Beneath Our Paws; The Densite <Main IC Thread~>

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Chapter One; Blood Stained 〉 ↘

Kiowa is a wolf pack that has been around for many, many years. It lives and flourishes in De'Khan forest. It only receives about three to five months of warm weather. In the other months it is usually cold, cloudy and covered with snow. Kiowa had been run by the same bloodline of alphas since it had been established. Some of those alphas were good leaders, others not so much. One thing that remained constant, over the years, was the bloodlust that ran through some of the alpha bloodline's family and even in some of the pack members themselves. The once caring, and loving pack slowly started to become one that was more malicious and evil. Pack members turned on one another more often and large numbers of casualties began escalating. Some believe it to be a curse placed upon them. Others believe some are simply born with the "dark" trait. In recent years, an the current Alpha by the name of Reynu sought to try and rid his beloved pack of evil doers, those who he believed were Shaded. Wolves that showed uncontrollable signs of bloodlust and evil were outcast and unwelcome. That is until one mysterious night Reynu was found, along with his mate, by one of their trackers, near the riverbed, with both their throats completely ripped out and their bodies mutilated. It seemed the Alphas had been ambushed and taken out. Reynu and his mate, Kenjah, left behind two young pups, Vitani and Jag, and his brother, Zuya, who was also Kiowa Pack's Beta. Naturally it was Zuya who stepped up and became Kiowa's new alpha. It is said that since Vitani is the eldest, out of Reynu's last litter, once she finds a mate and becomes of age, she will be able to take her rightful place as the pack's alpha after challenging Zuya, or having him peacefully step down.

Things changed drastically under Zuya's reign. Wolves that craved bloodshed and lived to torment were now welcomed with open paws. Zuya has made it known that he only wants the best, strongest, fastest wolves to be a part of his pack. He's begun to allow others to take out the "weaker" wolves with no hesitation. He plans to expand and overtake any neighboring wolf packs. In order to survive in Kiowa, wolves needed to adjust. It quickly became a pack of "eat or be eaten."  It is rumored that Zuya was the one who killed their beloved alpha, Reynu, though no one knows for sure. Those who were suspicious and questioned Zuya's loyalty to the pack are now dead.

It has been about two years since Zuya has taken over Kiowa. His niece, Vitani, has grown and become of age. She's grown to hate the way her uncle has chosen to run their pack and has vowed to herself that she will take over and make things right. Deep down, however, she knows Zuya will never willingly give up his spot as alpha, even if it is her birthright. Zuya's comfortable in his position and seeks to find a suitable mate to help him rule the pack he has established, and is proud of, with an iron paw. He has made it clear on numerous occasions that he plans to make this reign a long one. The opposing wolves of Kiowa need to play their cards right if they want to overthrow the current alpha and his followers. They need to lay low, plan and gather followers in secret if they want to survive. Shaded wolves need to make the choice of embracing their inner darkness or try to hide their true self in order to stay "pure." Chaos will unfold. Trust will be tested. Kiowa's fate is in the paws of the pack.

Important links.
The River <IC thread>
The Forest <IC Thread>


BOP Announcement and Ooc Thread
BOP Character Thread

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Rules 〉 ↘

☪ This is a non-adult roleplay, open to anyone willing to join. Keep all "adult" material out of any and all threads pertaining to Beneath Our Paws. However, you are free to take it elsewhere if it gets to that point and it suits your fancy. ;)

☪ Posts: Minimum requirements: name, and your character's rank in the roleplay. A picture within the post is not required, although it can be helpful for others. You are free to doll up your posts however you like. Keep the text between 9 and 12 sized font. 

☪ Character Acceptance: Once the CS/Profile is complete, post your character here (click). I will let you know if I have any questions and if the character is approved. Once your character is approved, you may post them up in the character thread (click) and begin posting. Five characters maximum are allowed for new members. PM me (KillxLucky) or my mod (FinalWolf) before making a 6th (or more) characters.

☪ Applications: It should be known Elite Ranks (Beta, Zulu, etc.) are obtained through consistency within the roleplay. Do not apply for the Elite ranks when first creating a character, since it is not guaranteed that you will get the position. If you would like to aspire for one of the elite ranks, please mention it to myself, or my mod, and you (your character) will be considered. The characters must be of real wolves only, no anime/cartoon photos.

☪ Images (for application/CS): When submitting your application, change the image to a height of 350. Images for your posts can be however big or small you would like them.

☪ Inactivity: If it so happens that your character is interacting with others and it has been some time since your last post, others are free to skip over your character in order to keep the roleplay moving forward. You are free to catch up and post when you have the time. If for whatever reason, you need to take a break from the roleplay, or Elliquiy, please PM me or my mod(s) and let us know. You and your character will be placed on the Hiatus list until you return.

☪ Lastly: Have fun. This roleplay is not only my own, but yours as well. Please, if you have problems with someone try to work it out in a civilized matter. If you feel the matter is beyond your hands, feel free to shoot me a pm so that I can deal with the matter accordingly. Respect one another. I have the right to add, change, or remove rules at any given time. Also, if you join and are kicked from the roleplay, or can no longer continue with your character, I do have the right to either recast your character or have someone kill them off. In joining this roleplay, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

☪ Note: We are not currently accepting pups. /// Refer to the 'Updates Post' located on the roleplay's main (this) page for important events that have already taken place within the roleplay. This section will help all roleplayers (new and old) to jump into the action. Happy Roleplaying!

☪ Click the spoiler below to retrieve the character sheet to fill out and post.

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[table][tr][td]
[b]Name :[/b] [character's name]
[b]Age :[/b] [pup, young, adult, or elder]
[b]Gender :[/b] [male / female]
[b]Mate :[/b] [if any]
[b]Rank :[/b] [sitter, warrior, etc]
[b]Background :[/b] [character's bio]
[b]Personality :[/b] [character's personality]
[b]Extras :[/b] [anything we should know]
[b]Played By :[/b] [your username][/td][/tr][/table]

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Pack Law 〉 ↘

☪ Accepting Alphas: If an Alpha male dies before the Alphaess, that female is forced to step down and the eldest male of that alpha pair will be the next alpha. In the event that there are no suitable offspring (if the pup is not yet of age, or is rejected by the pack for not being of a "pure bloodline," ) the Beta (usually always male) will automatically step up as the new alpha. The reason the current alpha female usually is not allowed to automatically retain her position is because she failed to produce an effective bloodline before her mate perished. It is seen as a sort of taboo for not completely fulfilling her alpha duties and continuing her mate's legacy and pure bloodline. Therefore, she is unable to take over as the sole alpha unless the pack rules for her to stay in her current position. In many cases, the Beta male may take the Alphaess as his mate. If the alpha male dies and there is a suitable offspring and they simply are not of age, the Alpha female, alone, will continue her reign until the pup is of age to be alpha. Offspring of an alpha that are not born to an alpha "mated pair," (alpha male's blood, but a mother who isn't the Alphaess) need to be voted upon by the pack. A ceremony will be held where the eldest bastard offspring will take a stance upon Alpha Rock. Those in favor of the bastard offspring will stand to one side, and those who are not on the other. Majority will rule. This is to keep the alpha bloodline "pure" and welcomed, in good standing, by the pack. The position is still given in the case of a tie.

☪ Accepting Elite Roles: The alpha / alpha pair chooses who will hold the rank of any elite roles. The alpha(s) will then suggest to the pack who they would like as their leadership. Just like when a bastard offspring is considered for the alpha role, all wolves who are chosen by the alpha /alpha pair must go through a similar ceremony. The wolf looking to obtain a certain "Elite" role (Beta, Vita, Zulu, Racija etc, etc.) must stand upon Alpha Rock and be voted upon the pack. Majority will rule. Upon approval of the pack, that wolf will be promoted. If declined, that wolf will remain at his / her current rank.

☪ Ranks and Respect: Higher ranking wolves, or the Elite group, are very much respected. Majority of them were chosen by the Alpha(s), and accepted by the pack, to hold their current ranks. This means these wolves have shown potential, confidence, guidance, and earned the trust of the pack and their alpha(s). Wolves who chose not to respect the Elite are dealt with accordingly. It is not uncommon for an Elite wolf to assert themselves over a lower ranking wolf as a display of dominance until the other wolf submits by exposing their underside, or lowering themselves close to the ground and licking upon the higher ranking wolf's chin. Those are just to name a few "submitting" techniques. Higher Ranking wolves can be challenged (through a fight) for their positions. If the challenger is successful (by forcing the challenged to submit), they become the holder of that rank and do not need pack's approval through the ceremony. They alpha(s) will decide to keep them or deny their advancement in rank. If the challenger fails, there is a possibility of demotion or even death. The lowest ranks within the pack are the outcasts and omega.

☪ Mating and Courtship: Before two wolves become a mated pair, they must go through a period of courtship. Courting consists of "flirting," which includes close rubbing of the pelts, spending lots of time with one another and even the male building a den for the female to show he is serious about their relationship and possibly building a family. These are to name just a few examples. If a mated pair would like to "mate" and have a litter, first they must seek acceptance from the alpha pair. With their approval, the pair is able to mate. This way, the alpha pair can keep tabs on their pack while it is flourishing. If the pair mates without the alpha pair's consent, it is punishable by demotion or even worse. Every two months (in real time), for the second week of the month (Sunday-Sunday), many of the adult females of the pack will go into heat. This will cause more aggression from the males in attempts to satisfy their mating needs.
Note; When planning to make a litter, consider how many pups you would like your pair to have and also make plans with who will play those pups. At the most, a litter will consist of 6 pups.

☪ Fighting: Be realistic. For example, when it comes down to fighting, a pup can not take down an adult wolf alone. If fighting occurs, plan out who will be the winner and how you want the fight to go. If a winner can not be determined, a dice roll will be used to determine the winner. Injuries sustained within the fight must be okay'd with the character's owner. Don't permanently scar or maim someone's character without them knowing.

☪ Hunting: Depending on the prey will determine the amount of wolves needed to take it down. The Racija Hunter is normally the leader of the hunts. He / she normally decides when a hunt should be held and what they are going for. It is not uncommon for trackers to assist with the hunts in order to increase their chances on finding a suitable prey. Below is a list of prey as well as how many wolves it takes into order to capture and kill that prey.

☪ Hare : 1 wolf

☪ Beaver: 1 wolf

☪ Wild Boar: 1-2 wolves

☪ Deer: 2-3 wolves

☪ Antelope: 2-3 wolves

☪ Elk: 4-5 wolves

☪ Moose(rare): 5-6 wolves

☪ Bison(Rare): 7-8 wolves

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Ranks 〉 ↘
BOP is not accepting pups at the moment.

Elite Roles.
☪ Alphas: The Alpha (or Alphas) of the pack are the main two wolves in charge. They are the highest ranking individuals in the pack and are treated with a generous amount of respect from a lot of the pack members. The Alpha male usually always outranks the Alpha female. However, it is not uncommon for them to share responsibilities. These positions are retained by a mated pair, one of which is typically born into the position and then selects a mate of the opposite gender. Alphas have the right to promote and demote wolves they see fit. Alphas have the authority to pick who they want to be their Beta and Elite members. The pack have a small say-so in the Elite positions as well. It is the Alpha's job to keep a flourishing and healthy pack. They decide important matters from if a mated pair is allowed to have pups, all the way to if a newcomer will be accepted into the pack.

☪Beta: There is only one Beta within the pack. This wolf (usually male) is chosen by the Alpha(s) to be his/her second in command. This rank is highly respected by the pack. This wolf have proven themselves worthy over time of the rank by providing loyalty to the pack and their alphas. In the event that an alpha is not present, the Beta is in charge of the pack. They have the authority to demote wolves whenever necessary, however, not to promote to any position aside from pack member or worker roles.

☪Vita: This is the third highest ranking wolf in the Pack. Another very respectable rank. This wolf is the leader of the warriors. Should the alphas or the Betas not be around to take over, the Vita Warrior is the next in charge. His/Her job is to keep the warriors in tip-top shape in case of any combat. They lead sparring and friendly fights. When it comes to battle plans and training, the Vita Warrior is normally sought out.

☪Racija: This is the fourth highest ranking wolf. The Racija is the leader of the hunters. This wolf is in charge of leading the hunting parties and making sure the pack is properly fed. At times, the Sleuth Tracker and Racija Hunters work together on hunts to secure a successful hunt.

☪Sleuth: The fifth highest ranking wolf. This wolf is the leader of the Trackers. This wolf is often used to go on hunts as he/she has in immaculate amount of expertise when it comes to tracking down wolves and prey. It is not uncommon for him/her to be used for spying techniques as well. Usually with a slim, small build, this wolf is quick and nimble to slip in an out of situations unnoticed.

☪ Zulu: The next ranking wolf after the Sleuth Tracker. This wolf has an extensive amount of knowledge when it comes to herbal properties and healing. The Zulu Inyanga teaches the, less experienced, inyanga about different plants and herbs that will keep the pack healthy and flourishing. When a wolf is injured the Zulu Inyanga is sought out for help.

☪NOTE: Elite roles are not automatically obtained within the roleplay. If you  have a character that you would like to eventually become an elite, make sure you put into your character's performance that they are aspiring the rank in the rank section. For example. Name: Ku'Jin. Rank: Tracker (Aspiring Sleuth). Obtain these ranks by staying active within the roleplay.

Worker Roles.
☪Warriors: These are some of the most powerful wolves in the pack. Many of them are very large and strong to help with their battling skills. Their job is to protect the pack by fighting off any enemies they may encounter.

☪Hunters: These wolves have the job of keeping the pack fed. They are led by the Racija Hunter who takes it upon his or herself to decide when they next hunt will be and what they will be hunting. In the case that there is no Racija hunter, one of these wolves may take it upon themselves to lead a hunt and show initiative.

☪Trackers: A tracker job is to sound the alarm in case of any emergency or disorder. They spend a lot of time keeping watch for any outside threats like other wild animals or outsider wolves that may be passing through. If a tracker show exceptional skill at his/her job, they may be considered for the Sleuth role to take control the rest of the trackers and teach them to be better.

☪Inyanga: These are the healers of the pack. They specialize with plants and herbs, knowing which are beneficial to a wolf and what could be detrimental. Often time, the leader of the inyanga, the Zulu, is sought out for emergencies, however inyanga are experienced enough to help out as well.

☪Sitters: This wolves look over the pack's pups and teach them majority of what they need to know to survive. In a case of orphaned pup, they spend lots of time with the sitters. These sitters introduce the pups to the roles of the pack and encourage them to aspire one of them in order to be a beneficial asset. They only raise the pups until they're about a year, then the pups much move on within the pack.

Regular Roles.
☪Pack Members: These wolves don't necessarily have an "important role" within the pack. Some wolves aren't cut out for any of the jobs and as such, they help where they can. It is not uncommon to see them participating in a hunt, if the Racija Hunter approves and believes they need extra paws to help. They can also be used by the warriors as sparring partners as well. This rank also belongs to some of the elder wolves within the pack whom have completed their years faithfully withing the pack and can no longer perform in a helpful way. Elders within the pack usually double as sitters for the pups in the pack or great story tellers.

☪ Pups: Pups within the pack are somewhere between the age of 1 year old and younger. Their primary role in the pack is to just be a pup. They are often found tagging along with the sitters, or their parents, learning new things. Sometimes, they can be found watching a rank of their choice to see if they would like the job. Most times, they're playing or feeding.

☪ Outsiders: These are wolves who aren't yet a part of the pack, but would like to join. The pack is usually weary of outsiders, however, if an outsiders sticks around long enough and doesn't pose as a threat, he/she is usually accepted into the pack as a pack member. From there, they can stay at their current rank, or aspire to become one of the worker roles.

Punished Roles.
These wolves are subject to auto attack at any time and are expected to submit without hesitation.Take this into consideration when applying for these ranks.

☪Omegas: The lowest ranks within the pack are the outcasts and omega.  An Omega is a wolf has disobeyed pack law to the point of demotion. This wolf is treated rather poorly within the pack because of his/her wrongdoings. This wolf is always the last to eat and is usually left with scraps, causing him/her to be very bony and unhealthy.

☪Outcasts: The lowest of all ranks. This wolf is no longer allowed in the pack at all and is sent away with brutal beatings and scars left upon his/her body. Outcasted wolves are chased off by the pack and left for dead, unless lucky enough to find another pack who will take them in. If they do return, they are attacked and killed on the spot.

Currently Filled Roles.
Total=(18) ;; Males=(10) ;; Females (8)
Alphas (2): Zuya (KillxLucky)
Beta (0): TBD
Vita (0): TBD
Racija (0): TBD
Sleuth (0): TBD
Zulu (0): TBD
Warriors (2): Vitani (KillxLucky), Slasher (finalwolf), Ifrit (SweetPotatoPie), Zander (satnis)
Hunters (1): Jag (finalwolf), Jadene (Cascarones), Juno (Delrowe)
Trackers (3): Sasha (finalwolf), Ku'Jin (KillxLucky), Relic (finalwolf)
Inyanga (2): Mute (Loremaster Kenchi), Tsuki (finalwolf)
Sitters (1): Bhaltair (SweetPotatoPie)
Pack Members (2): Nuka (KillxLucky), Kize (finalwolf), Kythe (satnis)
Pups/Young ():
Outsiders (): Lavi (Loremaster Kenchi)
Omega(s) ():
Outcasts (0):

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Hiatus Roleplayers / Roleplayers No Longer here 〉 ↘

☪Username: [character name here] how they died.

☪NPC: Caine: To be killed by Zuya.

☪FinalWolf: Ryka: character is deceased (Killed by the "pup killer" )

☪NPC: Pecado: killed by Mute. (Unknown to anyone except Slash, Tsuki and Vitani)

☪NAME: NAME Hiatus Roleplayer

☪No One: [character name here]

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Important Updates 〉 ↘

This section should help out new comers when joining the roleplay. It's some of the more important updates that have happened within the roleplay and should give everyone a good idea of where/how to start off their characters if they happen to get stuck.

Update: (outcast, 'pup killer,') is presumed dead.
Outcast is attacked and chased away by members of the pack.

Update: Ryka and Sans are missing. There was a blizzard that lasted through the night and finally died down in the morning.

Update: Sans is determined dead by Mute, Vitani, Tsuki and Slash. Her body was never (should never) be recovered. Ryka's body was found by Ku'Jin and showed signs of being attacked and killed rather than frozen to death. She was put to rest.

Feb 4, 2019 Update: BOP Moves to E and officially starts.

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Most Recent Timeskip 〉 ↘

☪ Weather: Cloudy. Cold. Light winds. The sun has gone down. The air is cold. Snow continues to blanket the ground, though much of it has melted from the sunny day. Some areas of the forest and densite may be most wet and muddy than usual.

☪ Time of Day: Nighttime

☪ Last Hunt: Page 1. An Adult Male Elk. (An Auto'd hunt). The Elk carcass has already lost majority of it's nutritious content. Mostly bones and bits of frozen flesh remain.

☪ Last Timeskip. Page 4.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

The large white wolf walked at an leisurely pace, heading back toward the densite from the river. He had needed some time to think after his most recent conversation with Tsuki. If things were to go according to plan with the Inyanga, perhaps, he could persuade her to worship the very ground he walked upon. She was becoming Shaded, no doubt, and that was the very thing the Alpha banked upon with many of the wolves within the pack. Alpha Zuya's nostrils flared, inhaling the cool morning air. The sun had not broken over the horizon up, though it threatened to make itself known as the sky became streaked with oranges and reds, marking the dawn of a new day. He had been awake all night attending to these matters, now as the sole alpha of Kiowa, once again. A strange vision occurred him during his chat. His deceased mate had been beside him as he spoke with Tsuki, uncomfortable with the "special treatment" he had given the inyanga over her. It had been only a mere few days since her passing.. due to his brutal beating. The alpha didn't regret his violent actions. Only the fact that he had lost his heir in the act as well. But this showed the pack he wasn't one to be trifled with. Even his own disobedient "mate" was not above the rules of respect toward him. She had thought it best to try and show that she was equal to him, despite his warnings of her staying in her place. She paid the ultimate cost for trying to assert her dominance over him. Zuya had no equal. This was his pack, and his alone.

The scent of the fresh kill had pulled Zuya's thoughts back to reality. He was already back at the densite, his presence was eagerly anticipated by the others. The hunters had been successful in bringing down a bull elk earlier, and everyone was waiting patiently for him to have his fill before daring to dig into their first bite. That was how things went; Alphas were first in everything essential for survival. The pack needed to protect the alpha at all costs. That loyalty seemed to only run in a few wolves' veins, but Zuya would soon show them the way of the world; his way of the world. Many wolves were not lingering too close to the kill, but they stood and waited on the outskirts, waiting for their chance to eat. Zuya had made it known that he didn't like other's in his space as he attended to the needs of his rumbling belly.

Zuya made his way to the elk and wasted no time ripping into the belly of the beast; that's were all the soft, tinder parts of the flesh were. The stomach, the liver, kidneys, but his most favorite was the heart. It was a little symbolic, to him. Without a heart, lungs, the essential organs, an animal couldn't live.. just like with Zuya this pack would fall apart. Zuya ate greedily, putting his, now bloodied, muzzle into the beast, while still keeping an eye on others. He always watched his surroundings. It was rare he let his guard down. In his mind, someone was always out to get him. They were out for his position. Who in their right minds wouldn't be?

Some time had passed and Zuya had finally had his fill. Due to his lack of sleep, he didn't seem to be as hungry as usual. Instead, he opted for eating enough to get his fill and, for once, leaving some of the better parts for the others to fight over; a test. Who would be viscous enough to attack other members of the pack for food? There was plenty for everyone, yes but who would be so bold enough to engorge themselves just because they could? Thus, tapping into that Shaded part of themselves, if they had it within them. Zuya liked to keep an eye on those wolves for his own purpose.

The alpha parted with his meal, lapping at some of the access blood on his maw and paws and he sat in the opening on his den. Now would be the time for anyone who wished to speak to him to approach. His belly was full, meaning he would be less irritable. Zuya's ears twitched as he thought he heard the coos of newborn pups, only to be reminded it was the sound of his imagination. “She could have at least birthed pups that weren't still born.” He thought to himself. His mate had been pregnant when he attacked and, ultimately, killed her. She survived long enough to give birth to eleven premature pups, all of which turned out to be dead at birth. “How pathetic she was.” He growled in annoyance, ears flattening against his head. The past was in the past now. He's have to find a new mate. Someone smarter; someone who knew when to keep their fucking mouth shut and to not challenge him because they felt they were on the same level as him. As far as he was concerned, he only took a mate for the sake of progressing his lineage. His infidelity while being mated showed that, but those pups, too were dead, thanks to his mate. He couldn't have a mate who wasn't completely behind him 100% of the time, which was why she was no longer a part of the pack.

[finalwolf]

Slash the Warrior

With: Zuya
Mood: Tired
Location: Zuya's den




Slash trotted back to the main den site, just in time to see a fresh kill be brought in. He wasn't as hungry as others. Though, where was Zuya? Normally Zuya was digging in right away upon a fresh kill. Any worry was soon passed when he watched the white brute show himself and begin to eat. Honestly, he had another reason to hate his alpha, he murdered his own mate. While he never cared for his mate to begin with, she was pregnant, and due to his actions he murdered innocent pups. Many paid little attention about losing their female alpha, it was done because of their alpha, the 'only one' they should ever follow. Sure Slash was young when Zuya took over, but he still remembered how the pack use to be ran. This, running this pack purely on fear wasn't something he enjoyed or agreed with. It was a reason for him on why he wanted to take down Zuya, but then that meant he'd have to be the next alpha, and that just wasn't his thing. Still, if he got the chance, he'd take it. He could always pass it along to Jag or Vitani.

Slash sighed as he would have to wait to speak with Zuya to give him the report about Pecado. He sat down, though it didn't seem as long as normal before Zuya left. He tilted his head briefly before he trotted up to the carcus. Wolves beginning to snarl at each other and he saw why. Zuya left 'good' stuff. Slash snorted and turned to walk away from this. He was happy with whatever he got as long as it was food. It wasn't worth fighting the others over the 'soft' stuff. The harder stuff helped make a strong jaw, at least that's how he saw it.

Soon enough, he managed to be outside of Zuya's den. "Alpha Zuya, I'm here to give a report about a small adventure I and a few others had the day prior." Slash spoke as he waited for Zuya to come out. When he did, Slash continued on his report. "Mute had gone missing, Tsuki was worried, she asked Vitani and I to go with her to find him. We did, following his scent up a mountain. Vitani and I left Tsuki and Mute, to go hunt. We heard a commotion, apparently Pecado had followed and got into a fight with Mute. Due to the clifts there being covered in snow, it was hard to tell what was a cliff and what was held together by snow and ice. Mute and Pecado tumbled down the mountain, when we reached them, Mute was alive, but in poor condition. He's resting now. Pecado on the other hand, is dead. Landed on his head on a large rock from the fall." He added on how Pecado died in hopes that Zuya wouldn't press the matter further.

The truth of it all, was he wasn't about to let Zuya know that Mute might be shaded. He hoped this was a one time deal for Mute, the way he had murdered Pecado and left him the way he did, was something he was going to have nightmares about for awhile. Though telling Vitani about it all in detail, he did manage to feel like some of the load of this was lightened.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

Zuya silently watched over his pack mates. His emerald orbs glossing over each and every one of them. Admittedly, there were a few who's names he did not know, only their faces, but it was because they had not taken the initiative to display the importance of their presence within the pack with him. There was one, however, who was coming to the alpha's direction. As mentioned by Tsuki previously, Slash had a report he needed to give. In the walk toward the the river and back, Zuya recalled such information and wondered what it could have been about and why the leisure .. or hesitance in the brute.

As Slash gave his full report, Alpha Zuya remained quiet, allowing him to speak freely before asking the questions he had. “Do you know why they got into a fight?” Not that it mattered much, but if was according to a dominance thing, perhaps Mute did well to hold his own. It still meant they now had one less member of the pack. Instead of growing and prospering, they were willingly killing themselves. .. possibly a price that needed to be paid. The weaker wolves needed to die off sooner than later, that way their strengthening numbers would have wolves suitable for the pack that was yet to come.

“Tsuki told me you had a report to tell me. I suppose this was it.” He stated calmly.
“What were you doing that took you so long?” He asked, with a low growl, completely throwing Tsuki under the bus. He was curious as to if Slash would mind or care that she had inadvertently gotten the warrior into "trouble." But he also, genuinely, wondered what was so important that, “You took your sweet time telling me a member of the pack was dead. ” Zuya stood now, peering deep into the brute's eyes.

“And why were you the messenger? Why did Tsuki feel she wanted you to explain the story? Why not Vitani or Mute, himself? Surely he's okay enough to come back to the densite, a few paces here to my report can't have been too much of a bother.” Zuya watched Slash with a bit of a bored expression, somewhat emotionless. The only indication of his slight irritation was a flick of his tail as it swayed behind him.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Vitani
Rank: Kiowa Warrior
Location: Densite; Near the Inyanga den.
Out.Of.Character~ Testin' system.

When Slash parted ways with her, Vitani cut her sparring time short with her fellow warrioress. She needed to get her bleeding paw checked out by the Inyanga. The fae stood, bidding the warrior adieu before taking her leave. With a slight limp, Vitani made her way toward the Inyanga den, where she noted Mute being tending to, and a few others. She waited patiently for one of them to be free and give her attention. A lithe, cream-colored female with pale blue eyes approached, nuzzling her softly.

“What can I do for you, Vitani?” The female healer asked in a kind, soft voice.

“Oh, I uhm.” Vitani hadn't noticed the female come up from behind her and was a bit taken aback. She shifted to lift her injured, right paw, which was now coated in blood from the bedding of her nail.

“Oh, my. You all do need to be careful!” She lightly scolded, but still held a warm smile. “Come. Sit.”

The female lead Vitani over to an empty corner of the den, having her sit on her haunches. “Lift your paw a bit. Let me see.” Vitani did as she was told, lifting the injured paw. Quietly she watched as the inyanga lapped away at the wound, clearing it of blood. She inspected it for a few moments before leaving to fetch a few herbs from the neat pile that was collected for use. The Inyanga soon returned, chewing an herbal paste in her mouth. She began smearing the chewed past onto the wound, a way to help stop the bleeding.

“Your quick has been lightly damaged. It's a wonder you aren't in more pain.” She told Vitani, quirking a furry eyebrow upward.

“I've been numbing it with the snow. But now that it's thawing out... I--Ah!”  Vitani winced as the inyanga went in to apply a second coat. Vitani was met with a quick, muffled, “Sorry,” from the healer.

