H o w l [Literate Wolf Roleplay] O/A

[Akoodles]

Rhian trailed at the back of the hunting party, her light brown eyes bright. She hoped that they would find something good to eat this time out, as her stomach was very empty. Just as everyone's was due to the drought. Her fluffy tail wagging a bit, the newly turned three fae's paws danced over the ground, unable to contain her excitement. She wasn't a hunter, but she was able to get by. And it was good for the pack to be out like this, working together for the best of everyone. Rhian's ears pricked as she saw Vail look back at the small hunting group. Her exuberance was quickly dashed as she saw the disappointment in the Alpha's eyes. The moose they had scented was long gone. Her tail now drooping the warrior novie whined softly, turning with the rest to head back to the den site.

The startling crash of thunder and lightning suddenly broke across the night sky. Flinching at the sudden noise, Rhian peered up at the dark sky, watching in awe as jagged flashes lit up the darkness. There was only a few moments of peace though before the growing happiness in the group was destroyed. Lightning smashed into the ground near by, causing even the eldest of the group to yelp. In horror Rhian watched as flames burst into being where the strange light hit, the dead vegetation quickly getting swallowed by the red and orange heat.

Rhian's scared gaze turned to Vail as he gave the group instructions on what to do. Her ears flattened against her head as the large silver male said he was going to get the alphaess and his pups. The young fae's gaze turned to Shuuja as the male began barking out orders, getting the hunting party to move. Giving herself a sharp shake, Rhian turned her attention on her pack mates. She had spent the last year and a half training as a warrior. It was her job to protect her pack, even from terrifying things like fire. With gentle nudges of her shoulder, the young fae got the more scared of the group moving away from the flames, urging on wolves when their steps faltered. She was aware of Shuuja and others doing the same, though the growing smoke was making it hard to keep track of everyone. Rhian's breaths came in gasps, the air searing her lungs. Eventually water splashed up around her hot paws, cooling the flesh instantly as she and the rest crossed the river.

Finally they seemed to reach an area that was safe, wolves dropping to their bellies to try to sleep and catch their wind. Rhian settled down at the edge of the group, settling back on her haunches in a sitting position. She was tired, but her heart beat to fast and adrenaline rushed through her blood still, keeping her awake. Instead she watched the ghastly light of the flames devouring the forest, the heat of the inferno even reaching them in their safe spot. Hours moved sluggishly past before morning came, and with it the arrival of Drazen and more wolves from the den site. Not much longer after that Vail appeared out of the smoke-choked forest, a single pup clutched in his mouth.

Rhian sidled closer to the group gathering around the exhausted alpha, listening in shock as the death of the alphaess was told, and that of the lives of all the pups but one. Rhian's sad gaze centered on little Nova, who seemed to barely be alive as it was. Hopefully the pup would pull through though. It already looked as if Vail had lost most of himself in the fire, she was worried what would happen if this last daughter of his died as well.

[drake852456]

Ambition is never complacent

ＬＥＲＡＴＵ ＷＡＲＲＩＯＲ

XXXKnow those near: Leratu Pack
XXXAct with decisiveness: Waiting for action
XXXObserve your surroundings: Rendezvous Location
XXXObey Omniscient Conscious (OOC):

Shujaa was glad that the alpha seemed to be regaining some of his composure as the small pup was seen to by Drazen. The elder seemed to know how to best combat the pup's condition, and she was soon looking a little better. After Nova was cared for, Drazen suggested what surely everyone knew he would. It was the same advice he'd given since the dry season seemed to go on longer than usual. It was the advice that, had they heeded even a day earlier, would have saved the lives of many valuable members.

While the pack watched the elder tend to the pup, Rulihn beckoned to her brother, wherever he might be. There was still worry present in the fae, but it seemed to have eased to match the general feelings of the rest of the Leratu wolves. She had her brother's devotion to the pack, so it was no surprise that she could compose herself for their sake. Still, Shujaa knew that worse pain was likely to come, when she finally had to accept that her brother wasn't coming back. Rulihn returned to the group of wolves planning their next move, intentionally inserting herself near Shujaa. She quietly asked his opinion on Caith's chances of coming back, her cautious words carrying farther than expected in the somber night. Shujaa contemplated the best choice of words and sighed. Before he could answer, Vail responded to her pleas, giving her a scrap of hope to cling to, but a likelihood to be prepared for. "It is as Vail says," Shujaa responded. Nova was surrounded by a pack with a wise elder to see to her poor condition. Caith had only himself, and there were many possibilities as to what befell the warrior. Most of the more optimistic scenarios involved him being dead already. Any wolf still alive after that inferno and not with the pack yet was likely injured beyond saving. Still, there was a small chance that he had lost his orientation in the smoke, or inhaled enough soot to lose consciousness after crossing the limits of the fire.

