Pack Rivalry 1x1 [Ranger 9, Scoinwolf, ThousandSounds]

[ThousandSounds]

Ranger:

• Storm Runner (Healer)
• Thistle (Fighter)
• Snowfall (Hunter)
• Misty (Broodfather)
• Birch (Healer)
• Bracken (Scout/Sentry)
• Aspen (Hunter)
• Shadow (Scout/Sentry)
• Sparks (Fighter 'apprentice')
• Raven (Fighter)

ThousandSounds:

• Karper Gray (Hunter)
• Kapro (Fighter)
• Liannah (Lead Huntress)
• Meillas (Scout/Sentry)
• Derriah (Fighter/Broodfather)
• Krux (Alpha)
• Gina (Fighter)
• Keyzzar (Fighter, rogue)
• Bino (Fighter, rogue)
• Chromia (Fighter, rogue)
• Tamest (Unranked, rogue)
• Frickle (Unranked, rogue)
• Piebald (Fighter)
• Qiu (Beta Female)

Scoinwolf:

• Chase (Alpha)
• Thordane (Beta Male/Lead Fighter)
• Renn (Hunter)
• Ember (Hunter)
• Timber (Hunter)
• Pebble (Scout/Sentry)
• Scout (Scout/Sentry)
• Flicker (Mediator/Emissary, rogue)
• Hawke (Scout/Sentry, rogue)
  Howler (Hunter 'apprentice' )
• Wren (Fighter)

-
-

______________________________________________________________________________

-
-
-
Relationships:

• Qiu & Wren [Sisters]
• Cryene, Argent,Qiu & Wren [Parents & daughter]
• Raven & Shadow [Brother & Sister]
• Raven & Sparks [Father & son]
• Hawke, Shadow & Howler [Parents & daughter]
• Scout & Pebble [Thorn's 2nd cousins]
• Bino, Chromia & Piebald [Siblings]

• Aspen x Renn [Mates] (secretly)
• Shadow x Hawke [Mates]
• Cyrene x Argent [Mates]
• Meillas → Storm Runner [Crush]
• Kapro x Thistle [Crushes]
• Snowy x Liannah [Crushes]
• Snowy → Thordane [Crush]
• Liannah → Thordane [Crush]
• Pebble → Ember [Crush]

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

______________________________________________________________________________

-
-
-

Realistic setting.
Red Skies and Dark Forest was founded after a Conflict between 2 Deep River members who had gained a swell amount of followers, forcing them to split They went their separate ways. Chase and Krux have been against each other for months, and disagree with each others leading techniques.
Wanting to make a home where everyone felt welcome and appreciated Chase created a haven he called - Red Skies.
Seeking nothing but power and loyalty by force or hatred Krux founded his own pack titled - Dark Forest

Dark Forest: 17

• Krux (Alpha)
• Qiu (Beta Female)
• Thordane (Beta Male)
  
• Gina (Leader Fightress)
• Keyzzar (Fighter)
• Wren (Fighter)
• Bino ( fighter)
• Chromia (Fighter)
• Piebald (Fighter)
  
• Liannah (Lead Huntress)
• Snowy (Huntress)
• Renn (Huntress)
• Aspen (Huntress)
  
• Meillas (Scout/Sentry)
• Pebble (Scout/Sentry)
• Storm Runner (healer)
• Misty (Broodfather)

Red Skies: 16

• Chase (Alpha )
• no beta
• Flicker (Meditator)
• Lead fighters TBD
• Kapro (Fighter)
• Thistle (Fighter)
• Raven (Fighter)
• Sparks (Fighter app)
  
• Karper Gray (Lead Hunter)
• Ember & Timber (Huntresses)
• Howler (Hnter app)
  
• Scout (Scout/sentry)
• Hawke (Scout/Sentry)
• Bracken (Scout/Sentry)
• Shadow (Scout/Sentry)
  
• Frickle (Healer)
• Birch (Healer)
• Derriah (Broodfather)

[Ranger 9]

Dark Forest

Storm Runner hunched over Misty’s paw, the tip of his tongue poking out between his teeth in concentration as he lined up his next move. “Got your stick?” He questioned, hearing a muffled grunt and the sound of the pup sitter biting down into the wood in preparation. “Okay, in three .. two ..!” Before even hitting one Storm pushed down on the dislocated paw, hearing it click back into place at the same time Misty wailed, the sturdy branch in his jaws creaking as the young adult sunk his teeth into it.
“Hush, see, you did a good job!” The young healer praised his patient, smiling at his pack mate even as Misty grimaced in pain. Storm Runner sat back, pleased, as his grey companion pushed himself up awkwardly, trying not to put much pressure on his hurt paw.
“Oh. Hm.” Misty tested it out, hissing a bit as he put his full weight on the paw. “It does feel better. Just sore now.” He admitted after a moment. “Thanks Storm.”
Storm Runner chuckled. “Oh, no worries. You stay off that for tonight and it’ll feel much better in the morning. And no more trying to climb trees! You’re a wolf, not a bear you dork.”
Misty laughed as he turned out of the healer’s den, shooting a smile back at his friend over his shoulder. “Yes sir!” He beamed, limping out into camp.
Storm chuckled to himself, setting about cleaning up the den floor, smoothing the dirt Misty had dug up when he set the paw.