A few more minutes and the patching process seemed to be finished. “Here.” The inyanga nosed a few, small, dried berries in her direction, along with a root of some sort. “Dried blueberries and burdock. It'll help with infection and inflammation. Sorry they're so dry. These were picked before the snow, and we try to keep them as best as possibly. ” She explained, sheepishly.

“It's fine, thank you.” Vitani nodded to the inyanga in appreciation before taking the herbs to mouth and chewing quickly. She shook her head, trying to hide the disgust of the taste.

“Here's a mint leave as well. For.. the taste. Lap some snow or water from the river to help as well.. Stay off of that until the paste hardens and falls off on it's own. Try to keep it from getting wet in the snow. You're free to rest here until it dries.” She smiled, then left Vitani to her own.

Vitani stood, though she didn't leave the den site away. She didn't exactly feel like limping around to keep the, still-wet, paste from melting off. And the idea of a future alpha limping from a small flesh wound would probably be a lasting, negative, impact on a lot of wolves. The brown fae opted for sitting in the opening of the large den, peering out. Perhaps she should have ate first before coming here.
“”

[finalwolf]

Slash the Warrior

With: Zuya
Mood: Tired
Location: Zuya's den


"Pecado wasn't happy about Mute or Tsuki, since they weren't born in this pack. Though it seemed he had a bit of a payback for Mute for something that happened awhile ago." Slash had gathered that intel when he had asked Tsuki about it. He kept his gaze on his alpha and waited to see what else he'd have to say. When he mentioned Tsuki had told him about the report he didn't flinch or show any emotion on it. Tsuki wasn't the kind to go behind someone's back, she probably just mentioned it in passing and had assumed that Slash, like a good boy, would have come to Zuya first.

"I ended up becoming distracted, though that's no excuse. Meeka had been injured, badly, and I wanted to see that she would at least make it through the night." Slash did his best to keep any anger out of his voice, but the bitterness was there. Zuya was an unstable, fearful, alpha, and he was one that had no problem murdering others if his mood was sour. This was not an alpha he wished to follow. The growl that Zuya had given, didn't rattle Slash, he was ready to dodge or fight back if he must, but for now he wasn't too concerned. That was, until Zuya stood up and stared at him, right in the eyes. "Pecado was barely much of anything in this pack besides a nuisance, but you're right, I should have informed you immediately."

Slash's muscles had become tensed as he continued to watch for any movement from Zuya. Slash was not one to cower or lower himself until the final moments, but he wasn't foolish enough to act like an alpha either. Zuya continued on with the questions. "I felt it was my responsibility to keep them all safe, as the male warrior in the group, thus why I became the messenger. And Tsuki wished me to explain it as she's timid, seeing someone she cares for, a lot, fight and then fall and become injured the way he did, she's probably shaken up by it." Why did he have to sit here and explain himself on why he became the messenger. "Mute's simple enough, he is in very poor shape, broken ribs I believe and could be more. Plus getting a full story out of him is always hard since he doesn't speak. I also decided I overrode Vitani in this as I am the male, as mentioned earlier, I felt responsible for the four of us." He knew exactly how it made this sound, that he saw it that he was better than the three others, that wasn't the case, but if he could keep Zuya away from them in all of this mess, he would. The less Zuya knew, the better for Mute, and then the better for him and Vitani as he had told her about this. About what he had seen.

Slash took notice that Zuya seemed bored with all of this. It was a boring report, he'd give that, and one that should have been easy overall for a short dismissal, but no, it wasn't due to the fact he had delayed the report.

[finalwolf]

Jag the Hunter


With: Vitani
Feeling: Proud
Where: Healers Den

Jag had stayed near the meal he had helped take down. He was rather proud of it as they, the hunters did a damn good job at it. Though waiting to eat was always a bothersome for him. He wanted to sink his teeth in before Zuya, but the punishment wouldn't be worth it. Plus he'd much rather keep his Uncle happy. His ears twitched when he saw his Uncle come and enjoy the food. He couldn't help but stand a little taller and grin, happy to see his Uncle seemed happy about the kill. Though, something was odd, when he took notice his Uncle had left some of the softer parts. His ears twitched as he looked at the other wolves who where already growling at each other and tempting others to fight.

Jag wasn't stupid, he side stepped away from those wolves, letting them fight over and snip at each other as they tried to get closer to the meat. Him on the other hand, managed to snag a few mouth fulls of the soft, gooey, goodness, before he took a bone covered in meat and trotted off. He was pretty proud of himself for the whole thing. He enjoyed the soft stuff, but he wasn't a glutten to eat it all either. A couple bites was more than enough and the others could have some too.

He laid down away from the kill pile and began to pull apart the meat on his bone when he took notice his sister went into the healers den. He tilted his head as he chewed what was in his mouth. He stood up, picking up his meat covered bone and trotted into the den. It was rare to see the healers out at the kill pile right away, they weren't ones that normally fought and perhaps they didn't mind with the left overs. Still, they should get some of the meaty parts, they worked just as hard as any other member of the pack, for the most part.

Jag dropped his food by Vitani as he looked her over and took notice her paw was why she had come here. "Again? That's one thing I will never understand about you warriors, sure sparring is good and all, but one or both of you always end up bloody." Jag easily could have taken on the role of a warrior, but he choose hunter. Hunter seemed wiser to him, plus on a hunt, hunters where in charge. While Jag wouldn't agree he enjoyed being a leader, it was natural for him. Still, it didn't mean he wanted to run the pack. That position was for their uncle now, and he respected it. "You take the rest of the food there. I got my fill anyway. Zuya was interesting earlier, nice enough to leave some of the good stuff. Idiots out there though fought over it. I managed to snag a couple of bites." He gave a toothy grin as he was still quite proud of himself.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

It seemed that Slash was not phased by the declaration that Tsuki had seemingly thrown Slash under the bus. Zuya could sense the brute's uneasiness, though he did not let his own guard down. Ears twitching as he listened, Zuya snorted in response to Slash. All excuses, in his mind. Perhaps he just did not like the brute, for one reason or another and somewhat enjoyed giving him a difficult time. Zuya couldn't place his paw on it but the warrior before him definitely rubbed him the wrong way. Narrowing his emerald eyes, he finally spoke. “You seem to care a lot for that Omega of ours.” Zuya's body became visibly relaxed. A few bristled hairs on his neck began to smooth out, flattening itself against his body once again. “I had hoped she would not survive the night... But she may be of use one day..” He admitted. He wasn't trying to get a rise out of him this time, simply speaking as a matter-of-factually. To him, the Omega was as good as dead. She only stuck around for the very last resort of him impregnating her to further his lineage, but even he knew that was an all time low. Situations would absolutely need to be dire for that to happen, though.. he still kept it as a viable option. “I allowed the universe to decide her fate instead of ending her life on my own. Seems Mother Moon was in her favor, hm?”

Zuya shook out his pelt, relaxing himself further and releasing any given tension within his muscles. “Unless you have more to say, then you are dismissed.” He told him casually, already beginning to walk away.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Vitani
Rank: Kiowa Warrior
Location: Densite; Near the Inyanga den.
Company: Jag
Out.Of.Character~ Testin' system.

Vitani watched as her brother made his way toward the Inyanga den and invited himself if. A cheeky grin spread across Vitani's maw as she made room for her brother. She wrinkled her nose, playfully at his initial comment. “That's the fun in it.” She teased, laughing lightly. The fae became even more amused as Jag announced that he "managed to snag" a few of the good scraps. “You seem so very proud of yourself, Jag. And thank you.” Vitani offered the brute a light nuzzle, licking his chin lovingly before digging into the meal he had brought her. “Sticking around to keep me company?” Vitani asked between bites. Happy grumblings escaped her lips as she ate. Even her stomach growled in happiness. Her last meal had been.. well, before those beavers her and Slash had caught. They hadn't exactly had the chance to eat those with the avalanche and all. Vitani's tail wags happily in bliss. She hadn't realized it, being busy with other's problems and sparring, but she was starving.


“”

[SweetPotatoPie]

Bhaltair
Rank: Sitter
Location: Healer's Den

There wasn’t too much for Bhaltair to be doing, not these days. It disappointed him and made him feel useless, with no pups around to teach and watch over. He was especially disappointed over the loss of the alpheass, and maybe a little bitter. He didn’t know the entire thing and he highly doubted he would ever know the entire situation that went down. It didn’t matter though, she was dead, and the puppies were as well. He heaved a sigh as he sat within the entrance of the sitter’s den, his gaze empty as he stared at the large elk carcass that everyone gathered around. Some were more patient than others. He didn’t feel like fighting for his meal anymore than he had to, so he usually took his sweet time. That, and he would rather the ones providing for the pack to eat first. They earned it when they took the beast down. Zuya came and ate his fill, not taking his time to linger anymore than he had to. The rest of the wolves came to life, feeding their hungry bellies. Finally, he rose and quickly dodged some of the other wolves to steal the biggest slab of meat he could.

He paced quickly back to the den and sat to eat his meal in peace, growling to anyone who thought they might challenge him for his meat. He had made a promise to himself long ago when Zuya took over that he wasn’t going to be an easy target. He was full enough, but he didn’t grab so much that his belly was swollen. He was satisfied enough and lay there licking his paws. As he did so, he noticed Jag bringing some to the healer’s den. At first, he was going to shrug it off, but he did remem

“Was everyone okay in the hunt today?”  He asked, peering in. He saw Vitani and, not knowing how she was really injured, noticed the wrap on her paw and wondered if she had been injured. He would pry though, if that wasn’t the case. He looked to Jag and he grinned with pride for him. “You guys brought in a good haul today!” He praised, always there to encourage and praise when he could. “ I wanted to make sure to say thank you for all your hard work.” He ducked his head in a slight bow before looking to Vitani. “Are you alright?” He wouldn’t ask how or why, for all he knew it was because of the hunt. He just cares that she was okay.

[SweetPotatoPie]

Ifrit
Rank: Warrior
Location: Within the densite, on his own in a little half circle snow fort.

Ifrit stood with the other wolves of the pack, patiently waiting for Zuya to come eat. Ifrit had lingered for the hunt on stand by for if he was needed. As a warrior, he was there to mostly protect them and let the hunters do their job. They had done a wonderful one and took this beast down with hard work. He licked his lips, drool had been accumulating now and again. He was hungry. He sat, resting a bit as he waited. Realistically it wasn’t that long, but when there’s literally a pack of hungry wolves growing impatient, it seemed like forever before Zuya was there. Ifrit watched the alpha pick a spot and begin to eat. His gaze turned to look at the sky, seeing the hue of the clouds starting to change colors. Dawn was upon them. He looked down again to see that their alpha was finished and leaving. A low grumble was immediate in his chest, a warning to wolves to keep their distance as he paced forward. He didn’t want to fight, but he would. He just wanted to eat his fill and leave.

He didn’t leave, but laid down and tore at the carcass, snarling if a wolf got too close to him. As a warrior, he had no problems using brute force to knock a wolf away. Finally, just as he was getting full, he tore off a large meaty bone and left to pick spot in the snow. He went back to his spot he’d previously moved powdered snow from earlier and spun to make sure it was still packed down and sat, enjoying the last bit of his meal. He moved on from it to clean himself, his ears twitching with the sounds of wolves still scuffling over what they wanted. Now and again he would watch, baring teeth if one dared to come steal what he had. He stood up and stretched before shaking out his coat and sitting again. He was no longer temperamental from being hungry, he was quite satisfied now. He let his eyes roam until he spied Slash next to Zuya. He hadn’t seen his fellow warrior much and wondered what he was up to, but not enough to get up and go ask. Besides that, he was with Zuya and clearly busy… even if the alpha seemed a little bored with whatever they were discussing. Ifrit’s eyes didn’t linger long and respectfully avoided direct eye contact with his alpha. For now, he got up and circled his space again and laid in a tight ball, keeping his yellow eyes on the rest of the pack while he rested.

[finalwolf]

Jag the Hunter


With: Vitani and Bhaltair
Feeling: Proud
Where: Healers Den

Jag raised a brow and then shook his head. That was the issue with the warriors, it was fun to them, jokingly or not. They lived to become stronger, they lived to keep this pack safe. Not that he had any trouble doubting their abilities, he just wasn't the one to go out of his way for pointless fighting, including sparring. If he wanted to practice his skill set, all he had to do was find an animal, and get it. He gave a toothy grin when she spoke about him being proud of himself. "I don't know if you remember just how good the soft stuff is. I don't think I could eat it all the time, but every now and then, it hits the right spot." He returned the light nuzzle, as he laid down and watched her eat. "Any anytime. As for keeping you company," He shrugged. "I don't really have anything or anywhere else to be right now. Might as well keep you company."

Jag's ears twitched when he heard someone else entering the den, Bhaltair. "No major injuries this time besides a few bruises on a few of us. Got lucky." Taking down the elks where never an easy feat and one that usually lead to at least one injured. He had led this past hunt himself, and took his time and made sure none of the wolves with him had taken the wrong step. He wouldn't allow a misstep and he didn't want an injury on any of them. Though what saved them the energy this time, was the elk had misstep and fallen which left many of them to quickly react. Again, he gave his toothy grin, and this time his tail swished from side to side. "Just doing our job, but glad we where able to find and take down what we did. Should keep the pack fed for a little while at least. Unless they don't choose to space it out." His face fell neutral once more. The pack went a few extra days without food during winter, it was harder to find good prey. When they did, it seemed the pack took more than what they should. For him, it was a problem to be addressed, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up to Zuya. Surely his uncle saw it, surely he saw that hunger was one of the problems this pack was often facing, but still nothing was done. He could go out hunting more, but the more they went, they less time the hunters had to recover and gather up their energy again.

"You know, Bhaltair, you could see about taking a temp position with the hunters. Keep you busy at least until some more pups are born." Jag also knew this pack needed more pups. This was a hard year for the pack and with hardly any pups being born, it didn't look good. It meant they would have to rely on outsiders joining, and he wasn't keen on that idea. At least not when they where weak themselves, but he'd never suggest to his uncle that they where weak.

[finalwolf]

Slash the Warrior

With: Zuya > Nobody
Mood: Tired, Upset
Location: Zuya's den > Near kill pile

Slash kept his muzzle shut as Zuya spoke about the Omega. Of course he cared for her, just like he did for any other member of this pack. Of course, some more than others, but they where his pack and he had to keep them safe, even form their alpha if he had to. What was worse, was he still didn't know if she'd pull through, her body was a mangled mess and the healers weren't suppose to take much care to an Omega. Mother Moon would take her fate in her hands, if she where to live, she would, if not, Mother Moon would call for her to return home.

"Nothing else, Alpha, thank you." He took off once he was dismissed. He was having a hard time keeping his anger in check and not showing signs of a 'threat' to Zuya. Once he was away from his alpha, growls escaped his throat, his teeth bared and his fur raised. He was close to the kill pile now and he saw a fellow warrior, and pulled him away from the meat. He was itching to blow off some of his anger, but he'd only go after a fellow warrior. One that could stand a fair chance and not be afraid to fight back. Of course this would just be seen that he was hungry  and trying to gather some meat for himself, but he needed this. Sadly, the warrior he pulled off the meat, seemed to not want to challenge Slash at the moment, and decided he had his fill. Chances where, he probably did have his fill already.

Slash growled further and sank his teeth into the elk which was already half picked over. He ate a couple of bites before pulling off a chunk of meat and took off with it. While he normally gave off growls to those that came near him while he ate, it seemed his energy was enough to keep others away today. He scarfed down his meal and licked his muzzle as he eyed around the pack. He was hoping to find Kane, but wherever he was, he was hiding. Kane was still a go to for him to take his anger out, Kane was a constant, he would never go anywhere as he was his brother.

His eyes fell on Ifrit, but he seemed to be resting. Like most of the pack would be doing after eating. While he was content with how full his stomach was, he was restless. Earlier he was still tired, he hadn't slept much since returning, but his emotions overruled the feeling of being tired. Slash snorted as he debated on what to do.

[finalwolf]

OOC
Will add Tsuki's pic later
BIC

Tsuki the healer

With: Zuya and (ghost ryka)
Mood: Uncertain
Location: By Zuya

Tsuki had spent most of her time alone ever since she spoke with Zuya. She went to her small den that she often used when she didn't want to sleep with the rest of the healers. Her feelings where all over the place, worried that if the other wolves found out about her being tainted, they might turn on her. She didn't want that, it took awhile for her to even get to where she was now. She was an outcast within this pack, at least of how she felt. She came to this pack when she was about a year old, but had no contact with wolves prior. She didn't know how to react in many cases, how her body should lower, or her tail shouldn't be held high, and the sort of that. Nuzzling she never minded, it felt in a way familiar to her when her human had pet her, but early on she had no idea when it was okay. She understood most of it now, but even then she still felt odd reacting in certain ways at times.

There was also another part of her hoping she was just tired, overworked, and that seeing Ryka would stop within a day or two. The way Ryka was though, she was making sure she was known and that she wasn't going anywhere. With the news that their female alpha had passed, including her pups, Ryka was sad, but was adament that Tsuki should go see Zuya. Get herself known further with Zuya, maybe become his mate with luck.

"You can't stay in this den forever. There's fresh food out there, you need to eat. After that, you need to go see Zuya, get his attention. Let him know you're not taken and that he can see the potential in you and in his future pups." Ryka sat in front of Tsuki.

Tsuki sighed and shook her head. "Not that simple Ryka. While I'm hungry, I'd rather not deal with a fight to get food. I don't care if you say that's how I can build up my strength and show others that I'm not one to mess with. It isn't me. Secondly, me going up to Zuya isn't something that's easy. He's our alpha, I don't want to bother him. Finally, I'm not sure I'm ready for pups. I'm still young and weird and I don't even know how to really deal with pups. I wouldn't even know what to do with my own. Other's are easier to take care of."

Ryka rolled her eyes and moved behind Tsuki and started to shove her. "Out, now."

Tsuki growled, but then got up and walked out of her den. She looked over towards the fresh kill and licked her muzzle. She trotted over to it, carefully eying the other wolves, and took a few bites for herself, eating until she was content. She never overate, but she always ate enough to satisfy herself. She walked away from the meat, licking her muzzle to get any blood off and savoring the taste. She took notice of where Ryka was and she was close to Zuya's den. "No." Tsuki spoke softly and shook her head. Perhaps it was easier for others to ignore something that wasn't there, but to her, Ryka was there. Ryka had become her responsibility even if she was just a fragment of her imagination, to her Ryka was real. Someone had to keep an eye out for the pup that had passed.

Tsuki watched Ryka head into Zuya's den, and her eyes widened. That was a bold move. Tsuki trotted over to Zuya's den, poking her head into the den. "What are you doing? Get out of there." Tsuki spoke softly as Ryka left the den. Tsuki gave a sigh of relief as she stood outside of the den with Ryka, but took notice of Zuya's scent. He had only recently left, perhaps taking a walk. He was alone.

"Let's go find him, he's this way." Ryka couldn't smell, but Tsuki could. Ryka led the way, but it was all because of Tsuki.

Tsuki soon enough spotted Zuya, but found herself unable to move closer to him. Ryka on the other hand had no problem being close to him. If only Zuya could actually see her.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Vitani
Rank: Kiowa Warrior
Location: Densite; Inside the Inyanga den.
Company: Jag, Bhaltair.
Out.Of.Character~ .

Vitani continued to eat her meal, though her emerald orbs lifted from her pile of kill to watch her brother. After a few more bites, she smiled softly at his admission of opting to keep her company. “Well, either way, I appreciate it. It's a bit.. awkward here.” She motioned, with her head, around the bustling inyanga den. Each wolf seemed to be busying themselves with various tasks, like cleaning, putting together herbs, or tending to various hurt wolves. No doubt, she felt useless and out of place. But at least, with Jag by her side, it wasn't so bad.

Not long after Jag's appearance, Bhaltair made his way into the inyanga den as well. Her tail wagged happily at the male as he poked his head in. As Bhaltair began coming close into the den, Vitani found herself pulling her meal closer as she continued to eat. Her ears perked in their direction as she listened to Bhaltair's praises. Another smile played on her lips as her eyes shifted to Jag, knowing he was going to enjoy basking in Bhaltair's praise. Vitani remained silent as she finished up her meal.

“You're going to fill his head up with hot air.” Vitani finally voiced, jokingly at Bhaltair. The fae watched her brother, already looking more boastful as she chuckled. “You all did do a wonderful job. Thank you, Jag.” She added, more specifically speaking about him being so courteous for bringing her some of the kill all the way in the inyanga den.

When Bhaltair turned his attention toward her, she shrugged simply, pulling herself to her haunches and rolling out her shoulders. Until now, her injured paw had mostly been hidden as she used her good paw to hold her meal steady to eat. But now, he would be able to fully see some paste covering her nails and a bit of blood thickening into it, tinting it from yellow to red. “Just an old sparring match.” She assured him. “More so happy it was only that, and not an injury from that massive elk out there.” Vitani's eyes shifted to Jag as he suggested a brief rank change for Bhaltair. Her ears flattened feeling sorry for the all the pups they have lost so suddenly, 12 of which being her little cousins. “I think that's a good idea.” She nodded in agreement, with a much softer tone. It bothered her that the pack was dwindling but this feeling of hurt was what drove her to believe that Zuya did not deserve to reign over Kiowa. He was driving the pack to death, chaos, and misery. At least that was what she could see him doing. It didn't seem like many others seemed to agree. Vitani inhaled deeply and released the air with a steady drop of her shoulders, trying to calm her rising emotions. “Hopefully soon, some pups can be birthed to the pack for you to take care of Bhaltair. ” Vitani's tail wagged softly behind her at the thought of more pups.


“”

[SweetPotatoPie]

Bhaltair
Rank: Sitter
Location: Healer's Den

Bhaltair was pleased to hear that there weren’t any serious injuries from the hunt. The last thing they needed were wolves getting serious injuries that could could potentially kill them from infection. Winter was already scary enough as it was with food being scarce and everything freezing over. He wasn’t sure what was worse at times, though, the freezing temperature or the cold feeling he was beginning to feel among the pack. Somedays he felt the warmth of the pack being smothered by the heavy snow storms and feared with would wash away in the rains and leave cold, selfish, wolves in its place.

Luckily though, there were still wolves like Vianti that gave him hope. He tuned to her, laughter in his eyes, “Nonsense, everyone can always use some encouragement.” He was teasing, but he also fully believed that a little encouragement is always a good thing. His expression grew somber as he gave a sideways glance to the cave entrance. He spoke softly, his tone grave, “I do worry…,”[/b][/color] He trailed, thinking of how angry and competitive the wolves seemed to be lately. He wondered if “Survival of the fittest” were going through their minds when they hungrily came at the carcass. “Fasting for so long might be taking it’s toll.” That was all he would say in reply to Jag’s comment about the pack spacing their meals out.  Movement caught his eye, it was Vitani revealing her injury to him. He hunched burly form over so he could peer down at her paw in pure curiosity, sniffing lightly. He nodded his head, accepting her reasoning without question. It wasn’t out of the ordinary that such a thing could happen, warriors were always sparring and getting light injuries. While he worried about them, sparring was necessary to keep in shape, so everyone was able to protect the pack when necessary. He remembered from when he had once questioned his brother.

What Jag suggested next had him straightening with a snap and looking at him with a bewildered look. “You think?” He excitedly questioned, perking up as Vitani agreed. His tail thumped the cold earth as his gaze fell to his large forepaws. “ I have been feeling pretty useless lately. I’m an able-bodied wolf and I feel I should be doing more for the pack if there are no pups currently.” He nodded his head to Vitani’s comment as he replied in a quiet, almost conspiring, voice. He knew he was suggesting questionable things. “Perhaps, there may be pups from you next spring.” He winked at her before, in a louder voice, he said, Should you and I got speak to Zuya? Oh! Would you teach me?” He stood with excitement, his tail wagging back and forth, making his hindquarters sway. He watched Vitani in his peripheral to see if she may have a reaction to what he’d said while he acted like the comment was never said. He wasn’t necessarily hinting in them being together, but the idea of her somehow having pups by next spring and just what that would mean for the pack. He worried for her though, if that were to ever happen. Things could get dangerous.

[finalwolf]

Jag the Hunter


With: Vitani and Bhaltair
Feeling: Proud
Where: Healers Den

A bit of laughter filled the air as Vitani had mentioned how he was going to get a bunch of hot air in his head thanks to Bhaltair. "Aw, come on, even without him saying anything, I know I'm good at what I do." He playfully winked with a chuckle. Jag did indeed know what he did, that he did well. He trained hard, he worked hard, and he was strict with himself and others when he led the hunts. Was he the best when it came to hunts? He believed it, but he wasn't about to go around bragging about it to others. He need his fellow hunters to think they where damn good as well, and they did know what they where doing. Jag smiled and nodded at Vitani's thanks.

Jag's attention shifted to Bhaltair as he spoke about worry. He wasn't wrong that fasting was taking a toll on the pack, but that was only one of the many concerns of this pack. Honestly, as time kept going on, Jag didn't feel like the pack worked as a team. There was plenty of 'me' in this pack, and as much as he'd hate to admit it, his uncle fell in part of that. Things had to change, but with the taint, the darkness, popping up more and more, he wasn't sure any of them could turn this pack around. Not without a lot of blood shed and lives lost. He was still hoping that Zuya would gain his senses and turn this pack around.

To help with the food shortage, perhaps he could go on more hunts. Work on different rotations, going out every other day for awhile. It would be draining, but he could easily come up with two if not three rotations. As long as injuries where avoided, this would work. Some days though they would only be able to hunt small game, they couldn't always go after the big ones. Someone had to take charge though, and he was willing to give this a try. There was no need to run it by Zuya, but he probably would mention if he saw his uncle. "Going on more hunts should help, saying each hunt is successful though, in winter." While he didn't mean to sound uncertain towards the end of his sentence, he was.

Jag listened to Vitani repeating to Bhaltair, though his ears twitched of interest when she spoke that she was happy it as only that and not from the elk. Again, that smug smile was on his face. Still, it was more luck than anything they had gotten away as clean as he did. He, himself, had never been kicked by one, but he had seen others who had. Some even had their life ended by it. It was why he was so stern in how he hunted, constantly reading the prey to make sure he wouldn't get hurt, and to make sure, the best he could, his fellow hunters wouldn't either. He had his fair share of injuries though, he wasn't completely clean of record when it came to hunts, though most of his injuries came from shoving others out of the way.

Jag nodded after both Vitani and Bhaltair responded to his idea. "I do think. You'd be good at it, and I wouldn't take you on any dangerous hunts. I'd rather keep you healthy for when pups do arrive. Still, having you help on deer and the like, would be nice." Jag smiled but then twitched his ears when he hinted that Vitani would have pups next spring. As far as he knew, his sister wasn't keen on anyone. The other worry on that alone, was how would Zuya react if either of them had pups of their own? They where the previous alpha's pups, Zuya could have easily killed them instead. "Wouldn't be a bad idea to tell Zuya our idea, make sure he's okay with it. Of course I would teach you. I'd be happy to, with no new hunters in awhile, and the lack of pups, I haven't been able to help train anyone in awhile. It'd be good for me too." Jag smiled. While he was always learning himself and trying new ideas on hunts, he wanted to make sure he was also good at relying information to help others be the best hunter they could be.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; River > Alpha's Den.

After Zuya's meeting with Slash, the alpha parted ways with the warrior to head to the river, both for a drink of water and for some time alone. Recent events weren't necessarily wearing heavily on his conscious, but it did put a dent into a few of his plans. Fortunately for him, he understood that pack members came and went, due to death, even if that meant his own mate. The most regrettable action had to have been wasting so much time on the female alpha and not seeing her weakness sooner. Such a soft beating should not have sent her into a convulsing fit. Clearly, she was unfit and unworthy of the role. He would not make that mistake twice.

Shaking his head, Zuya began to drink from the mostly iced over river. His ears honed in on the various sounds around him, in case anyone was trying to sneak up on him. It hadn't happened yet, but one could never be too careful. Others seemed to blame him for his mate, and pups, lost lives but no one has cared enough to avenge any of them. Therefore, the packs' current ill-feelings toward him meant very little. The all still recognized who their true leader was. They all were still falling in line under his iron paw.

After Zuya's thirst was quenched with the cool river water, the white brute headed back toward his den. Upon nearing his private area, he took notice of Tsuki's scent lingering in the air. It wasn't very long before the inyanga had come into full view. He was sure she could hear his paws padding heavily against the snow as he approached her, so he made no attempt in greeting her. Instead, he closed the distance between them and plopped his rump right onto the ground. His green eyes were fixated on her, only a slight tilt of his head would allude to his curiously. The fae seemed to be lingering a lot more now that his mate was deceased. One could only wonder why.

“”

[KillxLucky]

Name: Vitani
Rank: Kiowa Warrior
Location: Densite; Inside the Inyanga den.
Company: Jag, Bhaltair.
Out.Of.Character~ Thanks for being patient. Not sure why this post took so long to come to me.