Even in the aftermath of the catastrophy, it seemed that Vail was reluctant to depart from his old domain. The notion was understandable, as most of the pack had been raised there from an early age, if not birth. However, such clinging was beyond reason in light of current events. Once more, it was a concerned voice that broke through their alpha's melancholy. It was Ulrica, the small fae that could frequently be seen with the sigma scout. She brought with her more dark tidings. The sigma had met her end during the retreat. Her blatant pain seemed to strengthen Vail; it was a reaction common of most warriors and warrior-hearted wolves to provide a strong example to embolden the weaker wolves. Perhaps the worry of the two faes would be enough to propel Vail to action. Their alpha assured Ulrica that the death of the sigma was not her fault, and he was right.The responsibility of leading the pack away before the blaze was Vail's alone. However, Shujaa was the wolf ordered to lead the hunting party to safety after the bolt of light. He would not dismiss his own failure only because the event could have been avoided entirely. Embracing a technicality didn't make the sigma or any of the others any less dead.

The eyes of the pack turned to Drazen, whose advice was ignored only days before. The events proved the folly of writing off his wisdom as an aged wolf's rambling. He imagined that most wolves would be immensely hateful after being ignored for so long, and finally believed only after the world turned upside down. Perhaps Drazen was spiteful, behind his calm and collected facade. Shujaa supposed they would eventually know.

Coding by Vailwolf

[Abberdoodle]

#ea8d96

As Rulihn rejoined the group it was Vail who offered her a little comfort. He told her that Caith could have taken another way out of the den and the Huntress nodded. She wanted to believe that her brother was still alive, but like Vail she was starting to feel the ugly truth. It was very possible that her brother had perished in the fire like the Alphaess and the Sigma and others. Rulihn felt her head bow as her ears pressed back.

Shujaa told her that Vail was right and Rulihn nodded again. Now that she was still and the adrenaline in her body calming, she could feel the extensive wound to her tail. She could not feel all of it but the part that was still fleshy and bleeding... she could feel. Roo whined softly and moved away from the others to inspect her tail further.

The Huntress had had a fluffy white tail but now it looked like it would end up only being a short stump. She was glad she had gone back to the densite thought. It gave her peace to know that she had not found the body of her brother. Her tail was hurting, her burned paws were sore as well but Roo was ready to move. The fae shifted on her paws for a moment before laying down to take the pressure off her feet. She curled her tail toward her body and whined again when she felt the shock of pain at moving her tail too much.

This was her punishment for disobeying a direct order. All her life, Rulihn had always done what was asked of her without complaint. She'd always followed orders to the T and the first and only time she disobeyed anything, she lost something she could never get back. Rulihn could fight through the pain though. She laid her head on her paws looking at tiny Nova curled against Vail's chest. The life of the pack was in her. If her light was to go out and if she were to die, Rulihn was afraid the pack's hope would die with her. The little pup had to survive.

Everyone was waiting on word from Drazen on where this place might be. Rulihn was a little shy about moving on to new lands but a new home that was full of life would be much better than what they had here. Everything was ruined and still smoldering. The prey had moved on so it was time for them to move on as well. They should have followed Drazen's advice long ago and left the valley. It was obvious that the Alpha was beating himself up over not listening to the elder. Rulihn knew it wasn't entirely his fault. Traveling with a pregnant mate would have been near impossible but now they were without an Alphaess and her pups. Rulihn couldn't even begin to wonder what Vail was going through and just thinking about his pain seemed to lessen her worry over her brother.

Rulihn stayed where she was but her ears were leaned forward and her eyes stationed on the Alpha. She was ready to hear orders to move out. If Caith was still alive, he would find a way to follow them, Rulihn knew it.

[Breathe Disaster]

Watching young Nova, the water and mushed herbs seemed to give her some relief. It would take a while for the young one to heal, but in the proper care of the pack - she would be just fine. Drazen had turned his attention to Vail and spoke of traveling to his old home, a place where was sure that would be a perfect home. He knew that his old pack probably had moved on, as they traveled every few years or so to a new densite. He hoped that even if they were there, that they could arrange something and allow Leratu to have some land. He was sure they would figure out something, but his main concern was getting Leratu away from the fire burning forest. It wouldn't be long until the fire spread and possibly reached the river. Ulrica reported that their sigma had died, and some of the other high ranked wolves. Drazen sighed softly and his ears fell against his skull. He wished that there was more that he could have done. Why the gods targeted Leratu, he didn't know.. But the poor brute was feeling like he should have urged the pack harder when he warned them of the signs that he saw.

Vail whined and didn't look to keen on leaving, he had been here all his life, why would he want to leave? Drazen watched him and he turned his eyes to the ground. He wondered what Seto would have told his son.. Sighing softly, Drazen looked up as Vail asked him where this place was. Though with the Alphas stare, a few more came as many had been listening in on the conversation. Drazen cleared his throat and looked towards the others and Vail. "I understand that this has been your home, our home for many years. Many of you guys have been here since a pup. It will always be dear to our heart but the trees will take years to come back, the animals that survived and fled.. They will not return until the valley is flourished again. We can not live in a charred home.. It is impossible. It hurts me and I know it will hurt you all as well, but we must take a step away from here and find a new place to call 'home'." He looked towards Vail and then the others. "But that doesn't mean in due time, that our children or our childrens children cannot return here. Eventually, in a few years from now - Leratu can return and claim back this beautiful land." He tried to give them some hope, hope that eventually this will be the packs once more.

