இ۵Ŗace Ågainst ₦atureஇ۵

[Resin]

((The roads have been horrible here as well. Expecting more snow on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Eight or more inches possibly. Yay...))

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

The black brute was slightly surprised when the Keeper agreed to lean against him without complaint. He supposed it spoke of how much discomfort he was in. The pair walked in silence, mostly because Hrafn didn't quite know what to say. Eventually the silence became too much and he asked his question. When Attican answered, Hrafn pulled his ears back against his skull. So the old brute had been protecting the pack. In Hrafn's mind, the Keeper was surely a hero. Who knew what would have happened had the two-leggers continued to stalk the pack? Hrafn didn't even want to imagine it.

"I don't know what happened after that. I shouldn't be here." The Keeper's voice was filled with exhaustion and Hrafn nodded. "The ancestors were looking out for you." He had seen the blood upon the Alpha's face and had heard her say that it was not all Attican's. "They sent our Alpha to save your life. The blood that she's coated in belongs to the two-leggers." The big male was glad that their departed brethren had decided to steer Resin and Ahote towards the Keeper. If they hadn't arrived in time... this situation would have been much different.

As they entered the stone corridor, Hrafn raised his head, looking up at the odd walls of rock. "Strange..." He said aloud. Up ahead he could hear the mumbling of Resin and Ahote. The burns on the reddish brute looked bad and he wasn't surprised that he leaned heavily upon the dark female. Already Hrafn anticipated his work load for the next few days. These three would need sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. It would be up to Xani and the other higher ranks to keep watch while they rested. When he thought of 'higher ranks' he thought of Xani, himself, Lani, Vali... those that were called upon often to act in the packs best interests.

The silence was broken when Attican spoke his name. Both black ears flicked forward, but pulled back against his blocky skull when the question followed. "It's.. it's gone isn't it?" Hrafn sighed heavily and nodded, though the Keeper wouldn't be able to see it well. "Yes, Attican. I'm afraid it is." Though he hadn't been the reason for the injury, he felt the need to apologize. He bumped the Keeper's chin lightly with his muzzle; a submissive action. "I'm sorry for what happened, but I'm glad that you were there. Many lives could have been lost if you weren't. You still have your life. Those that you care for still have their lives." He tried to put a slightly humorous twist on it in an attempt to lift the Keeper's mood. "That will be one hell of a scar and a story to tell. The ladies will fall all over you and the pups will say 'I want to be a great hero like Attican some day.'" Behind him, his black tail swished slightly and he couldn't help but smile. The Keeper would indeed be seen as the hero that he was.

((People that haven't been keeping up with the story are being removed. I understand that you have other things to do, but posting here and there isn't enough participation for my liking. There's no way to keep a character in the story if the character is never played.))

[Soriams]

((Ah, wow, that really sucks Jag. I wish a speedy recovery for her! I'm sorry to hear that you guys are in for more snow out there, I wish you could all get a break. It's going to be cold here over the week too, but we had a nice long break. I wish I could share some of our sun with you!))

Ahote
Male | 46 | Fighter
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Ahote padded along side Resin, smiling a bit. Their conversation had done its job well and for the moment he was able to push aside the pain and exhaustion that followed him, and simply enjoy being close to her. Of course, it was still there, nattering at the back of his mind like an insistent pup, but for now, it was just further away. When she mentioned sleeping for days, he let out a snort of a laugh, "My thought exactly. It is hard getting up, and it gets more difficult every time. I fear if I lay down now, I simply wouldn't be able to continue at all," he finished, chuckling a bit, which caused him to cough again.

For all Ahote's injuries, the lingering smoke in his lungs was likely to be the longest to heal, if it ever did. That damage was already done, and the was little he could do to work it out. However, he knew none of that now, and simply wanted rest and the comfort of the pack, and perhaps better yet, Resin curled at his side. All of that just sounded perfect, and his mind had just begun to wander in that direction when Resin mentioned there were things they needed to discuss. That perked his curiosity, and he turned to look at her, very nearly falling face first in the snow when they both stumbled. "Of course, I'm pretty sure we would both be asleep before we could finish if we were to try anyway," he said, pulling a face.

