A few days was long enough to be in a new city by oneself, especially when one was used to having family around them for so many years. Jaqui had been hesitant to do anything since being told she'd had to leave Richmond. Of course, she'd been given a saving grace, because the dispute which had arisen had not been her fault. All she'd done was the same as any other beast would have, and followed her instinct to survive. But still... it plagued her. She hadn't been able to rid herself of the cold feeling deep inside her since that night, the blood of lukoi, of family, on her own hands.

Still... even after those events, Jaqui couldn't forget the send-off she'd received from the lukoi. The Ulfric hadn't been there, but all those she'd helped and cared for had come to the airport to say farewell and wish her good luck in her new home. It had been enough to bring her to tears, but not until she was sitting on the plane, completely by herself. In all her life, she'd never felt quite so alone.

But that was the past. She was in a new city, even if she didn't consider it her home right now, she held high hopes that in time it would be that and much more. Of course she wasn't going to get anywhere unless she at least made herself known to the local Ulfric and lukoi. She wondered if her old one had called ahead of her, he'd been told where she was headed. Not that it mattered, she needed to be near others, a born nurturer, she had to be among other wolves, to care for. Her strength and dominance had never felt like a big issue to her until recently. She just hoped that events didn't repeat.

Approaching the large house cautiously in a simple grey singlet and long black skirt, her hair left down as was her comfort, Jaqui took in the various scents she picked up around it. Lukoi, a feeling of longing and anticipation ran through her, sending a shiver down her spine, as she walked quietly to the front door. There was no real doubt in her mind that if there was anyone home, they would have felt her approaching, her aura spread wide as proud as she was for being wolf. She reached forward and knocked solidly on the door, awaiting its answer as she played with one of her gold earrings subconsciously.

Sat in his bedroom reading a book of Haikus, one hand holding the book infront of his face and the other behind his head as he lay stretched out on the bead, Adelphus scanned the pages of caligraphy with his face reflecting the meaning of the poems. Their emotive natures caused him to smile, look sad, and a variety of other emotions all caused by the poetry, It was one of the reasons he loved the little book so much; every last haiku was good enough to cause a stir of emotion and give him thought to think.

Coming to one he had read to Haley as they were sat in the woods behind the Safe House, Adelphus saw but the first line and sighed, the book lowering to his chest as she recited it from memory in Japanese, the soft sound of his voice filling his empty room.

I can feel myself
Relaxing as the water
Rushes past my feet

Birds voice their beauty
As they are gliding over
Touching the tree tops

As I look into
The river water’s mirror
I can see clearly

At night in the plains
The crickets practice their songs
Mating melodies

The stars shine so bright
Heaven can’t be miles away
For it is right here

It was just as he finished speaking, staring up at the ceiling of his room with the threat of tears in his eyes and his wolf growling low at him in comfort, that Adelphus sensed the arrival of a strong, female energy. The wolf coming towards the house had both the man and his wolf 'staring' at her though they could not see her, hearing her knock on the door just as they stood up from the bed. From the window they could see the flared bottom of a black skirt and black hair but no more, and so turned to move out of the room and down the stairs, heading for the door with a curious expresion at her energy.

The whisper of his jeans was the only noise as he approached the door as he was alone in the house today, though he could hear the sound of the water feature in the back yard trickling over stones slowly, and so it was easier to hear the female on the other side of the door. He could hear, with focus, the sound of skin on metal and wondered what it was, but upon opening the door saw she was playing with an earring and he gave a slight smile. Haley used to play with her earrings when thinking, and it was an achingly sweet and familiar gesture.

"Good afternoon, sister. Are you looking for the Pack?"

Jaqui had picked up the energy of the wolf inside as he felt her approaching, and it stirred her own beast into curiosity. There was no one else there at the time to help her judge, but by the sheer feeling of authority she picked up, she was rather certain it must have been someone in a high position in the local lukoi. She continued to play with her earring as she closed her eyes and listened to the sound of movement coming from inside, for the first time in her life actually nervous. She'd grown up around her old pack, moving to a completely new one was almost daunting.

Still, her wolf and its curiosity seemed to override that, wanting to know who the strong aura belonged to, and as she heard the distinct sound of footsteps approaching, her wolf picked up on the scent of leadership, Ulfric. Jaqui's eyes remained closed as he approached and she remained steady, the soothing feel of kindred nearby causing her calming nature to shine through. So when the male she felt approaching opened the door, he was met with a very calm, slightly smiling young woman who was still playing with her earring while her eyes were closed.