"As for where I am talking about Vail, it will be perfect but like I said.. The journey is harsh. Only the strong headed and those that have the will to survive will make it there..." He stared blankly at the alpha and then addressed all of Leratu. "The journey to where I believe will give us peace of mind, and that will accommodate our daily needs is far from here. It is a long journey, one that will test everyones physicalness and mentalness." He paused and his eyes traveled towards the mountains. "The mountains is the first step. That alone is a long trip. The path there is steep, the rocks are steep. If you have the wrong footing... You will slip. Not only that, but once you start climbing - there is no water nor food. You will have to hold your thirst and hunger and try to make it not throw you off balance. After we pass the mountains however, the journey is far from over. You will find a river, that divides the land from the mountian and whats beyond. This river has no way around, the only way to get to the land beyond is across. This is no ordinary river, many of you probably have heard stories. Those stories are true. The river is a monster, a violent and raging monster. It will sweep you away if you are not careful." He let his words sink in, for those were not the hardest trials of this journey.

"The final part to the journey is the two legged territory. Many of you have heard of humans, correct? None around here have met them. I have encountered them many times. I know for a fact they probably still have their territory just past the river. Do not let your mind trick you when we see lush forest, prey and land. This is the most dangerous territory of all. If you see a human, run - run and make sure you are not running in a straight line. These humans have this thing, a thing that can end your life in a second. Many of the wolves where I was from, call it a gun. One loud bang, and you will be dead. They will not hesitate to kill..." He gave them all a look and sighed softly. "It sounds like a long and harsh journey but it will all be worth it.. Trust me"



ʟocαтιoɴ ⇨
ωιтн ⇨
тнoυɢнтs ⇨
ωoʀᴅcoυɴт ⇨
ooc ⇨ temp layout. hope this is okay.

[Mistress Rawrr]

✿ NOVA'S vision had cleared up more and now the burning in her lungs was slowly easing but the young pup felt the need to cough her lungs out. She kept her muzzle closed for the first couple but quickly the need overcame her and she coughed out loud. After a second the pup rolled back over to the leaf to lap at the water, once her throat eased a little bit she noticed that wolves were getting closer and closer to her and her father. Nova was put on edge with this, being a young pup she really only knew her mother, her father, her brothers and of course Grandpaw Drazen, but that pretty much was all the wolves she knew in her home pack and with these wolves coming closer to her, well her father, for leadership it still freaked the little fae out.

✿ WHEN one of the strange wolves came up to her father with the sad news that the sigma, whoever that was, had been taken by the flames, her own ears lowered against her head and another fit of coughs came out of the black pup. Soon enough her father’s much lager paws came around her and he laid down to provide her with warmth that he didn’t seem to have but just having her father with her made her cuddling close to his black and silver fur. She whimpered softly and gently licked at her father’s paw. She closed her eyes for a moment before her lungs demanded that she started another coughing fit.

✿ THE black pup coughed until her lungs burned and even then she coughed. Gasping for breath she inched toward the leaf and lapped once more at the water. She licked her muzzle once more to try and get rid of the cough. Nova had figured that she would have been okay at least until her lungs were burning from the coughing, surely Grandpaw Drazen would not have done something to harm her, but there was a slight panic in her eyes from the coughing. After a few more coughs she was able to stop, and lapping at the water again she took a few deep breaths, it took a second before her lungs seemed to remember to work. A small smile was on her little maw as she curled back up against her father’s chest. Her little head tucked under her tail and she kept her eyes open.

✿ SILVERY hues looked up from the blackness of her own coat and the paws of her father. Nova was not feeling great but slowly her body had stopped trembling and her breathing returned to a normal rate, but ever so often the young pup would once more start a round of coughs, each becoming a little worse, before bouncing and becoming better. Quickly Nova ran out of water from the leaf so she simply kept put under her father. Feeling eyes on her she would shift every so often out of discomfort. Shifting her little body she got up circled once before rolling into his chest, her slight weight would do nothing to her father but help him realize she was alive and a strong little wolf. Vail’s blood ran through her veins as she had heard a wolf say, she had to pull through for both herself and her father.

✿ DURING one of her calm moments Grandpaw Drazen spoke up about this new place, her heart had dropped when he said that it was possible that they would have to wait some years before returning to this place, her eyes shifted between the wolves in the small circle, she figured that they had all been living on this lands forever, but her measurement of time wasn’t great, she was a pup after all, and thirty seconds seemed like forever to her. Grandpaw Drazen spoke of something; her little mind was whirling as she looked at the adult wolves. Her ear flicked as she heard her father’s name.