Really, Ahote had no idea what Resin wanted to talk about at this point. So much had happened between that time under the scalded wayward pine that the anger and the passion was nothing more than a distant memory. True, he still loved her, and would do literally anything for her, but the weight of his own words were now lost on him. Quite simply, he cared for her so deeply now that it didn't matter wether she returned those feelings, they would still be just as strong in him.

Resin mentioned that they were home, and Ahote lifted his head to look out over the pack in the distance. The sight brought a smile to his face, and his pace picked up just a little. He was very much a social creature, and while Resin was probably the only one who could make him leave that comfort, he was still happy to be back with them. Her next comment though berought a genuine scoff from him, and he shook his head, "And I think you give yourself too little. No everyone can provide those things... Could you imagine Vali leading the pack? Or Lani for that matter? Now that really would be a disaster. Wether you like it or not, you're special, Resin," he said, trailing off when he picked up on a speck of movement. White on white it was moving towards them at a high rate of speed, and after a moment he realized what it was and smiled. "Speaking of which," he said, trailing off as Lani's figure became visible, moving through the snow.

Lani
Female | 57 | Hunter
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Hrafn's howl had sent her in motion, and though Lani hesitated for a moment, she eventually took off, barreling through the snow. Apparently, she had waited a bit longer than she thought, because before she was even out of sight of the pack, she could see them on the horizon. The sight of them only made her redouble her efforts until her feet were practically flying over the snow. At that pace, it wasn't long before she was skidding to a halt before Resin and Ahote. "Resin! Hi! I uh... Where's Attican?" she asked, distractedly dancing sideways in her excitement, tail whirring behind her like a tornado.

A split second later, she caught sight of Harfn and the Keeper behind them, and bolted past, not sparing them a second look. "Attican!" she called out happily, bounding up to the two brutes like a pup. "I was so worried about you! How could you just go wandering off like that?" she said, her voice warmly chiding. Slowly though, it began to dawn on the ecstatic white fea that not all was well with them, and her form stilled. "A-Attican? What happened?" she said fearfully, stepping closer. She had not yet seen the wound on his face, as it was hidden by Hrafn's fur, but the heaviness that hung around them was enough to halt even her enthusiasm.

Standing up as tall as she could, Lani gently licked Attican's cheek. Tasting his blood, here eyes went wide and she looked up at him,"Hey, hey... What happened?" she said her voice soft, and she placed her nose under his chin, lifting it up so that he would look at her. It was then that she saw the wound on his face and her heart sunk. "Oh, Attican..." she said, tears welling up in her eyes and she pressed her face into his chest.

Lani stood like that for a long time, embracing Attican as best she could. Finally though, she pulled back and offered him a sad smile, "No matter, no matter. You're safe and that's all that matters. Come on, I'll take care of you," she said, pressing her way between him and Hrafn, giving the black brute a scathing look as she drew him away. Seeing the Keeper disengaged and stubbornly planted at her side, she looked over her shoulder at him, then back to where Resin and Ahote still struggled forward. Weren't they supposed to protect them, to stop things like this from happening? Fear and anger struggled in her, and she shook her head bitterly. "How could you let this happen? Where were you when he needed you?" she said, he voice on the edge of tears again, but this time she stifled them and pressed her face into his fur. "He would have been there for you..."

Not wanting him to stop here, not when they were so close to the pack, Lani sniffed and urged Attican onward. "Come home, love. We'll take care of you," she said softly, letting him lean on her. She might be small, but her stout shape gave her plenty of leverage to help the larger brute keep his balance.

[-Starchild.Keith-]

(I was just waiting until the group came back to the pack. The only other RPer that had a character nearby was Soriams with Wolf, and I'm not sure I could have made a large enough post to make it worth it.
Sorry about that. Unless you didn't mean me in the 'unactive' post...)

[Resin]

((I didn't mean you, Leo. (: Posting has been taking ages. Taking care of my brothers two dogs while he's on vacation, the two stray cats from outside [One is injured], my own two cats, and my snake since she threw a tantrum and made a nice mess.))

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

So she didn't give herself enough credit, eh? Shrugging lightly, Resin didn't have much to say to that comment. She still felt as though anyone could do her job if they were forced to. Some could probably do it better. When Ahote mentioned Vali or Lani leading the pack, she laughed aloud and shook her head. "May the ancestors have mercy on us if that ever happens. One wouldn't open his mouth to give orders and the other would have everyone on permanent hunting detail." With one lingering snicker, she watched as Lani ran to meet them. Knowing that the white wolf would have a fit, Resin took a deep breath.