Aspen and Snowfall dragged the deer into camp, relying on Renn to direct them around foliage and other obstacles while their backs were turned. Finally, after carrying the large buck back across what felt like half the territory, they could relax. Aspen laid down with a groan, her paws up in the air, dangling helplessly as she rolled around a bit. “Ohh, my paws, I’m afraid I shall never feel them again.” She dramatized, peeking up at Renn through her charade.
Snowfall giggled, pushing against her friend’s side and sitting down as well, panting. “Oh shush, your paws will be fine. Just as they were fine last hunt, and the many hunts before.” She replied.
“See, when I was a loner we just ate where we felled the prey.” Aspen poked back at her fellow huntress. “And we gobbled up anyone who sneezed at critical moments!”
Snowfall giggled in response, avoiding the half hearted jabs of Aspen’s paws. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She could barely speak, too amused by her friend’s facial expressions. “Oh, but the pollen gets me every spring. This is why I wanted you to be the one to circle under that tree.” She protested in good faith.

Red Skies

Thistle paced the border of her pack’s territory, gazing wistfully into the stretch of no-wolf’s land between the two pack ranges. She yearned for a sight of her brother, it had been several days since he last promised to visit and she worried he was having trouble sneaking out of camp. Whereas Chase didn’t mind how she spent her time as long as she got her daily duties done, she knew Thordane was constantly on the job. Whether it was his alpha or himself holding him to that standard, it did not matter. She supposed that’s just what it was like being in charge of your packmates.
It didn’t stop her from worrying that Krux had found them out. Every moment she got with Thordane was stolen, and Krux despised thieves. She worried what would happen to her brother if they got caught. Chase wouldn’t punish her, she doubted, but even still she hadn’t brought up these meetings to her alpha. Things were still very tense between the packs, and it wasn’t like what she and Thordane were doing was hurting anyone.

Birch and Bracken lay together in a pile in a sunny spot in camp. Bracken had just gotten off his nighttime sentry duty and was snoring, loud enough that at certain points his sister would poke him, waking the male up just enough to stop. Birch herself was dozing in the combined warmth of the sun and her brother’s fur, content to have a lazy day in camp. She spent most of her time there anyways, being a healer, so it wasn’t like she was missing out on anything. Technically she was on duty right now, available to treat anyone who came to her. But as of this morning no accidents nor scrapes had occurred that needed her attentions. Which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. If anything, a day where her skills were not needed was a good day indeed.

[ThousandSounds]

Dark Forest

Liannah slowly limped with her left hind leg, while also supporting the slightly beaten Meillas. The blonde sighed no really sure what to say to reassure her. "He's gotta stop ruffing you up like this.. You're Pebble's co-rank, and without you, He's his only sentry and scout." The green eyes huntress eyed the ground in pity. Krux had a tendency to roughen up Meillas for seeming meeker than other packmates. While Liannah had nothing good to say about Krux most of the time, she knew he wasn't all that cruel either, sure calling this a sparring lesson is a complete understatement, but she can't expect him to go soft on his followers. At least he seemed to lose interest fast.

Meillas was just so tired, so tired of it all, especially being Krux's favorite target to pick on, she couldn't help the hunter's or scout's elegance she was born with, There's no way their alpha could expect to be able to make a champion fighter out of her. But she felt bad for the rest of her mates, if a hunter failed to bring home a meal of his approved size he would shun them with snarky and sarcastic comments, when a fighter did weak in battle or sparring he would always express how he wishes they'd at least try to do better. But... He did give them a home, a territory well sized, and protected, the hunting ground weren't bad either - so she couldn't really complain. Sure he wasn't the perfect leader but at least he wasn't that abusive, the silver gradient female sighed as her mane tuff fell over her eye once more "It's okay really... We've been through worse right?" The Huntress giggled in agreement, they have gone through some tough times as rouges before They joined the Deep River pack before the harmony there was broken.
"How's that leg.. Does it feel broken?" She asked her best friend, as they walked to the Medbay to see Storm, the silver female was impressed by how much the injury didn't bother her friend, or maybe she was just used to hunting accidents. Liannah just simply snorted with a giggle and hopped torwards Storm cheerfully.
"Hey Storm Runner!" she greeted. "How's work down here at the healer's dens?" the blonde tilted her head, and very carefully parked her booty on the grass with a messy Meillas silently standing next to her not daring to interrupt as they exchanged conversation. "Say.. If you're not tending to another patient Meillas here could really use your help. Krux decided to 'spar' with her again..." she pointed by looking over at her best friend who was too shy to even let her see the little smile. "My problem can wait, I have to go check on Aspen, Snowfall and Renn anyway, we saw them not far from the border when on our way here." she stood up with her tail raised up in the air "I'll come back and see you about my hind leg once Mels is patched up!"

Chirping she turned to take her leave making her way past the fighter's camp she nodded a greeting to Thordane, Passing by Krux's den which the alpha was laying on top of on the great stone that favored so much, She already knew by his scowl that he was waiting to see how the hunters did and ready to judge if they failed. She lowered her head before slowing her pace to bow down to him. The AWD design male nodded in acknowledgement, and watched as she made her way toward the border with a flick of his tail, the Alpha yawned wide as he watched over his pack, he looked up at the sun. Once he's done observing the results of his hunters he'll go send out his scouts and Check in to see if his most loyal Thordane was on camp ground, maybe there's a chore he could assign his beta.
Liannah limped over to the hunting team "Hey you guys~ - Well girls actually." she smiled happy to see them in one piece, she playfully rolled her eyes when she saw that she had walked in on Aspen putting on another show. "Lemme guess, umm.." she waged her tail pretending to think "The sore paw again?" she smirked at Aspen with friendly banter.

