இ۵Ŗace Ågainst ₦atureஇ۵

[Resin]

((Yep. It'll ease the burden a bit.))

Resin- Alpha Female- 40 Summers

The alpha couldn't help but snicker like a pup as Attican drug the bulk of himself through the small passage. She could hear him grunting and groaning. It was quite possible that she'd have to push him out, so she made a mental note to widen the space a bit before they left. It wouldn't take too long and with Pipa being as cold as she was, they had the time for it.

Once he popped into the spacious chamber, she noted that he didn't meet her gaze and his sigh told of his troubled thoughts. Because Pipaluk was so small, the larger wolves curled around her, their heads close together. She nuzzled the Keepers ear affectionately before laying her muzzle down next to his. He looked exhausted, and rightly so. They hadn't had much time to rest as of late. Today's events had taken their toll on them all. She suspected that this bit of rest would do all three of them well, though she was anxious to get back to the pack.

Again she slid her dark muzzle across his ear and the top of his blocky head. "Is there anything you'd like to talk about, Attican?" She felt odd being the one asking, but he wasn't usually this silent. She knew that the deaths of the pack weighed heavily on him. The urge to reassure him was intense. "They were all good wolves. If we reach the red forest, their deaths won't have been in vain." Her words sounded like just that. Words. Nothing would be able to justify their deaths.

Flicking one ear, the black and grey female rose gently so as not to wake the elder nestled between them. Laying there for so long had made her legs stiff, so she stood and stretched out a bit, stretching out her back legs. Then she bowed forward, her chest touching the ground with her long legs extended before her, black toes splaying.

Repositioning herself, she settled down once more, laying beside the elder rather than curling around her as she had been. Her body was still pressed tight to the old grey and white wolf, sharing warmth. Being together, even under these circumstances was nice, which also made her realize just how lonely she actually was. Since Sol's disappearance it was rare that she slept close to another wolf. Occasional touches here and there was the extent of the physical contact that she'd had for years.

Wrinkling her nose slightly, she snorted at her own thoughts. There were more pressing matters. This wasn't the time to think about herself. She pressed herself tighter against Pipaluk then placed her muzzle atop her crossed paws, listening to the wind whistle at the mouth of the den.

Hrafn- Lone Male- 46 Summers

A few hours of sleep was all that the big black male needed. With a stretch and a yawn, he was on his feet and back out into the snow. Rather than continuing on South, curiosity struck. It had been quite some time since he'd seen another wolf. The howls that he'd heard earlier drew him to the East. He followed the length of the river, the bank to his left.

Tracks came into view. Tracks and a muddied spot on the bank that looked as if something or someone had been pushed into the water. Noting the same muddied track on the other side, he surmised that a log was the culprit. The mass amounts of paw tracks told him that a pack of wolves had been running from something, but what? In the dimming light, it was a bit difficult to see the opposite bank, but he could just make out puddles and splashes of blood upon the snow. Whatever they'd been running from, it seemed that they'd just barely escaped.

Two sets of tracks followed the river East while the rest of the tracks went South. Again curiosity struck. Hrafn decided to follow these two sets of tracks. Part of him craved companionship while part of him wished to save himself from the heartache that was destined to follow. Everyone died in the end. Becoming emotionally invested in the lives and futures of others would just lead to sorrow and despair. And yet... he couldn't stop his paws from moving.

After a time the tracks pulled right. He followed, breaking through a pair of pine boughs. The black mouth of a den came into view and in the wavering light he noted that three sets of tracks led into it. Padding forward, he sniffed the area lightly. A male and two females, it seemed. Clearing his throat lightly, he stood before dens entrance and, for the first time in what seemed like ages, he used his voice. It was an even, smooth voice, complete with a deep timbre. "Hello inside." Again he cleared his throat, his voice cracking slightly. "Is everyone alright? That was a lot of blood back there." He stood a respectable distance from the entrance and waited patiently for an answer if one was to come.

[BlackJaguar]

Attican

73 - Brute - Keeper

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Attican had laid down for a few moments, already feeling himself relax into the small, decently cozy den. A tickle went across his ear, making it flick. A moment later and the Alphess's muzzle ran across his head, causing that earthy satisfied rumble to go deep inside him. Despite the better of himself his tail thumped a few times against the ground, displaying his contentment.

She spoke to him, asking if he had anything on his mind. Just like it had been with Pipaluk not that long ago, it appeared that someone was essentially playing role-reversal with him. Against his thoughts a gentle smile pulled across half his face, still looking into the wall.

