இ۵Ŗace Ågainst ₦atureஇ۵

[BlackJaguar]

{{I have just finished a gauntlet of semester finals and now will have much more time to post. Today I gotta drive home though (6 hrs), and then immediately get to the theatre so that I may work headset and spot-op. I had hoped to post both Pilot and Attican as a block, but Pilot's isn't finished yet and I don't wanna keep you guys from moving at least a bit forward so here is Attican's for now that you may chew on. Hoping to get Pilot's done tonight before I go to bed... however late that may be.

Also, I hope that you are feeling better Res! It's no good to be sick.}}

Attican

72 - Brute - Keeper

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Wishes were either one of two things. They were either a fanciful dream sent off by one with good hopes and promise in their head, or they were a last resort notion by someone who had nothing left to lose. Unfortunately for Attican, his wishes stuck on repeat, were the latter.

Of course his wish was obvious. Have the Pack safe... All of them.

Overall, and only due to his duty of moving the mass group along, the Keeper had done well on keeping his composure during the entire situation. So far, beyond his initial outbreak from the words of the apparition of Pipa (of which the instance of that alone he had once again had to shove to the back of his head to puzzle out at a later date), he had managed to keep a level-headed mindset, working on the sole task of monitor of safety. But now as ScarPaw had finally seemed to find a place to bed and hide the trickles of worry seeped into his head like a leaky faucet.

He had been working himself towards the Beta, the last pocket of wolves finally filtering their way into a place. Jumping over a particularly unsteady pile of stone rubble he clattered his way to her presence. But as he made the last few steps to close the gap a low chuff resonated, the rocks working as a sound vibration springboard straight to his ears. Immediately his large head snapped forwards, his voice rolodex telling him that the call belonged to that of Hrafn. It also told him that the heavy black brute was still rather distant.

But all the same it had a message -someone who was safe and also carried news.

His heart beating a few paces faster, Attican turned himself to Xani who had just made her own low call in return. He winced a bit as the sound gave potential to give away their location, but understood the need for it as well. The Beta's body language had changed, the tired body straining to keep up with her iron will. His head tipped slightly, giving all the best intent into his words.

"Xani, go rest. You've done so much already and in order to properly heal you need to give your body the down time it requires." He nodded, hoping to get a good reception in return to his offer. "It is unknown when our next moment of rest will be, nor how long this one alone will last so it is imperative that you take what you can. I will stay up and keep sentenial for us... Also, I will direct Hrafn to your direction after he arrives."

A meek smile was offered to the young tri-colored Beta. "If something should arise you will be first to know."

And with that the Elder turned, allowing the proud female her alonetime, regardless of the choice upon his offer she'd make. Clacking around the stone he eyed the various resting places offered, each wolf having selected a spot, many turning circles a few times before settling now neatly. Pups crowded together, many snuggled together with each other or their parents. As he passed them the Keeper recollected over their journey. Overall they had done wonderful with their unexpected fleeing trek and Attican couldn't have asked for really any better from them. Seeing each one bedded down safely added a mental checkmark into his head, the list filling up quickly.

...But even this sight was not enough to put The Keeper to rest. While it was a good feeling to watch this family sit safely, the uneasiness from the fact of those missing on his list was finally appropriately bubbling to the surface. Now that his job (until Hrafn arrived) was complete, he no longer held distractions the brute could feel the worry leak into his mind.

After some searching, Attican had found a place to keep watch. One of the juts of rock that in fact concealed a few packmembers on one side also had a leaning edge that worked as a heightened "V." It was by no easy task that the brute clambered up to its edge, the vertical challenge of climbing mixed with the unfamiliar feeling of granite forcing him to take things slow. But due diligence proved fruitful and after a bit of strategic puzzling the Keeper found himself about 12 feet off the initial ground, concealed by a standing rock that he could peer around on his elevated perch in watch. Satisfied with this arrangement he laid down, craning his head around the rock.

His wish once again resonating through his head, it was now just a worry-filled waiting game.