Upon hearing his voice, Jaqui's wolf stirred again in interest and she opened her eyes which shone serenely at him. Though as she saw him for the first time, she almost felt like she had to take a step back, while her wolf wanted to move closer. "Good afternoon, Ulfric. I hope I didn't disturb you, I only moved into town a few days ago..." She paused for a moment as his words ran through her head again... no, not his words, his voice. She picked up a small distinct trace of sadness, then noticed the way his eyes shone slightly with unshed tears.

Jaqui spoke softly, "I could come back at a better time..." Though despite her words, she was more reluctant to leave, her wolf now venturing forth to brush against his in a nurturing gesture, her warm energy spreading slightly. She wasn't sure how he'd take it, but it was in her nature to comfort others. Still, the human side realised her manners and approached, reaching her hand out gently, even though a part of her wanted to get closer to take in his scent properly, and she smiled kindly, "I'm Jaqueline Luna."

The serenity in the female's eyes and actions along with her strangely calming energy called to Adelphus' wolf, a low growl of both greeting and curiosity rumbling through the large Japanese breed as the male narrowed his eyes and caused the large black tear-drop markings around them to wrinkle slightly. The female was strong, both Adelphus and his wolf could see it and feel it, and she bore the scents of another Pack though they were starting to fade beneath the scents of the city.

Smiling faintly as the woman spoke, Adelphus tilted his head slightly as she paused and noticed she seemed to be thinking on something and looking at his eyes. Instantly he wanted to squirm beneath her gaze; the care and the fact she could see him in a weak moment even as she was coming to introduce herself to the Pack sending a thread of shame through him. Gathering himself, he searched for his center and steadied his mind softly.

Looking solidly into her eyes, all trace of those tears gone, and his smile more solid, Adelphus shook his head softly and opened his mouth to tell her to come in when her wolf came forward and nuzzled against his own. That small gesture was filled with a nurturing care and her warm energy vibrating against his own served to increase the comfort but instead of helping him swallow the tears that still threatened him it opened him up to them a little more so that he had to visibly swallow to stop them. Pack comfort was just as wonderful to be around, but the intimacy and added care that seemed to come from it being just the two of them in the moment gave it a quality that he had thought he had lost, and at first he didn't notice that the woman was holding out her hand for him so wrapped in thoughts and remembered sensations as he was.

Blinking almost owlishly as he came to his senses, feeling foolish and that he was making a poor first impression considering he was meant to be her Ulfric, Adelphus took the offered hand and gave a nod as he was given her name. She had a lovely smile, he found himself thinking, and unconciously his own took on more of its normalcy as he shook her hand gently then motioned for her to come in.

"It is always a good time for the Pack, in it or not. A pleasure to meet you Jaqueline, I am Adelphus Beckett. Please, come in."

The low growl of greeting was met by a similar one from the fine silver female, though while just as curious as she met the Ulfric, was also filled with the same comforting warmth that seemed to flow naturally from both Jaqui and her beast. She hadn't meant to be intruding when she'd noticed his small vulnerability when he'd answered the door, and was almost compelled to apologise, but her wolf had disagreed with the idea. To apologise would be to deny the person she was, and Jaqui had no reason to hide the fact that she cared a great deal for others.

Despite him having gathered himself though, her wolf had still felt that a little comfort couldn't go astray, and brushed against his once she'd nuzzled him, offering, in a way, a wolfie shoulder. It had slightly surprised Jaqui, but she hid it beneath the serenity that controlled her features and actions. This was certainly not the introduction she'd expected to have with her new Ulfric upon arriving, but strangely she didn't feel uncomfortable by it, almost the opposite. She did almost begin to worry however, when she seemed to have lost him for a moment through the intimate gesture her wolf had made, and she hoped she hadn't crossed a line already. The last thing she wanted was to upset him before even having received a name.

Soon enough, he came back around with a few blinks which caught Jaqui's attention to just how deep his eyes were. When he took her hand, she found herself relaxing a tension that she hadn't realised had built up over the past few days. Her wolf growled approvingly with the energy he carried within himself and as his own smile began to show through, hers only brightened more in response.

"The pleasure is mutual," Jaqui tilted her head, still smiling serenely as Adelphus introduced himself and gestured for her to enter. "You can call me Jaqui if you like." As he made room for her to enter, she stepped inside the house. Her wolf, satisfied that she had helped, licked the male wolf on the ear before moving further into the house to check it out. The feeling Jaqui had the moment she entered was of pack, family, and it caused a small wistful sigh though she kept her senses sharp as her wolf explored a little but not venturing far from her, out of respect more than anything.

Jaqui played with a strand of her long black hair, taking in the scent of lukoi that filled the house. It was a warm and inviting energy. Snapping out of her reverie, she returned her gaze to Adelphus, "You must have quite the family here, I can almost taste the warmth." She chuckled and shook her head, thinking that might not have made much sense.