Vitani watched as the boys bounced their thoughts and ideas off each other. For the most part, she remained silent in their planning, after giving her initial agreement, but she did offer short nods and a few wags of her tail with their excitement. It wasn't until Bhaltair had directly stated that she might have pups of her own that her expression changed from happy, excitement, to confusion. Her eyebrows furrowed. Had Bhaltair taken her previous sentence the wrong way? Or read her emotions wrong about the lack of pups? Did he think she secretly wanted pups now? Oh dear. Vitani's ears flattened as thoughts raced through her head.

'There.. no one courting me.' She thought.

Vitani's eyes fell to her paws as she became deep in thoughts. 'Or.. is there?' She continued pondering the wolves she had come into contact with recently but none of them seemed to be courting her or even hinting toward starting any family with her.

'Does he know something I don't know?' Vitani's green gaze lifted from her paws to Bhaltair. Her ears followed, perking now into his direction. 'Is he going to court me?' She blinked a few times, her heart rate quickening in her chest as she mulled over the thought.

Vitani's mind was racing now with the possibilities. Only Slash showed interest in her as of late, but he showed interest in everyone. Not to mention, he was rather close with their Omega. Vitani hadn't given Bhaltair much thought in that aspect. In fact, she didn't give any of the brutes of the pack that thought. All she really cared about was saving Kiowa from Zuya's clutches and restoring their wolf-manity (humanity).

'Does Jag know too?' She swallowed hard, meeting Jag's gaze now, a look of sheer horror plastering itself on her face, as her eyes bore into his as if he could save her from her internal shock and mental overload. Vitani blinked a few times, attempting and failing to regain her composure.

“I- .. Uhm.. ” Stumbling over her words. Bhaltair had probably never seen her so flabbergasted, Vitani worked hard and trying to keep a steady composure like her father and uncle in order to seem "tough and strong" for the pack. Jag, on the other hand, would know this side of Vitani. It came out in extreme cases when Vitani was really scared or uncomfortable. In this case, she was terrified. Why? Because someone could have been courting her and she would have had no idea! What a silly notion for an aspiring Alpha to miss! Should she have been worried about pups already? Was that a thing she should consider before challenging Zuya? It was no secret that both Zuya and Reynu had mates before becoming alphas. Oh, how could she have missed such an important detail?

Vitani inhaled sharply and released the air through her nostrils, gazing toward Bhaltair again. “I .. don't know.” She said, finally, her ears pinning against her head once more in defeat. “Do.. you.. both.. know something?” She mustered up the courage to ask, shifting her eyes between the two males. “I.. Pups weren't really on the agenda..” She paused for a long moment before adding, “.. For me.” Others may have been planning for a family but certainly not her. As far as she knew, there weren't any wolves who were even interested in her. Some of them wouldn't touch her with a ten-foot tree branch because of her bloodline, which was something she had grown accustomed to. The fae eagerly awaited the answers with a, still mortified, look covering her face.

“”

[finalwolf]

Tsuki the healer

With: Zuya and (ghost ryka)
Mood: Uncertain
Location: By Zuya

Tsuki noticed Zuya and flattened her ears, unsure what to say now that he was there and had noticed her. Ryka had no problem standing next to Zuya and brushing up against him. Tsuki went to open her mouth to speak, but found the words weren't coming. She knew exactly what Ryka wanted her to say. Slowly, the words came, "Hello, Alpha. Um...you probably noticed I stopped at your den again. Sorry I...Ryka she went inside and I had to get her out." Tsuki lowered herself waiting for him to scold her for entering his den without permission. Even though she had only took a step or two in while her head had reached to where Ryka was so she could speak to her, she had entered it without his okay. "Ryka says she's sorry about what happened to your mate. More so about the pups. If she was still here and older she'd offer to carry your pups for you." Close to what Ryka had wanted to say but not quite. Ryka wanted Tsuki to carry her dreams since she no longer could.

Tsuki saw the look in Ryka's eyes as she glared at Tsuki. Would you offer up yourself to him? I mean, by doing this, getting on his good side, you could even become his mate one day fully. An alpha yourself, of course under Zuya.

Tsuki sighed as she sat down, lowering her head as she debated on how to go about this. She doubted Zuya would even go along with this as she wasn't strong, but Ryka wouldn't shut up until she did it. She looked at Zuya and slowly let the words fall out again. "I'm not currently with a mate, and it would be a wasted season if nobody here bares any pups. Especially you, Alpha, so what I'm trying to say is I would be more than honored to carry your pups for you." Shyly her gaze fell off of him and to the ground in front of them. Scared of what he may say, scared he'd say no, scared he'd say yes.

Ryka seemed quite pleased with herself that Tsuki had offered the idea to Zuya. Mating season would be over before long, it was already getting late in the season. Though some females where still in heat, and Tsuki was no exception.

Tsuki wondered about Mute, but surely he wasn't that interested. She adored Mute, loved him, but she also wanted to be of use to the pack and to find a way to keep Ryka quiet if there ever was a way. If she felt like she could, she'd talk to Mute about this, but she didn't want others to know she was fallen to the darkness. They couldn't know. Zuya explained to her why and he was right.

[finalwolf]

Sasha the Tracker


With: My thoughts
Feeling: Content
Where: River

Sasha had left the previous day to track herds again, to make sure they where all following the path she had figured out by now. Most herds followed the same path throughout the years, fairly easy to predict where they would be, or roughly be. Sometimes they strayed and would be a few miles off, but nothing she couldn't pick up on. Lately the pack had been hunting elk, but they took too much energy. She focused on tracking down deer today. Easier to take down, and less likely for any of them to get badly injured. Though, this winter was a bit harsh lately and she worried how the prey herds where doing. Their own pack where having issues with death, but many of the deaths weren't caused by hunger alone.

Sasha had managed to track down two herds, one larger than the other. Which meant that was the one she would bring the hunters to next time they where ready to hunt. She had watched the herd for a little while before she headed back to the pack. Along the way she managed to catch herself a rabbit and feast on it. That was one thing she enjoyed about being a tracker, she got the freedom to do things on her own. She didn't have to share a rabbit with anyone, she could be her own boss while she was away.

Soon she returned to the main den site, taking note that the hunters must have taken down another elk, and the wolves not spreading out their food, instead eating all their stomachs cold hold. Slash seemed to be an annoyance mood, so she would do her best to stay down wind and away from him. Ifrit was out as well, but was a bit too close to Slash for her to want to mingle with. The rest where all scattered about doing who knows what. She would find Jag later and inform him of a deer herd doing well enough for them to tackle down a couple deer on their next hunt. For now though, she'd go by the river and lay down there and enjoy the peace and quiet.

[satnis]

Name: Zander
Rank: Warrior
Location: Densite
Company: Alone


Zander strode into the densite bristling, hackles raised and muzzle tightened in a snarl. A bull elk laid in the clearing, and a gathering of wolves circled around it. He could hear a low collective growling emitting from them. A sharp snarl ripped from his throat as he approached. He was starving and he was going to eat his fill. Zander snapped at a few other wolves, sharing a momentary standoff with another hungry warrior. He pushed his way through to the elk and shoved his snout into its soft bleeding underbelly. In his peripheral vision, he spotted his brother Kythe waiting to eat with the other pack members. Kythe had a large appetite just like Zander, and Zander felt sorry for his weaker brother. But, the pack’s most important members must eat first. With this in mind, he pulled out another large bite of entrails. They had cooled slightly—Zuya must have taken his time eating.

When he finished his final bite, Zander backed away from the elk and found a spot away from the crowd to lie and let his stomach rest. He’d gorged himself, and wondered if other members of the pack would be hungry tonight as a result. Lethargy creeped over him, and Zander could do nothing but observe pack politics to see who would eat first and last. A few lower ranking pack members were creeping forward to get a morsel.

Zander’s eyes were drawn to Zuya’s den. Slash stalked out of it growling, heading towards the kill pile, and Zander watched as the brute threw another warrior away from it with unnecessary force. Zander flicked his tail in amusement and licked some excess blood off his dark paws. He would have to ask Kythe later what was going on; his brother was always steeped in pack gossip, and no doubt he’d been listening to see why the atmosphere was tight with animosity tonight.

He noticed that the Inyanga den was bustling tonight and strained to see who was inside. The only wolves clearly visible were Jag, Bhaltair, and his fellow warrior Vitani. Vitani seemed on edge. Zander ears pushed forward, his eyes narrowing in his attempts to listen. It seemed like they were talking about…pups? Zander was instantly attentive and fidgeted restlessly. He held no serious intentions towards anyone in the pack, but of all the females, Vitani stood out to him. Perhaps it was her lineage; Zander was drawn to power, even potential power. But perhaps it was more than that—she was gentle, calming even.

He couldn’t hear what they were saying clearly, and Zander wondered idly whether Vitani was already with pups, or if it was merely a prospective conversation. 'Either way, it makes no difference,' Zander thought. Zander’s days were filled with other more important things than flirting and thinking about females. He was careful to work his body daily, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, to ensure he remained among the packs strongest and most able warriors.

As the night settled in, the pack became scattered around the densite, leaving no meat on the carcass. The air was cooling, and Zander pulled his tail tightly around himself to keep warmer. He dozed in and out of sleep, only stirring when he saw a silvery form approaching. Kythe. Zander’s amber eyes opened wider, and he flicked his tail in greeting. But he was tired, and didn’t lift his head from the dirt ground. Kythe’s walked lightly, nearly bouncing. Zander sighed as he prepared for whatever onslaught of ‘news’ he was about to receive.
   

[finalwolf]

Jag the Hunter


With: Vitani and Bhaltair > Nobody
Feeling: Worried/Content
Where: Healers Den > Walking towards his den

Jag tilted his head as he took notice of his sister who seemed to have fallen quiet in this talk. He silently watched her, listening to her breathing even and then, there it was, the look. He couldn't help but try to force down the laughter that was trying to escape. He shook his head and gave a shrug of the shoulders. "The only one that I have seen shown any interest in you, as of late, is Slash, and he's one that, I'm not sure can be tamed by any one wolf. Though if he's your taste, I'm not one to stop." Again, he shrugged, but he wasn't going to stop there. The next bit was more directed at Bhaltair. "As much as I would love to see some pups, I don't think it's a grand idea for Vitani nor I to be the ones having any. I'm not sure how our Uncle would feel on it, especially before he had any of his own." Jag frowned at the last bit. How could any alpha do what he did and not be phased by it? He had murdered his own mate and his own pups in cold blood all because he got upset. Any female Zuya choose as a mate, he'd feel sorry for now. He once looked up to Zuya, he still did, enough so wanting to keep trying to get his praise, but now? Now he wasn't as certain on who his Uncle really was.

Jag looked at Vitani, wishing they could be in private and discuss their uncle further themselves. See to it how they should go about all of this. About getting her the position of Alpha herself. He supported her, he always would, and as time kept moving on, it only made more sense that Vitani take over. Though even he had concern about how they where going about this. Jag was making a name for himself, hoping to become top hunter soon enough. Vitani was more quiet in her ways. While the pack knew who she was, she didn't fully make herself known like he was. He had made himself become a leader within the hunters and any that would go on a hunt with them. Vitani needed to do the same, especially with the warriors. Get them to realize how great she is, how strong she is, and make them follow her. The more the pack trusted Vitani, the easier time they would have on getting Zuya and any of his followers out of the pack.

Jag didn't see any other way but Zuya's death at the end of this. He wouldn't step down from his position, not without a fight, and even then, he wouldn't trust his uncle enough to stay within the pack. If they exiled him, he'd worry he'd come back with another pack. Not that he wanted his uncle to die, he still cared about him greatly. When did this all become such a mess? It wasn't suppose to be this complicated.

Jag had been quiet for a bit now and he realized how deep in his own thoughts he had gotten. Just like with Vitani a moment ago, but hers was with the idea of pups and if someone was courting her. "I ah...I'm gonna go for a walk. If I find Zuya, I'll talk to him about the idea of having you become a hunter for a while until pups are born."  Jag stood up and left the healers den and back out into the main den site.

Jag started to head towards his own den. He took notice that plenty  of the wolves seemed quite content right now, full bellies. He smiled, proud that he could help them feel this way. Though that only meant he'd have to go on another hunt within a day or two. He'd have to tell the hunters to rest up, and get ready again. Though this time, they weren't going to hunt a bull elk. They got lucky last time, and the time before that, not so. Luck wasn't usually on their side with bull elks and he wasn't going to risk it. Deer though, they could tackle a few of them down if they moved correctly. Though they'd have to kill enough of them to feed the pack, and then there was the hauling the dead bodies back to the den site.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

Zuya quietly watched Tsuki as she immediately went into greeting him and explaining why she was at his den without him. Tsuki's submissive posture pleased him. Her timid nature did not go unnoticed by the large brute, instead causing him to puff out his chest and straighten his back in confidence. Surely she knew entering his den without permission was wrong.. but this was a delicate circumstance. Other wolves may have been beaten for such blatant disrespect. However, her reasoning as to why she had gone in had possibly saved her hide. The alpha, instead, opted for a more.. lighthearted technique.

“Ryka and you both should know better than to linger within an alpha's den without permission. You reprimanded her, didn't you?” Zuya responded to Tsuki's excuse with all seriousness.

As if an actual ghost, or spirit, could actually be reprimanded or physically harmed in anyway. His aim was to show Tsuki that he believed in her madness and that it was a normal thing. They way he spoke of Ryka, as if she was still with them, should have been some encouragement for the fae.

Zuya's eyes narrowed as Tsuki spoke of Ryka more. Ryka as his mate? The pup certainly had spunk. It seemed he was starting to like her more now that she was dead. She had more attitude and certainly stood out more. Still, a thought rose in Zuya's mind as he pondered if this could have actually been Ryka talking. Or were these suppressed feelings of Tsuki's that she was trying to pin on the spirit. It was much too soon for him to tell. Luckily for him, Tsuki's very next sentence confirmed his suspicions. It surprised him as well. His mate's body wasn't even cold in the ground and here Tsuki was offering herself up to him.. for the sake of.. pups.

“Hmm.” Zuya breathed, a cloud of vapor escaping his nostrils and he pondered Tsuki's proposal.

Without his dead mate, mating with Tsuki would be an easy task for strengthening his lineage. However, he needed an mate for his first, successful, litter. From what Tsuki had proposed, it seemed she was only doing it for the chance to have pups running around the pack. Currently, they were in the middle of a chilling winter, so now would be the most opportune time seeing as how the pups would be born around the spring. But he needed to trust that Tsuki would even be a fit and sound mother. He had already made the mistake of impregnating a weakened fae, to which her demise was pinned as his fault. Not that he cared, but he did not want a repeat of another stillborn litter.

A long, quiet, silence fell between the two and it was apparent that he was calculating Tsuki's offer. There were things he was not sure of, as of yet. One thing he did know, however, was his next litter would go to his chosen mate. That was something he wasn't necessarily looking forward to; the courting of yet another fae. The whole thing was silly but hormones and nature always took its course in any wolf. The heat rolling off Tsuki's body was already proving to be problematic enough as he wanting to mount her here and now. But he wasn't like other wolves, driven by mating-crazed idiocy. He had a legacy to carry on and there was always a method to his madness.

“I'm surprised you would offer such a thing, Tsuki. I wonder, are you doing this for Ryka, yourself, or for me?” This was a question, that he gave her an adequate around of time to answer. As he waited, the alpha stood, circling her, the same way he had done before as he coated Tsuki with his scent.
“My first mate and litter has died at my paws. The first litter outside my mateship and the fae has also died, but at the paws of my mate. That's enough to keep plenty far away, yet, here you are, leaping at the opportunity to be the next.”

As Zuya came around Tsuki's front, he sat next to her, now positioning her on his right side. He purposely invaded her space, sitting himself so close that their pelts began blending in the morning sun. So close that Tsuki even lean into him. The warmth of his own body radiated in her direction. This was a rarity, as Zuya was a lone sort of wolf, usually sticking to himself unless there was business to be taken care of. Together, at this angle, the pair could still talk and both peer toward the densite and watch other wolves in the distance. If he ever chose Tsuki as a mate, this would be a position she would need accustomed used to.

“I'll have you know my next litter will be born to a strong female, who will be my mate.” As he spoke, his gaze remained on the pack, watching them go about their lives. Beside him, he wondered if Tsuki would falter, or change her mind. Or would she still be willing to rise up to the task.

[finalwolf]

Tsuki the healer

With: Zuya and (ghost ryka)
Mood: Uncertain
Location: main densite

Tsuki looked up at Zuya when he asked if she reprimanded Ryka. "I spoke to her about not doing it again. I think she understands now, after the talk." What else was she suppose to do with Ryka? It wasn't like she was going to attack a pup. She felt some relief though, with Zuya, he wasn't going to reprimand her, and she knew how lucky she was in that, though he could easily change his mind, and she knew it.

The quiet that had fallen between them, made her on edge. What was her alpha thinking? Maybe she never should have mentioned what she did. Her ears fell flat as she looked around to see where Ryka had gone to, but she seemed to have disappeared for now, leaving Tsuki with her own thoughts. Perhaps it was too soon for her to suggest Zuya mate with anyone. Let alone someone like her. Tsuki was nothing like his previous mate, and it was a bit soon to be suggesting this, but what Ryka said did make sense. Their pack did need pups, especially their alpha so he could continue his line.

Finally, Zuya spoke up, which caused Tsuki to become alert briefly, before looking to her alpha. He asked who she was doing this for, and her ears fell. "For you, and me. It may have been Ryka's idea, but...you're our alpha, you deserve strong pups, and I believe I can grant you that. And the bit for me, it's because I'd like to see some pups around your pack." It was mainly for him though, for her alpha. They needed a strong alpha, one that also had strong pups to follow in his paw prints. "Mainly for you though, Alpha." Though even Tsuki wondered how crazy she really sounded. She shouldn't consider mating with anyone until she found a mate, but yet here she was offering herself to her alpha.

You're doing just fine, Tsuki. And you're right, it is for him, anything you do, should be for him, and you should work on catching his eye more. Become stronger, continue what you're doing with him, the way you see him is already perfect. Ryka finally appeared again in front of Tsuki.

While Zuya circled Tsuki, she looked at Ryka, now she showed up to keep her company. Though his circling still kept her uneasy, even though this wasn't the first time he done it. What he spoke next, she wasn't sure how she should take it. His mate died because she thought she was equal, perhaps even above Zuya, which she wasn't, never would be. The male alpha was always the top alpha, no matter what, at least that's what Tsuki has come to learn and understand during her time in this pack. The other fae that he had mated with, well again died due to his mate. She was jealous, didn't understand what or why Zuya did what he did. Tsuki looked at Ryka who looked back at her, daring her to say her thoughts. "I still am sorry that your mate died, and the fae that you mated with. But...both deaths fall on your mate. She thought you and her where equal, that she could tell you what to do. She was wrong, and wouldn't listen to your word, that's not how your mate should act. You're above all, it's that simple, but she forgot that." Tsuki wasn't sure how Zuya would take her words, and part of her was afraid. Again her ears lowered and she didn't keep eye contact with him.

He sat down next to her, close to her, in a way she wasn't comfortable with, her heart pounding and was waiting for him to do something. They where so close, she taking in his scent, liking it. Out of instinct, she found herself putting her head against his body and nuzzled him briefly to fully take him in. The moments passed, before Tsuki realized what she had done, pulling her head away from him, and shyly looking up at him. "Sorry, I got caught up in the moment." Just what was she doing? Ryka easily was quite pleased with what she had done, but Tsuki wasn't as sure.

Zuya spoke up about his next litter being born to a strong female, his next mate. "I may not be warrior strong, but I am strong in other ways. And...I'm hoping to improve being strong as well." She hinted at how she could perhaps be a good candidate for his next mate. "I may be young and have a lot of growing to do, but I understand my place, and can easily learn and adapt." She replied as she followed his gaze out towards the pack. She was still a young adult wolf, but with how Ryka was there, and how her mind was changing, she was eager to become more than what she currently was. A wolf that Zuya could be proud of that was in his pack, and potentially his mate. The more time she spent with Zuya and Ryka, the more lost she was becoming to the darkness.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: N/A.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Jag.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga
Theme: "Honshirabe" from Shakuhachi by Miyata Kohachiro.

"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

The Furtive Spook layed dormant at the opening to his burrow; a soft breath upon the breeze. And with eyes barely open, his ears began to seize...the rumors that the wind brought him, despite his weary eyes far from others.

His only source of entertainment since yesterday...what did his ears see?

"I heard..."
"I saw..."
"I figured that ghost had been up to something-but what the hell did he do?"
"The enigma? The quiet thing?"
"Beaten up, something fierce, and Pecado nor his thugs anywhere to be seen...brother of his must be p***ed."
"And Tsuki carrying him in to his burrow yesterday night to rest. Brought him food too."
"And Vitani and Slash checking up on him? The hell? Since when did they talk?"
"It's a quandry..."
"...a mystery."
"...what it~ is...is ugly...something about it all...is ugly."

The cracked ribs in Mute's body gave a low groan as the healer gave a slow wince in response. The cold reminding him what it meant to cling to life. To cling to life was to nurture pain; the healthy way. Tsuki had mentioned returning later to check on him, and he remembered her answer to finally sit down and talk with him. He wondered...he wondered what he'd try to say. To say, to the fae. The fae that risked so much to find him.
...silence...
...he owed those three a great deal of thanks.

Only...how to repay? All he could do for some time: was heal. Mute pondered it somewhat as a tree seedling having an out of body experience, watching itself grow. Slowly. It hurt to move around, but Mute's ears replaced his eyes for keeping tabs on his surrounding packmates. The ones within range anyhow. It was going to be a slow recovery. A rather irritating one. Another huff escaped Mute's lips at the prospect. And no sooner had he done so, a small songbird perched atop one of his ears. A cardinal. Bright red. Black masked. Like a messenger from a place of bloodstains. Yet, it's song was cheerful, and it didn't seem to notice Mute underneath him being so still.
Mute slowly managed to smile, as the bird continued to sing.

...an omen, was it?


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[SweetPotatoPie]

Bhaltair
Rank: Sitter
Location: Healer's Den

Bhaltair was flattered, happy to hear that Jag had thought so well of him. That he wasn’t just a useless body. Honestly, he’d been kind of feeling that lately, especially with the loss od the alpha pups and Ryka. He knew the loss of the pup wasn’t really his fault, but it still hurt. He cared very much about all the pups and even his pack members, even if he didn’t like some of them. He didn’t want to see anyone in his pack get hurt and currently that seemed to be what was happening emotionally and physically. The whole pack seemed in turmoil. Internally the thought that it was their current leader causing it was cast aside for now. He hadn’t seen Vitani’s gaze, completely focused on Jag as he assured, he would love to train him. The hesitant voice that came from her caught him off guard, demanding his attention. He turned to her with wide concerned eyes, taking in her upset look. Confused seemed more appropriate to him than really upset it would seem. Oh, Vitani. he thought to himself, feeling guilty as it dawned on him what had happened and she was thinking.

He quirked a brow at hearing Jag speak of Slash. Personally, he would want a much different wolf to stand next to Vatani. Not that he really had a say in the matter, but the though of Slash being there made him a little irritated and a little worried. Of course, he had thought of future pups, thought of the pack differently or wondered what it would be under Vitani’s rein with pups at her side, but he never really thought of the male that would be there. The Alpha to the alphaess. The idea unsettled him and took a more serious turn. They lapsed into silence, each seemingly lost in their own thoughts when Jag announced he was going to take a walk. Bhaltair snapped out of it to make sure he thanked the hunter. “Thank you, Jag. Really.” He said with gratitude and sincerity to his tone.

After he left, Bhaltair turned to Vitani, , wishing to remedy the situation. " My apologies for unsettling you. I’m a sitter, I’m always thinking of pups to have around. I was just teasing.” He sighed, hanging his head with a down casted look. “Jag is right, I must be careful with such teasing, especially with you.” And whoever could be listening that might report such things to Zuya. But he wouldn’t say that part allowed. He looked up at her, head still ducked, and offered and lopsided grin. “Just do me a favor, and when you do decide on taking a mate, don’t fall for the first dashing male the flirts with you.” He was meaning Slash in the nicest way possible. Of course, he thought better of her than to be swept off her paws so easily, she was much more rational than that, and his dancing eyes assured her he was still lightly teasing. “Ah, there I go again. I’m sorry.”

He shuffled so he could avoid busy healers and lay next to her, not touching but still close that their conversation was still a bit more private. “But I must add, don’t think that because of any plans you may have on that agenda that one day you can’t or shouldn’t. Know that you will always have my support.” And he meant it. Bhaltair was always there to encourage everyone in the pack, but he was much more serious in this moment towards her about his support. He lay quietly for a moment, half thinking she would kick him out of the healer’s den for a moment. He would leave, if she wanted him to, but he wished to stay. He enjoyed her company a lot more than some of the other wolves, especially when they were more hangry or still persnickety from their recent scuffle for food.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

All of what Tsuki had been stating was true. He did need a strong lineage. He did need a strong mate. None of that came as any surprise to him. However, what did surprise him, still, was Tsuki herself. She'd named herself worthy of carrying his lineage and according to her, it was all for his sake. The ivory alpha has taken notice of her timidness when he previously walked around her, but soon warmed up to his presence.. even leaning into his warmth. Her affection was met with a stiffening of his own muscles, but he did not snap at the smaller fae. Instead, he suppress his growing uneasiness, a long, heavy gust of air escaped his nostrils. This was the part he did not care for in a mate. The affection they sought. The courting. Alas, it was a huge part of his life, and if she was willing to try and be his mate, he would feel her out as well. Perhaps she was correct in her notion that she was indeed strong enough to bare the weight of an alpha and a mother. Time could only tell.

As Tsuki apologized for her nuzzling and affection, Zuya remained silent. He really did not know how to handle her. While many of the females threw themselves at him, he simply had not expected such a thing from Tsuki. A smirk formed on his lips, to which she would probably take as approval for her affection. In fact, the humor lay in his power. The power of being an alpha, the power of a strong leader. He was a wolf others looked up to and wanted to be like..  He made even the most timid of wolves attempt to seem stronger than they really were in an attempt to be noticed and useful to the pack. When Reynu reigned, they all lived in content, never working toward anything to better themselves but now.. he was seeing a steady change in many wolves. His presence gave others the pride they needed within themselves. That, was an accomplishment in itself, even if no one else cared to give him kuddos for it. The pack was already stronger without weak Reynu, they would eventually see it for themselves.

“Your boldness and proposal has been noted, Tsuki. When the time comes, perhaps, I will take you up on that offer.” Zuya peered down at the now bashful fae. “You're right, you are not warrior strong and certainly are young. I have to make sure you are suitable for the role. I will not have another failed litter.” Zuya told her, speaking more like a father figure in a disciplining tone than someone who could be her potential mate, but it was true. “You also may not be the only suiter.” He warned her, keeping his tone even. Zuya was hinting toward his ideas of mating outside his mateship for the sake of having more litters. This was an issue with his previous mate, where they did not see eye to eye on the matter, up until her untimely death. If she wanted to be his mate, there was the possibility that he would not be completely faithful to her.

Quietly, Zuya leaned in closer to Tsuki, a silent indication that he would accept her affection further if she so chose. This was the only sort of physical affection she would receive from him until he thought more about what he wanted to do with the younger fae's offer. It seemed they would have to talk more about it later. They were in the midst of another who was slowly approaching them, with a slight hobble, a packmember. The packmember seemed to be hesitant, understanding that himself and Tsuki were having a bit of a moment, but right now Zuya welcomed it. Tsuki's heat was dizzying and packmember's presence was a welcome distraction. The alpha nodded in the black brute's direction, letting him approach.

Nuka had been pacing, in the distance, for a while as he waited his turn to speak with their alpha. He was easy to spot; one of the only large white wolves in the pack. Possibly the largest, if his memory served him right. Nuka waited to be summoned further before approaching the alpha and the lady wolf who was accompanying him. The seemed to be sharing an intimate moment and he wasn't at all sure if his own proposal was anymore important than what they were speaking about in hushed tones. His eyes narrowed, because he would really only make out her silhouette, but as he was summoned closer, the colors of her pelt became a little brighter and her face came into focus. It was Tsuki getting cozy with the alpha.

