the various departments in this country. I like this area and the people for the most part. I do know that you are going to have to think about it as well as contact your department. I can wait but please don't take too long to make the decision. If you do decide that you don't want the position please get me a list of names to review."

Arthur started laughing. "You have got to be nuts Dan. I can't pass this up and I think I can work it out that I will still be working for the State Department. That will give you a great deal of resources. Yes there are going to be some of the movers and shakers who will be scared by the power you are acquiring but there will be many more who will look and see in you someone with power. They will see how you can help them to advance who they are and their agenda's. I am going to relax tomorrow as well and call them the morning after."

Dan had to grin. "I didn't think you would pass that up but had to ask. Why don't you find Helda and please feel free to wander around. This changes everything since I have this feeling that I am going to have to shave a part of my territory for a small estate similar to Alysson's for the Kitsunes." He smiled down at Amariah as he gently stroked her ears. "I am going to settle this little one on my pillow as well till she wakes." Dan stood up and walked out of the room.

~~~

When Maric walked out that scent hit him again but again it was a bare whiff which indicated it was a new scent. It wasn't ingrained in the wood and house the way the scents of long term residents were. Whoever it belonged to she smelled rather nice and attracted him. With a slight smile he shook his head since he still wasn't in any mood for female company.

He set about what Dan had ordered him to. He didn't realize it but there was a slight spring in his step and Maric was feeling more alive than for a long time. With Sylvia safe and with her mate he didn't have to worry about her as much. He knew without having to ask that Geoff and Mari would take care of her and keep her safe for him. This was going to be an interesting moon tomorrow and he was looking forward to it.

~~~

Shannon grabbed the two bags that Nara had and started walking inside. "I am going to show you to your rooms and if you want to settle in and relax I can help. If you simply want to know where they are we can drop the luggage off and I can show you around the buildings. As Dan mentioned my name is Shannon." He really wasn't sure what to do with her or how she was related to the pack. He could tell she was a wolf but definitely not a werewolf.

Nara smiled shyly at him. "Well for the moment show me to the rooms and we can go from there. I have to admit I am sort of tossed up. I would love to see the house and the near property. I am hesitant since till Dan introduces me I am not sure how I am supposed to respond if someone asks." The building was pretty nice though it was rather large. Her parents had a nice home since her father had been the chief but they lived mostly by themselves.

Shannon contemplated the best answer and simply didn't know what to say. "Well I guess for the moment we can just say you are a guest of his and leave it at that. When we have dinner he can introduce you and why you are here." He led her upstairs to the Alpha's wing. "This is where Dan, Maric, and Felanzi and her mate Saul live. There is a small suite for an assistant to live in and that is where you are going to be staying for the moment." As they were walking he stopped at a door and opened it.

He carried the luggage to the bedroom and set it inside the door. "You have a small sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. There are French doors that lead to the small deck outside as well." As he was talking he showed her around. "Do you want to relax? If so I will be back before dinner. If not I will show you around and introduce you to some of the people living here. With the addition of part of Dan's old pack there are about fifty of us here including children."

Nara looked around and it was a rather nice room and she could be comfortable here for quite some time. In the bedroom was room for a large crib since she was having twins. As she looked around she sighed. "I honestly don't know Shannon. The last few months have been hard on me and I am not sure I can really handle much more stress."

Shannon nodded and then gave her a smile. "I will show you where I sleep and the kids rooms. Gianni might be a bit nosy but she means it in a good way. They won't criticize you or look down on you. What will probably happen is you will have some wolf pups puppy pile around you." He walked over to the door and opened it for her.

Once she had walked out he walked down stairs and showed her to the kids rooms. "That room is the girls room and for girls from about 13 to 18. The middle room is for the pups from just under 5 to 13 of both genders and the room on the far side is for the older boys." Since the door was open he walked in and found Gianni and her minions in the corner whispering to each other.