Lani greeted them and ran past as she saw Attican and Hrafn. Instead of continuing towards the pack, the Alpha stopped in her tracks and waited. She heard Lani's exclamation and her soothing tones towards Attican. As the pair walked slowly past them, Lani spoke. "How could you let this happen? Where were you when he needed you? He would have been there for you..." Rather than growling, which was her first instinct, she spoke calmly and collectedly, those bright yellow eyes of hers narrowing coldly. "Had I not come along when I did, there would have been nothing to bring back. You're welcome for saving his life."

Though she was being rude, Resin knew that Attican was in good paws with Lani. Pressing her side into Ahote's once more, she started walking slowly forward, allowing him to get his footing and pull his body along once more. Once they were out of earshot, she shook her head once more. "She's right. I shouldn't have left either of you alone. Had I at least kept you both with me, Attican would still have his eye." A soft snort was given. "But, had he not intercepted the two-leggers, they would have found the pack and there more than likely would have been casualties." Sighing, she pressed her muzzle against his cheek. "There's just no winning sometimes."

It would be best to find some place where Ahote could rest and recuperate that was also safe and easily defensible. All around them, wolves hopped to their feet and came close to inspect their Alpha and the injured Ahote. Questions came from all around and she shook them off. "I'll tell you all about it once I get this guy to a safe place. If you want to help, get everyone up and moving. We're leaving this place behind." Though they wouldn't be going far, they needed to at least move into the trees.

Coming up on Xani, Resin nodded a greeting. "You've done well. We need to move somewhere that's easier to defend in case our enemy returns." She noted the drawn, tired look on the Beta's face. "Everyone needs rest, especially Ahote and Attican." They plodded along slowly, but surely. "We'll organize a hunt as soon as we can. We need to re-energize and heal, the lot of us." The pack followed, their heads low. Everyone was tired and hungry. The weeks events had just about done them in.

Soon they had entered the trees. Rather than continuing straight ahead, Resin was drawn to the left side of their trail and followed that instinct. It had been a good plan. Asking Hrafn to help Ahote walk, the dark female loped ahead of the group. The mountainous region that they were in proved to provide adequate shelter once again. A rock wall rose up before her. Scattered at it's base were bushes and trees that would break the blowing winds and would provide camouflage should they need it. Moving up against the wall, she began pulling snow away with her forepaws, forming a sleeping area for her injured companion. He would be nestled at the back of the group where he would remain safe and guarded. The hanging branches of a tilted pine would be his home for this short time. The space beneath this one was large enough that he could stand, should he need. It was nowhere near as cramped as the one they were forced to hide beneath prior.

The pack was arriving and everyone was choosing their resting places. Motioning with her head, Resin had Hrafn lead Ahote to the place that she'd chosen. Coming to the front, she called to the wolves around her. "I'd like the elderly, pups and the injured up against the mountain. Everyone else space yourselves out in front. There's a possibility that we'll have a fight on our paws. Everyone stay alert as much as you're able." She shook her head gently, black ears pulling back a bit. "I know that everyone is tired and hungry. Rest, but keep your wits about you. Once I get a little bit of sleep, I'll form a hunting party and see about feeding everyone."

She was just now beginning to realize how tired she was. The last little bits of strength were leaving her with every motion. Coming up to Vali, she asked him to take the first watch. She knew that the silent brute would do his duty. He always did with no questions asked. Much to his surprise, she rubbed her cheek along his. "Thank you." She meant it with the utmost sincerity. Yet again she asked someone else to do her job for her. Large black paws took her to where Xani stood and she stopped, both tired females looking slightly bedraggled. "Ahote's burns are bad. He won't be able to walk for a while. Attican lost an eye while we were out there. Two-legged beasts that wear the skins of the animals that they've killed... they use sharp, pointed sticks and have even sharper rocks that they hold in their strange paws. They have no fur, so they wear ours." She shook her head. "It sounds like some sort of horrible dream." Resin was silent for a moment, then pulled herself together, lest she be carried away inside her head. "I killed one of them to save Attican. The rest of the two-leggers, I fear they'll try to retaliate."