✿ GRANDPAW Drazen seemed to think that the journey would be harsh and seemingly long. Her little paws and short legs was the first thing that crossed her mind. She looked up at her father and whispered in a raspy voice, “You-you leave wont behind me?” she said she had meant to ask her father if he wouldn’t leave her behind, but she still needed some practice putting the words in the right order. The more that Grandpaw Drazen said about this journey the more the little pup feared she would be left behind or she might end up with her mother and brothers. Her little heart raced with fear and she nudged her small muzzle under her father’s chest and she hoped that she would wake up from this nightmare.
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Internal Monolog ⇢ <3

[Amator Demoni]

""

The healer brute had been resting just outside the den side. His duties to the alpha fae and her pups done for the evening and he was tired from lack of good sleep and good food. Being a healer he knew of a few edible plants, but most were not all that good for a wolf. Staring done at the dry forest below the den site. He was worried about the hunting party that was out looking for food. The drought had driven off almost all the large animals suitable for food and it was a sad sight to see hunting part after hunting party return without food nor hope. Without rain there would be no more food for prey, or even back up food for a wolf. Licking his paws to wash his face the blue eyed brute kept his mind on happier thoughts, like the young pups that laid with the mother at the moment. He was glad the alphas had had their own pups, but he was worried for the timing, with the vicious storms and now this drought it was all he could do to keep himself from leaving the Leratu. Thunder rang through the air and Floki lifted his head to see lighting striking the ground. At first he was confused by the flash of light and the rumbling from the sky. But when flames erupted from the places where lightning had struck, fear gripped the healer's heart. There were flames below! Where the hunting party had gone. Standing he turned and headed back toward the den site. Drazen was already out of the den calling for the wolves to leave now. The alphaess crawled from her den carrying a single pup in her maw. Confused the healer saw smke emerging from the den and he could only guess that the new mother had been awoken by the thick gray fog and most of the pups had been suffocated by it.

Following after Drazen and the rest of the pack, Floki was bewildered at the sudden emergence of the fire. The dry forest was to blame for the flames, but still it was like a demon was chasing the pack. Was it not enough they had been starving that now a fire sought to kill even more of them? Fear gripped the brute's mind and body and as he ran the healer could see the effects of the smoke inhalation of the alphaess. He hoped she would make it, she was a strong fae many admired and with a pup left she needed to live to keep it alive. Flames closed in around them getting closer to the wolves as they yelped from pain and ran all the faster from fear. Floki's attention was pulled from his pack mates and focused on his own life. Coals burning along the ground burned his thick paws and nips at his underbelly. His instincts told him to run, to get out of the fire and go toward water. He knew where the river was and how to get to it. But in all the fire and the burning trees he was getting lost, and soon he found himself apart from the pack. Flames bit at his heels and scorched his underside and male parts. Yelping and whining he ran, his fur sizzling and his paws raw, he tried to think tried to figure out where he was and where the river was. Losing the pack scared him beyond reason and the normally logical wolf was senseless as to what to do. His mind was scrambled from the pain, from the fatigue, and from worry for his pack. Breathing was getting hard, exhaustion gripped his muscles and made it painful to keep running. Floki could feel the smoke in his lungs, feel it ripping into his limbs and attacking every ligaments and fiber within him.

Bursting through the flames, fire that had been eating at the underbrush and over hanging trees, there was water, water! Floki dove into the slowly moving river feeling instant relief on the burns and on his raw paws. Sighing, the grey brute looked around, the light from the burning forest behind him gave him vision all around. Further down the river the healer noted the silhouettes of more wolves, so some of the pack had survived. excited, though weary, the blue eyes brute swam against the current until he reached the safe side of the river. Panting he shook the water from his thick coat before beginning the slow walk toward the other wolves. His muscles were sore, his blood felt clogged and his lungs filled with fluid. Floki was past tired and plan wanted to fall over, but he pushed on until he came withing a few feet of the other wolves. Most the wolves were listening to Drazen speak and as the healer approached he noted the alpha male near by, with a single pup near him. It was the pup the alphaess had bee carrying with her when the pack began to flee the den. Slumping down onto the ground, first by his hind quarters and then his front half the grey brute gave a sigh. It seemed the alphaess had no made it then. Lowering his head the healer gave little attention to what the other wolves were talking about, until the word 'humans' grabbed him. Looking up as Drazen continued to speak. Humans? Floki had heard of them as a pup, nothing more than stories to scare pups and keep them from wandering off. Though it never kept Floki from wandering off. Shuttering off his old memories the healer looked back up at the elder. So would he be leading them out of their long known home?

Taking a deep breath Floki stood. He winced when standing on his paws, they were still raw and burn. The pain was like pine needles stabbing into the very flesh under his pads. He noted the other wolves and their own burns. He knew he was not the one that was the worst off and so he would do his duty and help those that had worse burns. Hissing through his teeth as he walked around Drazen and Vail, the blue eyed brute looked around the area. Near the rive most plants did well enough, having roots stretching to the shallow water. But most everything else was worse for ware. Licking his dry nose Floki's ears flicked back as he heard the soft rasping voice of the pup. He turned his head toward the little alpha pup, worry in his bright blue eyes. The pup had inhaled a lot of smoke and the heat was probaly not good for its little lungs. Moving closer to the alpha and the hoarse pup Floki's ears pinned forward. He heard the raspyness in her breathing and it made the grey brute all the more worried. She might be stuck with short breath for the rest of her life, and may never be able to run without struggle. Cocking his head to the side and looking up at the elder and alpha he furrowed his eye brows. He would speak to the alpha about it later, not wanting to interrupt the elder's words. Scowling the blue eyed healer went back to the edge of the river, looking for witch hazel or another plant that may be living still that could help with the other wolves' pain. His own pain could wait until he could fins something to help.