"There are many things on my mind, but I guess that is my job is it not?" His head raised a little, tipping to her direction. A slow exhale escaped him, listening to her second statement. "With life comes loss, and with loss comes a secondary life with the ancestors." He nodded to himself affirmatively, something he seemed to do rather often nowadays. A momentary flashback reminded him of that night that Ash had passed on, his own mind somehow viewing it even without being there. He still needed to address that... sometime.

"I am fine." He stated, finally bearing himself to look at her eyes. The yellow orbs that had given her his nickname appeared to bore deep into him, as if seeing straight into his head. He couldn't help but let out a stifled chuckle. "You know me too well Resin. If you did not already have your prestigious position as Alpha I'd have half a mind to appoint you as the next Keeper. One look with those eyes and anyone would just end up spilling everything to you." His head shook back and forth, for the first time feeling truly like more himself in a while. While Attican helped her along when he could, the Alpha frequently did him a lot of good too.

"I am tired." He confessed, one paw crossing over the other. Instead of going into heaviness and into his own questions on his capabilities he added a light spin to it. "Don't tell anyone, but turns out that I'm a bit older than you all... one's company excluded of course." He motioned to the sleeping figure of Pipa, shifting himself so he was laying down again too.

The air around the trio seemed to die for a while, a cloud of rest falling over the den. It did not take long for Attican to fall into a heavy sleep, the only thing noting his existence being the constant rise and fall of his ribcage. His mind on the inside was completely blank, his body putting all its efforts towards fulfilling its desperate needs of rest. As he rested though, a dark figure of a brute was making its way to tracking the den.

"Hello inside."

Despite the fact that he had been getting much needed rest, he was awake in matter of seconds.

"Is everyone alright? That was a lot of blood back there."

Attican's first reaction was to snarl at the voice, not recognizing its owner. As it sat both females were behind him from the entrance of the den and he stood up, acting almost like a blockade between the them and the stranger. Naturally some of the fur on his shoulders and rump raised, a sign of uneasiness. It couldn't be a diseased wolf, so far it appeared that all infected did not carry the ability to speak. Also, it would be a quite elaborate trick for one of them to deduce to lure the wolves out, even if they had somehow gotten across the river. But still the question remained on who it was, and if they were friend or foe.

He looked back at Resin, unsure of what to do.

[Soriams]

((Ooo, a mate for Resin? Ahote would be quite jealous... xD ))

Ahote
Male | 36 | Fighter
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Ahote pushed himself to keep moving, and along with him the rest of ScarPaw. Every now and then, he would pause, just to give everyone a chance to compress once more, and allow Xani to keep then together and not too far spread out. Leading at the front of the pack was both familiar and strange to the former Alpha, as he had grown accustom to being able to keep an eye on everyone from the back, and constant worry nettled at him that he was leaving someone behind. Of course, he knew that he had in fact left at least two three wolves behind, and Resin and Attican were never far from his mind. He could only hope that they had been able to find Pippa alive, and would soon return. He had no idea that Curse had stayed with them, nor how long they would keep up their search before rejoining them, so all he could do was trust that they would turn up sooner rather than later.

At this point everyone, including Ahote, were taxed to their limits, and he didn't want to push anyone to the point of collapse. So as soon as the river and its crazed residents were out of earshot, he slowed to a steady walk. The movement had warmed him some, but the breeze still cut through his damp coat like a knife, causing him to shiver ever so slightly. This he hid as well as he could, his pack mates needed to see him as strong and capable if he was going to keep them together until Resin returned, and he stalwartly focused his mind on the task ahead of him to keep from thinking about the chill.

The further South they went, the thicker the trees became until their branches nearly intertwined overhead. Everywhere ahead of them lay in shadow, and Ahote was a bit taken aback by the darkness that seemed to creep up on them. Of course he had seen trees before, having lived on solid ground for his entire life before finding ScarPaw, but never had he thought there could be so many in one place. To make matters worse, the wind blows consistently from his back, making his nose useless in telling him what might lie ahead.

Before the shadow and uncertainty could catch up with him, Ahote spotted a brightening of the path before them, and altered his course towards it. Within moments, the trees suddenly gave way, and he found himself in a wide meadow with a small stream of glacial melt running freely through it. Relieved to have an open sky overhead once more, he came to a stop near the middle of the open space, and sent word back that they would stop here to rest. Here at least, he could see what was coming and would be able to defend the group much more easily than in the depths of the forest.