[Resin]

((Welcome Cavalia. (: ))

[BlackJaguar]

Pilot

32 - Fae - No Rank

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Patiently Pilot waited as Resin and Ahote got themselves situated and ready to move. She nodded politely to Ahote's kind words, not really sure on what to say and took in the time and bolstered her own preparations, shaking out her pelt. The blood from her pads had by now either clotted or frozen because when they did begin their slow movement she left no red trail in her wake. In fact due to the cold she currently felt no bad feeling from them at all. Whether this would change later would only have to wait until that time came.

The slow pace the trio adopted gave Pilot ample time to think, a good thing in the overall spectrum of things. What she had just experienced, despite her adult age, had been all new to her - the fighting, the two-leggers, adrenaline such as that - everything, and it took time for things to simply be sorted out. Back in her home in the caves by the sea everything was just.. well.. peaceful. It was her family and few assorted others with no rivals to be had. The only hunters were them, hunting out their next meal.

Pulling out of her thoughts only enough to swerve a bit to the right to follow her fellow packmates' tracks, scenting told the fae that nothing so far should be a cause of alert. Despite Resin's valiant efforts of hiding all weaknesses she possessed it was by sound alone that Pilot could tell of her injury. The stiff sound of her gait plus the erratic form of her breath hung heavy over the trio, making Pilot sigh. She did not turn her head into her direction, wishing to give the Alphess at least the respect enough to pretend that she did not notice. Overall she just wished that she could do more.

Ravens cawed up ahead, making her head tip curiously to the side. Their flight pattern indicated movement away from the initial fight, something she wouldn't necessarily expect. Especially after such a feast was to be had she'd figured that all movement would be towards the central source. Not dwelling on it too much however, another whiff of the air and she moved along again following their packmates' previous trail.

Previously when she had been on her own when she'd down a meal she'd sit on it for days, allowing herself to finish off all that she could of the meat. Hunting opportunities were scarce and and actual downing even moreso, so with every opportunity she had she would take full advantage over it. During that time if rest though the ravens would of course come, waiting for their turn in hopes for a bite of their own. Often she'd take off one of the more grisly portions and set it specifically aside. While the action did no benefit to her personal well being of survival, even having that small company of the birds ebbed some of the loneliness away... But perhaps from that alone, it did provide some benefit to the fae. Watching the birds she'd slowly began to recognize some of their reactions, noting some of their differentiated body language. She could soon spot some overhead and note their directions, noticing how they flew. Flight for travel purposes and flight towards a food source looked different and soon enough she had the ability to pick up on this, allowing herself to follow and potentially gain a partial meal as reward.

So noting that these flight patterns were not only in the wrong direction, but for travel, it made the smaller blonde Great Wolf think. The more time passed the more the distraction wracked her head. 'Why would you being going in that direction?' As far as she knew there was nothing over there. 'Lani and Hrafn went this way, their pattern wouldn't disturb you in any way.. so why are you flying away from there?'

Travel meant disturbance and disturbance meant... something. And something was unknown. And unknown, especially in their current state, was a bad thing.

Just when she was about to finally say something about it, a faint rustling came from the direction. It was so faint that if one had not been wrassling themselves up such as Pilot had been it probably wouldn't have been noticed altogether and taken as foliage movement from the wind. However for her it perked her interest immediately. Halting in her tracks she pivoted around, a weird sense of focus on her face. With the other strange behaviors she had been expressing recently it probably only added to her fellow companions' questioning about her.

Looking back at the Alphess and Ahote she dipped her head down, as if indicating to crouch or something. To be honest she had no idea what she was doing, something was just not right about the situation. Her ears swiveled to the direction of the sound, now all her focus honed in on listening. Yes.. there WAS something there.. something travelling.

"Something's coming." She said in a low voice, rather matter-of-factly.

It had been strange how the two-leggers had so quickly and abruptly disappeared. At least to her it had seemed that in one moment the two groups were in an all-out brawl to the death, and then the next those that had survived had just vanished altogether. Was this where they had been off to? A secondary push to catch their enemy offguard? It if was it didn't look too good for the trio.