"I wasn't sure what to expect to be honest. I've spent every day of my life until recently with my old pack. So I was nervous about the idea of joining a completely different one." Jaqui tilted her head again slightly as she seemed to think about something, "Only took a few days before the solitude got to me enough to have me look you up." Her eyes focussed again, though they carried almost a hint of sadness which she shook off quickly returning to the calming smile, "So here I am."

To say Adelphus was surprised by the way Jaqueline's wolf seemed to desire to give a constant stream of comfort to others would have been an understatement, but his own wolf was certainly not shocked. He had been trying to comfort Adelphus for a while now and felt that Jaqueline and her wolf would be the ones to help with the last remnants of hurt. She was so caring and warm; her strength was both metaphysical and mental that much was obvious, and they both knew she would be a great Pack member. She had an aura of motherly care that would be good for the Pack. But they could see she was in need of care herself, and so slightly more tentatively than her wolf's actions Adelphus' wolf padded after the female as she went to explore a little of the house. The closer companionship would be a comfort to both parties, and her wolf could be shown the Pack house by another wolf. But deeper down, Adelphus knew that his wolf was struck with both curiosity and a rememberance all of his own. Haley's wolf had loved to lick his ears and muzzle in their quiet time together, and to be licked again was a pleasant experience if a little ache inspiring.

Watching without staring as Jaqui played with her hair and took in the scents of the Pack house, Adelphus' smile grew slightly at her comment and he gave a pleased chuckle, flattered by her statement. He had tried to make the house a safe place for the Pack where they could feel at home and be a family. Just two nights ago the entire Pack had come over and they'd all curled up infront of the fire watching a movie, complete with bowls of popcorn and drinks. They'd ended up sleeping in that pile, too cosy and comforted to move, and it was one of the many Pack moments Adelphus held close in his heart. They were a family in many senses of the word, and he was proud to be a part of it.

"Thank you Jaqui, though the family will be all the better for your warm presence i'm sure."

Listening quietly as Jaqui spoke again, her eyes going distant as he knew his own had not long ago, and he felt a stirring of empathy for her when he saw the subtle hint of sadness in her gaze. She had stories to tell indeed.

"Well we'll try and make you feel at home as best as possible until you settle in. This is my first Pack so I cannot know how you feel exactly, but i'm always here if you ever need to talk. Do you want to sit down, or anything to eat or drink at all?"

Jaqui had felt a little awkward after her wolf had so openly given comfort to Adelphus, but it had passed as she was assured by the reactions of both wolves that it had been the right thing to do. She had scalded herself lightly, but it was only because she was still nervous, and had been drawn to him even before he'd answered the door. Her wolf appreciated the company of the male following her in her exploration, and slowed with a small growl, inviting him to show her the pack house. It was obvious she had not been a fan of the isolation Jaqui had placed them in over the past few days or so and she liked the feel of his energy, it was oddly comforting and familiar and she licked him on the nose playfully before trotting off in her continued inspection.

To hear Adelphus chuckle after she'd seen the slight pain he'd carried when they'd greeted one another, Jaqui couldn't help but smile brighter. But she had only spoken the truth, the place felt cozy and warm and she realised she could possibly find herself being happy here. It had occurred to her that she hadn't been certain if she could ever be as happy as she was with the old pack, but now she was willing to give it a shot. She had no doubt that Adelphus was an outstanding Ulfric, and looked after his pack, something she could only admire. It was the feeling of family that affected her the most, there was a great deal of closeness here.

As he mentioned how her warm presence would improve the already warm place, Jaqui blushed and twirled her finger in her hair self-consciously with a small chuckle, "Thank you. I'm sure it will be lovely to meet the rest of the pack. You've done very well to turn it into such an inviting environment." She realised that she'd let her guard down for a moment, not that it usually bothered her, but she had lived a relatively easy life and was so used to helping others that she placed her own needs to the back of her mind for other things, which is what she did now as she snapped out of it with a smile.

"Oh, I'm sure it probably won't take me long to settle," Jaqui chuckled lightly, then raised her eyebrow as Adelphus mentioned it was his first pack, "Well allow me to compliment you, its a lovely and inviting atmosphere. My wolf certainly agrees with me." Her wolf was relaxed, satisfied with what she saw, and happier than at the motel where they were staying. "Pack has been my life, my mother is vargamor for my old one, which is what I was learning to become... until I accidentally became a full member." She shrugged lightly, she was comfortable with her situation, it never bothered her... well, until later, but she wouldn't think about that right now.

Jaqui tilted her head slightly at the offers, a small smile playing on her lips as her eyes watched Adelphus warmly, "Green tea would be lovely if you have it." She considered sitting down and her smile brightened a little more, "Perhaps we could sit outside? Its a beautiful day out, and seems a waste to spend it indoors."