Taking advantage of the water himself, Ahote took a long drink before climbing atop a small rise in the snow and calling back to Resin. The long howl bespoke of reassurances that they had seen no further troubles from the infected wolves, and that he had brought the pack to a safe place. Beyond that, he offers no description of the course they took nor where they now reside, as he has no doubt they could easily follow the massive trail the pack left in passing. Little does he know that his words can be heard by the likes of Pilot who still eats her fresh kill, nor does he know of the visitor Hrafn who keeps the Alpha and the two Keepers company.

[Resin]

((Ha, I honestly had no idea that he would be interested. That's an option too.))

Resin-Alpha Female- 40 Summers

Attican's statement of "I am fine." made her arch one dark brow in obvious disbelief. She knew him too well to believe that the recent deaths of their pack mates weren't weighing on his mind. His second statement brought an understanding nod from the alpha. With life there was loss indeed. Inevitable loss. There was only so much you could do to head off that loss, but in the end each life would be claimed by the ancestors.

The Keepers admission to being old brought a hearty chuckle from the female and she shook her head. "You're not that old, Attican. You're in better shape than some of the younger wolves." It was true. Not only did he keep his body fit, he kept his mind active and sharp. It didn't go unnoticed. Not by Resin, nor by several of the packs females. On more than one occasion she'd heard a pair or more of females discussing the Keepers prowess.

The pair went silent after that. Both alone with their thoughts. The warmth radiating from the three wolves had just about lulled the dark female to sleep when a voice from the mouth of the den brought her to full alert. Attican leaped to his feet and she followed suit, both of their coats bristling. She stepped forward, placing herself between the Keeper, the elder, and the mouth of the den. She had been hoping to catch a glimpse of the wolf from where she stood, but it had become darker outside.

"Step away from the den," she instructed in a firm, even tone. Hearing receding paws on the snow, Resin dropped to her stomach and made her way through the tunnel, taking the opportunity to scratch out the lumpy areas which could possibly trap Attican. Exiting the den, she shook the dirt and debris from her coat and scanned the area for the owner of the voice.

Not far off stood a huge black male; the only color upon him was a blaze of white on his muzzle and a bit upon his chest and stomach. Resin's yellow orbs scanned him, searching for any injuries that could potentially label him as infected. Seeing none, she relaxed her stance slightly, though her tail was still held out straight behind her and her ears were flicked forward. "Who might you be?"

The wolf had just opened his mouth to answer when a howl sliced through the silence. Turning her head to look behind her, she caught Ahote's words. They were safe and at rest. Her tail swished involuntarily at the news and she turned, calling into the tunnel. "Attican. Wake Pipa. Ahote has found a suitable spot to rest and we need to catch up." Back again her attention went to the black male, ears swiveling forward to catch the words that he might utter.

Hrafn-Male Straggler-46 Summers

He hadn't been surprised when the voice replied, asking him to step away from the den. The voice was obviously female. Perhaps she had pups inside? It wasn't exactly the season, but Great Wolves had been known to breed out of season. He did as he was asked, stepping back a ways. His dark ears pulled forward, listening as a heavy body was pulled through the small tunnel.

A black and grey female popped from the den, stopping to shake out her thick coat. Hrafn couldn't help but make a rumbling sound of appreciation in his throat. It had been quite some time since he'd seen a female, let alone one so lovely. Her eyes were riveting. The yellow so deep that he felt as if he were being sucked into them. They almost seemed to glow, even in the muted light.

When she questioned him, he took a step forward, puffing up his coat slightly. Even her voice was charming. It was low and rumbling, almost akin to a purr. It was quite even, though the slightest edge of power tinged her tone. Hrafn had just begun to speak when a howl rent the air. His black ears flicked forward, listening to the message.

Apparently this female knew the voice, for she turned and gave instructions to yet another wolf within. Two wolves, it seemed, since one was to wake the other. When she graced him with her attention once more, he nodded. "My name is Hrafn, lady. I'm a lone wolf traveling South. When I saw the blood and heard the strange howls, I thought that perhaps someone was in danger." He took another hesitant step towards her. "Is everything alright?"

[Apocalyptic_Punk]

Curse
{{Fae||Straggler||36||alone||

Catching up with the pack should be an easy feat for the Ashy fae, but she dosn't move quickly to do so once Attican has thanked her for staying. No, she moved off slightly to the east, slightly to the west. She needs time to think, she needs time to clear her head. The last few days have been hell on earth for her, she'd felt as if she'd been thrown right back into her past. The mad wolves, so much like her family when Drago had come. Drago's return and death, a small sad part of her heart actually felt pain at the loss of the father of as far as she knew her only living child.