[Vailwolf]

Day Change.

Afternoon

(Working on getting graphics done.)

[Vailwolf]

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

ＬＥＲＡＴＵ ＡＬＰＨＡ ＭＡＬＥ

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OOC:

As he laid down with Nova Vail kept his eyes directed upward at Drazen. He listened to the old brute speak, first about their home here in the valley and then going on to elaborate on where they would need to travel. As the mountains were mentioned Vail turned and looked off into the distance. On a clear day the mountains were clearly visible from the Valley but Vail had never traveled that far north before, he never had a reason to. In a way he was sort of curious what the mountains would be like up close... He knew some wolves lived around mountains, or so his father used to tell him. They couldn't be all bad, could they?
The river was described next. Such a large and treacherous amount of water was foreign to Vail. The valley had a river than ran down from the mountains and at some points the water was too fast and harsh to swim in... But nothing that was likely to be life threatening to an adult wolf. The idea of a river too large and dangerous to cross was worrying to Vail... How would they do that? Especially with a pup with them? The thought of drowning seemed like a very unappealing way to die.

At the mention of humans Vail's ears flipped forward and his eyes snapped back to Drazen. Many wolves from the valley, who had never encountered humans before, tended to believe they were not real or at least did not live anymore. The stories Vail had heard of them made them out to be a terrible predator and one that loved to kill wolves. A life time of being a top predator did not teach Vail many lessons when it came to others potentially hunting him. As a pup his mother had told him that humans did indeed still exist, that she had seen them. His father however, ever the skeptical wolf, told him it was all nonsense. Vail was far more inclined to believe his father. He was a wise brute and seemed to know everything. But then again Drazen was wise too.. Why would he make it up? He would just have to see for himself.

Vail blinked and looked down between his paws as Nova's raspy voice caught his attention. His head tilted to the side as she asked if he would leave her behind. He stared down at her for a long moment before quickly dropping his muzzle to lick at her small head. "Of course not. I wont ever leave you behind. Ever." He assured her with another lick to the head. This journey sounded difficult, even for the strongest of the pack... But to do it with a young pup? Was that even possible? Whether it was or was not it was worth trying. Just like he promised, he would never leave Nova behind.

Vail got to his paws after Drazen seemed finished. He walked away from Nova until he was standing in front of what remained of his pack. Soon enough he could sense their eyes were on him and he had their attention, it was then he spoke. "The Valley is gone." He lowered his head sadly until he looked over his shoulder as if to confirm what he had just said was still true. "You all heard what Drazen said? A new territory for us, one with prey to hunt. It will be a long and dangerous journey... But one we have to take to survive. I realize that now... I know I've made mistakes but I believe this is the right choice. Come this afternoon I will be leaving this place for the new territory. I know some of you are injured but if we want to make it before winter we must leave right away. I will not blame or judge any of you if you'd like to leave and find your own way... But if anyone wants to stay in Leratu I will be leaving this afternoon." With nothing else to say Vail simply returned to Nova and laid down with her. After laying his head down it did not take long for the Alpha to fall asleep despite all that was going on in his mind.

Vail's sleep was not entirely a restful one. While he slept the brute whimpered, growled and moved his legs as if he were running. His mind was filled with visions of fire and of being chased by the fire. He continued trying to run but eventually he seemed to only be able to run in place. The flames got closer and closer until finally he found himself surrounded by them. They closed in on him, all around, until they singed his fur and began burning his skin.

With a loud yelp Vail awoke. He panted and looked from side to side until he realized where he was. Looking to the sky Vail realized it was about the right time he wanted to leave. A sigh escaped the brute as he got to his paw and shook himself out. It was now or never. Waiting would not get them anywhere, that was for sure. "Come on, Nova..." He lowered his muzzle and grabbed her scruff, knowing she'd likely still be too weak to walk. The brute took a few steps away, pausing as he came by Drazen's side. He nodded at the old male then continued walking again alongside him. Vail had no idea whether the rest of the pack would follow him or not. But there was no point in asking. A wolf had free will, he could not force them to still follow him. As he walked away though Vail could not help but hold his breath. Waiting to hear pawsteps behind him or someones flank against his. He hoped he would still have his pack with him,

[drake852456]

Ambition is never complacent

ＬＥＲＡＴＵ ＷＡＲＲＩＯＲ

XXXKnow those near: Leratu > Those heading the departure
XXXAct with decisiveness: Plotting > Sleep > leaving
XXXObserve your surroundings: Flames Rendezvous Point > Transit
XXXObey Omniscient Conscious (OOC):

Shujaa noted that Rulihn took a little comfort in what could be considered false hope. She still seemed visibly concerned with the current events, as one would expect of any wolf. The adrenalin seemed to be dying down, for the fae seemed to wince occasionally, no doubt in response to her tail. However, she was a strong wolf, and Shujaa assumed she's find greater fortitude eventually, despite her worry for her brother and irrevocable injury. It was important for the pack that she meet his expectations, for a pack moved on their stomachs, and every stomach in the vicinity was uncomfortably vacant.