A yawn tore through her and she grumbled afterwards. "Get some rest, Xani. Vali is taking first watch. You've done well by everyone today. There's a leader in you." Again she did something that was unlike her. Resin nuzzled Xani's cheek and the thick ruff of her neck, then pulled away and padded to the place that she'd made for Ahote. When she pulled the snow away, she made sure that there was enough room for two.

[-Starchild.Keith-]

Xani
- Female - 21 - Beta -

As she lay in the snow, Xani contented herself with the ramblings of her mind. She had been in so much of a rush lately that she hadn't had any time to herself. Now was just as good a time for that, and she ran through a mental list of things in her mind. The first was to get the pack safe and sleep. She was pretty sure that everyone just wanted to sleep and eat, something they could easily do one the rest of the higher-ups returned. It wouldn't be long, or at least Xani hoped it wouldn't be. She couldn't take much of the sitting and waiting aspect.

After she got enough rest, Xani planned on speaking with Wolf. He was intriguing and rather confusing. He was a large help in navigating through the canyon to a safe point. It was obvious that he had been here enough to know what it was like. Perhaps he knew a few other things that could be useful. Besides his knowledge, however, she was interested in his past. Turning to glance from the corner of her eye, she scanned the smaller male. His scrawny appearance was due to him being a loner, but even that wasn't enough for his size. Something was strange about him, and she would figure it out as soon as she was rested enough to think straight.

Just as she moved on from the Wolf thought, the sounds of movement from the back of the pack drew her attention. She hopped to her feet in time to see that everyone had returned and that they were all alive. It was obvious that Attican and Ahote were both injured, but they were still walking. That was a very good sign, and she nodded to herself. As Resin and Ahote approached, Xani moved to meet them. The pack followed behind them as the two faes spoke. She simply nodded and followed Resin's lead, moving the pack towards the treeline ahead.

As they entered the shade of the pines, Hrafn appeared. He was put in charge of Ahote for the time being. As Resin loped off, Xani turned to look at Hrafn. A faint glimmer of happiness shone in her eyes, though her wearied features didn't reflect it as much. It was only a few more moment before the pack came upon Resin. She had found another rock wall, this one with scattered flora. The pack instantly dispersed, digging out holes for themselves in the snow. Resin quickly guided them as to where they should bed down, and everyone moved as she was done speaking. The sound of food was marvelous to the starving beta, but sleep sounded even better.

Xani had remained a bit out from the group, simply watching them all bed down. After a moment, she saw Resin coming towards her and turned to face her. At the news of Ahote, her ears went back a bit. Attican's injuries made them move further, easily showing her displeasure at the news. However, they immediately perked back up when she heard of what they had fought. It did indeed sound like a nightmare to the beta. Though she never wanted to come face to face with them, at the same time she did. She wanted to rip them apart as they had to her packmates. If they were to retaliate, they would find a pack of angry beasts ready to kill. She knew that Ahote and Attican were out of the fight, but herself, Hrafn, and most of the fighters would be ready. Resin could take back her duties if that time came.

At Resin's parting words, Xani paused a bit. She hadn't had much praise in her life before now, even when she was a strong fighter for the pack. She hadn't really expected it, but there was always that side of her that craved, no, demanded it. She was a proud creature, but this was the first real praise. She almost shrank away from Resin's touch, but hesitantly returned the gesture for just a second. She watched the black fae trot to where Ahote would rest before she scanned the pack once more. Seeing that all was in order, she trotted past Vali.

Xani chose a spot away from most of the others with a decent vantage point. She wanted nothing more than to run off and howl, to be able to just let out everything inside her. The next best option was to go and let out her rage by killing, but she was far too weak to hunt anything large or catch anything fast. An weary sigh escaped her as she plopped into the snow. Her eyes slowly closed, but sleep didn't find her right away. She was still restless, and shifted every few moments to a more comfortable position. Eventually she settled, drifting quickly to sleep.

[BlackJaguar]

Attican

73 - Brute - Keeper

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Thanks to Hrafn's stability, Attican was able to continue forwards as the group of four made their way back to the Pack. The rock chute was a hard obstacle to overcome and many times the Keeper would find himself rather nearly using the black brute as leverage, pushing his toes between the crags of the rubbled stones as they made their way through it. A few times he'd slip, but never did he go all the way down, once again thanks to his assistance. When he had asked his question about his injury they were more than halfway through the tough patch, the rocks getting larger and larger as they returned to being part of the mountain itself.