The sadness is knowing that her son, was no where to be seen, which meant Drago in his madness had mostly likely killed the pup. She continues away from the pack, feeling heavy and weightless all at once, she finally finds a small stand of pines, the strong smell of sap filling her senses, She curls into a tight ball in the snow shaking as she struggles to hold in the emotions raging with in her. She lets her pain flow forth, tears soaking her muzzle. It seems like hours to her before she hears Ahote howl that he's found shelter for the pack. She swallows and eats a few mouthfuls of snow, before shaking her self out and slowly heads in the direction of the pack. It takes her awhile but soon she arrives at the edge of the small camp and she circles around it slowly keeping to the shadows, she takes a mental headcount, noting those that are gone. Her heart aches for that loss. She finally reaches a small rise that allows her to see much of the clearing and with a soft huff of air that sends her heated breath curling up into the sky, she settles down watching the pack silently.

Mirage
{{Brute||Omega||10|| W/the pups|}}

The entire journey away from the River, Mirage is silent, he is young he's not faced death the way the others have. He is only just out of his own pup hood. And now in such a short span of time he's lost his parents, and watched a playmate of his own Junco go to his death. He doesn't fully comprehend all this death. He tries as he walks to understand what he's feeling, but slowly with each step he can feel eyes upon him, he slowly lifts his head and looks around himself, realizing though their parents are near the pups are following him, watching him closely, Except for the small pup he'd pulled from the river, the one who had watched her mother, Lily he thought, lily had been her name. He gently reaches out with his muzzle and nuzzles her gently. "Its is okay child, I am here," he says gently trying to think,what was this pups name. "Azaria, its is okay."

The small fae lifts her head and looks at him, silently tears welling in her greenish eyes, from behind her deep red fur. He offers her a small smile, and he knows what he says next will not take away the loss of the pups mother, but he will speak. "Do you see the stars young ones?" He asks a few look to the sky and they nod a few whispering yes. "They are our ancestors and from dusk til dawn they watch over us, and when the sun rises that is great father wolf, who watches us during day. And when Moon rises that is great mother wolf, and she sings with the anscestors at night, she is what guides our path to saftey at night," he paused. "Her beams are the path our loved one's have taken to join our ancestors, her warm loving paws, taking them away to the heavens," He said softly. "our lost loved one's Lily, Junco, and Ash, have all gone this path, they are free of their pains of this world and someday, when we are old, wooly and grey we shall join them," He said softly.

"I want to join mother now," Azaria said softly.

"oh no, dear child you can not, I am sorry," He said gently. "Mother moon, and Father sun, they have a journey you must take, a great purpose, you must live to see. I know you hurt for the loss of your mother, and your father but they are watching over you, and protecting you." he said softly as they slowly settled into the camp.

Azaria sniffled and snuggled into Mirages side crying quietly he curls his limbs around her and holds her close watching the rest of the pack ready themselves for rest. He tilts his head upwards towards the heavens. how many more must we loose ancestors? He asked softly before putting his head down upon his paws and closing his eyes to rest.

Kuolema
{{Brute||Loner/fighter||14||traveling south

After helping the pack escape the crazed wolves Kuolema has not felt the need to follow them right at the moment, his greatest urge is to wait here on the river bank, even as the elder walks off the way of the Alpha, and the Ashy black fae heads in the direction of the pack. He dosn't move, he watches the far side of the river, and spies the older wolf who appears there. He huffs out a puff of air, but dosn't move to give himself away, he waits til the male goes in the direction of the Alpha and the elder before finally rising. Streaching his limbs he slowly stalks this male from the shadows til they both reach the cave where Pipa, Resin and Attican are.

He watches easily silently, not moving closer, one ear flicks back at the howl from the older male of the pack, a name he didn't know, maybe never know. He watches the Alpha call into the cave, and still he dosn't move even when the new brute introduces himself. He wishes it were that easy for him. but even his pack the one he'd run with til the urge to go south had hit him like ice bear paw, had told him he smelled of Drago, told him he would never wash the smell of death from his fur and he believed them. He just sat watching the four members silently waiting to see what would happen.