He mock frowned. "Okay you miscreants break up the scheming. Yes I know you missed Dan and having all the new people is fascinating but... Come and say hello to one of Dan's guests." He pulled Nara over to the large bed in the room and plopped down on it. "Have a seat. Since we don't currently have a junior wolf in here the three oldest kids rotate through the bed to make sure some pups don't get in trouble." He glowered at Gianni just for good measure.

She really did try to give him an innocent look but frankly it was a rather toothy smile. "Hello nice lady. I saw you when Danny came in." When Shannon lunged at her she scampered away. "You's to slow. Can't use tickly fingers if you can't catch me." She came over to the other side of Nara and leaned against her leg. "I's Gianni, this is Sammi, and this is Juan. Can we's feel your tummy? It is really neat feeling babies move."

Nara couldn't help but grin. "Hmm... Maybe I will move in here since I have been well trained in sneaky little pups." As she was talking she was stroking Gianni's hair. The two boys stripped and changed and jumped up on the bed and one crawled into her lap and rolled over for a good tummy rub. "If I do move in here I will warn you that sucking up like that won't work." She still stroked his chest and tummy.

Shannon had to smile since the three were charming her. As they were sitting there they started talking about what had gone on at the Clan House as well as what all the pack house had.

~~~

Helda was shown to a small suite by Sarah. "I am sorry it is so small but with part of Dan's old pack as well as the Kitsune Lords and Ladies we are simply running out of room. Alpha Dan did an extension on the house a while back but hadn't really expected to be able to bring his former pack back." She felt rather bad since this lady felt fairly senior and the room was for a fairly junior couple.

Helda smiled at her and glanced around. "It will do fine though I am going to have to find somewhere to setup shop short term." She picked up a bag with her sewing supplies and some regular fabric and carried it over to the couch. "I worked as the senior seamstress back at the Clan estates and I love my work. Why don't you come here for a few minutes? I don't want to upset you but the cloths most of you are wearing make my tails itch. I know the pack is still recovering from the person Dan took over from but that doesn't mean you have to have ill fitting clothing right?" She gave her a warm smile.

Sarah sort of looked down at her shoes and scuffed the toe of one shoe on the carpet. "I guess not but Alpha Dan has done so much for us and was so tired and sad we didn't want to bother him." The skirt was a bit tight and didn't fit well since she was growing again.

Helda smiled at her. "And that is where I come in. I am a seamstress and you wouldn't believe how quickly I can cut out and sew a shirt or skirt out. If I can make the formal robes for Dan in a day or two a nice shirt that is still usable for chores isn't a problem. Now come here hun and let me get a few measurements. I might just get the measurements for all you girls this evening and unless your chores get in the way I can teach you the basics of sewing."

Sarah didn't have any idea of what the formal robes were like but they sounded really nice. She moved towards the lady and shyly looked at her ears. "I sort of wish I had ears like that. What do you need?" Sarah hesitantly reached over and touched the cloth and it felt so nice. "Your shirt is lovely. I wish I had something like that for Sundays or to wear occasionally."

Helda had to grin at her reaction. "Well first strip down to your undies so I can measure you and then we will take a look in my bag." It only took a few moments to get the measurements and then for Sarah to get dressed again. "Now let's see. What do I have in here?" She turned to the large bag and winked at Sarah. Hmm, with your hair and skin you can wear almost anything but I know Mari simply loves purple and I have a feeling you do as well."

Sarah smiled at Mari's name. "You know her? How is she doing? Us pups still really miss her and sneaking into bed with her and curling up." When Helda mentioned purple she had to think for a moment. "That sounds nice but I don't think I have a skirt or shorts that would go with it." She was trying to peak into the bag to see what Helda was getting.

"Mari? Oh goodness yes I know her and she is a lovely young woman. Both she and Geoff are very happy together. I do understand she was a bit cranky with Dan when she delivered his pups and called him all sorts of names." She wrinkled her nose at her and twitched her ears as well. "Well in that case I think you are going to get a nice new outfit then. We will start with the blouse and go from there." She pulled out some light lilac color material with conservative designed already embroidered in it. "What do you think about this color?"

Sarah's eyes got really big. "Really? She called Dan names? Gosh I can't believe that." Mari just didn't seem the type though she had heard a few of the women deliver and one or two were rather loud.

When Helda pulled out the material her eyes widened even more if that was possible. "Oh that is way too expensive for me. Just some plain material would be fine." Sarah couldn't help but feel a corner and it was so wonderful.

Helda snorted at her. "I don't think so young lady. This is a good solid material that may of the kids at the clan wear. I am sure if Dan had enough time in the day he would have made sure that you had at least properly fitting clothing. On that I will have a talk to him. I know he is busy and probably wanting to pull his hair out some days but if not him then one of the senior females in the house should have taken care of it. You aren't a poor pack child and what Dan has done to the house proves that."

She leaned forward and cupped the girls chin in her hand and looked her straight in the eye. "Don't misunderstand what I said. I was not criticizing Dan in anyway. He simply has had too much on his plate the last year or so since he arrived. Now that he has a mate she should have the time to actually pay attention not only to the house but all the other things as well. Now I think after dinner I am going to have all the girls come in and we are going to have a fitting time. Once we do that I am going to talk to Pam about setting aside and hour or two several days a week. I am going to teach all of you the basics of sewing."

Sarah lifted her chin a bit. "Yes Lady Helda. I am a wolf and one thing Dan has taught me is to be proud of that fact. If you say we need to dress better at least some times then we will do so. I will talk to Nancy about getting the girls in here. There aren't really all that many right now so it won't take too long."

Helda nodded and then smiled. "Excellent and now you are going to show me around so I can find a room to take over as my sewing room. It will keep Dan on his toes." She stood up and held her hand out and took one of Sarah's and walked out of the small suite.