Straining harder to pick up on any more possible detail, her face clenched tightly. Crunch, crunch... crunch, crunch... crunch, crunch.. Okay so whatever it was it was running. Crunch, crunch... And alone. Also the gait was weird if it was in fact one of their bipedal foes.

"Someone's coming." She now corrected herself, stepping backwards so that she was more-or-less in line with the other two. Now aware that they were being tracked it was as if her little pocking injuries made themselves more known, heating up to the blood that now ran through her system a little bit faster.

The sound got louder, surely now everyone being able to hear it. Unfortunately the breeze was not on their side and any scenting was masked for the fact that all smells were wafted away from their direction. Feeling rather like a sitting duck Pilot waited for it, knowing that attempted evasion would be rather useless by this point as there was no possible way for them to hide or run in time. The sounds grew louder as it came closer, a bush in the foreground shaking as something pushed through it.

And suddenly for all three of them to see, came the head and body of Vali.

Yet, in his current state he didn't really look like Vali. Sent out on his vigilant mission the normal Hunter did as his duty told, hunting down the enemy. Excluding most of his tail and a large section of his back and stomach, his pelt nearly resembled Ahote's. Caked with blood and chunks of dirt, he was a site to be seen. The top half of his right ear hung uselessly, swinging by a small flap of still-attached skin, flopping and very much dead. His soaked maw dripped red foam, his tongue hanging out and panting heavily. A few smaller gashes dawned him, but overall it did not seem the majority of the blood was of his own. After revealing himself he had stopped altogether, simply standing and blinking at the three.

A soundless whine aired through his throat, his eyes heavy looking. He was alone.

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{{Welcome Cavalia!! And also, Merry Christmas Eve or Happy Holidays for whatever you may celebrate everyone!!}}

[BlackJaguar]

{{Miss you guys. <3}}

[Resin]

((I miss you too, Jag! Soriams mentioned that she'd work on her post soon. I'll be right after her. You should come join us on Sverige. Sori and I RP together there. (: ))

[Soriams]

Ahote
Male | 46 | Fighter
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Ahote nodded as Resin shared her gratitude to Pilot as well, and seeing the young hunter accept it, he turned his attention back to the injured Alpha. He accepted her affections gratefully, closing his eyes and breathing in deep of her scent. For a moment, he allowed the world around them to vanish, and concentrated just on the feel of her body as it pressed against his. The carnage and anger and desperation drained away from him, and when he opened his eyes again he felt steadier, renewed in spirit and ready to do all he could to keep them safe.

Lending her his support as Resin took her first few pained steps. Though there was naught even a hint of a whimper that escaped her, he could tell that the pain must have been horrendous for her, and he winced sympathetically. His heart ached for her, and he wished that he could take even a tiny bit of it from her to make it more bearable . Unfortunately, he could not, and as they began to make slow progress through the trees, all he could hope for was that the movement would help to loosen the leg, and ease the pain.

Like the others, Ahote kept his ears alert, and his eyes would lift periodically to scan the trees around them for movement. However, the majority of his attention was focused on Resin and ensuring her safe passage. So much so, that he was only half aware of the ravens that flew overhead, and even less so of their intended direction. He as only partially aware of Pilot as well, the young wolf’s presence only known to him by the steady sound of her feet crunching in the snow.

After putting in some distance, Resin came to a stop and Ahote with her. Concerned, he looked at her, worry hanging heavy in his eyes. He was about to speak, but looking past him, Resin spoke to Pilot instead and his head swung in the direction of the blonde Hunter. She didn’t answer, and the look of concentration her face immediately told him something was wrong. Next to him, Resin was speaking again and he barely heard her, though her words were wise, and under other circumstances would have been happy to extoll their virtues.. ”Uhuh…” he replied distractedly. A split second later, he heard a rustle of foliage, and his head snapped in that direction, the hair on his neck standing up again.

Carefully, he extracted himself from Resin’s side, making sure she had balance before stalking away. Head low, he placed his bulk between the sound and the two feys. His ears were pricked forward, and he listened for the approaching sound. Pilot spoke behind him, and as the now clear footfalls drew closer a deep warning growl grew in his throat, only to be cut short by Vali’s appearance.