((Thinking of making that pup there a fourth character LOL,))

[BlackJaguar]

{{Oh oh... two males in hope of the lady's paw... this should be lightly interesting. heh. Also, I can't stop laughing at Attican's "prowess." hahaha. Now all I can picture is every time he walks by, some female wolves end up swooning over him in a group... hahaha...}}

Attican

73 - Brute - Keeper

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Resin's kind words were honestly probably the best thing the Keeper could hear. With the constant occurrences of loss of late, and the also constant battle for them to stay in safety, even the Keeper was delving too deep down on his own thoughts. His own faults falling under deep personal discrepancy and microscope, bringing him down. Just hearing that others didn't think of him as he did was enough of an encouragement to give him some energy.

He slept peacefully until the words came, waking him and Resin up. The Alpha walked past him and commanded to the stranger to walk away partially from the den before she scrabbled her way out. A light concerned whine hide in his throat, worried for her safety. He crawled through the tight space towards the entrance, prepared to try to squeeze his way out in case of its need.

There was muffled speaking on her part that he couldn't quite pick together due to her low tones, he assumed she was asking who he was and what was his business of arriving. Breaking it off though, a call broke through the air. This though Attican could hear perfectly, the howl cutting over the wind and enough into the den. Immediately Resin took action and told him to wake Pipa, the trio now needed to get on their way.

It was hard to pry his way away from the opening, knowing that Resin was still out there all alone. But he trusted her instincts to know that it was okay for her to be solo for a minute, talking to whoever it was outside. Attican crept backwards until he was back into the cavernous part of the den, Pipaluk still snoring blissfully. He nosed her cheek gently, not wanting to startle the Eldest awake.

"Pipa." He said quietly, lifting up a bit to lick the side of her cheek that ran up to her ear. "Hey Pipaluk. Time to rise ancient beauty, it is time for us to reunite with our Pack." His nose pressed her cheek again, breathing in her musty earthy scent. There was something otherwordly about her, she carried much more than anyone else ever could dream of.

When he was sure she was awake and coherent, he told her that him and Resin would be outside. He did not like the idea of Resin being on her own, as capable as she was. For the last time the brute crawled his way to the entrance, black nose stuffing its way first out of the den. Brr.. it seemed cold out there now that he'd gotten used to the cozy hole. Next came his eyes and ears, head almost appearing to pop out the ground like the strangest of flowers. His forearms wriggled out next, giving him the ability to pull. Coming out was much easier than going in. Even the little bit that Resin did at the opening allowing him much more leeway for his body. It didn't take much for the rest of him to follow suit, completely out of the den. Now out, he shook himself quickly, squinting in the remaining light.

He could make out the female's outline quickly, padding up next to her so that he was standing slightly behind her hips and tail. He had not caught what the male had to say as he had been waking their third member, but stared out at him expectantly, as if to wait for him to announce himself. He was a large black brute, in the prime of life.

Attican cleared his throat, one ear swivelling back to the den to listen for Pipa. The rest of his attention was still on the brute, either waiting for him or Resin to speak.

Pilot

32 - Fae - Straggler

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Her head had been stuffed into the cavity of the carcass gnawing peacefully, when suddenly a loud, dominant-sounding voice pierced over the peacefulness. Pilot jerked her head up in surprise, hitting the back of it on one of the inner ribs. "Ahouuuch!" She exclaimed, eyes wincing from the hit.

Quickly she pulled out of the cavity, pelt dirty from her meal. Inwardly she cursed to herself as her head throbbed, unsure of which direction the call had come from. She licked her maw, turning around. Wherever it came from, it was time to ditch the ox.

Pilot was wary to come in contact with other wolves, especially if they came in large group. Not many were friendly to stragglers and since there was meat to be had she did not want to be the one in the way if they decided that they were hungry. The best thing to do was put a little distance between them and herself. Quickly, the blonde female darted away from the carcass, running in a south-easterly direction. The only thing noting her way or her singular existence being her footprints left behind in the snow. She hoped though that whoever it was would not care to notice or follow..

About two or three miles out the fae slowed to a loping pace, finding a thick gauntlet of trees to weave through. The small forest was dense and tight, apparently having been a good spot for trees like these to grow. Many branches had low-hanging boughs, serving as almost little personal den sites. She pressed through a few of them until she came to a particularly tight one, just enough for her to squeeze her small frame inside. Satisfied with her choice she curled into it, using the tree as both a temporary bunker and sleep spot for the evening.

[Resin]

((Hehehe, I found it funny as well. The imagery in my mind was too good to not write it. Attican stopping to pose in the middle of a bunch of ladies. :p
And a lady battle between Ahote and Hrafn could beef up the story a bit. Totally up to Soriams though. I'm gravy either way! Hrafn is a fun guy to play.))