Nuka continued hobbling forward and dipped his head, drastically, basically licking the snow at his own paws. This display always pleased Zuya and as Nuka peered upward at the large white male, he could see it buttered him right up. Maybe even moreso because of the presence of a fae. “A quick word, if you will, my dear Alpha.” Nuka's eyes shifted to Tsuki, straightening himself as Zuya nodded. “I do not mean to interrupt, I had been thinking about something and wanted to bring it to your attention.” Nuka's dull eyes continued to linger on Tsuki, offering her a simply smile and deciding what he had to say could be said in front of the fae. “I was thinking, maybe we can reinstate Elder's Moon.. Reynu forbade it but you, my alpha..” Nuka dipped his head one more, though this time simply lowering it slightly. “I think you know it would be wise to continue the once broken tradition.”

Zuya narrowed his eyes at the Elder. His name escaped him, in the beginning, but as Nuka did a very familiar dip of his head, Zuya understood him to be Nuka. Sometimes, pack mates and their names escaped Zuya if they didn't stand out. Luckily for Nuka, his way of showing submission always seemed to put Zuya in an easier mood, and that was a noteworthy gesture. Elder's Moon, however, he had not given that much thought since Reynu had done away with it. He didn't really care that much about the stories that they elders gathered around to tell about spirits, curses, and the land but some pups enjoyed it.. even some adult wolves. But why in Mother Moon's good name had this come up? “Tonight will be a full moon and would be fitting to uphold the tradition.” Nuka suddenly blurted out as if reading Zuya's mind and body language perfectly. There it was. The reason behind Nuka's sudden suggestion. For a moment, Zuya peered over at Tsuki who had recently joined the pack. Reynu had done away with the tradition well before she had come alone. “Should it be brought back?” He suddenly asked her, entrusting her with a sudden decision about the pack. He would how she would take it. He knew she had no idea what it was, but perhaps someone around the densite had told her about it. What would her response be? The first test.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Vitani
Rank: Kiowa Warrior
Location: Densite; Inside the Inyanga den.
Company: Jag -> Bhaltair.
Out.Of.Character~ Mute and Zander can join in if they'd like! 

The conversation of courtship and pups was certainly unsettling to Vitani. The warror's green gaze fell on her brother as he voiced his opinion on the matter. He was correct on both accounts, Slash wasn't exactly the "settling down" type and their uncle certainly would not take kindly to her carrying any litter anytime soon. It would only pose a threat to him, no doubt, and she needed to be lowkey about the direction she wanted to take with the pack until the time was right. She needed to be able to slip under his radar for now. Vitani shook her head at the ideas of pups and what may become of them because of Alpha Zuya. He'd already, willingly, killed his own litter of pups out of a temper tantrum. Surely he would give little to no regards to her litter.


“Right. Well.. it seems pups are the least of our concerns for now.” Vitani stated softly, seemingly regaining her more "confident" demeanor back. She made no comment about Slash to Jag. Instead, as her brother took his leave, she smiled softly in his direction, watching him retreat from the inyanga den.

When Bhaltiar moved closer to her, Vitani watched him, her tail wagging softly... until he started to speak about not accepting the first male that showed her the slightest bit of attention. The only male that her showed her any attention in that way, lately, had been Slash. No doubt, that was the very wolf Bhaltair had been hinting to. As he apologized for his teasing, she shook her head. “I'm sorry to have given you the impression that I can not take a joke.” She smiled softly at him. Her previous, flabbergasted feelings had been from a sudden subject that she had not at all planned and been aware of. But, it seems it was more of a false alarm and Vitani working herself up over nothing. “Slash isn't that bad.” She said with a shrug and a wink, letting Bhaltair know she knew who he was referring to. “But I am always happy to have your support, Bhaltair. Thank you.” She leaned into the brute, nudging him playfully with her shoulder.

“What about you? I'm sure a lucky lady has been on your radar?” She asked, happy to shift the conversation from just herself. “Sitters need mates too. Pups of your own won't be so bad. Jag and I.. well, that all should come much later for us but you have a shot at it whenever you'd like.” There was a sense of longing in her voice, as if she was spilling more information that she was actually letting on. All of her and Jag's decisions were made based off Alpha Zuya. Sure, the pack felt this same sort of dread, but Jag and herself felt it tenfold. They couldn't flick their tail without it looking like a threat to Alpha Zuya, especially with his paranoid mind. Of all the members, he probably watched them the closest, whether he lead on that belief or not. “Who are you courting?” Vitani asked in somewhat of a teasing tone. She hadn't seen Bhaltair actively pursuing any fae, but that didn't mean he did not have his eyes on one. She doubt he would tell her, but it was fun to get back at the brute, anyway.


“”

[finalwolf]

Tsuki the healer

With: Zuya and Nuka
Mood: Uncertain
Location: main densite

It had been a long pause, much longer than Tsuki would have liked, but the smile from him, made her feel back at ease. To her, it meant he wasn't upset at her, and didn't mind her affection. She smiled back and then looked to him as he spoke. That was all she could ask for, was that he consider her. While Tsuki knew she wasn't warrior strong, and while she didn't mind, Ryka would see to it that she got stronger, there was no doubt of that. "If you do choose me, I will not fail you, my alpha." He had added on tat she may not be the only suiter, and she understood that. "It would make sense that I wouldn't be the only one." She was okay with it, but Ryka wasn't. She should be the only one, but she also saw the mistakes the previous female alpha had done, and wouldn't repeat them. Tsuki was not certain herself on it yet that it would or wouldn't fully be all right, not with how she was confused herself, but the longer she was with Zuya, the less confused she was becoming. "I want to serve you, and make you happy, no matter how it's done."

Then, he had leaned closer to her, which caught her by surprised, but found herself leaning back on him. She felt at peace right now, and Ryka had been quiet and went to the sidelines. This is what she needed, time away from Ryka, and if Zuya was the cause of that, she would take this as a sign. A sign that perhaps she should be doing this for her alpha, for her pack. She was enjoying the moment, again taking in Zuya's scent up until she realized the elder was there, Nuka.

Tsuki perked up and sat straight as she listened to Nuka, curious if she should be here or not. Though it seemed Nuka didn't mind her here, and Zuya hadn't told her to leave, so she would stay. Nuka spoke something about the Elder's Moon, something the previous alpha had stopped. She was curious to know what the Elder's Moon was. Little detail was given however, which left her curious on the matter. Zuya spoke up, asking her if it should be brought back. Her eyes had widen at him, unsure why he would ask her opinion, someone who had no idea what this tradition was.

Tsuki closed her eyes and thought as much as she could on it.  "I have no idea what the Elder's Moon was. The previous alpha stopped it because of some reason, whatever that may be. However, it sounds like it was, at one point, a fond tradition. Something that the pack had enjoyed." Tsuki looked over at Nuka, curious to see if what she spoke was right or not. Even if it wasn't it was on par of making her opinion open based at this point. She thought a bit longer about the pack before speaking up further. "I'm sure we all have seen the pack's moral has been low lately, especially with the events and it being winter. Food isn't as bountiful, pups gone, death alone within the pack. This could be the something the pack needs to boost up moral for the time being. A tradition that some remember, a familiar, to them. Something that can be a constant on these nights. Gives the pack something to look forward to right now." Tsuki shifted her gaze to Zuya.

Tsuki was just praying that Nuka wouldn't steer her wrong in this and suggest something that had been gruesome. She didn't speak much to the elder wolf, he was a bit mentally unstable, or so they all said. "As long as the Elder's Moon isn't something bad, but would bring the pack together, I think it would be a good idea to bring it back."

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Timeskip 〉 ↘

☪ Weather: Cloudy. Cold. Light winds. The sun has come up over the horizon, providing a little more warmth over the land. It peeks in and out of the clouds before being consumed again. The air is chilly. Several inches of snow continue to blanket the ground but it is no longer snowing.

☪ Time of Day: Morning.

☪ Last Hunt: Page 1. An Adult Male Elk. (An Auto'd hunt).

☪ Last Timeskip. Page 2. (N/A so far.)

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: N/A.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Bhaltair.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga
Theme: -----

"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

Mute found himself, once again, waking peacefully from a steady doze. The cardinal atop his head had made a comfy perch for itself; seated steady like a prince upon a throne. The dwarfed brute didn't mind it. Any company at all was welcomed at this point. Tsuki had been quite stern with him to avoid moving around till his ribs healed further. And well, he didn't want to cause her any more concern than he already had.
As for the source of his stirrings, it was a combination of birdsong from a few other cardinals perched in the tree above him, and the distant conversation Vitani was having. The other brute with her had a fuzzy voice at this distance, but Vitani's was unmistakable.
Slowly, other voice began to drift to his fuzzy radars on the wind, and Mute busied himself with just listening to busy his thoughts.

Anything to try to preoccupy him...

"...I saw a bear stir from it's cave this morning..."
"Once, I noticed a bird drop dead right above my den. Scared the fuzz right off me... "
"...and the cold bit my nose so hard when I exited my den yesterday..."
"Why? Why are things so bleak lately?"
"I...I miss my mother...when is she coming back?"

Mute listened intently, the furtive spook had a habit too keen to break when it came to keeping eyes and ears on the pack. Even limited as he was now in recuperation, he still found himself falling back to what he liked to do. Watch. Listen. It was rather strange, in hindsight at least. Somehow, he liked to think it made him a better Ingyanga. He couldn't help but wonder if his birth parents once had the same habits. And had Tsuki been watching him for such a length of time before his fateful rescue?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

Nuka's intrusion proved to be of little to no importance to Zuya. Elder's Moon wasn't something he particularly looked forward to as a younger wolf. As Tsuki explained that it may raise pack moral, Nuka nodded along in agreement. “Tsuki is correct, my alpha. Pack morale has been rather low with the events and the cold winter. As to be expected, but I think this will uplift some spirits.” Nuka sat upon his haunches, offering a soft smile. “I'd like to my stories and I'm sure some young wolves may like to listen.” Nuka's eyes lingered on Tsuki as if he knew her secret. He tilted his head slightly, scanning over her face intently. “Stories of the dark trait need to be told and passed down generation to generation so that we may all know the signs.” Nuka's gaze shifted to Zuya once more. “I begged your brother to keep this tradition and he did not and now look at what's become of the pack.” Nuka shook his head solemnly. Nuka good sense Zuya's annoying at the mention of his brother and quickly apologized. “Forgive me, my alpha. I was just.. stating what's known to be true. The pack hasn't been well since Alpha Reynu broke tradition. ”

Zuya listened to what both Tsuki and the elder. As Nuka mentioned Reynu, his lips pulled into a silent snarl, but he did let the brute finish. It seemed Nuka believed that Reynu was to blame for the pack's recent shortcomings. A very welcome change to him being the culprit of the madness. Zuya spoke in a flat tone. “Do what you must, Nuka. Go and tell the others of the pack's first Elder Moon under my Alphaship.” His eyebrow quirked upward as he watched Nuka's excited reaction. Nuka's tailed wagged happily and a look of surprise plastered over the older male's face. It was as if he expected Zuya to disagree and shut down his moment of wisdom. Most wolves called him mad but Nuka knew he was wise. The short comings of the pack was because of Reynu and the darkness.. “Thank you, my alpha. Please, consider stopping by to listen in on these stories this time. I know you do not enjoy them all but I will try to make them as.. entertaining as possible.” Nuka began grumbling to himself about youngsters and how they lacked the attention span to listen to important lessons. Zuya was quick to stop his gibberish and dismissed him to be on his way to prepare for Elder Moon tonight.

Zuya inhaled loudly and exhaled, turning to look at Tsuki. “You may benefit from listening to what the old loon has to say.” His nodded in the brute's direction. “I don't think he's mad but he tends to come off that way with his constant rambling. Some of his stories may help with Ryka. Understanding what it is she wants and why she lingers only with you. ” Zuya's gazed was upon Tsuki once more. He hadn't missed her words earlier about not failing him. That she wanted to serve and make him happy. Many things made him happy but having a mate was not one. So far, this newfound freedom was .. refreshing to say the lease. He cared little about hurting her feelings but he couldn't bring himself to decline her. Not right at this moment anyway. He was curious as to just how far she would go to prove her worth.
“If I asked you to kill someone, would you? How would you do it with such a small body? What if it was a hunter?” The question came out of the blue, at least for the aspiring alphaess, but of course, as always, there was a method to his madness.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Nuka has gone around to each wolf within the pack [more like slowly hobbled to everyone] and told them of Elder's Moon later in the night and explained what it is. You can choose to have your wolves acknowledge Nuka or not and plan to not attend Elder's Moon. If anyone needs more clarification, ask in the ooc! We'll chat about it. ^^)

[finalwolf]

Tsuki the healer

With: Zuya and Nuka
Mood: Uncertain
Location: main densite

Tsuki was glad to hear that someone else had taken notice about the morale within the pack. Though what caught her attention was the lingering look Nuka had given her about his stories, as if she should be one of those young wolves to listen. As Nuka continued it made sense to her as to why she should listen in, it was about the dark trait. Her ears flattened for a bit wondering if anyone besides Zuya knew about her situation. Surely Nuka hadn't, right? He was wise, he was old, he has been through a lot in his life, but surely it wasn't that easy to tell if someone had it or not. At least, not without some poking around. Though she was quite interested in hearing these stories now, perhaps there was some way to help silence Ryka and keep her own sanity.

Tsuki continued to listen, but grew concerned when Nuka had mentioned Reynu, but backed tracked to state that by the previous Alpha breaking this tradition, it was potentially his fault the pack was the way it was, at least maybe with the dark trait? She wasn't quite sure on that, and turned to look at Zuya to see what he would say. She had noticed he snarled at Reynu's name, but seemed to not be too bothered by it. Which was good for Nuka. Zuya seemed fine to let the tradition start back up, which caused Tsuki to turn her head back to Nuka as he became quite excited. Nuka thanked and then went on his way, but Tsuki found herself smiling as she watched him and then heard some grumbling from Nuka about attention span. "Nuka seems quite happy, that's good. Hopefully others will too with this tradition starting again."

Tsuki looked at Zuya as he looked at her. It seemed even Zuya would agree it would be a good idea for her to listen to his stories. "Nuka is Nuka, he's different because he is old, but I also think he just has different ways of showing his knowledge. Though I hope his stories will be true, and I can find out some useful information to help with Ryka. Thank you, Alpha Zuya for letting this tradition start again." Tsuki smiled softly. While she would have liked to have thought more about what Nuka's stories could be or even mean for her, her thoughts where cut off when Zuya spoke again. This time, about killing someone.

Tsuki's eyes widened and her ears fell flat and her body shrunk down. She wasn't a killer. She wasn't good at hunting, she wasn't good at taking another living creature's life. That wasn't how she grew up the first year of her life. Her human companion had taught her many things though, and it wasn't always the good in herbs. Emma, her human, had taught her the 'bad' herbs, and some of the mixtures that could hurt her. Including some berries that grew wild around here that could be fatal if one ate too much.

Say it. Tell him how you'd do it. Poison, simple, clean. If you can't do the killing, I will use you myself to make sure you do it. He is your alpha, and we do not disappoint him. Ryka growled at Tsuki.

Tsuki whined at Ryka's words and stared at the pup. "You can't do that, you speak, but that's it. I can't..." Tsuki spoke softly and muttered most of her words back to Ryka. This only caused Ryka to grow further annoyed with Tsuki. As if this was a challenge to the young pup. One she wasn't going to just take laying down.

What Tsuki didn't know, was that earlier, the way she was with Zuya, speaking, acting the way she did, a lot of that was Ryka's doing. Thus why Ryka wasn't around during that time. Tsuki was still there, seeing a lot of it, believing it was just her own actions, but Ryka was influencing her, enough to pull the strings.

Ryka once more disappeared and the typical, normal, less confident Tsuki, went away again. Tsuki looked back at Zuya. "I'm sorry, about that little bit. It's true, I'm not a killer, I don't have the size, the skills, or the typical way a wolf would kill. I don't have any of that, but I do have my knowledge. There are plenty of herbs and berries out there that if you combine them a certain way, would become fatal." She eyed Zuya as she sat more confidently instead of trying to be so small, she sat larger again, but not as large as she could be. She wanted to be confident in showing, not threatening. "I could bring food over coated in some of the poison to my target, or if they are injured, can easily give them that. Or if simply I take notice and say they look tired and could use more energy, that I have just the herb to use. I'd kill them that way. Now, I know it isn't as fast as sinking teeth into ones neck, but it would work." Slow, painful death. The berries she had been told about, worked within a day, faster the more one had eaten.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: N/A.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Bhaltair.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga
Theme: -----

"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

"Mute."
"Mute."
"Mute."
"Mute~"
"YOU F*****G KILLED ME, MUTE!"

The dwarfed Ingyanga awoke, yet again, from his sudden doze with a worried jolt. A feint whimper on his lips as his eyes hurriedly scanned around his burrow. The movement was so sudden, the cardinal perched on his head fell off before taking to the air in a panic. Pecado's voice. It...felt so close. In fact, Mute was certain he could have been standing in front of him. A heavy sigh escaped his muzzle before his head laid back down; assisted by the weighty bags under his eyes. Oh what he'd give for a proper, undisturbed siesta. Ever since his return to the den site, it had been a struggle to sleep for more than one to two hours unabated.

Perhaps...it was his sins weighing him down with a burdening unrest.

...sometimes he swore he could feel his sins crawling on his back.

Once again, the gentle breeze carried Vitani and Bhaltair's voices to his ears. This caused them to alternate a few times as his tail thumped at the recognition. Yet, as hard as he tried to zone in on their conversation, it was a futile effort. He could scarcely make out a few words here and there. To be honest, feeling so helpless was not a state of mind he was used to. Thus, as a result, not being able to watch and listen to the standard living of his packmates made him feel more alienated. He had no clue Izora was dead...no one had informed him yet. No talk of the Elder Moon had reached him yet either. Now, little did Kiowa's Furtive Spook know, that he was feeling akin to humans stuck in hospital beds due to severe injury or illness.
As a practitioner of medicine, Mute related with the concept of healing being restricted by time and patience. Yet, time was so often mistaken as an adversary to the living: who clung to life and often took the minutes for granted. What's more, Tsuki hadn't come back yet. He worried if she was okay. They were supposed to have their talk tonight; however he was beginning to get nervous. How was he going to show her he appreciated her? With that thought, Mute covered both of his eyes with his paws. A silent groan escaped his mouth.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[finalwolf]

Jag the Hunter


With: Nuka
Feeling: Content
Where: Walking about

Jag walked along the entire main den site making sure the wolves all seemed happy and no problems where arising. It may not be his job to keep the peace within the pack, or to make sure all where fine the way he often did, but he couldn't help it. Alpha blood ran throughout him and he cared about each and every member of the pack. Of course he knew he couldn't just say or do as he pleased, he had to ask Zuya how to 'handle' things. Even though he often would handle them much differently. Zuya often ignored or would want the wolves that where having problems with each other to work it out on their own. That wasn't how things should be done, not all the time at least.

On his walk around he had taken notice that Tsuki was by Zuya and she seemed pretty comfortable around him. Odd, since all he knew of the fae was that she was a timid wolf, not wanting to cause attention to herself. While he had to talk with Zuya, he wasn't about to interrupt him either. He'd wait for his time to talk with his uncle. As he continued on with his walk, Nuka came over to him. Explained about the Elder Moon tradition starting up again. A tradition that Jag never got to see, but he had heard plenty about it. Honestly, he was up for this tradition starting again, especially if Nuka really did have knowledge about the darkness. Jag didn't agree with the way Zuya 'fed' the darkness, nor did he agree with his father that those with it, had to be exiled. Jag truly believed there was a way to manage it, or maybe even cure it. Though if push came to shove on wolves being too much, he'd agree with the exile at least, more if the wolf brought it that way.

Jag found himself following Nuka until he finished telling the rest of the wolves. "Nuka, how much do you really know about what's going on with this pack? I'm not blinded to see that things are getting worse and I think more might be coming down with the darkness." He had been curious about all of this, but even though he wanted to seek out more himself, he never went to Nuka. If only for the fact he was never sure how to take his words, if they where serious or not, fact or myth. It didn't help that most just didn't talk about this either. It was hushed about. "Is there any way to reverse it? Cure it?" Even if Nuka didn't know or said no, that didn't mean there wasn't one out there.

[finalwolf]

Slash the Warrior

With: Nobody, briefly Vitani and Bhaltair, then nobody
Mood: Tired, Upset
Location: Near kill pile, healers den, on his way to his den


Slash continued to be restless, though as time went on he was realizing how tired he truly was. With what happened at the mountain, and wit Meeka, he just couldn't sleep. While talking with Vitani about Mute helped some, there wasn't much he could do to help Meeka. He should have been here when Zuya attacked her. He should have protected her against their alpha. Alpha or not, Zuya had no right to attack her the way he did. She still was hanging on to to life or death. With her being the omega, the healers weren't going to go out of their way to tend to her. Zuya would make sure of that too. Slash straightened his ears and gave off a long, low growl at the thought of all of this. Though he needed sleep if he was going to stay in his peek condition and be as strong as he could be.

Slash stood up and headed to the healers den. He'd ask for some sleeping herbs, he needed sleep, at any cost, he knew that. His mind had to shut down enough so he could sleep, and this was going to be the only way. Though the last of it, he wasn't amused. While he had stayed outside, he wasn't alone, he was near the other wolves. Going to sleep in his own den, away from them all, he hated. He hated being truly alone, and thus a reason why he fooled around with any wolf that was willing. It gave him comfort to have someone there with him, but he wouldn't have that for now. To be truly alone and with his thoughts, he would give anything to change that. He was scared that way, he feared it. Only Sasha knew of that, and it wasn't like he could ask her to join him right now as she was still away.

Just thinking about being alone started to make him feel anxious. He feared one day he'd wake up, or return from a mission, and none of the pack would be left. They'd all be gone, something he could have helped stopped, but didn't. With the image of Pecado in his mind, his thoughts drifted that way, what if Mute lost it again. What if Mute destroyed the entire pack and left them all the way he had Pecado? Slash closed his eyes tightly and shook his head. He needed sleep, this was all worse now because he was so tired, it had to be.

Slash made his way to the healers den, barely noticing Bhaltair and Vitani. He seemed to be in a trance as he walked up to one of the healers. Explaining that he hadn't been sleeping well and some sleep herbs might help. Not much was asked of it, it wasn't the first time Slash had asked for these herbs, nor would it be the last. He took the herbs and then started his way back out though this time actually acknowledging the two. "Hey Bhaltair, Vitani. Hope your paw is doing better," He spoke to Vitani as he then made his way out of the den and slowly making his way to his before the herbs kicked in.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

Zuya watched as the confident demeanor in Tsuki overcame her, once again. To him, this... display seemed to have happened once again when they were alone. When Nuka had been speaking to them, Tsuki was her "normal" self, in that she wasn't trying to assert herself. Zuya wondered why she took on such a behavior only in front of him, in private. He would observe her more, keeping his own thoughts and ideas to himself for the time being.

As Tsuki spoke, explaining that her method of killing would be that of poison, Zuya suddenly snorted. Not because of her choice but because of his most recent encounter with some sort of poison. His previous mate had been instructed to take something that was toxic to her health. He believed a portion of that had been the real reason as to why she had given birth to a, mostly, stillborn litter. They still had yet to find out exactly who the culprit was. The deceased fae's delusions had caused her to say a name aloud but he couldn't be quite sure.

Zuya's eyebrow raised in a quizzical manner. “You wouldn't happen to know of any poisonous herbs currently residing within the pack, would you?” He hadn't eluded to his previous mate, but if Tsuki was observant enough, perhaps she would catch onto what he was hinting to. Suddenly his mate had fallen ill, and died, and now Tsuki was stepping up to the plate in such a rapid manner. He wondered if she could actually be capable of such a thing, even if the name mentioned wasn't Tsuki's. One could never be too careful.

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[finalwolf]

Tsuki the healer

With: Zuya
Mood: Uncertain
Location: main densite

Tsuki cocked her head to the side at his question, but still thought it over a bit. "There's no herbs alone within the densite that are poisonous, but over consuming certain ones, mixing others the wrong way, could become deadly. Which is why we don't recommend those not trained to touch any of them." Tsuki explained as she thought about where the nearest poisonous herb would be. Most where aways away, but still within the pack's territory, but that wasn't the only thing around. There where some deadly berries that where only a half a days run from here. "There aren't any poisonous herbs nearby, but there are some poisonous berries not too far." Though now she wondered why the talk of this. True, their previous female alpha had been poisoned, but from what she had witnessed, it wasn't anything she shouldn't have taken. Which led to a possible overdose. He didn't think that she gave her the dose did he?

"I wasn't here when she was given any herbs. I was with Mute and the others returning from our trip from the mountains." She felt the need to make sure he understood she had nothing to do with this. Let alone, the only way she would kill is if it was asked of her, especially by him, by her alpha. She was there trying to help their alphaess, but she hadn't figured out who had given her the overdose. There had been slight murmurs with her fellow healers, but all of them claimed to know nothing about it.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Nuka
Rank: Pack Member, Former Inyanga
Location: Densite, resting by a large tree.

Spreading the word about the restoration of Elder's Moon seemed to take majority of Nuka's morning. A younger wolf would have had a much easier time tracking down pack members and informing them of what was planned for the pack. Nuka, however, hobbled in a much slower stride than others. He enjoyed his less hectic life, now, and often took his sweet time getting anywhere. It gave him plenty of time to think and take in the pack's surroundings and the general mood. That, and his old bones could only manage to go at a leisurely pace.

Nuka was sure to explain details to many of the younger wolves who did not remember or were not around for Elder's Moon before. He took the time to answer questions that they had as well. Nuka's patience knew no bounds for those interested in what he had to say. Even when Jag provided Nuka company, following him around, the older brute did not cease to continue his task with thorough diligence.

At some point in the late morning, Nuka had finally finished speaking to as many wolves as he could find. His heart swelled with hope, remembering different faces that lit up with excitement and interest in what he was saying. Jag soon asked him a question, curious about the dark trait and it's magics. A long exhale escaped Nuka's lips as he plopped his heavy rump into the ground beneath him. “Well, Jaguar, that's what tonight's Elder's Moon is about.” Nuka's tone was sarcastic, though he provided Jag with a warm, light-hearted smile. “I've been around a while and I know enough about the trait but the years of shoving it away, exiling plagued wolves or the death from it has ceased any real progress of truly understanding what all can be done. I wish to share what I know and maybe we can learn more about this together. ” His eyebrows furrowed. “I've seem wolves go mad with envy and rage. Other's sufferings more silent. I believe it affects each individual differently. But, more on that will come later, for everyone to hear. ” Nuka lifted a tired leg to his ears where he began to scratch behind it. An audible "popping" noise could be hear, coming from his knew with each scratch. Nuka's tongue lulled from his mouth as he tended to the itch behind his ear.

“Do you think you may have ideas on the trait? Does it affect you? Is that why you have questions?” Nuka straightened himself out, giving Jag his attention now, as he cocked his head to the side curiously.

[Cascarones]

Name Jadene
Mood Playful
Location Densite
Tagging Slash

There was a pep in her step today, happily trotting and chatting around after her last hunt. I was always fun to come back with such large kill, especially large and rare kill. Oh she was still living off of that pride, but she had to see an Inyanga. A daily checkup was always good in her opinion, that's what they were there for. How could she be in pristine hunting shape when any part of her was failing? There was a lot to unpack behind that thought, and the familiar pelt of the den's local grump caught her attention, body turning to catch up with him. "Making your local visit to the healer's den?" She said, tail giving a wag to show she meant little harm. "We haven't had a good fight in a while, how come you keep checking up with them?" She hummed to herself, keeping pace, enjoying the cool air. "Are you excited about the elder moon? I heard some others talking about it. Apparently Nuka's out and about telling all of them. The old coot. It's hard no to have a good time when he's around."

Glancing at their prints in the snow, purposely missed a step so she was in rhythm with him. "What'd you get from them anyway?" She tried to sniff at him to get a clue, yet being wary enough to not actually get close enough to his fur, just sniffing the air around him. "I hardly see you out there with the rest of the pack." She didn't know those smells, crinkling her nose. It smelled like the healer's den no doubt, but whatever he got, she wasn't familiar with.

[finalwolf]

Slash the Warrior

With: Jadene
Mood: Exhausted
Location: Outside his den

Slash took notice of Jadene, in which she seemed to be quite happy today, and talkative. One topic after the other, which he didn't really want to talk on any of it being exhausted. "If I didn't have to go to the healers, I wouldn't. I'm strong enough, healthy enough, to not need them. No recent injuries either so I'm good." He didn't want to have others know he had to seek out the healers. That he was having his own issues and needed help. He was a warrior, he was to be strong, and he wanted to be seen as such. Someone always in peek condition, ready to protect this pack. Hopefully on how he worded it all, was good enough to let her know it wasn't any of her business why he was seeing them. Though it also could give her some ideas as why he didn't or did see them.