The fight in him drained in an instant, and he let out a whine, padding up to the bedraggled hunter’s side. ”Vali!” he exclaimed, his eyes taking in his bloodied form. It seemed that besides his ear and a few little nicks here and there, he was not so much the worse for wear, and he let out a sigh of relief.”Ah, are we ever glad to see you,” he said, but looking at him, Ahote’s heart sank, and he closed his eyes, biting back a keen that rose in his throat.

”The others are gone, aren’t they?” he asked, barely able to eek out the words. Already his heart was heavy for the supposed fates of his fellow hunters. Steeling himself, he turned and looked back at Resin. ”We should keep moving,” he said his voice full of sorrow, knowing there was nothing more they could do here.

Lani
Female | 57 | Hunter
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Padding along side Hrafn, Lani looked to him when he spoke, a snort of a laugh escaping her as he asked her if she could run. ”I was practically born running, you shaggy black beast,” she replied in humored tones. The gravity of the situation already fading from her and once again exposing her sharp tongue. However, she was just as anxious to get back to the pack as he was, and without further comment, the two of them were off and running.

The Hunter’s nimble legs easily kept pace with the larger brute’s lope, and before long they had passed out of the thickest part of the forest and back onto the train left by the pack. Now with Attican’s scent full in her nose, there would be no stopping her in finding him. More than being a good hunter and tracker from her life spent feeding the pack, Lani was relentless in getting what she set her mind to, as the poor Keeper would most assuredly attest.

With their minds occupied with thoughts of their significant others, the miles passed beneath their paws in silence, each one too deeply caught up with their own concerns to bother speaking to the other. Soon enough, the land became steeper, and the visual trail dwindled, but with her nose still full of the pack’s scent, Lani was just as sure as ever where she was headed. Reaching a place of barren rock and sliding scree, Hrafn broke the silence to reaffirm their course. ”You think?” Lani replied, her voice having a sardonic twist to it that betrayed her excitement at finally being reunited with her Attican.

Hrafn seemed not at all amused by her question, and simply scaled the little ledge of rocks and headed out across the slope.A few paces along, he let out a quiet woof announcing them, and her ears flicked forward, straining to listen for a reply. The call echoed strangely, but after the sound had faded, there was a reply, another quiet bark of acknowledgement. Xani. She thought, immediately recognizing the Beta’s voice

Glancing at Hrafn, she could tell that he too had recognized it, and together they picked up their pace. After a short trip across the bleak, harsh slope of the mountainside, the scent of the pack grew stronger in her nose, and Lani was certain that they were nearly on top of them. Curiously though, she had yet to spot a single wolf, merely more and more stones that were starting to get larger the further they went. Finally, they came to large field devoid of plant-life and she stopped, tipping her head back to scent the air. It was as if she was standing next to the pack but it was invisible. Had they all managed to cram themselves into the rocks? Curious, she let out a quiet, inquisitive woof of her own, scanning the debris for signs of life.

Wolf
Male | 20 | Straggler
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Wolf nodded, accepting Xani’s thanks in silence. He followed them all dutifully up the side of the mountain to the boulder field, and at Xani’s request, he took off with the others, sticking his nose into holes and searching for a place to rest.

Unfortunately, his odd nature and lack of social skills had earned him few friends within the pack, and as the larger caves were filled, he found no welcome within them to join anyone in their cramped space. Thus he moved a little ways off, climbing further up the mountain in search of some place at least large enough for him to get in out of the wind.

After awhile of finding nothing particularly suiting, he settled for simply flopping on the ground next to large boulder that would block the wind. It still left him with a broad view of the sky, and for awhile, he stared up at the blue expanse above him. Though he normally found looking up at the cerulean dome soothing, his body was still restless and he shifted uncomfortably. Stretching his lean legs out in front of him as far as they would go. The terror the others had faced had not touched him as deeply, and now rest eluded him him entirely. Combined with his troubled thought and the strength of youth, he was left restless and before a quarter of an hour had passed, he was back on his feet again.