Red Skies

Karper and Kapro were walking along together near the border lands, until they spotted Thistle being pretty restless, Karper took pity on her, he could only take a guess on how it feels to be separated from your sibling. Karper thought that he was the only one who knew of her rendezvous so far, but he also respected her privacy, and cared for her feelings, so he never shared this information with anyone, not even his own brother. The gray gentleman gently gave Kapro a push with a hushed "Go on.." and walked passed her with a head bow and a tender smile "Good day Ma'am!" Karper greeted as he turned to walk toward the hunters camp and gather his packmates if any are on campus.
Kapro on the other hand stayed and walked up to her gently giving her a shoulder bump "Hey T'is.. You okay girl?"

[Scoinwolf]

Dark Forest

Renn laughed at Aspen's show, ducking her friend's flailing paws and flopping down next to her in the grass. "Oh, but I'm sure you're glad now to be in a pack, right?" She asked, eyes widened just a bit, mostly teasing to get a reaction out of their newest member. She rolled in a bit closer, resting her chin on Aspen's chest. "You wouldn't have met me otherwise." She pouted playfully, unable to help the gleam of mischief in her eyes. Renn flirted regularly with the other females in the pack, it was all in good fun however and most of them responded with rolled eyes and laughs. While it was no secret she did prefer female companionship, she wasn't seriously interested - nor involved - with any of her packmates in particular.
Liannah approached them and Renn sat up, one paw still on Aspen's chest, about to reply with a joke before catching sight of Thordane behind their lead huntress. Her good humor fell, and she watched him nervously, breathing out a sigh of relief when the dark wolf simply observed them a moment longer before getting up and vanishing to Krux's den. She'd worried for a moment he would have criticized them for goofing off but it would appear he was in a good mood today. Well, a tolerable one at least.
"Aspen's paws always hurt." She teased, bumping her nose against one of the pads. "Want me to kiss them better?" A wink.

Thordane narrowed his eyes at Liannah as she passed, examining her with a once over and realizing she must have been in a sparring bout with Krux earlier. The alpha had returned to camp a considerable amount of time before the ladies had but Thordane had also noticed Liannah escorting Meillas to the healer's den. He sighed but, nonetheless, returned Liannah's nod with a grateful blink. He was glad she took the time to help her packmate back to camp. He watched as she went to join the other huntresses, who'd just gotten back as well. Locking gazes with Renn for a moment, he noticed how she stiffened. He chuckled to himself at the reaction. Ah, she didn't have to worry, her hunting party had done well. If they wanted to bond after a successful kill, well, he wouldn't stop them. As long as they were presentable when Krux went to greet them they could have this moment.
And speaking of, he should check in with his alpha. The beta got to his massive paws and made his way to the den, hoping up onto the stone to sit behind his alpha, head ducked respectfully. "Sir." He greeted. "Renn's hunting party has returned, a successful outing. They've brought a considerably sized deer, the pack will eat well tonight." He raised his head to look over his alpha's shoulder, attentive but not pushing it too far. "I see Meillas has been injured again .. Pebble will have to cover her part of the border tonight as well as his own. Would you like me to have a word with her later?" His lip curled in displeasure. Pebble was good at his job, but still young, and he would be stretched too thin tonight. Pebble was stretched too thin a lot of nights. He frowned. The youngster was sound asleep right now, he assumed, worn out from chasing coyotes off last night. He'd have to wake him soon.

Red Skies

Scout and Chase were out patrolling the far side of the border, Scout having noticed some funky scents earlier and reported them in to his alpha. Always having been a paws-on leader, Chase had joined his sentry to check them out himself. The alpha stood by now as Scout nosed along the path he had taken earlier, the young wolf intent in his search. It was a nice day out, Chase mused, the wind a pleasant breeze through the trees. Krux hadn't been making any trouble, and neither had his own pack, the separation having gone well so far. He worried some nights about the sibling pairs that had gone separate ways during the split .That Thordane had always rubbed him the wrong way, even if he could never quite place why, but it seemed Thistle missed her brother dearly. Scout and Pebble on the other paw, well, Pebble siding with Krux had surprised everyone but Scout, who simply looked resigned. The young sentry hardly mentioned his brother from that point on with the exception of him already being brought up in conversation by someone else, and even then it was more in the context of acknowledging it.
"Here, sir."
Scout's voice cut through his thoughts and Chase joined the sentry where he was alerted. Some crushed leaves, broken twigs .. a sour odor accompanying the trail. He wrinkled his nose. "Whatever this animal is, it's sick." He recognized the unpleasant aroma, but it masked whatever the original species scent might have been. "From the size of it I'm guessing a fox, though it's clearly disoriented." He frowned. "How far does it go?" He questioned.
"It meanders for quite a while, crossing in and out of our lands." Scout replied. "I'm not sure when it came in, or when it left, but I'll keep an eye out for it tonight as well."
Chase nodded. "You can finish your patrol, I'll return to camp and let the hunters know to watch out for it as well."