~~~

Dan walked upstairs to his suite and into the rooms. Pam was there and she was talking to Felanzi. "Afternoon you two, I came to deposit a tired little fox in bed." Amariah shifted and one foot stretched out and twitched a bit. It was all Dan could do to resist tickling it.

Felanzi couldn't help but smile. She had Amarish sitting on her lap for a short time before he had decided to go exploring. Pam didn't seem too bothered by it so Felanzi didn't worry about it. "If you want I will hold her. They are so darling." She held her arms out and was pleased when Dan tucked the little girl in her arms.

"I am going to go down and see if I can wear the pups out before dinner. If I don't they will be a handful this evening and frankly I don't feel like having to deal with them later." He stretched and walked into the bedroom and stripped down to some lose shorts and a t-shirt before walking out. He noticed Felanzi staring at his tails and he waved them around for a moment. "Later." He walked out of the room and headed down back.

Once he was out back he stripped and changed. Gods he still felt so silly having three tails and they kept distracting him as they waved around and bumped into each other. After a good shake to try and settle both his fur and his tails he let out the soft croon he used with the kids. It was an invitation to come and play if they weren't busy. It also would let the pack know that he was feeling froggy and if they wanted to come as well that was fine.

Back in the kids room they felt the call and Gianni jumped down off the bed and was changed in moments. She barked at Nara and wiggled in excitement. The two boys changed as well and for a brief moment there was a small puppy fight before Gianni barked again.

Shannon laughed at them. "Gianni is inviting you to come out and play. If you would like to change form and come out with that would be fine. If you want to come and sit on the back porch that is fine as well." He was grinning when he pulled off his cloths and changed. Once he did he sat there looking at her to see what she was going to do.

Nara couldn't help but be amused by the three little ones. They really had been friendly and accepting of her and her condition. They hadn't even bothered asking who the father was and simply snuggled against her. She had to admit when Shannon stripped down she was a bit startled and then remembered lycan's clothing didn't change with them. She stood up and called her wolf forward and shifted. With a woof she started towards the door and almost got run down by the three little ones.