Another more experienced wolf might have thought to stalk the lemmings who peeped at him from their hidden holes, but for Wolf, they were nothing more than background noise. Their little voices easily raising up over his quiet foot falls as he padded down into a gap in the rocks. He didn’t want to go too far away, as surely Xani wanted them close together if they needed to move, but a little bit of exploring couldn’t hurt. Besides, he was well hidden in the impromptu valley between rockslides, and for the most part, felt safe.

Reaching the very bottom of it, his nose picked up a curious scent. Dipping his nose to the rock, he took it in, finding it to be completely unlike anything he had smelled before, and so he stood for a few moments just processing what it could be. Overall, it didn’t really matter to him, but it was exactly the sort of thing he was hoping he would come across, as it would take his mind off of the day’s events and hopefully after a thorough investigation, it would leave him tired enough to rest with the others.

Following his nose, his feet found a place where the rocks had been pushed aside into a smooth path. This he followed without a second thought, not even realizing that it was somehow different from the rest of the rocks around him. The path lead him up to a place where giant stones had somehow fallen together into an arch of solid rock, stretched over another hey stone, smooth and flat as a sheet of ice.

Finding it interesting, Wolf hopped up on it and lay down, the cold stone feeling nice against his stomach, even if it was a little cold. He didn’t have much time to think about it though, as a muffled sound from beside him startled him out of his thoughts, and with perked ears, he looked over. Seeing nothing, he got up and leapt off the edge to investigate the rocks further when it sounded again, this time from behind him. Now even more confused, he turned around to find that the back side of the flat stone had a little cave hidden under it, and out from those deep shadows peered a pair of vide, frightened eyes.


((Can you all live with a cliff-hanger? XD ))

[BlackJaguar]

{{Mwep, not sure if it's my turn or not, but I'm gonna post a bit here. Also quick question for your guys - should Vali just become a real character at this point, or should we keep him as-is? As of now I kinda see him as this spare character that everyone can manipulate, but idk. What do you think?}}

Pilot

32 - Fae - No Rank

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The sight of Vali made Pilot's throat whine airily, for once his silence speaking more precise than full sentences would on what had happened. She hadn't even known that he and the two other fellow Hunters had gone out, but everything was all too clear with his labored expression on what the outcome had been. The brute nodded to Ahote's words heavily, licking some of the foam away from his mouth. The dirt all over him must've been from him digging their resting places.

Not knowing what to say, Pilot fell as silent as Vali was. Her tattered feet shifted in the snow, feeling especially numb now. Why must things end up like this? Weren't these wolves as well as she just trying to find a place to call home? Why was that something to bring them to be a target to continual hellish outcomes? It simply didn't seem fair. With her ears pinned she listened partially muffled as Ahote addressed the fact that they should keep moving. It simply didn't seem right.

Following the brute's words, she scented the air unenthusiastically, turning back towards their appropriate direction of travel. "It's this way," she spoke softly, as if talking louder would somehow make things worse. Taking a step forward she only craned her head enough to get her peripheral into view of the wolves behind her as they bustled around a bit, mostly getting Resin situated so that they may travel again. Perhaps her heart was just too soft - wishing too hard that things like this didn't have to happen. A hopeful dreamer. Her ears flipped twice, obviously agitated.

Once the sounds had resided Pilot took it as the good to go. She didn't particularly want to face anyone at the moment so taking point seemed like the best bet. Vali had taken task to stand on the opposing side of Resin Ahote was on, not touching, but if in case that the Alphess did drop or somehow accidentally unlatch from her mate's side he'd be there as a buffer. Taking her first steps Pilot heard the crunch of the other's feet behind her, giving her notice that they were following suit. Now wanting nothing more than to travel.. travel far, far away from this place.. the 4 wolves moved on.

Attican

73 - Brute - Keeper

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Attican sighed. How long had he been up here? Two minutes or two hours, he honestly couldn't have given an answer if he had been asked. Plagued with thoughts, the Keeper's head ran like a motor - questions, scenarios, and wishes to the ancestors all jumbling together in a worried-filled mix.