[Ranger 9]

Dark Forest

Aspen couldn’t help the blush as Renn laid down on her chest. “Y-yeah. I am glad I joined.” She mumbled shyly, stuttering lightly. A warm glow surrounded the area Renn was resting on, and Aspen remembered belatedly that the rest of her hunt sisters were there still. Renn sat up abruptly and Aspen moved to half sit as well, eyes widening in worry that Krux was coming over to inspect the hunt. Usually the alpha waited a bit, giving them time to recuperate. But it was just Liannah and both girls relaxed.
“Yes, my paws are a bit sore.” Aspen laughed, then was once more caught off guard by Renn’s movements. “Well, I wouldn’t say no.” She winked in response to her pack mate. “Oh, but Liannah, you’re limping as well? Did your hunt this morning go wrong?” She asked in concern.
Snowfall had picked up on that as well. “It was Krux, wasn’t it.” Her ears went back. “I saw him leave with you and Meillas... How is she?” Usually the other female came back from those sparring bouts their alpha insisted on with some form of injury. Thinking of their alpha now, Snowy sat upright, craning her neck to see if he was coming over. She caught sight of Thordane leaving and assumed he was off to updated Krux on their hunt. That was good, perhaps Thordane could ease the alpha’s temper. Sometimes if a sparring round was particularly rough Krux would come back in quite the mood. And judging by Meillas not being there, and Krux returning so much sooner than the girls, Snowy worried it had been bad this morning.

“Hey, hey girls!” Storm Runner looked over his shoulder from where he was putting his supplies away, a bright grin for even the darkest days.
And then he saw the state they were in.
“Oh dear.” Instantly he sobered up, coming over with concern etched on his face. “A sparring bout, you say? I’ll have to have a word with Krux about that...” He murmured. As the healer he had a certain amount of sway with the alpha, and perhaps less intimidation than the other pack members. Storm Runner was young, but he was experienced, and since he was put in charge of the health of the pack he would go to great lengths to ensure his pack mates were taken care of.
“Tell me where it hurts.” He registered Liannah leaving and made a mental note to make sure she followed up with him later but in this moment Meillas was the one who needed him the most. He nosed over her fur with feather light touches, doing his own personal check on the extent of the bruising even as his patient told him her own areas of concern.

Red Skies

“Oh, good morning Karper!” Thistle returned his greeting, rolling her eyes playfully at the ‘ma’am’ he always insisted on doing. Still, it brightened her day just a little bit. And the day was brightened even more so when Kapro came up on her other side, his familiar scent even more appreciated than Karper’s formality.
“Hey, you.” She nudged Kapro back, lingering a moment before sitting back upright. The loss of contact left her shoulder cold despite not feeling that way before he’d come over. “Oh, you know. Just homesick, I suppose.” She smiled sadly at him. “I miss when we were all together sometimes. Not all the tension, of course, nor the disagreement on who should take the old alpha’s place since he passed without naming an heir. But I miss the togetherness of family. I miss my brother.” She admitted. She thought Kapro knew of her nighttime meetings, but she’d never confirmed it, and he’d never brought it up. Plausible deniability and all that. She sighed.
“I’m glad you and Karper were able to stick together.” She looked wistfully off into the woods.

[ThousandSounds]

Dark Forest

Meillas sat there calmly and shily while Storm inspected her, about to answer him on her pain she winched, with a very silent hiss in pain, at feeling of touch not far form her armpit, she felt slightly embarrassed to have to visit him in this state, but it was kind of nice to have his company again. "W-Well.. M-My rib cage feels a little beat up, like the wind has been knocked out of me.." she started " I'm mostly nastily covered in bruises, but my entire right side feels like I've been scorched in a forest fire." she admitted to him. She was tired.. exhausted.. She just wanted to rest. Sure maybe some could say it was abuse- no, It was abuse, and yet somehow she convinced herself it wasn't that bad. Despite all this she has trust in their alpha, even when she couldn't muster up the courage to tell him he'll never make a warrior-goddess out of her. Was she really that used to it where it seemed.. normal?
"My right thigh joint hurts a little, left shoulder and arm feels weak. And then there's this..." She quietly muttered the last part in embarrassment to lift her neck fur and reveal a mark she received during a scuffle with a fox. She felt a little embarrassed about it but nothing more but a stinging sensation compared to the rest of the wounding. "I had a little mishap during my scouting duty..."


Catching sight of Renn's sudden stiffening Liannah looked behind over her own shoulder, however a happy warm smile painted itself on her muzzle when she caught sight of Thordane. She watched him leave in the direction to their Alpha's quarters for a second before turning back to her team "Don't worry about him. He's just misunderstood, I'm sure he's harmless" She spoke with such confidence, yet still very warmly and calmly. It's almost as if he didn't intimidate her at all, and it's true, she actually liked having Thordane around, even if they weren't the closest packmates he always gave her that feeling of safety. So she had no problem in trusting him completely.
Liannah perked up when Aspen inquired about her leg injury. "Oh-h! Yeah.. Got a pretty nasty kick from that antlered brat" She giggled as she stood up to reveal the wound and a hoofmark on her haunch. Her attention was then quickly directed to Snowfall, as the blonde sat back down, hearing the concern and displeasure in the huntresses voice. Liannah sadly sighed "Yeah... Another 'sparring' bout.. I helped her over to Storm Runner. I'm sure she'll be okay" she tenderly rubbed her nose on Snowy's cheek in comfort. "I just wish he wouldn't pick on her so much.." Liannah admitted, but then an idea struck and her ears perked back up. "But.. I'll talk to Thordane about this, I'm confident he'll be able to do something about this".