Another vital component of any pack in times of danger was of course healers. The pack was dangerously low on them in the aftermath of the fire. While Vail and Drazen attended to the pup's needs, their shortage was graciously reduced as Floki emerged from the river, drenched from swimming against the current to meet up with the pack. Diligent as ever, the healer briefly examined Nova's condition and went about his work without wasting precious time with chatter.

Meanwhile, Drazen outlined the journey ahead of them. There was no attempt at masking the difficulty of the journey nor the chance that some might be unable to survive the journey. Also, he claimed that the rumored 'human' beings were likely to oppose them near the final leg of their journey. Shujaa might have once ignored such a statement, but they had all seen the cost of discrediting the wise words of the elder. This 'gun' that could kill with just a noise instilled an uneasiness that Shujaa would hesitate to admit. How could such an enemy be defeated? A wolf or bear bled like anything else, and sickness could be fought with nature's gifts. But a power such as this? He knew he would be helpless to defend his family, and the knowledge weighed heavily upon him.

The wolves present seemed to know what lied ahead then, which was more than they could say sparse hours ago. Shujaa finally let the lack of sleep and food lull him. He traveled to the edge of the pack opposite of the river and slept.

When dawn passed the pack was roused again. Shujaa stirred when a familiar yelp penetrated his state of sleep. A few moments later he shook off the sleepiness and saw Drazen and Vail leaving. The message from the morning was clear: join if you want, stay if you want. There really was no decision for Shujaa. The warrior trotted through the crowd of wolves, some fighting wakefulness, others stretching and releasing in a few nervous whines. Shujaa released restrained barks and jostled a few wolves along the way, helping to wake any who might wish to remain true to their pack. Finally, Shujaa broke from the larger body and caught up with the two, no three of course(Nova), dispersing wolves. "They will come," Shujaa said quietly. He didn't mean all of them, but he knew quite a few that would stick to their pack as sure as the set would set.


Coding by Vailwolf

[Amator Demoni]

""

Ulrica was relieved when the alpha gave her a passing yet sad glance at the mention of the dead Sigma. She had been worried she might be to blame for the older wolf's death. But Vail was more concerned with his pups and their current situation to think such things. Lowering her head in respect and raising her body she turned to let Drazen continue talking with their now widowed alpha. Craning her ears, Ulrica had heard the shocked 'What?' From her fellow scout Rayne. Trotting over the the fae whom could very well be her own sister for how their pelts matched, the thin fae lowered her ears in grief. "I am sorry Rayne, I stayed close to them the whole time, but fire burned their pelt and made them collapse. They would not get up." Lowering her head she sighed as she sat next to her fellow scout. Her yellow eyes half closed as her mind looked back at just hours ago when the Sigma told her to run while the fire crept ever closer to their fallen black burned form. With a deep breath she lifted her head, thinking of how she had run for her own life, unable to save her teacher and friend from the flames. Nudging Rayne with her shoulder she tried to reassure her friend and fellow scout. She liked Rayne and since they looked so similar, she often thought they could be related way back, though Ulrica was a bit smaller than her fellow scout.

The fae scout's ears perked at Drazen began to speak with Vail nearby about leaving their long home. The fae cocked her head to the side, ears pinned on the elder. He spoke of the long journey they would need to make to find the land he had once come from, over the mountain through a raging river and across human territory. Humans? Ulrica had heard of them as a pup, and only thought of them to be mere fairytales to scare pups and keep them from wandering away from their mother's side. Were they really real? As the elder continued to talk, he stated how the humans had weapons to kill wolves, guns? What sort of evil were these humans? The thought scared the fae scout, humans seemed like monsters, more so than they had when she was a pup. When the elder stopped speaking Ulrica shivered lightly, wondering what would happen next. The alpha began to speak then telling them all that he would be leaving and that anyone that wanted to stay with the pack were welcome to come with him. Standing on her burned paws Ulrica gave a yip her tail high behind her. "I will stay with Leratu and go with you my alpha. I will help you and your pup make it to our new home." The proud young fae looked to her alpha with determined eyes and a fierce stance. She would not leave Leratu, not willingly at least. She would help Vail and Nova reach this new land and keep tot he pack she had chosen as her family.