The perch he rested on provided the brute a quality view of anything coming, even with his lessened vision. Now if only something would actually show up. It was exceedingly silent, the wind stilled and the rocks even eating up the sounds of the wolves' breathing. His head blending in rather perfectly into the stone, Attican rested his chin on the part he peered over. It smooshed his jaw up a bit, all the loosened fur making him look rather comedic had anyone been able to see him. His ears swiveled, waiting to pick up sound of clacking toenails.

...

"Nothing?" She asked quietly, brown eyes soft and doe-like.

"I'm sorry my dearest, I am trying my best I assure you." The gray brute padded up closer and nuzzled his chin under his mate's, poking a few licks at the base of her neck. "But you know if you want we still do have some leftover cari-"

"But I really need hare Attican, trust me, I can tell these things."

The Keeper-in-Training's ears flattened, his face pulled into a bit of wince. "Alright, alright, I will keep looking my love. I promise I will keep looking.."

With a corner of a smile the brute turned around, squeezing his large size out of the entrance of the dugout snowden. He sighed as he looked about, wondering where in the world he was supposed to procure a hare in the dead of winter. A few wolves milled about, but for the most part everyone was currently resting. At least the wind wasn't blowing right now, that would at least help. Sticking his nose to the air the male set out, hoping nearly by sheer luck that he'd get his quarry.

...

Finally the sounds of feet reached Attican's ears, dragging him from his thoughts. His head pulled up just slightly, his good eye straining to see anything. It took a moment, but one fleeting glimpse of a white tail (poking straight up might he add) gave him all that he needed. Lani and Hrafn were on their way.

With a single swish of his own tail the Keeper rose, turning himself about. Now all he had to do was get down.

... Eh. Yes. Get down. Time to get down.

Suddenly his perfect perch seemed a bit of a daunting task to remove himself from. "Uhh.." He breathed, looking down. On one side was a nook where wolves had crammed themselves, providing no way that he could get down without crushing them. Yet on the other were very small protrusions that looked shakey at best for his descent. Did he really use those to get up? It seemed so much more feasible then. Jumping simply wasn't an option. It would be highly risky for a wolf in their prime to jump from such a height, so someone like Attican would end up just a crumpled pile of useless bones. He snorted once, anxiety to get down and to hear news expelling itself physically.

Meanwhile, Hrafn and Lani had made good time, continually closing the gap between them and ScarPaw. In fact, they were basically on top of them now, if only they could see them. Attican's willpower to find out information exceeded the worry of getting down and with a last huff of frustration a tentative front paw reached downwards. His toes were splayed as wide as possible, the webbing stretched out so that he could get as much grip as he could. Shakily, that first foot touched the small jut, the second one quickly following suit. Okay.. he could do this. Next were the back legs. Trying to push his weight into his chest and forelegs, one back leg pried itself off the original perch, desperately reaching for something solid to touch. With his last leg still upwards unfortunately though, his rear was simply too high, not allowing enough length for him to reach.

"Mammoth snot.." he groaned to himself, a bit of childhood humor bubbling out of him. Of course he would get stuck like this. Of course. Okay. So if, if, he could bring that other leg down quick, the second it touched the jut he could jump and reach that slightly larger platform down lower. From there it looks like it was a simple hop and he was back down on the sweet, sweet ground.

Well, at least that was the plan anyways. As unfortunate fates would have it the moment Attican had pulled enough muster to shove his last back leg off the perch Lani's woof cut through the air. The unexpected sound startled the poor brute and before anything could be done his muscles had clenched too hard and he overshot his target. Hurdling past the second ledge his legs swam wildly, trying to find any sort of connecting with "solid" that he could. His right claws raked at the wall of stone, breaking off little pieces in the process due to his weight. With sheer luck alone his jump has projectiled him to the third-most point, the Keeper sent sliding all the way across its embodiment and off the other side. Thankfully at least it provided break enough so that it was no longer a neck-breaking fall. Actually, although uncoordinated and embarrassingly, it dropped the brute not 20 feet from Lani herself, the female standing around confusedly looking for the Pack.