Krux watched as he laid up high on top of his den, enjoying the warm, waiting for the hunters to pass by so that he could see and comment on their work. Waiting to see if they were successful in their endeavors or failed shamefully. His ear twitched at the sound of Someone approaching, taking a glance he spotted his Beta and Lead fighter. "Thordane" he greeted calmly with a nod before turning his stares back to the direction of where the hunters would emerge from, until he heard Thordane's report on the pack's wellbeing. "Splenndid," the male purred before sharing a little space for the dark male to sit and inviting him. "Here, come, sit with me..".
However the topic of Meillas caught his interest, he hummed in acknowledgement. Hanging on every word. His paws clenched around the edge of the stone plate, claws digging into it. "No," he answered calmly "Thank you. But Meillas will continue her duties as per usual. We need Pebble in his own region of the border." He assured his most trusted wolf.
Krux sighed heavily with a slight growl in his voice "If only she wasn't so meek it wouldn't be so hard." yeah it was frustrating enforcing his 'training' and getting no results, but he had bigger priorities than her. His brows raised in thought, 'What if I assigned her to someone..'

Red Skies

Karper chuckled at her eye roll, the tenderness of it as soft as a swan's feather, Being quite aware that she wasn't much into formalities, it still amused him. After all there's never been any harm in it so far. Having finally ditched his brother knowing it's best if she has someone next to her she approves of to comfort her, as well as for him to be around the girl he's been head over paws for. Well that and As far as he knew Kapro's seemed like the only one able to give the kind of comfort Thistle needed.

Looking around their territory, Karper began seeking out their Alpha. Surely Chase had to have something for him today, or perhaps some new requests in hunting, or a new task. "Sir?" He called out looking around, He spotted the pack's broodfather - Derriah by the watering hole, as he neared the sleek male he watched as he shook his fur probably fixing his do. "Hey Derriah," he greeted.
"Karper Gray" The broodfather snorted playfully in a greeting. Amused to see the hunter, Expecting another friendly banter coming his way or play or jaw sparring he gave him a toothy smirk, 'til he found out why Karper was really approaching him.
"Say.. have you seen their grace? Chase?"
Derriah flicked his tail in thought as he hummed "mm.. I think he might've went out with Scout earlier?" The male then began to scratch behind his ear "Looking for another assignment, huh?" He gave Karper that smug smirk, to which they gray male just chuffed and gave his packmate a playful shove. "Check his camp, maybe he's tending his den!" Derriah barked in his packmate's direction as the sudden idea came to his mind.
And with that he did, he made his way to the Alpha's camp. "Sir?" he asked as he once again looked around for any sign of Chase.


"I get what you mean." He replied sympathetically, putting a paw over her shoulder as he lightly pulled her in for an embrace while listening to her attentively. The brown male sighed "Yeah... Those were simpler times." he gazed out in the distance, "Sure some of us were still jerks back then, but the family was totally worth it, sometimes I wonder if those who chose to stayed are rebuilding Deep River or have they moved on.." He shared his own thoughts in a fair exchange, till he thought about she she said last about him and Karper. "Heh, sometimes I'm not even sure who followed which one."

He had caught her long gaze a couple of times, and he always wondered how he could help, he wanted to encourage her to go out there - to promise to have her back if things go sour. But he didn't want to get her in trouble if Chase was to find out, even if he admitted to be fully responsible he worried she might be scolded for willingly taking up on his offer. "Tell you what T'is, How about you and I go for a walk tonight?" He looked at her with that confident smile, he was ready to make her feel better. "Maybe it'll help you feel better out in the open, with the fireflies. Derriah can cover for us, the pack doesn't have any pups to sit anyway."

[Scoinwolf]

Dark Forest

"Thordane?" Renn frowned, shifting with Aspen as she sat up so that she could sit more comfortably pressed against her packmate. "I think you give him too much credit, Lin. I'll admit he certainly keeps us protected, but he practically worships the ground Krux walks on. He's not going to do anything to overturn our alpha's decisions." Renn knew Thordane worked tirelessly to ensure the pack was functioning at full capacity, and often resolved things before Krux had to get involved, but she didn't think the dark male was doing it for their benefit - nor even his own. Thordane's sole loyalty was to Krux in her eyes. He was also incredibly intimidating, with his flat stare and massive height. Renn always felt uneasy around him. She pressed a little closer to Aspen.
"At least we did well today with our hunt. Krux will have nothing to complain about with this kill!" She nudged Aspen's shoulder. "You did great, I've never seen a wolf leap so high! And Snowy's plan worked great, even if she did have a case of the sneezes." She teased.