"Yes, Attican. I'm afraid it is."

Sounds of almost a dejected pup left the Keeper. It couldn't be helped. Despite his awareness of what the wound probably was, there was still that small fleck of miraculous hope that perhaps he was wrong. But he wasn't and this was the reality of it all. "Okay." He replied solemnly, not saying a single word else on the matter.

So this was his new line of sight. He would have to learn how to work with it, something he planned to do as fast as possible. Even freshly against his happenings, his heart still remained undettered by it. He would still do everything that his rank asked of him, and of course whatever else was left. That was, if they wanted him to do it anymore. But for now he had a big obstacle ahead of him, a large learning curve that was bound to take time to get used to. In addition to losing his visual abilities on the left side and peripheral, his depth perception was now altered as well. Again it was something he was going to have to relearn. But the brute was certainly going to try.

To Hrafn's mentioning to him being a hero, Attican's head instinctively shook itself 'no' viciously... Something to which he instantly regretted. His head spun for a few moments, the blood in his head feeling like it was swirling around, pressing heavily on the inside of his wounds. He grunted to the pain of it, waiting for it to subside. Once it did though he turned his attention back to the brute. "I don't want to be a hero. I'm just Attican, the Keeper of ScarPaw. I do what needs to be done for the safety and comfort of others. It is not heroic, it is my duty."

His voice trailed off, the sounds of his scuffling once again taking the forefront in what was to be heard. Hrafn's words proposed a new set of questions to the Elder, sending his mind reeling. What was he going to do when they met up with the Pack? Surely they would notice, after all it was literally his face that was marred. What was he supposed to say? That he valiantly faced to two-leggers so that they had chance of escape? Absolutely not. In his head that wasn't even what had happened. To him if anything he failed in his attempts, being unable to bring them down or avert them properly. Who was Hrafn kidding? He was no hero.

However the thoughts were interrupted quickly to the sounds of hastened footsteps and a sudden interjection from a familiar voice. His jaw clenched a bit tighter, pushing his bad side into Hrafn's frame to conceal it. Lani came bounding forwards, both worry and elatement on her face. She tottered over him for a few moments, the Keeper rather frozen in his place. He wasn't prepared for this yet.

"A-Attican? What happened?"

"Hey.. I'm fine." His voice was gruff, though rather unconvincing. Obviously the white fae didn't believe him for a single moment as she continued on her energized investigation. Her tongue met his face, causing him to cringe. It still stung like crazy.

"Hey, hey... What happened?"

What was he supposed to say? Already most of the time Attican was uncomfortable as it was around Lani and her clingy, sing-song, lets-be-together-foreeeeever behavior. But for now none of that really even mattered. Actually the brute was starting to get used to it, despite all that the Pack had recently been through. But now here she was, waiting expectantly before him and he had nothing but bad news to show her. 'Oh hey yeah, I just nearly died while fighting off the most dangerous creatures that we've encountered to date. Yeah, they stabbed me in my face and I was literally on the brink of death, in fact I'm still not completely right.'... Probably not the best things to say.

Before he could get a word out though she shifted his head, finally noticing the injury. Her own eyes welled up and it gave a pang in the 73 year-old's heart as she pressed into him. There was nothing to say at all. After some time she pulled herself back, a few words of encouragement escaping her maw. Acceptance. At least she out of the Pack would accept him.

Tugging him away from Hrafn, Lani began to assist him herself, Attican twisting his head back towards the black brute with what he hoped was a look of thanks on his face. Without him the brute simply couldn't have walked at all. Lani was harder to lean onto due to her size and the fact that his legs were spent, but awkwardly the two managed it, their slow pace making progress.

...

After Resin had found the place for the Pack to rest, the Keeper and Lani made their way towards it. They hadn't yet really caught up with the full group yet, something that Attican was glad for. He was not ready to face everyone yet, did not want them to see. When wolves came into view he ducked the best he could from them, using the female's body as a bit of a shield to his face. "I.." He bit his lip for a second, thinking. "Lani I don't want them to see me- well, this yet. Let's just go to the rock please."

Pilot

32 - Fae - No Rank

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Strange. That was the best way to describe what Pilot's world was as the Pack seemed to come and this weird stand-still. There was buzzing from Xani and a few other wolves, but for the rest of the mass it seemed that they just did as they were told, not really seeming to have much gumption to really do anything.