"We're here.." He eeked out dryly, less than enthused by his entrance. Unhurt however he stood up quickly, shaking out his pelt. His eye quickly singled out both wolves, searching them for any obvious signs of what had happened. "Where is everyone??"

[Resin]

((I'll have a post for you lovelies later on tonight. As far as Vali goes, I'm okay with either choice. I like him and I wouldn't mind you making him into an actual character, but if everyone else would prefer that he stays a group-playable character, I'm down with that too. (:

That cliffhanger... XD ))

[Resin]

((I didn't check the time before I started. I'm going to be late for work! I'll finish posting later. Lol))

~|Hrafn|~Hunter|~ 46 Summers|~

As the giant black brute made his way up the slate covered mountain, he could only think of Xani. She had been injured and he had sent her off on her own. Had she made it back? What were the extent of her injuries? A reply woof met his ears and he moved a little faster. Of course, arriving after such an event would bring those forward that had questions, thus delaying him from his prime objective. Lani skittered off in search of Attican. Hrafn doubted that many would try to question the squat white female. No doubt everyone was too exhausted for her sarcasm.

Moving up the mountain, Hrafn made decent headway. He saw wolves curled up behind rocks, some asleep, others with worried expressions on their faces. And very well they should be worried, he thought. These two-leggers were fierce. Easily killed, but fierce nonetheless. Who knew how many of those beasts lived in a single pack? Who knew how many packs of them existed? As he thought this, a strange smell of decay wafted into his nose, but he pushed it away. It wasn't wolf decay, and so he didn't care.

Attican was the one to stop him from his quest and question him. Hrafn gave the old male a respectful nod and answered the questions asked. "The rest are on their way. Resin was injured and so their going is slow. She sent Lani and I on ahead to make sure that the pack wasn't followed by the furless ones." Closing his maw, he scanned the Keepers face, searching for any more questions. He was anxious to make his way to Xani. Rather than beat around the bush, the onyx male dismissed himself. "Lani can answer whatever else you may ask. I need to find Xani." With that, he padded away and tried to scent out his female. Once he was sure that she was safe, he would find Raka.

After a time, he came to her. She was still bloodied and looking very, very exhausted. With a sigh, Hrafn moved up to her and placed his head atop hers. "I'm glad you made it back safe." Pulling back a bit, he looked down upon her. She needed rest badly. Using his large spade-like paws, Hrafn pulled the sharpest of rocks from the mountainside, leaving a smoother bowl shaped indent that the female might sleep in. "Rest." It was a demand, but it wasn't meant harshly. She needed it and he would see to it that she got it.

~|Resin|~Alpha Female|~ 40 Summers|~

When would it end? The pack was scattered. A number of them were injured. She herself could barely walk. And here was Vali... He'd suffered a loss. They all had, but he felt it most because he had been there. He had seen their packmates die. The sound of anguish that bubbled up from his throat caused her own throat to tighten. "Vali..." she whispered, then, pulling away from Ahote, she fought through the pain and limped to him. Despite his quiet ways, Vali was a sensitive wolf. It showed in his eyes, in his actions, in his reactions. Coming up to the bloodied brute, the Alpha slid her cheek against his and continued until her neck was beside his; her cheek on his shoulder. The look in his eyes spoke volumes. Something within her had urged her to give him comfort. She believed that he needed that. She believed they all would need that. Such a loss was something that wolves felt deeply. "All will be well. Our packmates fight is over, but I fear ours isn't close to being finished." Pulling back, Resin's golden gaze searched Vali's face and she offered the smallest of smiles. "I am glad that you are safe, Vali."

Pilot spoke and Resin's black ears flicked in the blond females direction. Everyone was handling the situation differently. Pilot wished to distract herself by resuming their trek and Resin wouldn't deny her that. With a slight nod, the ashen female worked on turning herself about. Beside Ahote once more, she continued to walk. Vali took up the opposite side and she was glad for it. Guarded by two strong brutes and led by a capable female, the black masked female receded into her mind, putting her body on autopilot.