Pipaluk-Female- 97 Summers

The old gal had been having wonderful dreams. The former dreams of floating drowned corpses gave way to dreams of rolling around in flowery, grass strewn meadows. She'd never actually seen a meadow, mind you, but the ancestors must have decided to gift her with such sleeping imagery. Movement pulled her from the depths of these dreams and she cracked an eye as Attican referred to her as an 'Ancient Beauty.' Not being able to help herself, she woke and cackled. "Your vision must be failing, pup." Nanuq must have said something snarky, for she cackled again and shook her head. "Don't get your fur in a twist. He's far too young for me. Besides. I like the dark, ethereal type." She gave the darkness that toothless grin of hers and crawled out of the den after Attican.

Outside, she squinted, looking at the dark wolf standing off a ways. She hadn't heard the howl from Ahote, but she assumed that it was time to go. Not being bashful, she strode up to the newcomer and gave him a sniff, sneezing after she did so. Turning back to Resin, she padded past her, whispering, although not quietly, "He's a nice looking one, 'int he? He doesn't smell like the madness has touched him." Pipa went and sat at Attican's side, cleaning a bit of dirt from her paws as she waited.

Though she'd come close to death, the pair had reached her in the nick of time. Any longer and she probably would have frozen. Her body felt full of warmth now. Her coat was dry and her bones no longer had that sharp, pins and needles pain. She could hardly tell that just hours ago her fur had been coated in icicles. A strong gust of wind brought the scent of the pack to her nose and she rose, shaking her rump to rid it of snow. "I'm slow, so I'll get a head start." And off she went, cutting across the land until she reached the large path of wolf tracks, which she then followed.

Resin-Alpha Female- 40 Summers

"Hrafn, is it?" She glanced towards Attican as he came to stand next to her. He'd obviously roused Pipaluk, for moments later the elderly wolf crawled from the tunnel and brazenly tromped over to sniff the black brute. When she returned to them, her words brought a tinge of heat to the alpha's cheeks. She had noticed that he was a fine looking wolf. The elder bringing it up so suddenly had caught her off guard.

Pipa announced her departure and Resin allowed her to leave, knowing that the old wolf had an uncanny way of surviving. Turning her attention back to her current company, she cleared her throat, addressing Hrafn. "That was Pipaluk. This is Attican." She motioned with her head towards the large brute beside her. "He is Keeper of the Scarpaw Pack." Another gust of wind blew into them, again bringing the scent of the pack with it. She wanted to be on her way as soon as possible. "And I am Resin. Alpha of the Scarpaw Pack."

Turning, she motioned for Attican and Hrafn if he wished, to follow her. "If you wish to walk with us, I'll explain the blood." Knowing that the Keeper would follow, she began at a very easy lope, following the tracks that Pipaluk had made. The old wolf couldn't be too far ahead. Swiveling her ears back, she caught the sounds of both sets of paws crunching in the snow.

"Our home had begun melting and falling into the sea. We're slowly making our way South in the hopes of finding the home that our ancestors have promised." There. She put it right out in the open. The ancestors spoke to her. Would he find her crazy or not? She continued. "On our way we've run into many troubles. The latest of which being a ravaging sickness that infected another pack. They attempted to attack us and they succeeded with a few of our number. The blood upon the other bank was their own. They attacked one another, ripping each other to shreds."

She ducked low, avoiding a low hanging branch. "You claim to be traveling South as well. You're welcome to join us if you wish. We've taken in many stragglers. I don't believe that anyone should have to make such a dangerous journey alone. Once we arrive, should you wish it, you would be free to leave us and be on your own again. No strings attached." She flicked the tip of her tail absently. Eventually they caught up to Pipaluk and traveled down the path that the others had left for them in the snow.

Hrafn- Male Straggler- 46 Summers

When the scraggly old wolf popped out of the den, he wasn't sure at first if she was actually a wolf or if she was a coyote. Compared to the rest of them, she was quite small. Her brazen sniffing caught him a little of guard. It had been a long time since he'd been so close to another wolf. He took an involuntary step back, but she mashed her nose up against his chest, sniffling at his coat.

The old wolf's words were heard by him and he couldn't fight back the chuckle that rose in him. He liked her. She reminded him of his old feisty grandmother whom he missed dearly. Behind him, his tail wagged back and forth happily. He watched as the old one left and his wagging stopped once the black and grey female began to speak.