Thordane stepped forwards, settling in next to his alpha. The massive, dark wolf hunched his shoulders as he sat, gazing out over the camp with piercing golden eyes. It was a nice vantage point, the stone, and it had been warmed by the sun. He could see why Krux liked it so much. There was a sense of power as they languished there together and he reveled in it. He couldn't help gazing down more at his alpha than the camp, however, his devotion more clearly aligned with Krux than the pack or land itself.
At Krux's decision on Meillas he couldn't help the disappointed sigh. Directed not at Krux - but rather Meillas. "We do need Pebble in his own region." He agreed. "He needs to be there every shift. But if Meillas is weakened so is the border she protects. She's useless to the pack when injured." She worked far better as a scout than a sentry, a runner, not a fighter. If something crossed the border she was better off as an alert system whereas Pebble was able to chase off assailants more often than not. Krux's sparring sessions were necessary for Meillas, but they didn't seem to be having the affect the alpha and he had been hoping for.
Thordane's job was to ensure the pack was running seamlessly, he was there to enforce Krux's orders so that Krux didn't have to. Krux should only be bothered when there was something wrong, as alpha he had far more important things to worry about than whether or not the border was being watched. It was supposed to be watched, and Thordane took this to mean he was failing at his own job for this to be such a consistent problem. He should have caught the problem before it escalated so badly. Unfortunately they didn't really have anyone to be able to replace Meillas, no one he could train to fill in the gaps.
"We need pups." He mused aloud. "Some fresh blood to strengthen the pack."

Red Skies

"Karper Gray!" Chase entered the camp just as he heard his name being called out by the hunter. He stretched, long and deep, muscles pleasantly sore from his exertion today. As Karper didn't seem to be in distress, the alpha remained relaxed, shaking out his coat and walking over with no hurry. He licked his muzzle, cleaning off the remainder of the blood from his snack on the way back. The squirrel had practically run right into his paws and he wasn't about to waste it. "What can I do for you?" He asked, curious. He'd intended to seek Karper out anyways with the warning about the fox Scout had found, but if the hunter had something else he wished to discuss, the news could wait.

[Ranger 9]

Dark Forest

Aspen blushed. "Aw, thank you." She nudged Renn back with a little more force than her friend had used on her.
Snowy rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry! It's the weather." She protested without heat, giggling despite herself. Renn had managed to distract her from the tension and the creamy white she-wolf was grateful. "But Liannah, are you sure Thordane will do anything? I'm with Renn, I don't think you should get your hopes up. Krux is a brute, but I don't think Thordane is much better. If anything he enable's Krux's bad habits." She was shy about speaking up, and kept her voice hushed even though there was no way anyone outside there group would overhear.
Aspen listened quietly. She was still relatively new here, and didn't know the packmates as well as everyone who'd grown up together, but from what she'd witnessed she doubted Thordane would do much to improve their situation. Still, she gave Liannah the benefit of the doubt, maybe she knew something about their beta that no one else did? "Even if Thordane agreed to speak about it, it's Krux's decision in the end." She felt she should contribute.
"Just, whatever you do.. be careful?" Snowfall requested nervously.

Storm Runner frowned as he inspected her. "You're in pretty bad shape." He admitted. "On your right side, from your description, it makes me think you have a bruised rib. It will heal on its own within a month if you take it easy and don't put pressure on it. When you sleep, lay on your left side. Don't go roughhousing with Krux, I'll try to have a word with him." As the medic, Storm Runner's word should have considerable weight - in a normal pack. He wasn't sure if Krux would actually listen to him but he wanted to try at least. He sighed. "It's no wonder your thigh and shoulder ache, you've got terrible bruises there. I think you overstretched your leg, nothing but bed rest for that. I'll clean that bite on your neck, don't want it getting infected, and I can give you a wrap for your ribs if you like. Other than that, these will set on their own, you mostly need rest." He licked at the wound on her neck, cleaning it out before retreating to the notch in the cave he kept his herbs stashed in. A quick salve was made to put on her wound, and he covered it with a swath of cobwebs to hold it in place. "Come see me before bed." He nosed her gently. "You can sleep here tonight."

Red Skies

Thistle chuckled. "You followed each other." She decided. Thinking back on what he'd said about Dark River, she hummed a sad little noise. "If they can move on." She agreed softly, not sure if he heard her, not sure if she wanted him to. She shook her ruff out, careful not to dislodge Kapro's paw, leaning into him a little bit without thinking much of it.
"A night walk sounds really nice." She smiled at him. "Thank you." She did enjoy fireflies, and perked up at the thought of being able to see them. Kapro was a cherished friend of hers, and she enjoyed his company more than most. While she longed to be walking with her brother, and Kapro was in no way a substitute for him, it was nice in a different way to be sneaking out with her fellow fighter.
"Do you ever wonder.." She paused, then shook her head, standing up and jumping around in front of her companion, dropping down into a play bow. "Never mind! Race me to the river?" She wiggled her hips, jumping up at him once more, aiming to playfully knock his head down into the dirt to slow him down before she raced off without an answer, knowing he would follow.