The situation that they were in was her fault. Had she not wandered off on her own again... had she not been captured by the two-leggers... Well, the others would still be alive. Pilot and Xani would not be injured. Vali would not have had to suffer through watching two of their number die. Couldn't she do anything right? It seemed as though every turn that she took, disaster awaited. Would the pack be better off without her? Possibly. Would she leave them now to fend for themselves? No. She'd gotten them into this mess and she would get them out.

They had walked for a time when a gust of wind pulled a familiar scent towards them. "The pack is up ahead." She spoke more to herself than to her companions. Just as Ahote had hoped for, the continual working of her injured leg and hip had loosened somewhat and movement was easier, if only by a little. Lowering her head, the grey and black female trekked on with renewed vigor. Nothing would feel better than to rejoin the others and eventually sleep.

Sleep would come in time, however. The wolves neared a rocky mountainside. The smells of the pack were strong here and she was glad that the two-leggers didn't possess senses like a wolf. They had proved that when the others had hidden mere inches from them in the foliage. Though she was anxious to rejoin them, the Alpha's step faltered. How on earth was she going to climb something like this on three legs? Though her hip and leg weren't as pain filled as they had been, she still wasn't able to put much weight on it. Stopping at the mountains base, the grey and black female moved from front paw to front paw in indecision. Turning her gaze to Ahote, she shook her head lightly. "If I cannot climb to the pack, I would ask that you go on in my stead. They need the face of an Alpha and if you are going to be the other half of myself, it must be you."

With that said, Resin moved forward on black-toed paws. She picked her way ever so slowly up the mountainside, choosing the best footing possible. One slip and she could end up back at the bottom, possibly more injured than she was already. They hadn't made much of a climb, but she needed a little break. Her hip screamed its protest at the climbing action and she finally heeded its call. "Pilot, Vali; you may go on ahead and rejoin the others if you wish. Ahote, go to them and show them the face of an alpha. Reassure them." Glancing around the area where she'd stopped, she spied a decent enough spot to rest. There was a small dip behind a relatively large boulder. With the colors of her coat, she would blend into the shadows nicely. Motioning with her masked muzzle, she spoke again. "I will be here. I need to rest if only for a short while." Expecting her words to be obeyed, she pulled away from them and limped towards the place where she would be able to get some healing sleep.

[purpledirewolf2019]

Яακα
\ Male / Loner \ 1.5 moons / With the Pack \ Hrafn /

As Raka padded on, Xani's words and small reassured him a bit. Of course Hrafn had to be okay if he was one of the best fighters. He was still worried for his look alike, though. It couldn't really be helped. Even though Xani had looked away from him, Raka tried to match her pace so he could still be next to her. It wasn't terribly hard since the beta was limping due to her injury. When they reached the rocks, Raka watched with perked ears as Attican tested them. Rocks weren't foreign to the small pup, but he had never really walked on any, and the ones in front of them looked like they could move, but even under Attican's weight, the rock remained still.

Raka heard someone call out for Attican, but his focus remained on Xani and the rocks in front of them. They didn't look slippery, and it wasn't, but it felt different to him. He started to climb carefully, trying to find places that he could reach without falling while managing to keep up the pace. He did not however, ask for help. He thought he was doing just fine on his own and he didn't want to be carried, again. They stopped momentarily, luckily, which allowed Raka to catch his breath, before they continued to move up.

The moved for a little while longer before the mention of caves and hidey holes came up. Raka almost smiled at the thought of stopping for awhile, and as soon as Xani gave the order, he climbed up and found himself a space below a boulder. He wasn't by himself, though. There were a couple other pups that had curled up with him. With a yawn, Raka laid his head on his paws. He was tired, but he couldn't fall asleep. The whole area was quiet except for the soft occasional voice. After some time, Raka heard the soft woof, but it didn't come from any of the wolves up in their hidey holes, so Raka got up quietly and moved towards where the sound came from. He watched for a moment as Attican seemed to be climbing down something. When the older wolf disappeared from his sight, he moved to the ledge for a better view. He didn't see Attican's jump, and in fact by the time he got to the perch, he could see no one at all. He considered following the Keeper, but the path looked to dangerous for him, so he sat down and waited for Attican to come back up.