The howl had definitely caused a stir amongst the crowd, some wolves standing up, others taking in shocks of breath. Hrafn had left and the initial plan was to once again move out. Yet once again quickly that plan was again altered, other signals telling them to stay put. Up, down, up, down.. What was going on?

That was one thing that was really a harder adjustment for Pilot as she had been transitioning into packlife. On her own she was responsible for everything, knew everything, did everything. Here she was one of the group, for the most part not knowing anything at all. To be honest it was a little frustrating. Didn't these wolves care more about what was going on in the world around them? That howl had come from someone of their own group, wouldn't they all want to go instead of just sending one?

Lani looked the most distressed. It was obvious that the Hunter was fighting with herself, literally pacing back and forth and sometimes speaking to herself. The blonde wanted to help, but unsure of what to say and knowing that she really couldn't do anything stopped her from doing so. Eventually her packmate ran off altogether, something that the female couldn't blame her for. Wishing her silent luck, Pilot laid down waiting to be given direction.


{{Pilot's is kinda (really) cruddy, but I just wanted to get her back into the right timeline. Wasn't much to give her anyways with the Pack sitting and waiting. She'll be better next time.}}

[Resin]

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

Attican's denial of being a hero surprised the big black brute. Of course the Keeper would be modest, but he didn't think he'd be so adamant in that denial. He had saved the pack with the sacrifice of his eye. If that wasn't a hero, Hrafn didn't know what was. "Anyone that saves the lives of others is a hero whether you wish to believe it or not." Hrafn yawned as they reached the bottom of the rocky chute. Resin and Ahote were a ways ahead of them and the pack had already begun to crowd them.

A pudgy white blob flew towards them and Hrafn grumbled slightly. Lani was a mouthy one and today was sure to be no different than any other. Whether she didn't like that he had been allowed to join the pack or she didn't like that he was capable enough to do the various tasks he was given, he didn't know. When she glared at him and pushed her way between himself and Attican, Hrafn growled slightly. Her rude actions were not appreciated. As if to rub it in, he walked in front of the pair, cutting them off. Fixing the injured Keeper with a look, he bumped muzzles with him gently, a sign of respect. "If you need anything, Attican, you've but to ask."

Turning, he padded off in search of one that he wished to see. She wasn't hard to find. A smile on his maw, Hrafn moved up beside Xani and sat, watching as the pack perked up a bit at the arrival of their Alpha, Keeper and Ahote. "It's nice to have things back to normal. Well... as normal as they can get around here. Every day is an adventure with the ScarPaw Pack." Another yawn erupted from him and he shook out his thick black ruff. Glancing over Xani's shoulder, Hrafn smiled towards Wolf, seeing the scraggly little wolf glued to the Beta's side as usual.

A word from Resin brought him to his paws. "On the move again." Casting a sideways look at Xani, he furrowed his brow. She looked tired. Very tired. He worried for her health. "Once we get to where we're going, you're going to sleep." He flicked both black ears forward. "Don't argue. If you don't keep up your strength, you won't be ready in case you're needed. Resin values your fighting ability. If those two-leggers find us, we're going to need those abilities." He began to walk, knowing she would be doing the same. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll keep watch while you sleep."

Rather than keep his place, Hrafn turned and backtracked, keeping an eye on the tail end of the pack to make sure that no one was left behind. Everyone was fairly eager to bed down and get some decent sleep, so they kept up well enough. Hrafn kept looking behind them, checking for any signs that they were being followed. From his place, he couldn't see any of those signs. The only movement behind them was the gentle stirring of snow as the wind scattered it about.

Once the Alpha chose a spot for them to call home for the night, Hrafn saw that everyone was accounted for. Satisfied with his count, he placed himself between the pack and any potential danger. The seated form of Vali caught his eye and the giant black wolf nodded to him. It seemed they would both be up for guard duty. Vali could keep his eyes pointed in one direction and Hrafn could keep his pointed in the other. Though he was tired, he was more than capable of carrying out this duty.

