Darnell

"Ain't you a chipper looking one?"

Sleek, wiry Darnell is Gilneas's lead chaser. While Bruin, the first wolf to join the alpha pair as a pack had a more receptive welcome, Darnell nearly left. As the second wolf to take up residency, Darnell quickly found his use as a chaser, eager to relieve some of Bruin's burden as the only hunter. Problems arose when Bruin's successful solo hunts became a tag team consistently losing prey. Greymane blamed Darnell, and with Mia pregnant at the time, was dangerously close to exiling the newcomer for his perceived failure.

Bruin was the one who turned the alpha's view around. The easy-going Bear Wolf vouched for Darnell's cleverness and swift paws. While the former had the knowledge to track and the strength to take down their quarry, it was the latter who ran prey to exhaustion. Darnell had lost many scents, that much was true, but he was young, and the autumn season hadn't been particularly kind or giving. If he could be given the chance to learn and hone his skills, he could succeed.

And indeed he did. It took another month and more pack members, but it was Darnell who led the charge against a boar - his first successful large prey. He frightened the creature into running when need be, but was always swift enough to get out of the way when it turned to fight. The Gilnean pack ate well for a week.

With Greymane impressed and his temper quelled, the alpha saw reason and learned a valuable lesson in patience. Darnell, ever wily, continues to avoid him and always manages to be out hunting when Greymane needs him. He prefers to spend his time around Bruin and Kaila particularly, and when given the proper chance, his true personality shines. He's a bit of a prankster who nurtures a dry sense of humor that belies his patience and perceptiveness. Lately, with the increase in new packmates, some rumors have begun regarding Darnell's lineage. The Lead Chaser must have some amount of coyote blood to house that much wit, not to mention his pale, golden-tawny coat. Darnell himself has never confirmed nor denied the claim. Most of the joy of the hunt comes from the chase, and when measured out correctly, one never has to climb down from the rush that comes with not getting caught.