When she introduced the Keeper, Hrafn bowed his head deeply in respect. He had always held Keepers of the Past in very high regard. The introduction of herself startled him slightly. He could see the alpha in her, but he hadn't expected it to be true. Her stature and bearing spoke of the power that she held. It seemed that he and this dark lady were on the same level. A former alpha and a current one.

He followed when he was given the invitation and listened intently to her words. He had come through their lands and had witnessed them dying, so he believed everything that she said to be true. The only part that niggled at his mind was her claim that the ancestors told her to travel South. When she was finished, Hrafn cleared his throat and spoke, though lightly. "The ancestors instructed me to travel South as well. They've promised peace for me there. I will travel with you. Not only to ease my burden, but to ease yours as well. There is safety in numbers and the more teeth and claws you have at your disposal, the safer you'll be able to keep everyone."

((Needless to say, I post too much. If anyone wants to play as soon as the log on, just look up one of my characters. Lol I'm always watching. :p))

[Soriams]

((Oh yes, Ahote cares very much for Resin, but he also looks up to her quite a bit and thus feels unworthy of her. He just needs to find a way to regain a bit of confidence. No doubt he would be jealous of Hrfan though, with his suave demeanor and smooth voice... So I say go for it! Drama is always good.))

Ahote
Male | 36 | Fighter
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After sending out his call to the others, Ahote busied himself making sure that the pack settled into the glade, making sure to visit at least each of them once. As he did so, he also took a head count, noting each loss and giving reassurance to those who would accept it. His strong form moved slowly amongst the wolves as they bedded down into the soft snow, his big paws silent as he moved, making the patchwork wolf look almost like a wraith in the young moonlight, a restless spirt who still wandered through the world of the living. Most of ScarPaw was exhausted from the earlier ordeal, and had collapsed into an uneasy, but much needed sleep. In time, he came to the young Omega, Mirage, as he lay curled around the now orphaned pup, Azaria. Her deep red fur is stained with tears, and it breaks his heart to see her so distraught, but at the same time, he can't help but be impressed with Mirage. He knows that the black wolf has already know more than his fair share of loss, and though young himself, has taken it upon himself to take care of those younger. Pausing next to them, the former Alpha bends and gives Azaria a lick on the back on the head and then settles down next to the pair to speak for a few moments. "Mirage, you have done good work today. I am very impressed with how much you have grown, as well as the care you have taken for ScarPaw's pups," he said, still looking down at the auburn pup. He was quiet for a moment then, seeming to consider his words, and he looked up to meet the young wolf's eyes before continuing, "You do yourself and your ancestors credit, and we are all lucky to have you." he finished, and once more turned his attention to the pup. Climbing back up to his feet, he pressed his forehead to her sleeping back, "May you find comfort and not fear in your dreams, young one. The ancestors keep you well." With that, he turned away, giving Mirage one last nod before returning to his vigil.

Soon, Ahote spied the little fea, Kira, who had fallen behind earlier, laying in the snow and licking at her paws. She had nibbled and clawed at herself so much so that there were now great patches of skin showing on her legs, red and proud in the fading light. Disturbed by the sight, Ahote approaches her to see if she alright, but she sends up a warning growl, her lips curled into a grimace of a snarl. Not wanting to irritate her further, he quickly backed off, now even more concerned by her erratic behavior. Remembering her earlier encounter with the raving pup, he wonders if she had somehow become infected. Seeking out Xani, who already seems to be watching Kira, he stops to bring his concerns up to his fellow fighter. "Keep a close eye on that one. There is something not quite right about her..." he said, his voice trailing off when he turns slightly to look back at her. Already, she had gone back to worrying her paws, nose scrunched up as she netters with her front teeth. "Stop her if she tries to approach the others," he finished, and turned to go, but suddenly turned back to her, ""And Xani, good work today. I doubt any of us would have made it had it not been for your help," with that, he left her and walked back into the pack.

By the time he had visited each member of the pack, Ahote found that he came up two heads short of those he had expected. Of course, he knew Attican and Resin would not be there, and though this still causes his stomach to knit with worry, those are not the ones he now seeks. Curse and the young male straggler who had helped them earlier are both missing, and fear rises up in his throat. There is little he can do for the straggler, as he doesn't even know the grey wolf's name, and after all, it would be his choice should he decide not to follow. Curse however, had been a true credit to the pack, and to have her gone missing would be a painful blow to all of them. He was reasonably certain that he had seen her cross the log with the others, so he was not overly worried that she had been taken by the illness, but at the same time, he is concerned that something could have happened to her that she was left behind.
Just as he is considering going after her though, the black and tan fea appears, moving slowly into the clearing.