"The elder's moon? Is that what all the gossip is right now?" Slash hadn't ran into Nuka, probably missed him during his visit with the healers. He did hear others talking about it though, some seemed eager to start tradition again and others where concerned as that wasn't allowed before Zuya's reign. He had little knowledge about it himself, and with the herbs he took, it was hard to say if he'd be awake for it or not. If he was, he wasn't even sure he'd go to it anyway, it wasn't something that peeked his interest too much. That and Nuka was a bit senile in his old age, in Slash's opinion. If one didn't take Nuka too seriously, he suppose he could be one to 'have a good time around', as she put it. Not someone he would normally stick around to. "I'll probably stay back from the elder's moon, let those that are more interested in it have the good seating." Again his words chosen carefully, to not hint that he had taken some sleeping herbs and that he may just sleep the night away instead. "You seem to enjoy Nuka's company and what he has to say, I bet you'll be up fairly close to listen to him." Perhaps he'd get lucky and she'd go seek out Nuka instead, but he doubted the way his luck was going that would happen.

Back to wondering why he had gone to the healers and trying to figure it out. "Herbs to keep me in top shape." That was enough, and wasn't lying either. A simple statement on which could lead to many herbs out there to keep one healthy. In his case, sleep. He eyed her closely as he took notice of her trying to sniff out the herbs on his breath. He snorted a bit and chuckled, not being able to help it. "Unless you're trained with the herbs, I doubt you'll know what it is I took exactly." If one took enough of the same herb, then maybe in time they'd learn to smell it, but even for him, though he took these herbs enough before, he still had no idea what they where and wouldn't be able to pick them out. He didn't care enough about those scents. He had plenty of other scents to memorize and keep track of to keep this pack safe.

"I don't need to mingle with the other pack members, unless I want something from many of the others." Not always the case, but many times when he wanted to have fun to not be alone at night, was the normal case. Though as of lately things where changing within him and what he felt within the pack. He couldn't just be as carefree as he was with the others before and his fun. "My job is to keep this pack safe, and for me it's easier to keep them all safe if I keep myself busy watching them and around them instead. Besides, I'm not as social as other wolves in chit chat. I'm sure you noticed that, you seem to be much better at it." He stopped as they now stood close to his den. He couldn't help but wonder a bit though, why it was that she choose now to talk to him. He spoke with her a few times before, but it wasn't like he and her shared much interest. At least what he felt, and before winter, he had tried a few times chasing her tail to get her to have fun with him, but it hadn't worked out. During all of this time of them talking, he had been holding back plenty of yawns if she would have paid close enough attention. As they stood there, he was even fighting back one. He was trying to figure out what to say next or if he should just wait to see if she was done. One part of him wanted her to go bother somebody else, but the other part of not wanting to sleep alone was there. The herbs where working and he could feel it in his body that he was needing to close his eyes sooner than later, but the fear and anxiety still fought to reign. Then, he yawned finally, a big one. "Sorry, it's been a bit busy for me the past day or so. Might not have been active here in the den site, but out there, it was."

[finalwolf]

Jag the Hunter


With: Nuka
Feeling: Content
Where: Main Den Site

Jaguar? Was that really what the moon was about this time? Jag had caught Nuka's sarcasm, it was light hearted, but it was there. Or was he somehow connecting the moon to be about him? He cocked his head to the side as he continued to listen to Nuka. Exiling wolves or killing them apparently wasn't the way to go about this, which is what Jag already believed, but surely feeding this as well wasn't good either. Jag nodded his head to the part of him wanting to share and that maybe they could learn more about it together. He agreed on that. "I agree on the last bit for sure, it seemed it's different for any wolf that gets it. I don't think I have seen two exactly the same, similar perhaps, but not the same." He spoke as he then watched the elder wolf itch himself. One bad thing about getting old is that your body seemed to fall apart, but lately, growing old was a rare thing around here. He wasn't sure what to feel for Nuka in this, bad that his body seemed to hurt, but good that he was able to live this long.

Jag was about to answer Nuka's first question, but then shook his head at the next. "I'm curious about it. I've seen my father exile those affected by it and then I've seen Zuya nurture those affected by it. Both I think aren't quite right. Not how I would go about it. They need help, true help, not by abandonment and not by feeding it either. They need to understand it, to control it instead of it controlling them." Jag explained. "I haven't noticed anything different within myself to make me question the trait within me, whether I have it or not. Though I do wonder if it's something that every wolf has and just at some point, something causes it to appear. I'm not sure. There's a lot that I don't know and have little understanding of with it, but I want to understand it. I want to be able to help them and this pack."

[Cascarones]

Name Jadene
Mood Playful, Curious
Location Outside Slash's Den
Tagging Slash

"The gossip is that all sorts of wolves share stories on Elder's Moon. It makes me think back to all the stories from puppyhood that my parents would tell me and my litter." She hit the ground with her forepaws, mimicking how puppies wanted to play with each other, even putting her rump in the air and wagging her tail, eyes on the hunter. "But you're right. Nuka could probably elaborate on everyone's stories and where they came from. I'm hoping for something scary, even if it means waiting until all the early birds to go to bed." She stood up, stretching her back legs before giving a pointed look at Slash. The silence that lingered between them, Jadene waiting for the other wolf to speak, she finally took noticed of him stifling a yawn. Oh, so he was one of the early birds, then. A glance up at the sky still showed it to be, well, morning. The birds were still singing their songs in the nearby trees, the wolves were active and out of their dens, even the older pups were sectioning off to go look into their respective future fields, so why was Slash yawning?

His excuse was flexible at best, both of the Jadene's ears now focused on him. Oop, there was the big one, years of held back yawns congealed into one. She gave a snort of her nose to get his breath out of there. She decided to try her luck. "Well, since you've been, busy." Questionable. "I suppose I'll have to ask Vitani or Ifrit if they can teach me the beginnings of being a hunter. I was going to ask you, since you wanted to get along so well with me before winter, but you've been so busy. Clearly you need your rest." She'd been after a different male before winter. Hadn't completely worked out, but she wasn't one to fret over such things. She was still young, after all. "I'm sure I could push you over right now with how big that yawn was. So I'll drop by I guess... after the Elder's Moon? I'll go chat up Vitani and Ifrit in the meantime, get some words of wisdom from Nuka. See you later? He'd probably be asleep until tomorrow, if that yawn was any indication of his exhaustion.

What had he been doing to be so worn out? Hunting bear by himself? No, he would've definitely been more tousled, and he probably wasn't that dumb.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: N/A.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Bhaltair.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga
Theme: -----

"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

"I hardly doubt it was a coincidence."
"Oi, what you on about?"
"Oh, him? Just more conspiracy theories about the weather."
"Hahahaha, the weather? Right, I wouldn't be surprised if even our weather was cursed."
"What rot, all this notion of curses and bad luck. How old are all of you? Two?"

Kiowa's native ghost seemed to pay the nearby gossip little mind as he mulled over his level of stress in his head. Vitani's voice still hung in the air nearby, but even the slightest effort to stand sent his ribs in a fit of pain. Tsuki's warning to hold still and rest held true in the back of his mind. However, the lack of inactivity was proving nigh unbearable. It was like being grounded to bed...but for three weeks in his case. Even walks were going to prove to be a real chore.

Another groan of silent air escaped his maws.

How hypocritical he felt. Often, he had confined brutes to their dens to rest up and heal serious injuries. All to prevent splintering bone or agitation to promote infect. Yet, now he became reminded how high a demand it was proving to be. A huff escaped his nostrils as he laid his head down and attempted to coax sleep back into his secluded little world. Yet, all that returned was the cardinal. It's tiny black mask egging him on as it fluttered to the ground near his snout before hopping atop of it. Then the next hop landed it on his brow, then head. Once again, it had found a favorable resting place. And Mute was left with no complaints. Any company to stave off boredom was better than none.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

Tsuki caught onto Zuya's suspicions, which further influenced his growing confidence in her. He hadn't mentioned his mate at all during his questioning, and yet, she was able to figure out what he was getting at. Of course, it could have been a simple intuition. Tsuki's timid nature could have played a factor in her thought process as well. Timid wolves were typically paranoid, which caused them to question everything. Paranoia could have given her the advantage in this conversation. Nonetheless, it was good to know that Tsuki was not a complete idiot. Zuya remained skeptical of her candor but if she was trained right, Tsuki would be deadly.

Alas, Tsuki made it clear that she was not around when his mate had been poisoned. Zuya could not overlook that factor. He did recognize that a few of the wolves within the pack had been missing, but that was a normality on any given day. Though, a part of him would have been thoroughly impressed if she was, indeed, the one to have pulled off such a stunt. “Have you heard any rumors floating around the pack about the incident?” Zuya had a name and somewhat of a lead but she had been delirious and unstable at the time. He couldn't know for sure if they name she had uttered was true. It was frustrating, to say the least, to not know who in the pack was a traitor. But, perhaps with Tsuki's newfound devotion, he'd be able to get one step closer to zoning in on his mate's killer.
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[finalwolf]

Slash the Warrior

With: Jadene
Mood: Exhausted
Location: Inside his den

Slash couldn't recall many stories from his parents or even that of Elder's Moon. He never cared for things like that, and rather spend his time play fighting with the others near his age. He couldn't help but stiff half a chuckle at her playful manner, watching her wag her tail. She was happy, and honestly it was nice to see happy wolves like that. As of late they didn't seem so carefree like this. If he had the energy and hadn't taken the herbs, he'd probably amuse both of them and play along a bit with her. "I'm not sure Nuka will have anything scary, but I suppose the old wolf could surprise us all." Though he found himself already thinking of a plan. Even if Nuka wasn't giving scary stories, he would do his best to sneak up on Jadene during it and scare her if he could. Sure it wasn't a story, but perhaps it'd be the scare she was looking for.

Slash couldn't help but snort a bit at her next statements. While he was a warrior, he wasn't opposed to helping with learning to hunt, if that's what she wanted. But she was pinning him for being tired instead. While he was, and it was the truth, it still hurt, at least for his pride. "Jag would be the better one to learn from. Plus he just got back from the last hunt, so he should have some time in between. I'm better equipped with dealing with threats than I am at hunting." There was a hint in his voice that he hadn't been amused by her teasing. "As of pushing me over, I'm not opposed to see if you want to try." He grinned.

He watched her a bit further before he decided he needed to pass out now. The herbs fully kicking in and he was full on struggling now. "I'll catch you at the Elder's Moon. Save me a seat if you will." He wasn't sure if he'd attend it or not yet, but if she really did save him a seat, he might just go on and listen in next to her. With that, he went into his den and curled up in a ball, letting sleep come easily. Now hopefully the dreams would stay away, the worry too.

OOC
Not quite what I wanted for Slash's post but here his is
BIC

[SweetPotatoPie]

Bhaltair
Rank: Sitter
Location: Healer's Den
He nodded, very serious, despite his eyes still dancing with humor. He observed as she seemed to compose herself again, though despite his guilt he secretly loved the fact that he had been the one to frazzle her. Jag had made his leave and Bhaltair was settled comfortably near her and she had agreed that pups were the least of their concern. He quirked a brow at her as she defended Slash and had to suppress a snort. As much as Bhaltair jibed, he did believe in the brute at least as a pack member and that he would help protect them. He smiled down at her as she leaned into him, his tail thumping for a second or two as she playfully nudged him.

Her next words didn’t really catch him off guard, but he snorted at her and narrowed his eyes, “I was apologizing not because I thought you couldn’t take a joke, but because your too sweet for me to tease.” He nudged her with his shoulder, just enough to jostle her. “But I see here you're just as bad as I am. How dare you inquire such things!” He joked with false insult. Bhaltair chuckled to himself before turning his gaze to look out the healer’s den. It was getting late and he knew he was going to have to leave her soon so she could rest before the morning came. “While it’s true I could have a mate, I’ve been warned before about pups of my own. It was a long time ago, but the wolf had a point. If the alpha had pups and thought I favored my own over theirs ...” Maybe his anxieties were silly, but it was something he had worried about ever since it was presented to him. “As far as courting goes, I haven’t really found myself trailing after anyone. Perhaps I’ll wait for another season.” He sighed quietly. He really was more of a hopeless romantic sort of wolf, a dreamer and often not taken seriously, Most days that was just fine with him.

He saw the littlest bits of light coming through the den, a sign the sun would be on it’s way. “Oh no! It seems I’ve kept you from getting rest.” He huffed. “Hopefully you’ll be able to nap a bit here in the healer’s den where it’s quiet.” He moved to get up, but then Nuka had appeared. He settled back in his laying position to curiously look up to the elder wolf. He greeted him politely and listened to what he had to say. He spoke of an Elder's Moon, which intrigued him enough but it had been banned for the longest times. What was Zuya planning? He often wondered this but he would never find answers. He would have to sit and wait. When the old wolf took his leave, no doubt to spread the word to more wolves, Bhaltair turned to Vitani with an uncertain look. He would always look to her lead, but now it was also to see what she thought of this.

[SweetPotatoPie]

Relic
Rank: Tracker
Location: River; Den w/ Sasha and Ku'Jin
OOC: I hope it was okay that I brought them back!

Relic looked to Sasha, worried about her pack member and the situation. She accepted her explanation as if it were law, she believed she was right after all. Her tailed gaved the slightest of wags when Ku’Jin accepted Sasha answer. She looked to him as he continued explaining himself and felt her heart sink a little. She worried about him and knew whatever he was going through they may not be able to give him answers. Sasha was able to offer more words of wisdom and she was thankful the other female had appeared from wherever she had. Relic wasn’t always easy with words.

“That’s a thought…” She said, thinking of the pack itself. She never really saw the pack as something not being quite right, just assumed this was how it always was. He left her side, facing the cold full on and shaking out his fur. At first she didn’t move, but watched him with worry and helplessness. If only the problem was something she could simply sink her teeth into, then she could make it better. Relic met Sasha’ gaze and quickly scrambled to her paws to come up on Ku’Jin’s other side. This, this she could help with.

Upon arriving, her ears picked up whispers of the Elder’s Moon. She looked over at her pack mates, not knowing what it was. Her mother had never told her about it and wondered if she should seek her out. “Do you two know anything about Elder’s Moon?”

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Timeskip 〉 ↘

☪ Weather: Slightly cloudy. Cold. Light winds. The sun is high, but barely provides any warmth along the land. Light, wispy, clouds paint the sky. The air is chilly. Several inches of snow continue to blanket the ground but it is no longer snowing.

☪ Time of Day: Afternoon.

☪ Last Hunt: Page 1. An Adult Male Elk. (An Auto'd hunt).

☪ Last Timeskip. Page 2. (N/A so far.)

[SweetPotatoPie]

Kize
Rank: Elder
Location: Near Nuka and Jag
OOC:

Kize was used to her daughter spending long amounts of time away from her. Ever since she became a Tracker and was able to leave the den, the she wolf ventured out for as long and far as she could. It made her sad, missing her pup’s company, but proud at the same time. She hoped Relic would find a good strong partner that would keep her safe, just as Kar was. She sighed longingly, curling into her little hole in the ground. It was near the main densite, tucked away under all the snow. It was such a pain having to dig out all that snow when winter came, but at least it didn’t usually collect rain water. When morning broke, she carefully pulled herself from her den and took time to stretch her limbs. She wasn’t the oldest wolf by any means, but her body still ached and complained all the same. She getting up there in age, and all the pops and pains of arthritis reminded her.

She came back to see that she really hadn’t been dozing off too long, Tsuki and Zuya appeared to still be talking. She narrowed her eyes at Tsuki and wondered what that meek little she wolf was doing looking high and mighty with their alpha like she belonged next to him. She much preferred the last wolf, she appeared to be a little more inept at the task of being an alphaess. Her only wrong step was challenging their alpha. Such a silly action. Kize’s gaze bore into the younger she wolf, hoping that maybe she could feel them like daggers. It’s not that she didn’t like Tsuki, she just believed she wasn’t worthy enough to be next to Zuya. She was always a snappy wolf, but in her old age she became more judgemental and a “know your place” sort of wolf.

The old she wolf huffed and turned away from them. She was irritated, but she could poke at him later. She hobbled herself around the densite, getting in some exercise. It was something she always did to keep herself in shape. For an old wold, she was doing pretty well I as she kept up, after all old habits die hard. Training was just something she lived and breathed when she was younger, it was something she and her mate had in common and did together. She passed by Nuka and Jag, over hearing him speaking about the dark trait. She’d heard him speak of it before, and quite honestly she never really thought much about it. But his talk did remind her of the nights of Elder Moon she shared with the pack before it was banned. While she saw the potential in the bad, she did like the stories that were told and it wasn’t all terrible. Maybe, if she could remember them, she could share her own tales. The old she wolf found a spot among the other wolves and curled up, enjoying what little warmth the sun had to offer. “Don’t go off telling scary stories to the young ones just yet, Nuka.” She smiled, having taken up a seat nearby.

[Cascarones]

Name Jadene
Mood Playful, Curious
Location Main Densite > Spook's Den
Tagging Mute

"Sleep well." It was said sincerely for the most part, the faintest note of her teasing still in there as she turned to walk away, back to her original goal. The Healer's den! Honestly, if she was to stay in pristine condition for her hunts, she should have really put her health before Slash. A sigh left her nose, hot exhale turning into mist in the cooler air. If she'd lasted this long without going, perhaps she didn't really need to go, the wolf pausing in her steps to stare at the den not too far away, Vitani and Tsuki hanging out near it, yet too far for Jadene to hear their words. What else could she do besides that, eyes scanning the area. Perhaps roll in the snow? Or would a rest feel better, the air was warmer than this morning, it'd be such a shame to waste it. Looking down, she pushed the snow from the ground to see how deep it went, another sigh leaving her. She hated not doing something, scanning the area again, ready to walk away when she paused at a bird in the distance. Was it on the snow?? Or floating? The wolf's head tilted somewhat before trotting closer, slowing down when she solved the mystery.

Spook's den. If it could be called a den, gently padding the rest of the way, cardinal fluttering off when she stopped at the entrance.

"It's a beautiful day outside isn't it?" She piped up, fully aware of how loud her voice sounded out here where the spook slept. "The sun is shining the birds are singing, or, they were. I must've startled them." She looked up at their silence, unamused, before flopping herself besides the den, forward enough to look down at the white wolf. "Do you ever get mistaken for Zuya or Bhaltair? You're all so similar, but it's your sizes and how you hold yourselves that tell you apart. Like, you're all the way out here." her head moved between her front paws, sniffing towards Mute and looking at him and waiting. "Do you need me to bring you something?"

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: Jadene.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Bhaltair.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga



"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

"You see? You see? He hasn't moved in hours."
"How could he possibly be the one? He's practically in shambles."
"But I know it's him. It has to be. He's too suspicious not to be."
"Pipe down, how could he possibly be it?"
"Only ghosts could survive an avalanche."
"Only freaks could survive certain death."

A burdened mind rested on Mute's paws as drowsy bag-laiden eyes stared off into the distant refuse of the woodlands. The cold did little to disturb the small white-coated dwarf, with his floof being as thick as it was. And, despite it all, he still wore the facade of a smile on his lips as his senses slowly drowned out the mill of rumors around him. Even Vitani and Bhaltair's voices slowly faded with disciplined concentration. Regrettably, he had snooped long enough. Rather, his attention veered to the cardinal bird planted atop his head, the only visitor he had all day. It was a comforting piece of regalia compared to Slash's steely gaze and visitation yesterday.
He couldn't help but wonder...the gnawing in the back of his mind. The scraping against his internal integrity as an animal. Yes, he could feel it. The dark, numbing feeling. It-...it wanted to try and take over again. Soon. Would it be tonight? Tomorrow? Mute took a second to close his eyes tight and grit his teeth before relaxing his muscles once more.

"And you, crimson angel? What say you? Am I doomed to devolve into a monster?" Mute thought worriedly. To his surprise, the little masked head-bandit took to flight as if he had spoken, though that clearly wasn't the case. A voice. A voice he only faintly recognized; one he didn't hear often. It's presence was what startled the crowned crimson messenger so. Commenting on the beautiful day...a charming voice, brash like the verdant woodlands that raised her. A true huntresses voice. An ambitious, yet also compassionate voice.
Almost baffled that the owner of such a heart-lifting voice would even bother to speak to him, Mute raised his head to turn to the owner of the vocals: Jadene.

Theme: Jadene meets Kiowa's Ghost

The Furtive Spook of Kiowa would greet the huntress with a weary, but warm, weak smile. A smile to communicate something his voice never could. His sorrowful, yet deepening, amber eyes seemed to give a concerted effort to assist the same smile...despite being weighed down by heavy bags from lack of authentic slumber. His sturdy, fluffy frame did all they could to soften and enhance his welcoming gesture to stand. All the while, barely hiding the grievous pain of his cracked ribs. They groaned with pain, but Mute would be damned not to pay proper respects to a fellow wolf of rank. Especially one deserving of his acknowledgement. There were few fae who's beauty matched the gold in their hearts. Thus, ever watchful as he was, even if Mute and Jadene had never truly held even a brief conversation...his judgement confirmed she was a fae of a lovely nature. This was a fae who's dark oaken peepers fixated any would-be observaer's attention. Be it prey or foe. Yet, when it be friend, that very same oak softened with the eager smile she often wore on her face pound per pound of energy. Her soft, fluffy ears were often gossiped as her most adorned adoration; slightly smaller than most, but the amount of soft fuzz they held were a trophy of desire amongst many a brute in the pack. Her rounded face accentuated the masked hunter=pattern of her coat. The colors of autumn wedding the winter. Always a breathtaking color palette. And speaking of marriage: her feminine build hybridized a stout survivalist that made the very word "survivor" all the more attractive to mind. All the way down to her digger's paws, both strong and thick to carry her chase over the earth against the swiftest game. She could give Ku'Jin a run for his money.
A beautiful day, huh?

"Well, hehe, it certainly is now." Mute thought gingerly to himself as a shy side-glance led his head to the right in bashfulness. Indeed, her vibrant, booming voice threatened to shake the grunge off of his eye-lids. However, her questions came next. And to her curiosity, they resulted in tugging an embarrassed grin from the humble Ingyanga. "M-mistaken? For those two, you say? No-no, dear Jadene. Not hardly." Mute shook his head while stifling a silent chuckle in his shoulders, finally conceding defeat to his aching body and laying back down with his upper half sticking out of his burrow in the ground. The only one in the entire densite. Mute's home and space for herb storage. And the bunker...for the active nightmares.
Curiously, she seemed to seat herself near him before wedging her adorning head between her comfy land-tredders. "Indeed" Mute quietly thought in agreement. He was always based way out here, specifically when he wasn't working or pack-watching. And all for good reason. Despite how sad her observation was, Mute's weak smile still persisted. All too motivated to continue trying to comfort her while he graced him with her presence. And then her offer came. A question of concern, naturally occurring from one with such an ambitious heart for self-improvement and compassion locked into one beating heart. Had...? Had she really come to check up on him?

The sting hit Mute's heart like a gentle honeybee, threatening to well up salty water in his eyes. Mute turned his head away for a second to regain his composure. And his mind wondered. Yes, he needed to try and eat something. And he hadn't drank anything since before the sun came up. It had taken a concentrated effort from Tsuki to even provide those necessities for his battered body. And in addition, the longing for company weighed heavily on his heart. Despite Mute being such an introvert...he was still a social animal. All wolves were. It couldn't be helped. But how could he have the gall to ask Jadene for all these things? He felt ashamed. He couldn't lie to her and shake his head "no." If he had, the guilt would have multiplied. It even shook a grumble in his stomach. However, he didn't shake his head "yes" either. All he could do was look at her with heartfelt warmth in his eyes and try to smile. "Jadene, believe it or not, you're already doing so much. Right here. I truly doubt I could ever ask anything of you. When you're already keeping my creeping solitude at bay. Thank you." Mute wished he could say. But it was only a wish.
Mute was a mute wolf. Silence was the cowl he wore, and would be doomed to do so, forever.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[finalwolf]

Tsuki the healer

With: Zuya
Mood: Content
Location: By Zuya

Tsuki tilted her head to the side as he asked her about the incident and she shook her head. "I don't know much of it. One would think the wolf who did it, has a decent amount of knowledge with herbs though. That doesn't just mean healers either. There are the trackers and hunters who know about some of the more basic herbs that we ask for them to be on the look out for when we need them." Tsuki thought further on it. Warriors and the babysitters weren't ones they normally asked a lot of. Not with medically at least. Still, they couldn't be crossed out either.

Did this truly mean that there was at least one wolf within this pack that might challenge Zuya's reign since they attacked and killed their female alpha? "I don't believe it was any healer though. They've all talked a fair bit about the incident, afraid that you might think it was one of them. We're healers, we don't like seeing others hurt. That's why I think you can rule out the healers." Perhaps it would seem she was just covering for her friends, but she honestly didn't believe any of them could have done this. Some of the other wolves she didn't know as well from the other sections, that's where she would put her food on it.

As time went on Tsuki snuggled a bit closer to him again. She couldn't help but have taken notice that eyes where on them. No, on her. Why would they be on her? Was it because she was spending so much time with their alpha today? They where only jealous, that had to be it.

Let them look on, you're going to be above them all soon enough. You belong at Zuya's side, you deserve to be at his side. He'll see soon enough how capable you really are, especially with my help.

Tsuki didn't see Ryka, but she heard her. It had been a couple of hours since she heard her this loud, which meant her being with Zuya was the key to keeping Ryka quiet. If that is what it took, then so be it. She would do what she had to, to be seen well liked by Zuya. If only for some of her own personal gain of keeping Ryka quiet. Still, what would Mute think of this? Did it matter? Maybe. She was finding herself enjoying being by Zuya, and she couldn't figure out why. One thing she liked, was she did feel safe around him.

Tsuki looked up at Zuya. "I think some of the pack is forgetting their place. With the attack on our female alpha, I worry they might try on you. They need to all remember where they belong in this pack." She knew he probably thought of this already, and he probably was already figuring out ways to show his leadership again and to prove why he was their alpha, but would it be enough? The attack was pretty bold.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Vitani
Rank: Kiowa Warrior
Location: Densite; Inside the Inyanga den.
Company: Bhaltair// Jadene and Mute are nearby.
Out.Of.Character~ Vitani's Song~

Vitani's tail thumped wildly behind her as the playful banter between herself and Bhaltair continued. Her unease melted away now that she knew it was all fun and games and simply teasing. It was certainly a relief and the sitter had sure got her good. The fae had practically jumped out of her skin at the mention of herself with a mate and pups. Luckily, that feeling had long since passed. Vitani's ear twitched at Bhaltair's smallest sigh, the slightest hint of unhappiness radiated from his breath. Green orbs searched the male's face briefly. She had only been teasing him, but perhaps she accidentally stuck a sore nerve for the brute. His statement of possibly trying for a mate the next season caught Vitani's attention.

“Nothing wrong with that.” She reassured him.

Vitani provided Bhaltair with yet another nudge, but this time with the tip of her nose into the fur on his shoulder. She lowered her voice so that her words carried into his pelt, more than any other ears who may be around.

“When I am alpha, you'll be free to live your life as you may please, even if that means pups.” Vitani shared this information with Bhaltair.

She was confident that she could trust him with such words. Plus, she needed to start getting wolves on her side. No one eknew how she planned to one day become alpha. Some would assume that she meant once Zuya was dead, considering he currently had no alphaess and no legitimate born pups. Naturally, she'd be next in line.

Before Bhaltair could protest or ask her any questions about what she meant, Nuka appeared, lightly briefing them of the return of Elder's Moon. Vitani's eyes narrowed at the older brute, though she remained quiet as he spoke. His enthusiasm on the matter concerned her greatly. Her father had banned such a gathering for many reasons, namely to prevent the spread of the dark trait. Even talking about it briefly seemed to be enough to 'cause some wolves to dive further into whatever madness that may have been trying to hide. Thus, not talking about it, seemed to be a way to keep the trait at bay.

As Nuka departed, Vitani half expected Bhaltair to do the same, considering he was previously attempting to leave. The sitter had completely settled next to her, once again, and was looking to her expectantly. Vitani caught his gaze for a moment before averting her eyes, toward the den's entrance.

“It's not like I can do anything about it, but this is a huge mistake. My uncle has definitely got something brewing.” Vitani's ears flattened.

It seemed she would have to make a move on Zuya, and soon. It seemed she let Bhaltair in on her secret, just in time. She trusted him. It was smart of her to recruit him, she assumed. It would be wise to have others, in the shadows, that she could count on as she plotted Zuya's demise.

Still, a very small part of her wondered how this would work out in her uncle's favor at all. What was he planning with the readmission of Elder's Moon? Was it simply to spite her father, Zuya's own brother? Did Alpha Zuya simply want to undermine and unravel everything that Alpha Reynu had worked so hard to build? No, knowing her uncle, there was something much deeper to that.