[Resin]

((If any of you lovelies are interested in a set of free store pets, I have a writing contest going on. 600 word minimum. Easy stuff. Clicketh))

[BlackJaguar]

{{Not really much of anything other than fluff, but I miss rping and felt that I should add a little drabble as we waited. Looking into your contest Resin, I like the idea! Now I actually have to come up with a concept for it though!}}

Attican

73 - Brute - Keeper

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With care to his lack of energy and the fact that he wished to currently stay away from the hoards, Lani and Attican slowly made their way over to the jutting rock base that Resin spoke of. Having gone through so much in the short period of time Attican had adopted a bit of a gimp as he walked, not so much from leg injury like Ahote, but instead mostly for the simple fact of exhaustion. God so close, so close.. His eye was locked onto particular wedge where the rock met the settled snow, a small natural bowl for both him and his helper to rest.

A few more paces and the spot got tantalizingly close. His tongue lolled out the side of his face, already his body surrendering to the hope of relief. A step or so away and his legs buckled completely, flopping him into his place. It wasn't perfect nor the exact position he wanted, but now that he was down there was no more adjusting, this was simply now where he was going to rest.

Good eye rolling forwards he searched around until he found the white frame of the fae. Despite it all a small smile tugged at the corners of his maw, a hopeful means of invite for her to join him. Slowly the smile faded, a shudder quietly rippling through his body. With a last sigh, the Keeper finally was able to achieve his sleep.

Pilot

32 - Fae - No Rank

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Quietly the small fae had made her way with the group to the spot that was desired, bedding down in a snow nest that she dug herself. The air around her still buzzed a bit as some higher ranks flitted this way and that, other wolves sitting and speaking amongst themselves. She herself however had been busy in her own head, trying to sort a few things out.

Pilot's tail wrapped around part of her back legs neatly, covering them the best she could from the chill of the snow. Although she was definitely used to the snow and the coolness it brought with it, it has always been an annoyance to her to have the backs of her legs cold. A strange pet peeve. Shifting until satisfied she laid her head against her shoulder, watching as Vali seemed to stake position to watch. Didn't he need rest too? After all he had been up and about the same as she had and sleepiness definitely was threatening to consume her. Quiet as he may be he still was a wolf with needs. Then behind her came Hrafn, he too seeming to stake a spot for watch. He really could use rest, him and Xani had worked so hard to keep the Pack together. The wolfess bit her lip.

Taking a moment to think again, slowly she stood up out of her bed. Her feet crunched in the white powder beneath her as she made her own way into the invisible line that the two brutes had formed. Having not been in the conversation or in knowledge of what exactly they were watching for, Pilot did not know of the danger of the two-leggers. Still the same, whatever it was they were looking out for three pairs of eyes would be better than two for the protection of everyone.

Not speaking a word, she plopped her blonde rump down in the snow a few long paces away from the brutes. Naturally her tail tucked under her feet again, but everything else about her gave the air that she was ready for service. Her ears flipped momentarily as she nodded to them, 'announcing' her presence.

[Resin]

((Yay for fillers. :b))

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

Because laying down would surely lead to inevitable sleep, Hrafn sat tall, curling his black tail around his white toed paws. The events of the past few days had left him tired and slightly numb, but he would do his duty. There were others that had slept less than he had, after all. When he felt as if he couldn't take it anymore, he'd wake someone to take over so he could steal a few winks.

Movement behind him pulled his attention away from the trees where he'd been staring. Seeing the blonde female, Pilot, drawing close to take up watch as well, he nodded his head and smiled at her. Adjusting his position slightly, he kept the main portion of his focus in his designated direction, but would now be able to look at Pilot without craning his neck.

"Nice of you to join us, Pilot." Bringing one hind leg up, Hrafn used his claws to scratch one ear. Looking past her, he saw the steamy trail of Vali's huff of agreement. He didn't doubt that the silent brute was tired as well. The three of them would be able to sleep eventually. Off in the distance, he saw the shambling figures of Attican and Lani and the black brutes brow furrowed. It would take some time for the Keeper to come to terms with his loss. He was quite confident that Attican would be able to recover, however.

Stretching a bit, Hrafn re positioned himself once more. Night had fallen as everyone had bedded down. Looking up, the massive brute watched the stars sparkle and the world spin. He found it rather calming. Before it lulled him to sleep, he pulled his attention away from it. Looking back to the blonde female nearby, he flicked an ear. "So where do you come from, Pilot?" A bit of conversation to keep them all awake would do wonders.