[ThousandSounds]

Dark Forest

Baring through the pain she lifted her paw to scratch that itch behind her ear, it also helped her focus on hearing her packmate's more. While she agreed they have valid reason to feel cautious around their beta male, so she respected their opinions completely, but never the less she tried to back up their Beta Male. "Don't worry girls, I'm sure he'll be more than willing to help us, Thordane's just a big ol' teddy bear!"
Sure, maybe he had done a little bad, but she didn't think he should be the one to be put on trial for it just yet. The blonde hummed in thought to Snowy's and Apsen's words. "Hmm.. But even if it is Krux here to call the shots, I don't think he's the boss of any of us here really. The only reason he has.. guts, to Claim he's ruling with an iron paw is because he has Thordane and Gina." her lips curled in disgust at the thought of Krux, he was a lousy leader, always so indecisive and moody. Sometimes she wondered why they even followed him after the Deep River departure..
In the earlier of days when Krux proved to be a bad alpha she had thought about running, but she couldn't bare the thought of abandoning her family in misery like that, thinking maybe one day she could turn things around for the better of them. So following her heart she stayed to live with those she loved. Perking up rather quickly with a wag on her tail, she was determined to prove Thordane wasn't as bad as he was made out to be "I can see your reason of doubt, so how bout a lil bet?" giving them a mischievous smirk. And added "From each of you."



"Meillas is not your problem, Thordane" Krux warned tenderly, "If She was as useless, she wouldn't even be here. I, need her, here." Krux had big plans for her, that was hardly a secret at all. He was rather very fond of the so called runt of the pack. He breathed in the small breeze, enjoying the moment of silence, and distant chatter of the females.
Pups. Pup-Pups! Disgusted by the thought of just more mouths to feed until they can grown up to even serve a purpose in his ranks. Nevertheless his beta was right, they needed fresh blood, or any fresh member to put in their lines. "we need warriors." He mused " I want this land, Thordane, I want it all. Down to the very last, curse'd drop. -- But we gotta be smart about this, If Chase knows something is up he will ensure things will become harder for us. He's gutsy, but he's not stupid, He could practically smell a liar a mile away."

With a heavy sigh he laid his head on his paws, he needed to think, a plan, a mole - someone in the inside - Someone Close. "Your sister. Doesn't her boyfriend have a cousin?" he questioned aloud, "He could be perfect for us. We could use him, if we could just find him and convince him that we are better than them." He sighed again stretching his exhausted bones, there was so much to do so much to think about, sometimes it felt like time wasn't moving forward at all. It was annoying. But thankfully He had rather other matters to take in consideration.
Humming in thought, he gazed at the male beside him making sure to looking him up and down, and smiled "You're right, maybe those diaper wearing-attention seeking- runts will do us good. And We could use more med-wolves, Storm Runner could use a student to occupy his time when no one's breaking limbs." Considering he still had time he figured he'd fetch something to drink, so Krux slowly upped to his feet and turned to make his way toward a refreshing water source. And after he'll approve of the fresh kill form the hunters he counted the errands he'll have to run. "We'll start a breeding project tomorrow. Oh and Thordane," He stopped to glance over his shoulder just barely. "Be a dear, and cover for Meillas please - for me?" adding that cutsie I'm so innocent begging tone, he waited for approval.



Meillas made sure to pay close attention and minimal movement as possible, she had to be honest with herself she was terrified of what Krux or Thordane would do to her if she didn't fulfill her duties, and whether or not Pebble would be put under pressure because of this. Meekly mumbled under her breath "But it wasn't my fault...", however she perked up rather quickly, even if a little, When Storm said he'll speak to their alpha on the matter. It caused a small smile to spread on her face knowing Storm was on her side. "Oh umm Y-Yes please, a wrap would help, Thank you S-Storm.."
While the medic worked his magic Meillas began thinking about something she really needs to talk to Liannah about when they have time to meet up again, she needed the blonde's opinion on a few things, and she knew Liannah being her closest since they've known each other she would understand the most. A quick yet cold, slime like feeling on her neck, snapped her out of her trance. Her claws dug into the dirt and eased up just as quickly with a relived sigh, "That feels so much better, I have no ideas how much longer I could take of that wound, so itchy."
Getting up from her still position she smiled feeling alive again "Okay, I will, Thank you Storm. I seriously owe you." Turned ot take her leave she looked back at him in realization "Oh! I'll go call Liannah to come see you about that hoofmark, in case she's forgotten."


Red Skies

Curiosity got the best of him and he was anxious to hear her question, before he knew it his nose was in the ground, pulling his head up he whined. "hey no faiirr!" Kapro went on racing after her, hoping he'll actually catch up to her unlike the last 2 times where He came in last by 5 minutes, even if Thistle wont the race again he'd at least like to be closer. Grabbing a mouthful when bypassing their territory's big bush, Kapro did his best to get as close to her as possible, and when he did he tossed the leafs at her with a chuckle hoping it'll distract her letting him get ahead. "And now we're even!" the brunette laughed as he leaped the log.


"Oh Your grace-Sir!" Karper bowed, "I was hoping you'd have a task for me? Maybe our hunting group is in need of making a fresh kill? I'd also like to speak with you on the suggestion in expanding our pack, growing our strength in numbers. And giving our members a chance to cycle shifts." He tilted his head with a light tone of voice, It was great and they always managed perfectly fine. Dark Forest has been sitting still, no one's gotten seriously hurt, and still Karper felt like there could be something more for them, or at the very least he was hoping if Chase had a plan in mind he would be willing to share. "Maybe we could.. Uhmm..." he then let out a nervous chuckle feeling like what he had in mind was actually evil, "I know this isn't the way of out pack but... Maybe we could have a recruit who we could send in as a spy? Know what Krux might be planning? -- Kapro and I have a cousin who has the potential to be the canid for the job"
Gray knew it wasn't his place, he didn't have to worry about the Pack, and Chase was a great leader, but he couldn't shake the feeling of just wanting to make himself useful somehow, this was his family - and it meant the world to him so he couldn't help but worry for them.