With speeches over with and wolves tired and hungry, most laid down to rest. Even the alpha laid with his pup and fell asleep. Ulrica was tired she would admit but she was going to be vigilant and strong. But as she laid down near Rayne, fatigue took its toll and soon her head was laying on her paws and her eyed fluttered shut. Without food nor proper rest, and after running for her life her little body was tired and sore. She slept soundly enough, dreams of running from a bright unknown enemy made her whine in her sleep, but otherwise she was still. When a yelp of fear and pain rang out Ulrica jolted awake. Looking around she noted her alpha standing and picking up his pup before joining Drazen and walking away. So there would be no final farewell to their home? The fae scout gave a whine as she stood, her eyes training over her shoulder to look back at the black and burned forest that was their home. Sighing she turned back to see her alpha walking away and trotted after him. Shujaa joined the other two brutes and coming up behind them Ulrica noted him saying that others would come. Surely more wolves would join, the Leratu being all they knew. Though there had to be those that blamed Vail for all of this and would chose to go their own way. Ulrica would stay loyal however, it was not her place to blame the alpha for wanting to stay in the only home the Leratu had ever known. In her mind he had done what he thought was best, and that was enough for her.

[Breathe Disaster]

Everything happened so quickly. The pack had been enjoying themselves, just returning from a hunt. They were getting ready to return to the densite to rest. Lumiere was looking to curling up and falling asleep. The next thing they knew, everything was in a panic state and a fire was clearly breaking out near their home. Lumiere couldn't draw her eyes away from the flames that were starting to dance into the air as it engulfed her entire life. Some of her friends and her dear home. She felt a sting of pain and heartbreak as she was shoved away from where she was standing and shouted at to get moving. She followed reluctantly. She had no idea what to think, what so ever. Her hues locked onto the smoke once more as they found a safe place across the river. She sat on her rump, ears pinned back and heart beating a faster then it ever has before. Everything was gone.

Gone. There was nothing left, there would be nothing left. She knew the others were feeling the same pain and her eyes drifted from survivor to survivor. She gulped and her head lowered as others began to talk. Within hours or so, Vail had returned, with only one pup. Lumiere's heart shattered. She couldn't imagine what he was going through. The eldest of the pack looked over the little one and exclaimed that she would be just fine. Lumiere breathed a sigh of relief. That was the best news she had heard in the last several hours of her life. She turned her head away, but when Drazen began to explain the safest place to go, anxiety kicked in. She whined and stood on all fours. There was no way she was going through a mountain, nor a river OR going anywhere near any of those two legged beasts. She believed the stories, but like any story about monsters - she wished it wasn't true.

Vail then gave the choice for everyone to follow or stay behind. Lumiere hesitated, but knew deep down that staying behind would only kill her. She has always been apart of Leratu and there was no leaving her family. "Leratu will always be my home. No matter where on earth we rest or hunt." She spoke softly, pledging her alliance to the pack. She, like the rest of the pack got some shut eye, before their journey began. And when Vail started to move. The petite fae stood on all fours and followed her alpha.

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[SniKenna]

Solana woke with burning lungs. Her brindle coat had been covered by a thin layer of ash during the fire and it still clung to her fur, giving her a ghostly appearance. She likely would have been a ghost too if not for her swiftness. When Vail had given the order for them all to flee, the huntress had hesitated, and that brief moment of indecision had nearly cost her her life; a burning, bare-branched maple had missed her by inches on its descent to the earth. The sound of the impact had sent Solana skittering away, and she didn’t stop running until she and the other wolves were out of harm’s way. But not all of the Leratu pack had escaped the flames.

As she rose to her paws, Solana studied the pup dangling from Vail’s mouth. Nova, the lone survivor. The Leratu hunter had never wanted so much to hold a pup close and whisper promises of safety in her ear. When Vail started to move, Solana quickly followed him and her other pack mates. Occasionally, she glanced behind her to see if anyone else would join them and to catch a few glimpses of the valley she’d only just grown accustomed to calling home. Her previous travels had prepared her for long, harsh journeys like this, and at least now she wasn’t pregnant. But she almost wished she was, for the pack was in desperate need of joy and reassurance. Nova was it for now. Releasing a sigh, Solana coughed a bit violently before moving up to the alpha male’s side.

”Vail,” the huntress greeted as she slowed to match the brute’s pace. She tried her best to sound as cheerful as she was on most mornings, but understandably she found the feat difficult. Behind Solana’s gentle smile resided little more than concern and sadness, mixed with the most minuscule hints of hope. ”The pack is following you. Even the most stubborn wolves are treading in your wake. Leratu will survive…” Her expression grew strained as she very quietly spoke the next few words so they would escape Nova’s detection. ”I am so… so very sorry for your loss. Losing your mate, losing your… pups…” From Solana’s mouth, the word seemed delicate and sacred. ”I just… I hope you know that even though it may feel like it now, you are not alone.”

Solana coughed again, licked her lips and glanced to her right, towards the horizon. She wanted to say more but there wasn’t much else left to say. Instead, the female pressed her side comfortingly against Vail’s for a few moments, hoping that the gesture would express everything that she could not. When she moved a few inches away from him again, her soft eyes were fixed on Nova. ”If you ever need someone to watch her, or do anything else, I will always happy to help. In fact, let me know if your neck gets tired. I can carry her at any time for however long is needed…” Reluctantly, Solana moved her eyes off of the coveted black baby. She fell silent and began to wonder about the health of her other pack mates, deciding to speak with a few more of them before giving her scratchy throat a rest.