“Bhaltair, with wolves attending and the rituals that are performed and were banned, we may be messing with the balance of the pack and nature. So far, the best way to expel the dark trait has been to refrain from giving it any power. If wolves start hearing about it and talking about it, they may start to think they can control it within themselves... That's how it works.” Vitani shook her head. “This is bad.”

The fae started to stir from her resting spot, intent on trying to do something to stop it or at least prevent wolves from going to listen to Nuka. Vitani glanced around the densite and took notice of Jadene and Mute involving themselves into a one-sided conversation. The fae's ears flatted tight against her head as she remembered what Slash had told her about Mute. Wolves like Mute were probably Zuya's prime target. Maybe once he was finished, she could talk him out of attending, if he did plan on going. Or maybe.. she could use Bhaltair for it while she tracked down others like Slash. Vitani lowered her head in Bhaltair's direction.

“We have to stop anyone we can from going.” She whispered.

Vitani nudged Bhaltair and dipped her head in the direction of Jadene and Mute. “Will you do me a favor?” She asked of him. Of course, he could decline if he wanted. “I'm going to see if I can find Slash. I've got to talk to him about something, but.. could you see if Mute plans on going to the ceremony?” Her eyes never left the pair's direction, but she remembered that she was singling him out. “Err. and Uh, Jadene as well. If they are, try to talk them out of it, okay?” Vitani started to stand, making sure to keep the pressure of her injured paw. She shook out her pelt and watched Bhaltair. “I'm counting on you.” Vitani could have figured out Mute's intentions about Elder's Moon on her own, but it would be rather suspicious. But if she sent Bhaltair, well, no one would really question it if he brought up the occasion in a friendly way.


“”

[KillxLucky]

Name: Ku'Jin
Rank: Kiowa Tracker
Location: The River >> The Densite
Company: Relic, Sasha
Out.Of.Character~  “”

“Thank you.” Ku'Jin told them both, holding each of their gazes for the moment.

It was kind of them to take time out of their day to try and help him feel better. Even though Sasha's words made sense, they didn't seem to apply to the situation he was trying to describe but he didn't have the heart or energy to tell her that. The pack may have been a bit.. out of wack, but that's how he'd always known Kiowa to be. Someone was genuinely missing. But.. who? Ku'Jin blinked a few times, his ears flattened against his head as he tried his best to recall anything about the missing figure. A name. A face. Pelt color. Anything. Nothing came to mind.

The girls soon caught him by surprise as each of pressed firmly against his sides, pulling him from his reeling thoughts. They each started to head back, thought Ku'Jin fell silent. The smaller tracker walked awkwardly, sandwiched between the two faes. He understood that they wanted to make sure he didn't fall again or something of that sort, but still it was someone difficult to walk with them so close. His injuries from a previous hunt were still quick painful but at least he was able to move around. Again, his mind pulled to the wolf who had helped him though it.. or at least, the wolf who was supposed to help him through it. A feeling of abandonment washed over the tracker in a wave of uncertainty. He remembered being betrayed by the wolf, or what he felt was betrayal and now they were completely missing from him, both physically and somewhat mentally. But spiritually, he still felt a connection to that wolf. He huffed, becoming increasingly exhausted with the mind games that were being played with himself.

Finally, they made it back to the densite and they each caught onto the whispers of the Elder's Moon. Nuka hadn't yet sought them out, considering they were not present within the densite, but that didn't mean word wouldn't travel quickly to them. When Relic asked if they knew anything about the ceremony, Ku'Jin shrugged.

“If I did, I don't remember much of it now.” He admitted, sadly. There seemed to be more and more things that Ku'Jin was started to forget, he noticed.

Ku'Jin's ears lowered, again, with uncertainty. What was happening with his mind? He swallowed, then plopped down on his rump. His energy was exhausted from the walk and the strain on his sore, torn muscles.

“Do you know anything about it, Sasha?” He asked quizzically.

As he awaited an answer, Ku'Jin's multicolored eyes shifted around the hustle and bustle around the densite. Something about this was different. Wrong. Ku'Jin tried not to show the discomfort, though it remained plastered on his face.

[Cascarones]

Name Jadene
Mood Playful, Curious
Location Main Densite > Spook's Den
Tagging Mute

When you had to hunt, stalk, and read animals as a living, it wasn't too hard to read Mute's body language. She could only inch closer until her nose was right at the tips of his fur, watching him look away, seeing his eyes flicker a moment, his short inhale as he seemed to hide back some emotion. The wolf could only let her tail wag before his stomach rumbled, ears and head turning towards where the sound was. Letting her nose into his fur, she sniffed, pretending to look for where it came from, the den hiding the lower half of his body, and she made no move to entirely poke her nose into that, though she wished to, trying to peer past him, but Mute's fluffy body blocked any viewing into it, making her look back at him. "Sounds like you could definitely use something, hm? There might be some hunt left. You should really signal to someone you need food." With a stretch, the huntress stood and shook the snow off herself. "I'll be back." and with confident steps, left the quiet wolf.

It looked like Vitani and Bhaltair were really into their conversation, she noted, sniffing at what was left of the carcass, trying to find something good for Mute. Had she known earlier he hadn't eaten, maybe she would've stolen some soft bits since he couldn't move much. Meat that involved too much effort wasn't for him, but that's all that seemed to be left, the wolf sighing, giving the food another circling-around. She saw the dark form that was Ku'Jin, and she paused a moment to stare at him, eyeing his body language. Welcome back, she thought to herself, deciding what was left of the thigh would be good. Ripping it from the body was a whole different story, one stubborn tendon still existing, connecting it to the pelvis. With a growl, Jadene worked to tear and rip at it, forepaws on the body to help push it away as she pulled at the string of meat. Tendons were good parts to chew on, they made for strong jaw muscles, but dang were they an annoyance when you didn't want to eat them, the line finally snapping, wolf stumbling back.

She swallowed it anyway, ripping at whatever was left of skin and muscle before proudly swinging the thigh away from the rest of the pile. A flap of fur was clamped tight in her maw, the rest hanging as she trotted back to Mute, eyes glittering with pride as she dropped the meal in front of him, licking her chops. "It's not the softest part, but you can get some good marrow out of this. See if you can tear it or if you need help." But she would help anyway, resting her paws on either side of the leg to hold it still for the disabled wolf.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: Jadene.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Bhaltair.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga



"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

"Whoa whoa, what do you mean Tsuki likes Mute?"
"Nah, no way. She's gunna be Zuya's girl at this rate."
"F****n' called it!"
"I mean, yeah, who'd claim that inferior freak anyway? He's a living gargoyle, a walking dead-thing."
"Well, I think he's nice. He was always paying the pups a visit to drop off snacks and support the sitters-"
"My a**, he's just too weird! I mean, look at him now, all banged up to hell. Can't even do his damn job. All the females will be out of heat before he fully heals."
"Pffft, as if he ever had a chance; never ONCE has he shown interest in-!...wait, who's that?"
"Jadene?"
"What's her deal? Bringing food to that misfit? Don't tell me she likes him. She's gotta be as diluted as Tsuki, Vitani, and Slash."
"Misguided fools. All of them. They still have Renyu's brain-rot in their heads. Ha, maybe she'll claim Mute out of pity!"
"Yeah, some sick pet-pity-project. Maybe she's into that-"
"Shut up, the lot of you! Listen to yourselves! Jadene wouldn't sink that low. She just feels sorry for him."
"...yeah...and sympathy is just sugared poison."
"..."
"...shit."
"What is it?"
"Pecado's brother and sister just got back...and they don't look too friendly."
"Aw f**k, shit is about to hit the fan. They're making a beeline to Mute's den, kekekeke, this outta be good~"

When Mute's hopeful eyes rose to meet Jadene's deep peepers, he could only turn his head away with a shy scowl. In all honesty, her blunt relayed intention of kindness made him feel bashful just now. As if he could ever trouble anyone just to feed him. It was bad enough Tsuki had been nursing him back to health as dedicated as she had been lately. In his shame for letting his condition get as bad as it had; wasn't he just a bother right now? The dark circles under his eyes did little to hide how ashamed he felt. But also...how surprised he felt that this huntress came out of the blue just to service his needs like a true team player. Well, according to his stomach, an absolute savior.
He bid her a temporary farewell as she left to fetch him a bite to eat. Such an admonish-able fae. Admonition: as in the sense her very actions were gently reprimanding him for thinking he was truly alone at times like this. Inadvertently, she could very well be scolding him for allowing the cowl of victim-hood seize and block out his usual confidence. In truth, he could only be glad the pups he loved to visit could not see him like this.

For a few moments. Mute tried to force himself to smile. He reminded himself he need to seem more thankful for what he had. After all, if it weren't for Vitani and co. 's daring rescue...Pecado and his lackeys may have succeeded in killing him...instead of...him killing Pecado to save Tsuki. No, there was no guarantee he'd harm her. He was an unranked wolf, while she actually held a position. His lackeys may have held him in check on that note. Well...maybe. However, Vitani and Slash would have surely come to save her in his stead. Right? Mute's smile seemed to falter against the gentle breeze; the bitter cold dragging it down. Once again, Pecado's defiled corpse in the murky cavern flashed in his mind. Mute sternly shook his head. A fear of "what if Jadene ever found out" arose in his weary mind. What if...she ever discovered who he really was? Like Tsuki nearly found out in his old cave, atop the mountain? His real name, the name given to him by his adopted parents, the name he left behind when Renyu gave him a new one.
Yeah...Shiloh was gone. He wasn't Shiloh anymore. He hadn't been for over a year now. "Mute" was what the wolves of Kiowa called him. It suited him better. Like calling a bear "huge" or a stork "tall." He was a wolf without one of a wolf's most important tools.

Once again, Mute wearily shook his head, and upon hearing Jadene draw near once more he did his absolute best to wear a thankful smile. A truly, grateful, smile. His eyes stung with moisture. And as soon as she laid the offering near him; his composure nearly shattered. The facade of "the grateful host" he tried to portray became riddled with cracks. Mute's ears drooped , as slowly, gracefully he laid his head to rest against her front, right leg as she stood before his prostrate position. It was by no means planned, but he pressed his forehead against her leg tightly, because it was the closest thing this pathetic brute could do to embrace her for what she had done. Even if only to her, it was a small, kind gesture. Mute gritted his teeth. A few droplets kissed the snow; a tiny number of escaped convicts from the prison of feelings he held for ransom deep inside his aching heart.

It was times like these that being unable to say how he felt was a literal hell of frustration and torture.

Yet, sooner than later, Mute reminded himself he was being awkward. And likely making his guest feel uncomfortable. This was not behavior fit for a gentle-canine. Ironically, he retracted his head without looking at her, fearful of what estranged expression she was most likely making at him right now. And weakly, he began to chew. No later had the taste of valuable protein hit his gums, did a shot of vigor hit his muscles. Food! Mute took an enormous bite! His appetite, at last, breaking through his bought of depression and anxiety. Oh, if only he could remember how to hold someone close as to possibly show how much was welling up in his heart! Yet, even the mere thought of trying to repay the huntress with affection caused his cracked ribs to wince. As if a harsh reminder from his fellow pack mates not to move and possibly make the injury worse. But by the moon, if he could-! For all these wonderful fae had done for him so far, if he were large enough, he'd hold them all against his chest and weep and smile!
...
...but...
...sadly...the feeling would be all but squashed...as an all-too familiar scent hit Mute's nose: blood. No, not the piece of kill in front of his teeth. No. Wolf's blood. A very familiar wolf's blood. Mute's nose twitched as his head shot up from eating as a wave of great concern washed over him. "Jadene...you need to leave please." was what he wished he could have said as he looked at her, his mouth slightly hanging open. It was concern. Soon, four wolves loomed into the clearing. Like four bad omens. Two, front in center, a male and female. And two hanging back, heads lowered in a snicker of retribution...not much different than hyenas. Mute recognized them all. The two in back...were Pecado's lackeys...the cowards who fled during the avalanche. For lack of a better word: snitches and a bully's side-kicks. But the two front and center were more worrisome, and for two reasons. Pecado had two older siblings in Kiowa. Both held rank equal to him and the hunter standing beside him. An older brother and sister. The fae, Hannorabi, likely at least knew of Jadene because she too was a huntress in the pack. She had a reputation for being a loose cannon, an aggressor, not to mention the least favored to work with in a team due to her selfish tendencies to hog the glory in getting the final kill. Like both her brothers, she had a flush orange coat with oaken hints of fall, and sported a crude scar that spread over both eyes horizontally. Her wild-wide eyes clearly communicated her rage and unhinged feelings.
Then there was the oldest brother, Mataro, a warrior. He was built a bit more sturdy than his younger brother. But while Hannorabi and Pecado had sported the same angry brown eyes, he had inhereted his father's icy blue eyes. Cold, cunning, calculated, emotionless, and dangerously intelligent. He was as calm as stone; nearly at all times. However, he harbored no sympathy or empathy for anything or anyone. If wolves had ever grasped what a machine was, they likely would have thought of him. Cold like ice and steel. A warrior ever possessed by his own pursuit of perfection. SO much so, he never even bothered to notice the fae who fancied him. Yet, now, for the more worrisome element: their paws were soaked in Pecado's blood. Mute's nose recognized it instantly. His eyes clarified what Hannorabi and Mataro suspected.

They knew...even if it wasn't the entire story...they knew. Pecado's desecrated body in a hellish state was fresh in their minds.

Mute could only frantically ponder if they had slowly trailed Pecado's last known location upon hearing he never returned, after Slash's report. Yet, how they found the scent after such a recent blizzard was beyond him. Hannorabi gave a low, threatening growl as Mute raised his head a little higher to address them. "Jadene...be a dear and make yourself scarce. We have private business with the inyanga." Hannorabi's sickeningly sweet voice barely hid the threatening tone underneath. It was a poisonous anger she hardly struggled to reign in. Her brother took a calm step forward. "We just need some information Jadene. We wont be long." he lied with a sincere visage of restraint and nobility. Like a nobleman come to claim first rights to a peasant's newlywed. Twas only his birthright to have his way.
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...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[KillxLucky]

[/float]
Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite; Alpha's Den.

Morning shifted to afternoon and Tsuki had been by his side the whole time, speaking with him. This was a first, in a long time, in his book. Since being mated to a crazed wolf who made it her top priority to chase away any giving tail that may waltz his way, The robust alpha had forgotten how it felt to be chatted up by females other than his mate. Most only spoke to him when they needed something from him. Every so often, there was one who would offer herself to him, but of course, his mate would nip that idea right in the butt... and quite literally. It had only been a few days but Zuya was finding pleasure in being mate-less once again. He didn't miss his Alphaess at all. Once becoming mated, he'd begun to lose sight in what he was been originally aiming for. Perhaps, this was Mother Moon's way of stirring him back in the direction of his true destiny. Perhaps he should thank the one who stole his mate's life, rather than punish them.

Zuya listened to what Tsuki had to say about the Inyanga, Hunters, and Trackers and their knowledge of herbs. While her words seemed true and genuine, one could never be too sure. Even so, his mate had uttered a name before her passing and no one with that name held the rank of an Inyanga. However, that didn't excuse any Hunters or Trackers. In fact, the name narrowed it down to those two ranks specifically. Still, he did not let Tsuki in on that detail.

“Inyanga are not exempt until I find the culprit.” Zuya admitted.

Just because Tsuki spent the better part of the morning with him did not mean he fully trusted her. She would have a lot of trust to earn, must like anyone else. Zuya was a very cautious wolf and truly believed everyone was out to get him. It took a long time for even his previous mate to become close to him, and even parts of her he still did not trust up until her death. Zuya's hardened heart would not allow him to be a victim of idiocy and misplaces trust. For all he knew, Tsuki could be going along with a plan to have him killed and the death of his mate was step one.

As this thought gained momentum in his mind, he found himself growing colder toward Tsuki. It seemed her attempt in clearing the Inyanga name backfired and it was showing in Zuya's demeanor. As she snuggled closer, even with onlookers silently judging her, Zuya's found his upper lip pulling upward into a silent snarl. The heat radiating off Tsuki's body had caused him, again, to lose sight of his main focus. Faes and their damned heat would be the death of him if he wasn't careful. Zuya's fur bristled down the nape of his neck and in between his shoulders. The sneer on his face broadening as he turned his attention toward her. Tsuki was getting comfortable too soon. She'd, and anyone else, need to work her ass off to be considered worthy to be his mate. Annoyance at being touch and brushed against so easily cause him to shift and allow more space between the two bodies. The cold air that replaced Tsuki's warmth helped to clear the brute's head. Tsuki's next words about the pack forgetting their place made Zuya chuckle. His sneer had disappeared and was replaced with a sinister grin.

“Let them try. They will remember exactly where they belong... cold bodies in the dirt when I am finished with them.” The threat dripped from Zuya's lips as his green orbs held Tsuki's. “As it stands, the pack believes my beating of my mate during her pregnancy is what ultimately killed her.” Zuya continued, still holding Tsuki's gaze. “I intend to keep it that way.” After a few long seconds, Zuya broke his gaze, to watch the pack members interacting with one another. “Of course, a few of you, inyanga, know the truth.” Zuya's large tail coiled around his body and landed over his forepaws. “Don't you have work to do, Inyanga?” Zuya insisted.

Zuya had completely flipped from the way he was acting toward Tsuki a few moments ago. But this was his personality. His goals came first and right now, Tsuki was a distraction.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

(-/-/-)Lavi (-/-/-)
The Twilight Messiah
Location: The Bojuka Bog, Myr Pack Territory.
Company: N/A.
Perimeter Sense: N/A
Rank: Outsider

"Cursing both Sun and Moon, Twilight sent her one and only daughter to carry the sins of the world...

Silent shadows fell from the trees onto the haggard trio of wolves backing up near the corner of the great ravine that stretched throughout the middle of the Bojuka Bog. Silent sentinels of rotted trees within the mire. The wind may have been bitter, but it was too weak to so much as coax the trees into a pathetic creaking. The overcast was grim. And it was all the Alpha of the Myr pack could do to consolidate his frightened Alphaess. His eyes were adorned with shame as he exchanged glances with the wounded beta posing his guard between them...and the staggering horde before them...pinning their position near the rocky crags of the ravine within the swamp. A once proud warrior, this beta was near the end of his wits baring gritted fangs in a fruitless attempt to intimidate what he once considered were fellow packmates and friends.

Theme: The Leviathan greets BOP

"What the hell is wrong with all of you!? This is your Alpha! Madness! This is madness!" the Beta cried in anger and desperation, his voice hoarse and shaking under the pressure that the many sets of frenzied eyes set upon him.
"Lavi! Lavi, my daughter what has gotten into you!?" it was the Alpha's turn to speak. "What have we ever done to deserve this? We loved you! For creation's sake, we STILL love our daughter, Lavi! None of this bloodshed could possibly be worth whatever sick prophecy you're trying to fulfill. The lives lost cannot possibly be worth it! Lavi! LAVI!" the Alpha's plea fell on attentive ears. There, basking upon a large, stone slab that once served as the feasting table for the pack's kills...a sweet smiling black fae laid. Her sharp silver eyes eyed the trio with great love and compassion. With such a kind face, her parents could only look on with bewilderment as the Beta observed the exchange in confusion. It was here another haggardly wolf from among the staggering horde spoke.
"They speak lies, my brothers and sisters! The Messiah's parents are misled: their souls corrupted by the flesh that houses them! Their souls struggle and suffer under the burden of their sins!" this wolf spoke at a fervent pace.
"The Messiah, sent from Holy Twilight, defied the Sun and Moon for us! To bring an end to your sinful ways! You would have led the Myr into ruin! " another fae piped up from near the back of the congregation.
"I saw it! Our Alpha would have soiled our very souls by binding them to the flesh that imprisons them! Blasphemy! If it weren't for our beloved Leviathan, OUR SAVIOR; who carries all of our sins...we would have been doomed to suffer for eternity!" another brute preached from amongst the crowd. Lavi's eyes traced from follower to devoted follower as many took a turn to decry their anguish. But eventually, her eyes landed upon the small crowd of pups that settled themselves at the base of her rock. And a small male would take notice and smile back at her before saying "And Twilight said "fear not, slaves of the Sun and Moon, for I am preparing a savior to join and guide you through the mire. And take heart, for unlike your sins, her burden is light. She will prepare a table in the presence of thine enemies...and as the blessed Leviathan...she will smite them. And with them, devour your sins." his recitement earned his glances of admiration and pride from the adults who turned to look back at him. But most of all, a smile of endearment from Lavi, caused his face to flush.

"What evil is this you all speak of?! When had all of your minds succumbed to this-this-poisoned way of thinking!? You've just killed many of your own packmates in cold blood!" the Beta screamed out in saddened anguish.

"Unbelievers."
"Heretics."
"Blasphemers!"
"They were given mercy on behalf of their souls. Killing them was merciful."

Many amongst the congregation murmured such treatises, all before looking up to Lavi with reverence and admiration. And in return, Lavi humbly bowed her head and closed her eyes. Her signal...her permission: Kill them. And it only took but a moment. Despite the Alpha and Beta being proficient combatants, they were easily swarmed by their fervent packmates. The trio were, most "mercifully" , ripped to pieces. Their screams swam like a sweet symphony to Lavi's ears over the triumphant baying of her dearly dedicated followers. And, in mere minutes, they all lined up near the ravine's edge and bowed prostrate as Lavi rose and lifted a paw to request silence. The pups could barely stifle their silence as excited yips and barks echoed in their tiny maws. "Canines of Twilight, peace be unto you." Lavi's velveteen charisma flowed out through her voice like an enticing lullaby. Her followers answered, devotedly, "and peace be also with you." "Lift up your hearts." Lavi's buttery vocals poured over the other wolves like a deeply desired respite. And they answered: "in defiance towards Sun and Moon, we lift them up to Twilight and her one and only daughter who carries the burden of all of our sins. Amen." "It is done!" Lavi rose her voice before enchanting the remaining pack into a celebratory howl; to which every other wolf participated. And once it was done, Lavi continued to speak as she approached the ravine's edge amongst her congregation. "The time for the Great Journey is among us. As promised! In undeath, I will absolve you of all of your sins. In exchange for your faithfullness in the face of liars and decrepid wolf tradition! I unshackle all of you! You are free to join my soul in paradise. For eternity!" Lavi preached with faithful fervor. Many brutes and fae alike began to wipe their tears amongst their neighbor's shoulders. A few whimpered with relief and joy. And it was all the pups could do to share their happiness by crowding around her feet and lapping her shoulders and chest with puppy kisses for praise.

"Please, our Messiah, may the pups go first?"
"Yes, please! Have the pups precede us into paradise!"
"They deserve to be first!"

And so, it only took a few more pleas for Lavi to nod her accent and smile with humble compassion. Her reaction was met with more cheers and howls of joy. And as soon as she turned around to face the gorge at the bottom of the ravine itself...the abomination against the very laws of nature...continued...

On either side of Lavi, the pups of the Myr pack dove off the side of the cliff's edge. Eagerly, willingly, unafraid, and hopeful to be the first to fall into Twilight's merciful embrace. They dove to their deaths as their brainwashed parents cheered them on with pride. And, no sooner after the last pup shattered her bones against the rocky mire bottom, the adults followed suit. They dove with bravado. And they dove with practiced dedication. Eventually, before long, all was quiet. Only the moans of the creaking trees remained in the Bojuka Bog. The Myr were now all but extinct. All, save Lavi...as her sweet smile faded into a neutral expression of cold, unfeeling venom. Her silver eyes dilated ferociously. And her iris' constricted. They resembled a viper's perfectly. She could feel it. Their souls. All of their souls funneling into her own heart...or well...the great black abyss that functioned as her heart. In appreciation, she cracked a sinister smile, brimming from ear to ear. At four years old, the Myr had not been the first. No, not the first, only the most recent.
And thus, she set her eyes to another direction...Kiowa territory...

How many of them, if not all, suffered under the burden of sin? How many, desperately needed a Messiah? A Leviathan who hungered for their burdens?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...and indeed a Messiah was sent, a great Leviathan, to cannibalize life into death. Amen.

[Cascarones]

Name Jadene
Mood Warning, Cautious, Angry
Location Main Densite > Spook's Den
Tagging Mute

Her pride swelled to something almost sinful, watching him bow his head and rest it against her foreleg, like a human man kissing the feet of his king. This was such a pleasuring experience her tail couldn't help but wag. Look at her, a savior to the poor and weak, feeding the wolf the others of Kiowa avoided. Surely her kindness knew no bounds. Jadene lowered her head to give his own a lick. "You don't need to be so dramatic. You're one of our healers. We'd be nothing without you, afterall, right?" She gave a happy tilt of her head, tail continuing to wag before she seated herself just off to the side of him. Sitting right in front of him while he ate would indeed be awkward. Instead, the huntress took this time to take in the scents of the afternoon. Crisp snow mixing in with the cool warmth of the sun, the smell of pine as the breeze brushed past the trees, this was a good season, she noted, taking a slow, deep breath. Mute's hunger was a little hilarious though, peeking from the corner of her eye down at him. Truly a starving wolf. When was the last time he'd eaten?? With a chuckle, she looked to him to properly ask, but something was walking from his other side, in the distance, and the smell came up with it.

Blood.

Nostrils flared, her ears spun and focused on the group of four as they kept walking up. Whatever look the white wolf below gave her, she ignored, standing up and stepping over him instead, just to seat herself between him and them. How curious, she noted, as they came almost too close before stopping their movements forward.

Rude.

"Unfortunately I can't. I have business as well with the Inyanga." She spoke sweetly, but the rigidity of her spine told another story, eyes moving to Mataro. "Like I said. I'm unable to leave. I hurt my paw, you see," She lifted the limp thing. "And he agreed to help me out with it if I brought him food to eat. I'm sure you can ask him questions while he does so. But I'm unable to leave because this really needs to be seen by a professional. So," She carefully lowered it, tail giving a single thump as though to offend them that she wasn't taking them seriously. "I'm sure any questions you ask you can ask with me around."

She gave a shrug, looking Mataro up and down once more before mimicking his noble posture, smiling at the gang of wolves and staying put, not at all moving, and showing them she had zero intention of doing so.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Nuka
Rank: Pack Member, Former Inyanga
Company: Jag, Kiza
Location: Densite, resting by a large tree.

The growing interest in understanding the dark trait was spreading within the pack. Newfound curiosity in the subject grew with a rapid agenda. Nuka took pride in knowing that fellow packmates were just as interested as he was. Of course, according to himself, he was the most knowledgeable in the subject but there were still unknown aspects of the dark trait. It had plenty more to offer and they were just beginning to scratch the surface. Nuka knew more about where the disease had come from but he was not so keen on how it effected each and every wolf. Did each wolf go through similar changes at various stages? Did it hit certain wolves at adulthood and others at puphood? Were males more likely to be affect than females? Nuka had his guesses to many of these questions, but perhaps now that Zuya gave him and the pack the go-ahead to continue Elder's Moon they would be able to solve some of these mysteries together.

The mention of Reynu by Jag caused Nuka to shake his head solemnly. “May your father find everlasting peace, Jaguar.” The senile old brute continued to utilize the name "Jaguar" because he truly believed that was what "Jag" was short for. Jag hadn't ever corrected him on the matter. Or did he? He couldn't remember. “Alpha Reynu was a cautious brute but to exile those who lived with the dark trait was a mistake. Those wolves and the darkness, itself, may come back with a vengeance against the pack.” Nuka listened to what Jag had to say about the dark trait and he couldn't help but smile. “You've always been one who's willing to lend a paw.” He blinked slow at the wolf behind him. “Now would be the perfect opportunity for you to do so. At Elder's Moon, we'll all be able to do what we can to help these wolves, not.. control them.” Little did Nuka know, that was exactly on Zuya's agenda; to control these ruthless wolves and have them completely and utterly devoted to him. “I will answer all of your questions to the best of my ability tonight.” Nuka reassured him.

It wasn't long before Kiza joined the pair. He nodded in recognition to his friend, smiling at her request. “The scary stories are the ones they beg to hear.” He told her with a chuckle. “Even so, my intentions aren't to scare the fur off of the pups.” He gave her a wink and a wag of his tail. “The tales passed down about the land we currently inhabit and visit throughout or travels are important if we want to understand the darkness.” Nuka stared off to the west, watching the sun move in the sky for a moment. “Food and herbs here is becoming scarce. Soon, we'll have to leave this territory and find a new place to inhabit for a short while. But we must be cautious of the lands we plan to tread on. The further we go, the more powerful the darkness will become.” Nuka's gaze shifted back to the pair before him. “We must be ready for what's to come.”