[Scoinwolf]

Dark Forest

"A bet?" Renn shared a look with Aspen. She mulled it over, eyes narrowing, playfully suspicious and intrigued in equal parts. She usually couldn't resist a dare but this time, this time it sounded like it involved Thordane. And Thordane she didn't try to mess with. He was too powerful, too scary. Krux held her contempt, and a great deal of discomfort, but the major reason he was so feared was his seconds. Gina was terrifying, overpowered and mean. Thordane was intimidating, clever, and fully dedicated to Krux. She would not trust Gina - she could not trust Thordane. "What sort of bet?' At the very least she could hear out what Liannah had to say. She'd decide afterwards if she'd take said bet.

Thordane grumbled at the warning. Of course Meillas was his problem! She was part of the pack and he was in charge of making sure the pack ran smoothly for Krux. All of the members were 'his problem' because he had to dedicate time and attention to each one each day. He had to make sure they were healthy, to send them to the medic if not. When they were sick he had to rearrange daily tasks to cover the hole - he was the one who filled in when needed. He ran extra patrols by himself, he had his own daily tasks. What was so special about Meillas anyways? Why did she deserve more of Krux's interest than he? Thordane practically ran the pack for him, playing errand boy and appeasing Liannah and her hunters. Didn't Krux realize just how much Thordane did for him? Even with Gina, Krux wouldn't have anything near control over this pack if Thordane didn't go the extra mile every day.
Thorn took a deep, calming breath. No. It was okay. Krux appreciated his hardwork, he just didn't recognize it out loud because he knew Thordane knew. And Krux never wasted words when he didn't need to. If Meillas was special then she was special for a reason. Thordane just didn't need to know why quite yet, when he did need to know Krux would tell him. Krux didn't keep secrets, he just simply didn't bother him with unnecessary information. Thordane ran the pack so Krux could carry out what he needed to do, and Thorn didn't need to know what Krux needed to do unless Krux thought he did.
Krux was talking again now that Thordane had managed to compose himself. "We do need warriors." He agreed. "I know a few rogues I can talk to." The dark wolf mused. He was caught up in his thoughts, processing Krux's words a few seconds after he'd continued. "Boyfriend?!" He bristled, lip curling up into a snarl, surprise and a protective urge rushing through him. "Thistle doesn't have a boyfriend." He growled. "I'd know about it."
He forced his fur flat, not mad at Krux, mind a million miles away. He needed to see Thistle, get to the bottom of this supposed 'boyfriend' of hers. He didn't love the way Krux said 'breeding project', and he highly doubted Liannah nor her hunters would react well to it. He decided to save the comment for a later discussion, however, and simply nodded. He'd have to have a word with Liannah about it before Krux brought it up tomorrow, so that she could prepare her girls.
Krux had turned to him with that soft smile, asking him so politely, and Thordane felt the tension melt out of him. "Of course, sir. I'll cover for her tonight." His tail wagged slightly, pleased by the attention his alpha was giving him. Ah heck, he couldn't stay mad at Krux. He never could.

Red Skies

Chase chuckled. "No need for formalities, Gray. I'm no Krux, I wouldn't have you bow at my feet." Chase was a bit of a new age alpha, one who interacted directly with his pack instead of solely through his betas. He encouraged pack bonding, proud to see his wolves act more like family than strictly 'pack'. He acted as a mentor, a role model, a leader one would follow willingly instead of singularly because he was the alpha. Chase had won his position through respect and it was through respect that he would keep it.
That being said he did still keep certain expectations from everyone. And they knew that once you crossed his goodwill it was exceedingly difficult to win back. Chase didn't trust easily, but, once he did, he'd have your back to the grave.
"I would love to grow our pack." Chase felt a pleased glow that Karper brought up the topic. He'd been waiting to expand until his current members were settled and secure enough to accept new ones into their ranks. That it was Karper bringing up the topic was even better, the young wolf had the respect of many of his pack mates and was in tune to their wishes. If he thought it a good idea chances were so did many of them. "If you meet any interested loners, feel free to bring them to meet me. Scout has good ties with a few, perhaps you can go with him tomorrow to meet with this one family he's been talking with. I hear they have some pups, either newborn or on the way, and I'm sure they'd be grateful for the offer of a pack's security." He mused.
"Your cousin, however.. I would love to meet him and offer him a place here. But I am not too keen on the idea of a spy. It's too risky to simply use him like that, I would not put an innocent in harm's way. If Krux found out.. who knows what he'd have Gina do to the poor boy." Chase frowned. "No, I'd rather avoid that for now. Dark Forest has been quiet for some time now. I won't be the first to make a move. Instead we'll focus on growing, on becoming stronger. Thistle and your brother can lead team building sessions, teach everyone how to defend themselves. If - and only if - Krux starts pushing boundaries, then we can revisit this topic."