Breathing a great sigh of relief, Ahote made his way over to her, joining her on the small hill where she came to rest. "Ah, there you are. I was worried you were lost," he said to Curse in a gentle voice. As he drew nearer though, he could see the pain in her eyes and realized too late that she probably had chosen this spot to be alone. He knew that feeling well, as he too had sought solitude at one point in his life, but at the same time, he knew that company and the warmth of another did more to heal than any matter of introspection. Pulling up along side her, he lay down next to her, his body close enough that they might share each other's warmth. "Honestly, I was just getting ready to go looking for you," he continued in a conversational tone, making it clear that he wouldn't simply let her lay there in peace and rest.

[knameless]

(Okay, so... I'm not sure if I'll be posting quite yet, as I'm still working through the old posts. As soon as I get everything that's going on, I'll get right to posting! I just.... don't feel comfortable posting until I know everything that's happened. )

[Apocalyptic_Punk]

(( I'm gonna sit here and giggle quietly about Attican's little group of fanwolf girls, hahah))

Curse
{{Fae||Straggler||Alone||
The crunch of feet in snow stirs her enough to lift her gaze, studying the gathering gloom she finally makes out Ahote. She lifts her head from her paws watching him as he approaches her. Wondering for a second what it is she may have done, but then he speaks, and his words sink past her sadness, and it warms her very core. He'd been worried about her, she offers him a smile, her tail brushing the snow. "No, I am still here," She commented softly blinking in surprise when he lays down, instead of leaving her to her own dark thoughts. She wasn't going to leave the pack, no she had grown quite attached to them to be honest.

She lays her head back on her paws not chasing him off, because honestly it was nice to again to be close to someone, she leans slightly into the larger brute sharing her own warmth with him, and relishing his. She smiled softly at his next words. You would of left the whole of the pack just to find one lone straggler?" She asked amusement lacing her voice as she tilted her gaze to look upon him. She studies him, silently thoughtfully, not speaking for several minutes before finally she let out a soft grumbling sigh. There are times I feel older then the very dirt we walk upon, she chuckled lightly at her words watching the pack silently. This is the first time, in years...almost 15 years that I've felt....like I belonged, and then he came back...and... She shook her head and swiped at her muzzle with one paw, swallowing hard she looked away into the darkness.

She had no further words right now, her throat felt tight and painful, her eyes burned as she stared into the night. Life wasn't fair and she was tired of hurting all the time, it was why she'd stayed by herself it had made her feel stable and in control and now, she felt out of control, like she was falling, sliding down a steep slope and nothing she could do, could stop her.

She

Mirage
{{Brute||Omega||10|| The pups|}}

Mirage watches as the other pups settle in around him, their parents never far away, He lets out a soft sigh and jerks slightly when Ahote walked up. He gazed up at the elder wolf who comforted the small Fae who was huddled against his side. He licked his lips nervously at the older brutes words and nodded his head. The pups are our future, even if we do not survive, if they do we will go on, He responded gently, he looked up at the moons dim light, he's not always certain where the words he speaks or the stories he tells come from, but, they always seem to come at the right moment and are always exactly what needs to be said. Its like his ideas, he knows some of them will work just knows, but he's never brave enough to speak of them.

He lowered his nose to Azaria's back and sighed softly. I will do what i can to assure their passage Ahote, I feel that...the ancestors are guiding me to do so, He chuckled lightly. Though I am no keeper, or even an Alpha I try to teach and show by example," He fell silent then as Ahote just nodded his head before slipping away to continue his rounds. He does not feel hurt that Ahote has left, Resin had put him in charge and that was as good as appointing the older male as leader til she returned. He curled around the pup, and let his eyes close sleep did not come to him fully no, while he rested he saw his mother, she stood near, grey and misty, a darker shape possibly his father behind her, they both were smiling warmly upon him, but then they twisted and began to bleed, they were crying out to him, warning him, warning him of what? They were fading away, rapidly he jerked awake his yellow eyes searching the darkness around them, panting softly he slowly rose to his feet, the pup whimpered her, he nudged her gently into the puppy pile near by then slowly walked away unseeing, a loud buzzing growing in his ears as he did so.

Kuolema
{{Brute||Loner/fighter||14||traveling south