“”

[SweetPotatoPie]

Bhaltair
Rank: Sitter
Location: Healer's Den - Mute's Den
Bhaltair’s heart went out to vitani. He wondered how frustrated she must feel when she has to sit and accept things the way they are no matter how much she may disagree with Zuya. She was meant for better things than to just be a follower. She was meant to be the leader, he was sure of it. One day, he believed, she would get her chance to shine. His eyes narrowed in on her at the statement “When I’m Alpha”. Was she plotting something after all? He would have to speak with Zuya soon and begin training with Jag. When the time came that she needed his help, he didn’t want to be useless. Sure, it was just hunting, but it was something more. Something better than just his siblings giving him pointers.

Vitani called him out by name, bringing him to attention. The thoughtful, far away look in his eyes cleared up as he gave his attention to her. He was a bit confused on the situation, but the urgency in her words made him concerned and made him nervous about the upcoming events. When she began to move, he subtly lunged towards her, prepared to support her, but she was fine. She seemed stable, though he eyed her injury with suspicion.

We have to stop anyone we can from going. She whispered to him. He nodded, but was doubtful. “That’s a bit of a tall order.” He warned with a light hearted chuckle, “But, I will do my best.” He promised, and he meant it. He stood tall, a feeling close to happiness filling his heart from being able to be helpful.

She nudged him then, commanding his attention once more. He attentively listened, always the good listener. She asked him a favor and while curious with why she felt the need to leave the healer’s den to speak with Slash,  he felt it wasn’t his place to ask or his business to know. Her stumbling over singling out Mute was lost on him, at least for now, too focused on the task of convincing a wolf not to attend such an event like this one. Curiosity alone would attract the wolves. Before he left, he turned to look at her straight on, trying to pin her with his gaze. “I will do this, but do me a favor and be careful.” He looked pointedly down at her paw. I don’t want to see you hurt.” Although, she already was so he tacked on, “Any more than you already are anyways.” He leaned forward and nudged the spot under her jaw playfully with his snout. “Good luck, Vianti.”

He turned and took an easy walking pace away. He was in a hurry, but he didn’t need to show it. He briefly lifted his nose to the air, catching mostly Jadene’s most recent scent and traces of Mute’s on the wind. He followed it to the edges of the densite. Most wolves here had their own den dug out around the main den area and Mute was no exception. He just hoped he wasn’t intruding on anything. He spied the two very quickly, and took his time strolling over. He paused for a moment when four wolves approached from the other side. He stopped and observed Jadene get up and place herself between them and Mute. His ears twitched forward, trying to catch the conversation. The female’s, Hannerabi’s, solidified his choice on what he was going to do. He would not be a bystander if a fight broke out. Ideally, he would want to diffuse the situation, he didn’t want his fellow pack members hurt or fighting. That in itself was hard these days with everyone being applauded for being a bully.

Bhaltair casually strolled up, allowing himself to be full height. Sometimes he found himself slouching so as not to seem as big, but in situations like these he liked to roll back his shoulder and puff himself out to seem pretty intimidating. To outsiders, many would find it intimidating but these were wolves from the pack and they knew he wasn’t a fighter. Still, a large body falling into a wolf no matter the experience is still troublesome.

“Is everything alright here?” He questioned, observing the wolf group. “If you must see an Inyanga, we do have a den for them where you can be seen. There’s no need to overwhelm one” He coolly, his voice carrying. If it’s information you seek,” He began, remembering one of them had said something about that. “Usually the higher ranks are well informed of recent events and I’m sure you could ask any of them.” He wasn’t really sure about that, or even what sort of information they would get upon asking, but he was determined to deter them even if just a bit. 

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: Jadene.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Bhaltair.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga
Theme:...

"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

EDITTED ON 7/28/2019

"I cannot help but wonder what Mute keeps in his den."
"What den? You mean 'burrow?'"
"Ha! More like dirt hole!"
"I bet he hides bodies in there"
"Bodies? Of what? It's only big enough to fit him!"
"You don't know. There could be anything down there."
"He's an Inyanga, dimwit, there's only herbs down there. The same with any Ingyanga."

Mute was rather caught off guard Jadenewas so quick to naturally form a barrier between him and their new uninvited guests. He felt his heavy heart give a few thumps that rose in his throat. Why was she doing this for him? No way was her paw actually hurt; but she was foolhardy to try and dissuade Pecado's siblings. However, in the same notion, his heart sank like paws in the swamp. He felt awful for not being the one to protect her first. It wasn't fitting for a gentlebrute to let such a charming fae put themselves in harms way like this.
Jadenehad only bothered to talk to him today, but she was proving herself more and more the sweetheart.

"Bulls**t-" Hannorabi sneezed; scoffing at Jadene's attempt to stop her advances as she loomed closer. However the sound of her name being called by her older brother stopped her in her tracks.
"Hannarabi. Manners, please." he scolded sternly; earning a menacing growl from his sister. "Jadene, surely any other...more qualified~...Inyanga will do. We just need him to settle a private~ family matter. You understand." Mataro would communicate with an aristocratic air about him. However, his eyes only focused their steady glare when the huntress made herself clear that she wasn't interested. One of the flunkies made a comment about a "brat" causing the other to snicker. However, Bhaltair was soon on the scene. Help was here. And it was just the distraction Mute needed. Upon reaction, the two goons moved to block Bhaltair's chance at advancing forward. "That's close enough, butterball sitter. This has nothing to do with you." one of them growled.
It was here, Mute's lightbulb went off. And a gentle pawing against Jadene's back leg to get her attention was carried out to notify her of such. He had an idea. He gave her a sincere smile and a wink before turning around and crawling into his burrow. And this, Hannarabi didn't like at all. "Listen, Jadene! We aren't asking. And there are four of us and only two of you. I'm only going to tell BOTH OF you one time: GET. F***ING. LO-!?" Hannarabi's anger was becoming less and less contained as she marched right up to Jadenewhile puffing her chest up! She'd share her fiery glare with Bhaltair as her two underlings lowered their bodies and bared their teeth at him. A fight was imminent! When, suddenly, Mute's head popped back out of his burrow. A rather simple smile on his face, as his mouth openly chewed on some strange purple root. It was fat, and rather pasty in complexion. Hannarabi couldn't finish her sentence as her head turned to him to identify what the hell he was doing.

And that...was what the clever Inyanga wanted.

"No, you get lost." Mute thought affirmatively before spewing out this mix of purple saliva from his mouth into Hannarabi's eyes. The violet spittle coated her face, and gave her reason to pause. Well, only a moment's pause. It didn't take long before the intense burning sensation 'took root' per say, in her eyes. A rather unlady-like screech escaped from Hannarabi's eyes before she dug her face into the dirt and snow in a vain attempt to get it off. Out of confusion, one of the goons abandoned his position and approached too closely, and he too receives a face full of spit. And, same as Hannarabi, it only took a moment before he squealed like a stuffed piglet and ran into his teammate in a panic. It was here, Mute took a moment to lay the purple herb off to the side and give Jadene and Bhaltair a look of confidence. Meanwhile, Mataro in his bewilderment had to run up to Hannarabi and bumped sides with her to get her to lean on him. He'd direct the other goon to do the same for his partner to get a handle on him. "To the river, quickly!" he'd bark his order before giving the huntress, sitter, and Kiowa's spook an icy glare. "Very clever Inyanga; but you've only bought yourself some time. We'll be back to get what we want to know. That's a promise, Mute. And Bhaltair nor Jadene will be able to save you." Mataro would threaten as he and his group left to lick the wounds from their embarrassing defeat.
And though Mute knew Mataro was telling the truth; he was truly glad Jadene and Bhaltair didn't have to get hurt for his sake. He took a moment to sit upright next to the autumn coated huntress and pant with satisfaction. He'd give the cream colored sitter an apologetic look for what almost transpired. After a moment's thought, he'd glance back over to the "injured paw" she had raised earlier to buy him time. Thoughtfully, he'd give said paw two licks; kisses of appreciation performed in the same manner a mother would of her child's scrapped knee to make the pain go away.

Then he'd look up to her with a sheepish smile, his ears lowered. "There. Better?" Mute would add a questioning look to his smile; curious to see if the "treatment" for her "injured paw" was satisfactory. However, in addition, he wondered how he could ever thank her for all she had done today. And now he owed Bhaltair a favor too.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

(-/-/-)Lavi (-/-/-)
The Twilight Messiah
Location: Outskirts of Kiowa Pack Territory.
Company: N/A.
Perimeter Sense: N/A
Rank: Outsider

"Cursing both Sun and Moon, Twilight sent her one and only daughter to carry the sins of the world...

Theme: The Leviathan enters Kiowa Terriotory.

After admiring the aftermath of her spiritual movement, Lavi's smile receeded with satisfaction. Not to be mistaken with contempt. After all, this wasn't enough. No, it was never enough. Like the spiders of the bog, she always required more substanance for her web. Like the adders, pit vipers, and moccaisins she'd always need a greater source of food. Her heart was a black abyss that could never be filled. It was the result of fully giving in to the dark trait at a very young age. She had cannabalized her original self years ago. Unlike some wolves who turned their dark trait on and off as the situation demanded, or some that even fought against their dark trait relentlessly, Lavi fully gave in to hers. It was always activated. It was her second skin. It was her saving grace. It was her blessing to share with the world.

Yes. A blessing. A blessing to cleanse the entire world. Nothing less would satisfy her.

She turned her head to Kiowa, leaving the mound of fresh wolf corpses in the rocky trench behind her. The last of the Myr would leave the Bojuka Bog without a pack for the first time in centeries. And as she walked she closed her eyes to appreciate the feeling of the eyes that were on her. The orb weaver spiders taught her how to spin a web; a binding that held the thoughts and desires of her followers to her. Their hopes and dreams became entangled in the beautiful tapestry that she weaved. The pit viper taught her poise and striking precision: how to hold oneself in the face of opposition and ally alike. Not to bother exhausting oneself over lost causes. It was important to conserve one's strength till the killing blow was needed. And a killing blow only. The nightshade flower and it's delicious scent and poison: beautiful to behold and to cherish to the folly of all who underestimated it. It was a flower that taught Lavi she was beautiful. Not her suitors, not her parents, and not her fellow fae. Her beauty was one of royalty and majesty. And she walked like she knew it. Her swagger was serpent-like, but her chest and chin were held high with regal poise.
One either side, she could feel the trees bowing to her as she walked towards the edge of the bog. The echoes from the voices of her fallen worshipers hung feintly in her ears. They spurned her forward. Kiowa had sinners that needed saving. They needed respite. They needed...poison, yes. They absolutely needed to join their neighbors now rotting in the pit. It would likely take a year or two, mostly depending on whatever their Alpha was like, but rest assured a repeat of what just happened was doomed to reoccur.

Lavi wasn't so much a mad prophet as she was a mental force of nature; a walking inspiration of spiritual madness. Her ways of deceit and lulling dulling of the senses were honed and well practiced. Her intellegence had never failed her. Kiowa would rot. Not out of pity or hatred, no. It was all for her sake. She'd save them all...from themselves. By having them butcher themselves in mass.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...and indeed a Messiah was sent, a great Leviathan, to cannibalize life into death. Amen.

[finalwolf]

Jag the Hunter


With: Nuka, Kiza
Feeling: Content
Where: Main Den Site

Again, Jaguar, a name that Nuka often called Jag. A name he didn't quite mind though, as it was only Nuka who called him that. As a young pup he had corrected Nuka a few times, but then it just didn't bother him. It grew on him and figured it was Nuka's nickname for him.

Jag nodded his head with a slight smile as Nuka spoke about his father having everlasting peace. He hoped his father had found that peace, but wondered if he truly had. Often wondering if Reynu was proud of Jag and Vitani, and if they where doing him right. He listened to Nuka speak. Saying that it was a mistake to exile those with the trait, and that in time those that had been exiled may one day return for vengeance. That would be a fight he'd rather not see. Something now, he wondered if they should carefully think about to try to bridge over any sour feelings.

His ears perked up when Nuka spoke about him always willing to lend a paw. That now would be a good opportunity. "Yea, I'll do what I can to help out." He would have to make sure he was close to Nuka to hear his answers tonight.

His attention shifted when he saw Kiza join them. "Hey Kiza." He smiled as she had then mentioned something about scary stories and then Nuka replying to her. Everyone loved scary stories, but this wasn't that, at least not what he felt nor wanted. He wanted answers. He was curious to hear about the tales about the land. While Nuka continued to speak, he knew he was right about them having to search for new land sooner than later. Hunting wasn't as easy as it once was. No, hunting was still fine, it was tracking that was the problem. Often times they had to go further out to hunt, which meant they had a longer walk back with the kill. Which dragging kills back was a pain in the behind. It took extra work, and lots of strength that they had already used to bring down the beasts. Though would Zuya listen to any of them about moving on for a while?

Then, it was one of the last things Nuka said that concerned him, the further they went, the stronger the darkness. What would happen to those already affected by it? Would more of them surcome to it? Would he end up losing to it? He was a fighter through and through, but he still worried. "We have to make sure everyone is ready for what is to come. What worries me though, is how much will my uncle believe, or willing to do?" They looked to Zuya to keep them safe, but how could he keep them safe if he didn't know much about the darkness? Zuya encouraged the darkness, and if he wasn't careful the entire pack would one day be enveloped in pure darkness. That's why Jag wanted to find a way to help those who had it, so they didn't lose themselves. Nor would they be letting others feed their darkness either. To still be them.

OOC
So sorry I haven't posted in months. I feel like an ass >< But I promise I'll get back into the normal swing of things!
BIC

[finalwolf]

Slash the Warrior

With: Himself
Mood: Tired, alert
Location: Outside his den

Slash had curled up in his den and slept the past few hours. While the herbs helped him pass out easily, they didn't keep the dreams away. In his dream, he had been with Vitani, scouting about the territory. Making sure everything was safe, no danger. Flirting with her even, and her flirting back, it was nice. He was happy, truly happy, but when they returned to the den site, things weren't quite right. There was the scent of blood all over. The landscape in the dream shifted to that of what was at a cave. Fear struck Slash, panic, anger. He looked around for Vitani but she was gone.

Slash ran throughout the cave and he swore he could hear a silent laugh. As fast as he was running he stopped just as suddenly. Vitani, Tsuki, and Sasha ahead of him, in the same warped, demonic, way that Pecado had been in. "No!" He shouted outside of his dream even. He turned his head to see Mute, his fur completely stained with red. He did this, he did all of this. He took away those he cared about. He took everything, all because he was trusting Mute to never do this again. It was his own fault that this happened. He didn't protect the entirety of the pack, he made the wrong call. "I'll kill you!" Slash shouted both in dream and in the real world.

Just as he was about to attack Mute, he awoke, sitting up right, panting heavy, his heart racing. He was looking around his den, though not even that felt right. He felt like he couldn't breathe, it was too small, it was too cave like at that moment. He stood to his feet and quickly climbed out of his den. He looked around, his ears twitching as he could see and hear the pack. Still, it brought little comfort to him. Where was Vitani? Tsuki? Sasha? Where they safe? What about Mute? What was he doing?

[finalwolf]

Tsuki the healer

With: Mute, Jadene, Bhaltair
Mood: Unsure
Location: Main densites

Tsuki had spent quite a bit of the day with her alpha. She questioned it, now that she was away from him. Why was she wanting to be by him? She never had before, never had an interest, but the way he made her feel while she was by him, she didn't want to let go. Part of it, was how she felt 'normal' to a degree. She hadn't heard Ryka much, or seen her, while she was with him, and she liked that. What she didn't like now is how much she felt like she was in a fog. Her head was beginning to hurt. For the moment, what she wouldn't give to have that secure feeling that Zuya had given her. He had left though, and she had work to do.

She had to check up on Mute and make sure he was good, plus she wanted to see if he was well enough to perhaps go for that walk. Maybe she should tell him about Ryka. Though, she wasn't around for the moment.

Tsuki hurried up over to where Mute was. As she got closer, she took notice of Bhaltair and Jadene there. Her ears lowered a little, she was hoping Mute would be alone for her to talk to him. Her ears didn't stay down for long, as she put on her typical happy face and walked over. She looked at Mute, "Sorry for being gone for so long. Our alpha and I had a fair bit to talk about. Everything's fine though." She smiled though tilted her head. She had picked up the scents of other wolves here not too long ago. "Is everything all right?" She looked at all three of them.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: Jadene, Bhaltair, and Tsuki.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Slash.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga
Theme:...

"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

"Yeesh, Mataro looks p***ed."
"Hanarabi looks wrecked."
"And I look FAB-!"
"Shut the f**k up!"
"Oh shut the front cave!"
"Kekekeke, what? I thought it was funny."
"Clever Ingyanga, that one. I find it hard to believe he's starting to make friends. After all this time?"

Mute hadn't much time to give Jadene and Bhaltair the appropriate amount of thanks for their support; what with his sparkling beepers and wiggling tail. In fact, there was little doubt in his mind that he really owed these two a favor. It seemed Pecado's entire family shared the connection of his brutish temperament. And, well, even with the fresh concern of their return on his mind...he was glad he didn't have to face their wrath alone. Even if, by some recollection given by his guilt, he deserved it.
In truth, he definitely deserved so much worse...but for some reason, his newfound friends did not seem to agree.

Would it have been the same f they knew?...'
...no...not likely.

It was here, a familiar voice carried along the air. A gentle gale picked up throughout the Kiowa densite with the flush escapade fit for royalty. The golden glow once entrapped by fluffy sky-cotton began to slowly peek through it's captor. It's rays gushed through the cracks like fresh wine between old wine skins. And they kissed the faces of the canines below. They kissed Tsuki's face. And for Mute, it was more difficult to tell if her lovely voice caught his ears or if her arousing scent with some alien clash strung his nose to her first. However, her apology of niceties fell deaf to his ears half-way through the sentence. Her words quickly muddled. It was something like tangled vowels underneath the fall leaf brush. To be sure, he was confident that her voice was still comforting in some manner. But his nose couldn't ignore that previous alien clash that became all-too familiar once his romantic daze ended.
His sense of smell drowned out his ear for a moment. Nothing less than what could be labeled "Zuya's stink" pelted his snout as Tsuki resumed talking to him. It caused Mute to flinch for a moment. Something about this newfound fact caused his heart to ache. It took a moment, but Mute collected his barings in time for his fellow Ingyanga to ask him if all was well.
Really, it wasn't. But there was no way Mute could communicate that to her...not in the way he wanted to.

He did his best to smile back at her. In fact, he wanted to smile at her the way a husband would greet his beloved wife after a long journey from home. But he fell short. His amber orbs stung, so his maw picked up the slack by overcompensating with a cheery smile. Only the tip of his fluffy tail managed to wiggle for her. "H-hello Tsuki." He'd poise his stance in greeting for the newest arrival in the group. However, to be truthful, how was he going to tell her that Pecado's siblings were now out for blood. Mataro was much more intelligent and unfeeling that his late brother. But Hannarabi was certainly more prone to fits of rage and bullheadedness. Both vowed to return...as for when, who was to say? Today? Tomorrow?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[SweetPotatoPie]

Bhaltair
Rank: Sitter
Location: Healer's Den - Mute's Den
Bhaltair was a little unsure of the situation but it soon resolved without too much trouble. He was sent here on a mission for Vitani, but things weren’t going well as it was. He considered bringing up the subject again, but he was a bit hesitant when Tsuki joined them. She’d been with their alpha, for quite sometime. He’d noticed them together but hadn’t much thought about it at first. Now, though, thinking about the conversation with Vitani and the subject, perhaps he should hold up bringing up the ceremony for now, just to see where this was going. He watched the healer carefully as she came to stand beside them, wondering if he should be keeping a better eye out for her. It wasn’t in his nature to naturally be suspicious, but things were changing quickly in the pack and he wasn’t sure it was for the better. “As long as everything is fine.” He shrugged off the subject, not really wanting to pry into her business with the alpha.

He looked towards where the other wolves had been before turning to Tsuki “It’s alight now. Some bullies came through to try and pick a fight, I think.” He grumbled, an irritable emotion sounding from his voice that seemed out of place coming from him. He wasn’t the type to be too upset over things, but even he had his limits on what he was okay with in the pack.

He glanced to Mute and thought he saw something like disappointment on his features, but at what he wasn’t so sure. The moment was fleeting, as if it hadn’t been there at all and easily missed. Bhaltair liked to pride himself in being able to understand his pack mates, even the unpredictable ones that were more aggressive than peaceful. He was a wolf watcher; he was used to keeping a keen eye out for everything. Especially when it came to the pups. “I doubt they’ll leave him alone. They seemed determined. I don’t think Mute should be left alone with them lurking about in such a mood.” His voice was calm, but stern as he glared at the space the wolves once were. He had no doubt Mute could hold his own, but that didn’t mean he should by himself.

[Delrowe]

JUNO
Rank: Hunter
Location: Main Densites
There she stood, waiting on her small group. The sun was high and as Juno tilted her gaze to the sky, the light blinded her pale amber eyes. Ducking her head back down, she glanced about for her party members. They were to go on a hunt. It was common practice for the female as she was one of the few wolves who provided nourishment to her pack-mates. She particularly enjoyed the trips outside the mundane area where they resided. It was refreshing and got her heart pumping a little more than lounging around. She also enjoyed the smells of the forest, her more wild instincts coming to life as she hunted. Exhilaration and vigor to finish the task at hand was something she relished. Her muscles twitched at the thought of giving chase, having been side-lined for a bit from a slightly twisted paw, she was itching to jump back into her role as a Hunter. Juno believed she could have just ignored the injury, but the others insisted.

Her face remained expressionless as two other wolves approached but she was a bit annoyed at the time they took to get ready. Finally, they could set out soon. Juno nodded a simple greeting to them both but quickly perked her ears in confusion as a large male headed toward the group now. She was under the impression there were only two others were joining her today. Whatever, as long as he knew what he was doing and didn't get in the way. She wasn't an unpleasant wolf, or at least she didn't mean to be, Juno just struggled to make small talk. She can't be bothered to waste her breath on trivial matters that don't get anything accomplished. She pulled her attention from the latest arrival and addressed the group as a whole.

"Everyone ready?" Juno spoke, her voice low and even. It was more rhetorical than a question warranting a reply from everyone.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

>*< Machamoti-Chi >*<
The Sunhome Sentinel
Location: The Main Densite, Kiowa Pack Territory.
Company: Juno.
Perimeter Sense: N/A
Rank: Warrior

"No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it...

Gentle gales kissed the early morning sun. What greater comfort they must've brought to the gentle giant that finished that called the lively forest home. You could've fooled him in trying to express how chipper the temperature was this morning, and his heart would've heard none of it. The sun was out, therefore, so was he. He had long since grown to appreciate the gentle glow upon his face. It was the warmth he longed to spread. And his smile could not have been more genuine or appreciative as his masculine paws carried him gracefully to the clearing. Rock and stone; gingerly making their way through the light snowy blanket that tucked in the earth: in an inadvertent sense of lumbering grace.

Theme: Juno meets The Sunhome Sentinel.

Machamoti-Chi was undoubtedly one of the largest wolves in the pack, easily among the late-Memnoch's weight class, a mountain among canines. The sheer volume of his snow and mercury-silver fur coat only added to the image of his girth. Additionally, he carried the scents of vanilla and coriander within his pelt. His chest and shoulders rippled with the intensity of a bulwark. Hence, the generous stockiness of his haunches and legs could have easily been compared to the icy stalagmites that decorated blizzard caverns. His fluffy ears flirted with the voices of the earth that danced through the grass and trees and his dark puppy browns greeted his charges with the candor of an affectionate friend.
Like so many days before, he greeted the hunting party with said signature smile and amicability. To greet his neighbors were considered one of life's simple pleasures...one of his favorites, actually. Juno was no exception. Despite her default expression usually pertaining to some level of inquisitive sass, her adorable soft ambers usually betrayed otherwise from his perspective. From her fuzzy crown to her curvaceous haunches, he truly did consider her a beautiful wolf. And, admittedly, at first sight her athletic build had him enamored. In all honesty, it was thanks to watching her passion during the hunt that inspired him to take on escort missions. The huntress reminded him how important it was to strive. To hone an honest dedication in regards to the desired perfection in one's career.

With morning greetings completed and all required in assembly, Machamoti-Chi took his station at the rear of the hunting party to ensure the trackers had full purview of the front to guide the hunters in the center. Naturally, he saved his dialogue towards Juno for last. "Wh'y beauty-full mornin' Miss Juno. Isle be 'companying y'all as yer escort detail , so pleas pardin m'lateness." his thick Chi-clan-signature accent would flow like raw maple syrup as he gave her a charming wink.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...so too must my heroism prevail, that I can disprove the evil in others.

[Delrowe]

JUNO
Rank: Hunter
Location: Main Densites
Company: Machamoti-Chi

A female of rather small stature, the contrast between her and the big white wolf was startling. Not to mention their differing pelt colors. The two couldn't be more opposite. Though she is dainty, she has commendable strength and can put up a fight with whoever may be foolish enough to challenge her. She's scrappy, resourceful, and is most often surprising to her adversaries. She looked to the wolves who would be joining her hunt, and thought to herself how their hunt would go. They seemed like a good, solid group of wolves who could take down anything they set their minds to. Then her gaze once more landed on the large male that had been late to join them. If nothing else, his size impressed her. If anyone were to bother them for their kill, Machamoti would have no issue at all shaking them off. Juno wasn't one of those females who doted over the masculine males but she could recognize a handsome and well-built wolf. Machamoti-Chi hit all the marks.

Juno turned towards the edge of the clearing and began following the trackers to start the hunt. She immediately assumed her natural stance, one that was second nature to her. Her head dropped low, even with her shoulders. Her amber eyes were wide and carefully scanning. Her ears were angled forward, trained to every little noise that may funnel through them. Her nose was attuned to all the smells that would aid her. Her attention was fully focused on the path ahead of her...until she heard his voice. If Juno wasn't assigned to a task, she was usually sitting at the edge of the clearing, away from everyone else, and most often kept to herself. So, when his rich vocals made their way to her ears, she almost stumbled over a large tree root that buckled up out of the ground. Machamoti's voice was a very distinct sound so she must have never paid attention when he was around. Her thoughts were usually elsewhere anyhow. Come to think of it, she couldn't recall a single time they had a meaningful conversation with each other. What a shame, because his voice was so intriguing that it almost made Juno want to speak more to him, to draw more words from his mouth. Almost. She swung her head around to face him, a small hint of an awkward nod making itself known before facing the forest.

"You're pardoned, I didn't realize you'd be joining us today, Machamoti-Chi," Juno stated simply, her own voice a monotonous tone that almost seemed forced. A small part of her was glad it was him. She didn't quite get along with one of the other escorts that sometimes accompanied her. He was an obnoxious, pompous type that didn't sit well with her.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

>*< Machamoti-Chi >*<
The Sunhome Sentinel
Location: The Main Densite, Kiowa Pack Territory.
Company: Juno.
Perimeter Sense: Relic
Rank: Warrior
Theme: Juno meets The Sunhome Sentinel.

"No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it...

Machamoti-Chi kept a large gate as his paws swept over the snow below him; his graceful lumber carrying him forward in the same smooth manner a large white puffy cumulous cloud would drift through the sky. In all honesty, he was usually far too large to be stealthy or dexterous, hence his propensity to remain at the very back of a hunting party...or downwind for the matter. More-so, his silver dustings made him stick a bit too much out there for blending in with large drifts of snow.
He was...just sh*t out of luck for hunting or tracking.

To be fair, even after Juno took her working pose, he hadn't expected her to speak to him so soon. They hadn't even left the densite yet after all. This gave him a hearty chuckle. He was glad to see her fired up for work this early in the morning. Even if she didn't have a habit for small talk or making conversation; he'd like to think she was becoming more comfortable around him.
Hm? Relly-now? Jus coincidence, is all. I happin t'be on call t'day. Till midnight, actually. Biggun' t'day. Much like the catch yer sher to haulin' t'day." He'd compliment her with a carefree nature; his deep brown wells taking a moment to shimmer her way. Taking a moment to crack his neck and pause his steps to give his spine a gooooooOOOOooodd sttttRRRRRrrrrEEEEeeeeeeccchh, he'd release a cozy-mornin' yawn before inquiring: So, whatcha' got on the men-ew t'day?"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...so too must my heroism prevail, that I can disprove the evil in others.

[Delrowe]

JUNO
Rank: Hunter
Location: Main Densites, heading out into Kiowa Pack territory
Company: Machamoti-Chi, Relic, other unnamed NPCs

The large wolf lumbered behind her, and you would assume him to be clumsy and a bit of an oaf due to his size, yet he moved with purpose and grace. Her own paws landed lightly upon the ground, her movements quick and deliberate. A fallen tree blocked her immediate path, the large trunk resting against another. She ducked under and into the little cubby-hole created by the cascading limbs and leaves, the leaves tickling her back as she slinked underneath it. Her skin prickled at the feeling and she gave her pelt a light shake before falling back into step.