Location: On the movexx Companions: Vail, the packxx OOC: <3 - Hello everyone! Let me know if I need to edit.

[Vailwolf]

Life in the mountains was hard without a pack, the siblings were learning that first hand. Hunting was hard, even for this top hunter. But Greywind always refused to believe there was 'nothing' to eat. There was always prey. Always. You just had to know where to look. Back where he was from his pack would hunt the mountain sheep that ventured downward as well as deer which ventured too close to the mountain. But around here was far more barren. Greywind had not caught sight or scent of deer or sheep since he had left his old territory. His belly growled as he longed for real meat, even an old carcass would do fine right about now... But he was not one to whine, nor was he one to give up.

Higher and higher Greywind climbed the mountain in search of prey. Even if there was not large prey up here there was something Greywind knew the mountain always provided. A small animal referred to as a 'Pika' by man. They were round, fluffy and resembled and although a bit larger they resembled a mouse without a tail. They tasted fine but were more just a snack than a meal. Greywind had caught these things before and was now in fact living off of them.
The pika were incredibly hard to catch, though. They could scamper across the rock as quick as a rabbit, and could wedge themselves inside the rock, not to mention they had burrows all over the place.

Greywind was patient though. Casually and carefully he walked across the rocks, looking as if he was not hunting at all. Greywind had been on the hunt for quite awhile before he found what he was looking for. A lone Pika sitting atop a rock, chewing on some rough mountain grass. Without making a sound Greywind began to climb higher until he was directly above it. Slowly he got himself into position, his body lowered and legs held underneath him. He knew he could not out maneuver the Pika, nor could he scale the rock as soon as it got running. The only chance he had was to take it completely off guard, the element was surprise was his best tactic.

Greywind waited until he felt the time was just right. The wind was blowing towards him, the sun was out of eyes... And the Pika was right underneath him. Without a growl or any sound of all Greywind dropped downward. The Pika was quick to react but Greywind managed to drop a heavy paw down on it's lower back as it tried to scamper away. Before it could wiggle away Greywind clamped his jaws around it's neck and cleanly decapitated the little animal.

After collecting the chubby little body in his mouth Greywind began scaling down the rocks back towards where he and his sister, Nymeria, had been staying these last few days. When he arrived she was not around. With an annoyed grunt the brute opened his jaws and dropped the pika on the ground. "Nymeria!" He called, his ears perked and twitching as he waited for a response. She was likely off trying to find something to hunt too, they tended to have to try their luck multiple times a day while still in this mountain. If they let themselves go too long without food they would not have the energy to climb the rocks... And that meant death.

After hearing no response Greywind sat and lifted his head high. Howling loudly for his sister to return. He would share his meager catch with her if she did not come back with food of her own. Family was about all they had left after everything that had happened. Greywind was beginning to think they were the only two wolves left in the entire world.

[Ni-kun1]

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[ LOCATION // Leratu Pack // ] [ COMPANY // The Pack // ] [ FEELING // Sorrow, Determination // ] [HEALTH // 90% (burn on his back) ]

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A black wolf followed the Alpha in silence since the pack had left their homeland. His bright yellow eyes scanned the wolves around him and simply fell to the ground again. He was a warrior and a protector of the pack but there was just somethings that wolves cannot protect against. The muscles tensed and his body twitched as a burn made itself known on his back. The fur was once a healthy black pelt but it was now burnt and brittle. He knew very well that he would eventually have a bald spot there along with a terrible burning sensation until his fur grew back but this didn’t seem to bother him as much. His life, as he knew it, was torn from both himself and his siblings yet he was the one that had to witness it all happen firsthand.

The black wolf continued his on his silent trek, still lost in his own thoughts before it dawned on him that it was already the afternoon. In his mind he replayed the events that had transpired. He remembered the smell of smoke and stench of burning flesh. He was both of his parents trapped underneath burning tree. Their screams echoed loudly against the tree’s hollow bark. “Go, son!”he could hear the voice of his father’s voice echo in his mind. “I won’t leave you!”he yelled as the inferno raged all around him. “Do as I say! Look after your siblings!”he roared as the fire tore apart his flesh along with his mothers. “Leave this place, please It's too late for us!”his mother screamed. The black wolf had no choice but to acknowledge his parents’ final request.

His mind shook from the horror’s he saw as he made to the river where many wolves attended to Vail. He looked up at the wolf that was called Alpha. This brute was a leader of wolves and for the longest time Fell respected him. “I swore to defend this pack when I became a warrior. I, Fell, son of Beren and Lúthien, stand with you.”he spoke up among the others. He was of Leratu. He was born amongst these wolves and from what his father taught him, he will die here as well. However, the brute swore allegiance to defend this pack no matter what land he was in. He would see that his duty was fulfilled to the letter. He had to carry on even if the burden he carried with him was great.

OOC: Yeah, yeah. I know this is short but I will get better as the rp progresses. He's free for interaction.

[Vailwolf]

(Thanks to Stephy for making these amazing graphics for me. Just wanted to test one out. emotion_kirakira )