The following week was extremely busy as I finished moving into the house that the Berekovs and formerly occupied. With the new paint and the refinishing on the furniture the private quarters where my family now lived was as cozy and comfortable as our old quarters had been. Furthermore, with my new sleeping habits in regards to my family I found that I felt a little better every morning and I also noticed that both Katy and Sergey were also doing better.
After spending more then five days inside of Pride Territory my parents, and my grandfather left to spend some time in the city, I wasn't sure what they had in mind, but it really wasn't any of my business.
That evening all three of them came to my office and I could tell that they wanted to talk.
"Evening, what can I do for you?" I asked leaning back in my comfortable chair.
My mom looked a bit tense and I could tell that whatever it was that she wanted to say wasn't going to be easy for her or my father. After a few more moments, she looked into my eyes. "Mark, I've seen what you have here, and what my father has shown me I have to say that part of me desires these things. I have tried my best to age with dignity but, it is beginning to bother me that I am no longer capable of doing some of the things that I used to be able to do."
Beside her my father nodded slightly, "I agree with your mother, neither of us is really ready or willing to stop enjoying life. Furthermore, both of us have seen areas where we can assist your Pride. I know that I am not the tech head that you are Mark, but I have knowledge and experience on how to get the most out of the land that you live on, without harming it permanently."
I nodded, "Mom I'm guessing that you are interested in the medical angle, since that's what you spent thirty years doing in the city?"
"Yes, your Pride medic is experienced, but his training is a bit lacking. I can start learning about Weres and with my knowledge of modern practices and techniques I am sure that the level of health care here will improve."
I nodded and looked at my Grandfather, "I take it you will move on shortly? You don't seem like you are the kind to set down roots easily."
"You are right in that I don't really like setting down roots, but this place reminds me of my own birthplace so much that it isn't even funny. The only thing that is massively different is the culture, and the snow, which my cat is no fan of, he thinks it's far too cold here. The feeling of your Pride is a good one though, and I can already see that my daughter and her mate will do well here, even though snow isn't really something that Bengals like they can adapt to it in time."
Mom gave her father a glance and sniffed. "Mark, he will remain here for as long as I need him, but right now I need you to ask your Matriarch to come and let us join."
"Mom, I'm assuming that you've already read through that reader that I gave you on the Laws of the Pride?" I asked her, since this was a serious matter.
"All three of us have read, and discussed them at length, there are a few that look like they've been there for a very long time, but we can live with those until they are adjusted for our contemporary time."
"I take it that your father explained why some of our penalties are so harsh?" I inquired as I was reaching out in the bonds for Shanna and Olaf. *Matriarch, my parents are desiring to join the Pride, I've already made sure that they understand what they are getting into.*
*I can come there and administer the oath, since you have rooms for them to recover in.* Shanna replied to me as I sat back in my chair.
"Mom, dad, joining the Pride is a difficult step to take for both of you, though I am confident that both of you will fit in wonderfully. One thing I must stress is that you must not, under any circumstance, take any form of painkiller after you join the Pride. The initial Bonds are painful and feel like a rather bad headache. The best way to get through the initial bond is to sleep it off while your brain begins to adjust to the new bonds with your Pridemates. One thing that you will soon find out is that at times I will be giving you orders and when I do I would prefer if they were obeyed. I'm a senior cat in the Pride and there will be times, though you are my parents, when I will be giving orders that are meant for your protection. If you do have questions about my orders you are more than welcome to ask me about them, we aren't wolves and we don't expect unquestioned obedience, but sometimes we need it."