His words once again caused her ears to swivel back in his direction as he spoke. His accent was so different, so light-hearted and full of happiness. Was that a compliment she heard? No, just general conversation. She decided to leave it at that. Juno was quiet, for sure, but she also felt like she had something to prove. She thrives on praise and will naturally gravitate towards those who give her any. At his question, she pondered for a moment before deciding on boar. It was something the three of them could easily take down and it was her favorite, after all. She couldn't remember the last time she had boar, come to think of it.

"Boar. Sound good?" She responded dryly, keeping her eyes ahead of her as she continued on into the forest.

[SweetPotatoPie]

Relic
Rank: Tracker
With:Ku'Jin, Sasha | Machamoti-Chi, Juno, Npc Tracker
Location: Following Juno's Lead
OOC: I hope it was okay that I brought them back!

Relic was concerned for her fellow Tracker, the way he seemed so distraught. It seemed more than just not remembering the ceremony. She wanted to help him feel better, but she knew there was nothing she could do at the moment. Her ears twitched; she heard a voice. Her mother was meandering over to her, the cold clearly getting to her limbs. The old wolf would never admit to it, but in the cold, she appeared extra stiff. She chuckled softly, “It would seem I’m needed. Sasha, please look out for him okay?” She urged. She looked at the seemingly defeated male before her and pressed forward to nuzzle him affectionately. Relic was never one to hide affection for anyone be them friend or her mother, she was passionate in every action she had. So impulse decisions like this was part of the norm for her. “I volunteered for a hunt, but I’ll be back soon.” She spoke as she backed up and turned to her mother who immediately began to berate her about tardiness and keeping other wolves waiting. The old wolf reached out to nip at her flank, causing Relic to whip back around with her own snap. “I know, I know!” She barked irritably as she took off at a trot towards the hunting party that already had begun to gather.

She took a moment more to glance at Ku’Jin and Sasha with concern before looking to the huntress for orders. She barely had to look down at Juno, they were practically the same height except for an inch or two that Relic had. She had hunted with Juno before and had no problems, she preferred her. The quieter wolf helped her focus more on the task instead of having idle chatter as the young wolf was so prone to do if not kept in check. Relic glanced over and noticed one of the larger warriors lumbering over to join them, making her faulter just a bit. Most of the other wolves she thought were so cool at what they did, but she hadn’t worked with him much and hoped she wouldn’t screw up not just in front of him but Juno as well.

The tracker watched their exchange with a small smile, the way she seemed to just shrug off his smooth-talking charm. Yes, this will be an interesting hunt, she thought to herself, letting herself indulge in a quick stretch to prepare herself for work. She shook to shake the lazy out of her limbs and looked to Juno to lead. They started to head out, her smile never leaving as she observed the two. When encountering the fallen tree, she debated on going over or under. While she’d love to jump, it was
probably better to stay quieter and go under. She didn’t have any problems herself, but she was curious if the warrior could make it. “Don’t get yourself stuck.” She chuckled, though she expected him to go over no under. Relic was quick to fall back into step with Juno. She glanced at the other tracker, wondering if they were just as entertained as Machamoti-Chi asked what they were hunting. Honestly, that was a good question.

It was decided on Boar, which made her excited. They were more fun to hunt than deer, mostly because they were more of a challenge. Taking it down would be more on Juno. She and the other tracker’s job were to track it and assist if necessary. “Oh, this is going to be so much fun!” Relic beamed. “Should we head to the forest or to the river, maybe see if we can find some tracks in the mud?” She questioned, though looking down at her paws, it was pretty snowy still so there was a good chance they might find them hiding in the thick foliage instead of by the water. With it being so cold, she doubted they would even be thirsty. “Actually, forest would probably be the better idea, wouldn’t it?” She turned to the others, they were more experienced than herself and would know better.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

>*< Machamoti-Chi >*<
The Sunhome Sentinel
Location: The Main Densite, Kiowa Pack Territory.
Company: Juno.
Perimeter Sense: Relic
Rank: Warrior
Theme:...

"No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it...

The snowy white titan kept his distance with a calm and steady look about him. He seemed to appreciate the mundane , little things. Much like this walk towards the hunting grounds in the forest. The sun on his face. The breeze teasing his nostrils. All good, little things. So it took little to snap him out of his temporary daydream when his hunting compatriot mentioned "bar."
"Mmmmm! Boar, y'say? That sounds m'ighty fine. M'ighty fine indeed, Miss Juno." He would give a hearty smile of approval as he watched her duck under the fallen, moss-cloaked sentinel ahead.
No sooner had the words left his mouth, had Relic joined them. Another beauty, by all brute accounts in the pack. Her tawny brown coat had become her trademark in the winter months. And her fellow trackers often teased how scrawny she had been in her youth. Nearly as much as Ku'Jin. And no one should be more scrawny than that black, fluffy ball of joy. Poor guy. And Macha had seen him eat! He could seriously put it away! So how did he and 'ol Reli here stay so skinny, yet still so fit? Sheesh...the troubles with being big. Not with mentioning; arguments persisted to this day if she or her mother held the title of fluffiest ears.
"Stuck? Gnome, rest assured, I ain't gettin' stuck. Dontchu' worry nun, Miss Reli." He confirmed good-naturedly, playfully swatting her direction with the enormous raccoon-duster of a tail he had.
Thus, being too big to fit under, or too heavy to bound over...Machamoti just simply walked around. No need to strain himself unnecessarily...and lift the poor thing completely off the ground. Casually strolling around, seeing Juno clear off her pelt and resume her serious pose, he couldn't help but chuckle. She missed a spot. Seeing the small straggler shift from her crown down her muzzle gave him the impression that nature confirmed her fur coat may be too soft to simply let go.
It settled politely on her nose, before Machamoti-Chi gave a powerful huff just strong enough to tilt the leaf off-kilter; causing it to slide off. "Missed won. No w'rries, I gotchyer back tho'." another charming wink before taking a moment to confirm the familiar surroundings. "Either iz fine wit me, ladies. Its yer show.

((Alrighty! I believe that is all for the hunting party! ;3 We can resume in the Forest thread next. Miss Del, it will be your turn to start us off. Post order will go: Del, Sweet, then some douche-canoe wiff the hick wolf. X3 ))

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...so too must my heroism prevail, that I can disprove the evil in others.

[finalwolf]

Tsuki the healer

With: Mute, Jadene, Bhaltair
Mood: Unsure
Location: Main densites

Tsuki smiled a bit seeing Mute, but even she had taken notice that he had flinched around her. Perhaps it was how she had spent so much time with Zuya. While she thought back on it, and knew she shouldn't mention anything about Ryka, she wanted to, but just him. The other thought was, while the Ryka part wanted her to be close to Zuya, Tsuki's heart actually wanted to go back to the old cabin where she was raised. Perhaps going there would clear her mind of any cloudiness.

It wont. Your job is to stay here, next to Zuya. Ryka spoke as she stood in front of Tsuki.

Tsuki's ears lowered just slightly at Ryka's words. Ryka was right, but she hated how much her head seemed to be in a fog. Tsuki shifted her gaze and looked over at Bhaltair when he spoke. "The bullies should just pick on themselves." Tsuki sighed. "I'm not doing anything right now. I can stay with Mute, if you have something to do." She meant that. She wanted to go for that walk and to talk with Mute. To tell him all, but with no other ears around.

You tell him and he wont be your friend any longer, you know. Zuya is the only one that needs to know.

Tsuki's ears lowered slightly once more. Instead, she looked back to Mute, and took a seat next to him. "Besides, Mute and I are going to go for a walk, stretch out a bit. How you feeling?" She looked at Mute, still worried about all of his injuries he had sustained the other day. She couldn't forget about the wolves back up on the mountain. Surely the wolves that where now bothering Mute, where friends of the wolf that had died from the fall.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Ku'Jin
Rank: Kiowa Tracker
Location: The River
Company: Relic, Sasha
Out.Of.Character~ Testing coding. Let me know if the 'speech' chat for Ku'Jin is hard to see for anyone. How does it look? Which looks better on your pc, the bold or the none bold?

The girls were trying their best to help Ku’Jin understand his uncanny predicament. Maybe Sasha was right. This emptiness he felt, deep in the pit of his stomach, that nagged at his heart, was a part of himself that he was missing. The black tracker squeezed his eyes open and shut a few times, trying to clear his head of so many racing thoughts. The hunt that got him hurt seemed to have really done damage to his way of thinking. It was .. frustrating, to say the least. It was scary. Relic was the next one who pulled him from his thoughts as she decided to go on ahead after they all returned to the densite. He nodded in her direction as he watched her depart their little tracker group. A soft whine escaped his maw once more as a part of him tugged after the young fae, not wanting her to leave so soon. However, Ku'Jin understood he couldn’t hold the ambitious tracker back. Relic was the type of wolf that needed to be out, lending a paw where she could, and helping to keep the pack safe. Still, he worried for his friend's safety. What if she disappeared and he had trouble remembering her too? Oh, the horror of it all! Ku’Jin’s ears flattened against his head, his multicolored hues watching the hunting party’s retreating frames. “Please let them be okay.” He whispered, though he was sure Sasha was close enough to hear his words which were soon lost on the wind. He turned his head toward Sasha, that same brazen, worried expression was plainly plastered on his face, clear for her to see. “W.. will they be okay, Sasha?” The words choked out, as if the brute might burst out in short sobs then and there. Ku'Jin swallowed hard, trying to force himself to calm down. The hunt and losing 'someone' was really taking a toll on him. The brute thought back to the possibility of trying to see who exactly he was missing? Who was it that was tugging at his heartstrings so? 'It's.. not as easy as simply searching for someone or counting heads.' He thought to himself. What else could he do? His bones were chilly from being out searching so long already. Still, he couldn't just sit around and do nothing. The hunting party had already left and he would probably be more of a hindrance than a help anyway. “Is there anything you need help with, Sasha?”  He blurted out suddenly, clearly trying to focus his mind on a different subject. “Should we run more rounds? M-maybe we could help dig a new den for new members?” The black brute started to throw out anything at this point, and the desperation for a distraction was heavily laced in his words.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)+( Mute )+(
The Furtive Spook
Location: Main Densites, Kiowa Territory.
Company: Jadene, Bhaltair, and Tsuki.
Perimeter Sense: Vitani and Slash.
Rank: Kiowa Ingyanga
Theme:...

"I see them, the souls that struggle with the dark...

"Booring..."
"Then make yourself useful for a change and go hunting!"
"Pff, he's too lazy for that."
"Seriously, things at the densite are really boring! Why can't the festival be here already?"
"Bellyaching about the moon festival already?"
"Well, I like boring. That means nothing is wrong- Hey, has anyone seen Alpha Zuya?"

Mute did not feel like he had much room to talk at this point. His lips pursed in concern. As much as Tsuki was trying to come acrossed as casual; he had his doubts. Pecado's siblings were different animals than their brother. He was in rather rough shape, and would likely be so for an untold number of weeks. Cracked ribs were a real trial to heal. And Tsuki smelling like Zuya only added to the worry. As pleasing as a stroll sounded; Mute couldn't help but continue to worry about matters beyond his control. Bhaltair was also prone to minding such things, by his recollection. The ingyanga took a moment to ponder; risking the danger of being lost in thought on the spot. Taking into account, his recent dilemma, Mute couldn't remember when he had felt this indecisive. He had always made it a point to have a plan.
During this time in pause, Mute took a moment to look up at the sky as the other two exchanged a few sentences.

If only he could speak...maybe then he could add voice to his meandering thoughts.

Then again, there was no affirmation hearing himself think allowed would improve his situation. In all due reality, perhaps he was going to think himself to death. It was choking and frustrating not being able to voice his concerns to his friends. This...this really sucked. Mute furled his brow in consternation before finally settling on the obvious point: he really couldn't bring himself to make up his mind right now. Well, on much of anything. Part of him wanted to get away. And part of him wanted to go back to sleep...but when he did...all he could see was Pecado's distorted corpse. Mute winced before returning his gaze back to his two visitors. Perhaps there was really nothing he could do for now. It didn't occur to him his fellow ingyanga wanted to steal him away for a walk to confide in him. Yet, even small talk could be better than the mire seeping in his mind right now.
Mute managed to nod to her before giving a sympathetic look to the sitter in question. And, well, Bhaltair being here reminded him that perhaps visiting the pups some more may do him some good.
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...I see them, my silence beckons them, yet they do not come.

[finalwolf]

Sasha the Tracker


With: Ku'Jin
Feeling: Concern
Where: Den site

Sasha looked at Relic and nodded her head. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him. You go help with the hunt, good luck." While she was good at tracking, and enjoyed it, she, herself, would rather not attend any hunts. They where risky, and she had seen many wolves get hurt during one, like Ku'Jin. Of course she always went when they needed help and did her part in it. Sasha nuzzled Ku'Jin just slightly when he whined seeing Relic leave. He was worried, he didn't even have to say anything, she could pick it up on his scent. She heard him whisper to let them be okay. "They'll be fine. That's a good hunting group there. Just watch, they'll be back before you know it with some tasty food." Sasha put on a smile and swished her tail a bit. She was growing more and more worried about Ku'Jin's mental health the longer she stayed by his side today.

Had that blow to his head done damage that couldn't be repaired? If so, it wasn't like the healers could do much for that. It'd hurt though to see Ku'Jin have to retire from being a tracker though. He was still young and he was skilled. Perhaps all he needed was time.

Ku'Jin caught Sasha off guard when he started asking if she needed help and then suggesting things they should do. Clearly he didn't want to rest, which he should. Digging a new den would be a bit much for him. "I think we could walk around the densite, on the outskirts, just making sure everything seems in tact. If you want to go out further we can." They had enough den space for now with the deaths that had happened lately. While she would suggest going by the river or even the waterfall, she didn't think that was a good idea, not with what happened earlier. She also had a feeling that Ku'Jin wanted to still stay close to the pack.

"On my last travel alone, I went to the borders again. Went a bit past them though. I found this small spring there, bit cold to go in and enjoy it, but I should take you there some time. I'm sure you'd like it." Sasha thought perhaps talking about something good might help. "I also noticed a deer herd near it too, along with rabbits. I think come Spring, we'll see a lot more animals there. Have you found anything of interest on your tracking searches?" Hopeful, this may change Ku'Jin's train of thought and he'd relax and just talk now as they would walk around.

[KillxLucky]

☪〈 Update 〉 ↘

☪ Weather: Cloudy. Cold. Light winds. The sun has gone down. The air is cold. Snow continues to blanket the ground, though much of it has melted from the sunny day. Some areas of the forest and densite may be most wet and muddy than usual.

☪ Time of Day: Nighttime, new moon (no moonlight), stars in the sky are easier to see.

☪ Last Hunt: Page 1. An Adult Male Elk. (An Auto'd hunt). The Elk carcass has already lost majority of it's nutritious content. Mostly bones and bits of frozen flesh remain.

☪ Last Timeskip. Page 4.

[SweetPotatoPie]

Kize
Rank: Elder
Location: Near Nuka and Jag
OOC:
Kize offered a pleasant smile, and a tail wag as Jag greeted her. She wasn’t nearly as boisterous as her daughter, at least not these days. She snorted at Nuka’s response, rolling her eyes at his wink, though she did enjoy the banter. Her ears pricked, listening as he explained what he had to offer and what stories he could share. When wolves got to as old as them, they often had many tales to share. Though she wouldn’t admit it, she too enjoyed hearing them. Kize watched as he looked into the sun and, for a moment, admired his seemingly wistful expression. A seasoned wolf who has experienced and seen too many things. Much like herself, if she were being honest. The world is not kind to many, and survival pushes even the kindest wolf to their limits.

His warning almost seemed ominous and resonated in her weary bones. It wasn’t the first time she’d made a trek to a new territory, though she wondered if it would be her last. The world was getting grimmer, harsher, and she was growing tired. She remembered the last time she’d made a journey when she was about Relic’s age with her own parents. She was much stronger back than. She was a fierce she-wolf that let nothing stand in her way. Now, some days she felt like a shadow of the young wolf she’d once been. She thought to the pack she’d joined back then, under a different leader. That thought made her wonder if this pack could make a journey to somewhere new…and who would survive to see it. How many would fall to their own member’s claws?

As it grew darker, Kize remembered Relic had volunteered for a hunt. She glanced around, noticing the shadows growing darker around them. There was a small group already by the edge of the densite, but Relic was nowhere to be seen. Her fur bristled as she tuned out the boys near her. Where was that pup? She got up, not bothering to excuse herself. Half of her had forgotten that was a thing, focused on finding her spawn. “Relic, where are you.” She grumbled under her breath as her eyes scanned the wolves around her. She spied her on the edges of the den site with two others and brought herself up to her full height to bark at her, “Relic! Have you forgotten your responsibilities?” She gruffed as she went to meet her daughter.

Her eyes narrowed as she watched her interact with a male, looking down her snout as the young wolf nuzzled him. She briefly wondered if her daughter had finally found a male worthy of her time, though Kize had hoped it would have been a wolf of hire ranking. When Relic was closer, she reached out to nip at her flanks. “Hurry up, I raised you better than to be tardy!”  She didn’t so much as flinch as Relic whipped around in retaliation, instead slowed as he pup quickened her pace. A rare soft, proud smile appeared on her snout as she watched her join them and head out. For a moment, she was sad as she remembered her own hunts and adventures. She could probably still hunt if she tried. Still, she always needed assistance, and she was so tired afterward, especially in the cold.

She meandered back to join Nuka and Jag. “Do you even think this lot of wolves can make the journey to a new play?” She grumbled half-heartedly. “Can’t even make it to a hunt on time.” While the example wasn’t great, she was concerned. It was more along the lines of her previous thoughts of wondering which wolves would actually make it to their destination.

[SweetPotatoPie]

Bhaltair
Rank: Sitter
Location: Healer's Den - Mute's Den
Bhaltair’s expression was tense as he nodded in agreement. He wasn’t a fighter, but he was a big wolf and knew how to throw his weight around. He wasn’t completely inept at fighting; in order to protect the other sitters and especially the pups, he learned a thing or two. But he wasn’t a seasoned warrior. Bullies though? He had no problem putting them in their place. Just the thought of them made his blood boil and fight back a snarl. He had no patience for it. Tsuki’s next comment made him school his expression to keep himself from anxiously glancing between them. Vitani wanted him to talk to Mute and everyone else about Elder’s Moon. Still, his gut instincts said to tread carefully right now. Vinati’s voice from the conversation before echoed in his thoughts, “I’m counting on you”. His mind made up, he calculated how to go about the conversation.

The big sitter turned his full attention back to the two and answered Tsuki before she swept Mute away, “Of course.” He ducked his head, a nod of acknowledgment that she wished to speak with Mute alone. “But first, I was curious what on your thoughts about Elder’s Moon?” He baited, hoping she would linger for a moment longer so he could not only see how deeply aligned she was with the wolf who’s scent was thick in her fur but to gauge Mute’s reaction too. The wolf wasn’t one for words, which meant his language was through body language. “A lot of rumors are spreading quickly of what might be involved, but what do you think?” He wouldn’t be able to talk anyone out of it right now, but he could certainly see their thoughts. Bhaltair had a suspicion that Tsuki would be all for this event, which cut a clear line between the two. He glanced up, noticing that it had grown dark while he was here. The shadows seemed to grow larger, reaching out to swallow those who lost their way. But he’d never been afraid of the dark; he was a beacon of light and stood tall in the face of darkness.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Ku'Jin
Rank: Kiowa Tracker
Location: The Densite
Company: Sasha
Out.Of.Character~ 

Ku'Jin was happy that Sasha seemed to understand that he was not at all interested in simply sitting still and resting. How could he do such a thing when he was missing someone? He was pleased that she would also spend some extra time with him. At least he did not have to say it out loud.. that he did not want to be left alone. “I think a walk around the den's perimeter would be.. helpful.” He said softly and started off on their patrol. His pace was slower than normal, his bones still felt frosty and difficult to move. Still, it was nice to get the blood pumping. It was dark out now, which made it harder to see. No moon helped to illuminate their way. Ku'Jin's gaze remained fixated on the path before them, concentrating extra hard on the ground and trying not to trip on covered rocks or shrubs. His ears twitched in Sasha's direction as she spoke-- the only indicator that he was actually paying attention to her findings and not just zoning out. After she finished speaking, Ku'Jin began to explain how he had spotted a few purple flowers attempting to peel through the snow. Spring was indeed approaching for the pack.

As Ku'Jin spoke of the flowers, his mood seemed to visibly lighten. “They were a deep purple.. like when the sun meets the horizon. That sort of purple.” He paused to look at Sasha, a bit sheepishly, though he smiled. “There was only a few of them, maybe two or three but they were there. Their petals smelled really sweet too. Actually...” He took a second, thinking over his words. “I had been thinking of them during my last hunt. Right before things kicked up and I had gotten hurt. I was thinking about the Spring and how nice it would be to see more green instead of cold, wet snow.” He shivered lightly at the thought. Then it occurred to him that perhaps Sasha was attempting to gain more useful information from him.  “But.. I guess you probably meant more of what sort of animals?” Ku'Jin shook his head softly. “I thought I might have caught the scent of a bear not too long ago but I wasn't entirely sure.” His nose began to twitch. “It could have been my imagination though, it's hard to tell the difference between my mind and reality lately.” He laughed softly, attempting to play off the mention of any bears in the area.

[KillxLucky]

Name: Nuka
Rank: Pack Member, Former Inyanga
Company: Jag, Kize
Location: Densite

Nuka watched Kize's retreating frame as she suddenly dismissed herself without much direction as to where she was going or if she would even be back. His pale yellow eyes blinked rapidly after her. Had he said something offensive? He mulled over the thoughts to himself. Soft, inaudible, grumbling escaped his muzzle as he replayed the conversation between Kize, Jag and himself. As he did so, he did remember that Jag had voiced his concern on what would happen once Zuya learned more of the truth and if he would actually believe any of it. “That..” he began, “.. is up to Alpha Zuya to decide.” Nuka gave Jag a stern look, as if perhaps leading him onto more than he was willing to voice out loud. “For right now, our alpha is the one who gets to decide these things. Others are free to challenge him and his ideology if they so choose.” Nuka looked as if he wanted to say more, but decided to dead that part of the conversation for the time being. Who knows what wandering ears might have been eavesdropping. “It's almost time.” Nuka looked up at the moonless sky and his eyebrows furrowed. No clouds covered the sky, which made the wintry night a little more chilly than usual. The stars were big and bright, a welcome and fitting invitation to the conversation they would all soon have. However, he had been sure that tonight would be a full moon. In fact, he had told the alpha earlier that there would be one. He shifted quietly, growing uneasy. From what he could remember, the tales of Elder's Moon were best told when there was actually a full moon. Oh, how on Earth could he have gotten the moon dates wrong?! And tonight of all nights!

(mini timeskip) Jag and Nuka continued chatting among themselves, mostly about Jag's concerns, even though Nuka tried heavily to steer away from certain topics and flat out refused to answer certain questions prematurely, no matter how much Jag asked or circled back to the initial conversation. Nuka was trying to avoid thinking about the lack of moon too. Deep down he hoped it would suddenly appear over the horizon sometime throughout the night. It wasn't too long before Kiza returned, picking up on a topic that they all spoke about previously. Nuka shared Kize's concern and it showed in his eyes as they twinkled under the starlight. It would be a difficult journey for many of their pack mates, physically but also mentally. There was no doubt in his mind about that. “I sure hope so,” He replied, solemnly. Nuka gave Kize a reassuring smile. “Don't worry, I will make sure we don't leave you or anyone else behind.” He told her. Hopefully she held enough confidence in him and the pack that his words would provide some sort of comfort. Even if they did not, he was still going to make sure he made good on his word. He would do whatever he could to help get everyone to their new home safely. It was the very least he could do. “Shall we?” He asked the pair, standing and starting toward the middle of the densite where other members would soon be gathering, if they haven't already, to hear the stories he planned to share about the pack's past and why Elder Moon came to be. As the time grew near, Nuka found himself growing nervous. What if other weren't receptive to what he had to say? What if he misspoke? Where was the full moon tonight? Should they continue or should he move it to another night? Perhaps it would be a bad omen to reinstate Elder's Moon on a moonless night. Oh dear, he hoped he would be helping the pack more than stirring up any sort of mischief..


“”

[KillxLucky]

Name: Zuya
Rank: Kiowa Alpha
Location: Densite
Out Of Character: Cont'd from the 'River' thread

The fae seemed to be in a rather pleasant mood in contrast to Zuya's broodish one. Her gesture to stifle a laugh hadn't gone unnoticed by brute. As she continued, stating her interest in meeting the rest of the fact. A twitch of his right ear was the only indication that he was paying her any mind. He was becoming irritated with her bubbly and lighthearted persona.

When the pair made it back to the densite, Zuya immediately took notice of the absence of the hunters and a few scouts. Good. It wouldn't be long before they returned with food. This brought a question to the brute's mind. Zuya's stride suddenly ceased as he spun to face the black fae beside him. “Just because you think you were an alpha in your old pack does not mean you don't need to pull your weight around here. For the time being, you'll still be an outsider. However, I expect you to settle on a rank three nights from tonight.” An eyebrow quirked upward. Even though it would take her a while to become a pack member, let alone gain a rank, atleast they both would have an idea of where she would end up. “Are you a scout or a hunter?” Zuya assumed she would obtain one of those ranks based off first impressions. Although, who knew, perhaps she would surprise him.

For a moment it seemed as though Zuya had completely ignored her question from before. However, he did take the time to answer. “You will find out when we get there,” He said suddenly, completely out of context, though he cared little. At least she had gotten an answer, even if it had been majorly delayed.

“”

[Loremaster Kenchi]

(-/-/-)Lavi (-/-/-)
The Twilight Messiah
Location: Kiowa Densite
Company: Zuya.
Perimeter Sense: Bhaltair, Mute, and Nuka
Rank: Outsider





"Cursing both Sun and Moon, Twilight sent her one and only daughter to carry the sins of the world...

Lavi had followed behind Zuya's footsteps with eager anticipation. Each new stride was lap towards a new adventure, after all. And Kiowa territory was brimming with new smells and sights. The woodlands here made a stark contrast against the marshlands back home. The air was far from musty and the water flowing along the creek beds were exceptionally clear. The trees towered high above her. The ground consisted of a greater firmness. It remained within these instances why Lavi hadn't thought to visit this land before. Her silver-serpent eyes trailed along the ridges of the rolling hills, mossy mounds, and the curves along Zuya's back. Not to her surprise, he fit right in with the scenery. She couldn't help but smirk at the notion; how evident one's homeland made one's form feel apart of it.

Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86eo7w1kz4s

And then, they arrived at their destination. The Kiowa Densight.
Lavi approached the rising trail towards the common area like no one short of royalty. Her head was held high and in kind regard for her surroundings. Her lush coat trailed around her crown, bussom, and hind quarters like a starlit gown of the starry sky. She was hellbent on making a memorable first impression. Her gaze danced along the cozy collection of caverns, burrows, and uprooted tree hedges where they met the ground. The air was welcoming here; warmer even. Despite the temperature outdoors, the countless tracks, curious onlookers, and den-spotted landscape gave her a nostalgic feeling. There was something...disgusting~ about it. An illness that couldn't be named, though Lavi knew it's particulars well. Her new alpha spoke...
"Three evenings shall be more than enough time." she reassured him with a thoughtful glance. "Your generosity is too kind." she added.

His question gave her a moment of pause as she brought up a paw to rest under her chin thoughtfully. "You said it yourself, I was once an alpha. I am traditionally trained in all standard rankings within a pack. After all, I was expected to know all of their functions with such well-spread experience. I am confident in my ability to meet all standards. However, if you were trying to probe what rank is preferred...a Sitter's delight is my pride and joy." upon the sentence's end, her face lit up with a generous-beaming smile. Her silver mirrors were sure to give off a dangerous sparkle. It did make sense, while he had a modicum of talent in all fields, Sitter was by far her preferred role. And the intent was obvious: raising/brainwashing(poisoning) the next generation. A good teacher knew that the structures of power lied within the next generation. Scouting had its thrills for tantalizing the senses. A hunter had the pleasure of testing the boundaries of predatory superiority. A warrior thrived in order and competition amongst one's peers. A Ingyanga's playground for nurturing intelligence through nature's balms, and more intricately: toxins, teased and challenged the mind. But, no, care-giver and overseer of the young was her favorite position to hold.
At least...it was the most likely to carry her on towards her goal of absolution whilst waiting to find out "when we get there" wherever "there" was.

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...and indeed a Messiah was sent, a great Leviathan, to cannibalize life into death. Amen.