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+---- Thread: Lost Lake Swan Lake (/showthread.php?tid=10188)
OOC: For @Nathaniel - Others are more than welcome to join in!
Weather:
72° F, 22° C
Partly cloudy
11:37 AM
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The last couple of weeks had been quite the roller coaster for the young boy. First, he'd met all of his pack mates at once; which for him was the equivalent of suddenly being surrounded by countless staring strangers. Then, his mother had changed their home. Now he lived with all these strangers. Some seemed perfectly friendly, but the timid boy couldn't help but be wary still. As long as his mother was in the den, Cernan was glued to her side. This morning, however, she was not. The queen was gone when he awoke, along with most of the strangers. At first this foray had been for the purpose of finding her, or Papa for that matter, but upon venturing out into the woods something else had grabbed the prince's attention.
This new home came with some interesting surroundings. The new smell had piqued his curiosity for some days now, but the tubby child was far from brave, or adventurous. Today however, he'd stumbled closer to its source than ever before. A new sight, caught only in glimpses between the towering trees, propelled his cautious legs onward. He was used to seeing trees, and rocks, and all sorts of plants, but nothing like this. There was ...nothing. It was flat down there, and blueish. Why weren't there any trees? And the strange smell... Navigating between boulders that seemed to get bigger and more common as he descended the slope; Cernan kept his pale eyes trained on the emptiness before him.
Eventually he passed through the treeline; the edge of the nothing now in plain sight. A strong breeze, unhindered by foliage swept over the child's soft fur, bringing the watery smell into his nose even clearer. Upon closer inspection of the edge, the child recognized how similar it looked to the creeks his parents had taken him to to drink. An inquisitive paw rippled the surface, which was surprisingly more tumultuous than the brooks he'd been to. It lapped gently at the rocks, instead of continuing in any solid direction. How strange. It felt like water. Tasted like it too. The pup moved back, taking in all the lake in one sweeping glance. ”Wowwwww,” he said to himself. This must be the biggest stream in the world! Had his parents seen it yet? His siblings? The urge to find someone to show this to was strong, but he didn't want to go just yet. There was another big rock, with probably an even better view!
The boy spun around, taking a few happy bounds into the long grass. The oblivious youngster toddled just over the knoll, and straight into danger. A few yards down the bank, a family of trumpeter swans had found respite along the shore. Both parties hadn't noticed one another until now. Cernan himself was too busy trying to find a way onto the rock to see the creatures until one hissed. The strange sound whipped his head around; bringing the gigantic white bird into view. No, there were two, no more! Small ones between them! His attention snapped back to the hissing one, which was now lowering its head in his direction. It was huge! Way bigger than him! The Cove pup stood still, utterly confused and quickly becoming frightened. He took a step back, tail tucked. This didn't seem to satisfy the creature, though. It did the weirdest thing with its head... was it nodding? ”Uhm... yeah. Yeah I'm just gunna go now, alright?” He started stepping away, still facing the animal with the rock at his back.
Apparently he didn't move fast enough. The impatient bird lowered its head, and came straight at the perceived threat. A shrill squeak burst from Cernan's lungs as his own feet charged into action. He darted into the grass, sure that the creature was right behind him. This was why he stayed by the den! This was exactly why!
Young Neha had been adjusting well to life in the communal pack den since the big move. But it was a little strange, sleeping with so many other larger wolves at night. Many of whom, the Princess considered strangers. And like a spoiled child, the growing heir demanded her space. She had picked out a large corner in the back, littered with all of her favorite playthings. Rags of hide and fur, bones, rocks, twigs. All of which she guarded jealously, growling fiercely at anyone (except for her brothers and parents) who disturbed her. She had grown accustomed to having her space in the birthing den...why should it be any different here? Today while everyone was seemingly out and about, or lazily sleeping off the heat inside, the ivory coated girl was out exploring. Growing paws sifted through long blades of evergreen grass, eyes cast upwards, filled with wonder at the vibrantly colored, winged insect she was in pursuit of. She had seen these things from a distance before, but never so close. Now, she wanted to get an even better look. "Heey...come back! I won't hurt you...pwomise!" She pleaded, ears folding down against her head. But the wayward butterfly just was not cooperating.
Desperately she bounded forwards, faster and faster so as not to lose sight of what she thought could be a potential new friend. But it was too quick, too high up, drifting away out of reach. Panting, Neha finally plopped her rump down on the ground in defeat, watching as the creature flew off into the distance. What she hadn't noticed was, just where her aimless wandering had taken her. Something big and blue gleamed not far off ahead. With a curious, puppy like sound rolling in her throat, she stood up again, moving closer. Then her eyes widened, lips forming an O. "Whaa? Ooh...wow!" She exclaimed, bounding off in a blur of off white fur. Stopping just short of the waters edge, tail wagging rapidly, she peered down at it. In it she could see her own reflection, but it was the consistency of the water itself that had her fixated. It was shiny and glass like, threatening to lap at her toes. Being the boldest of the three children by far, she reached out a paw to gently poke at the strange surface. Only to draw back a split second later with a yip. It was cold! It clung to her fur in the strangest of ways too! And there was more of it, stretching for what looked like miles in front of her. Neha didn't know it, but she had just discovered the packs swimming pool right in their own backyard.
Broken from her fascination, a racket off to her left made her turn her head. That was Cernan's voice...and he seemed worried. Knitting her brows together, she was surprised to see a rather large winged, feathered creature charging towards him. He was backing away, but the swan was still coming at him. And there were more of them too! As her shy brother let out his shrill cry, Neha came charging forwards, ears back with puppy teeth flashing. "Heey! Git away from mah brother!!" Came her shrill battle cry. She didn't care how many of them there were, or how big this thing was. She just wanted it to leave her brother alone. But too little too late as she got within inches of the giant bird, did it spin around to hiss, beak open, wings beating down against her head furiously. Now Neha had gotten wedged into a tough spot.
Nathaniel still found himself evading most of his fellows within the pack, though some days it simply could not be avoided. This certainly proved to be one of those days. He had been on his way toward the outskirts, passing by the lake as he usually did to take a moment and admire the beauty of the mountainous waterscape. Things were starting to get to him, this self-imposed isolation taking its toll on him. The more time he spent alone, the longer he was able to think about things, to delve deeply into his own mind. He was beginning to figure out that the reason he was shunning his peers was because he was afraid that through interaction, he would somehow let down @Angele and @Anthem. Things had changed since they last knew him, monumentally so. What if they didn't approve of the new Nathaniel? What if they hated him?
Perhaps he had lingered too long at the water's edge, consumed by his own thoughts, but ultimately this decision proved to be quite precious, for suddenly his peace was broken by a string of suspicious hisses. His pale eyes turned, scanning the grassland for what might have gotten the the local aviary life so upset. When his sights locked upon the family of swans and one of the heirs, adrenaline immediately surged into his veins and his reaction was all but instantaneous. Once separated from his siblings, his life had drifted further and further into detachment, but seeing Cernan under such threat awoke the guardian nature that had been slumbering beneath the chains in his heart.
With an air-rending snarl, the man leapt forward just as the Swan began to charge. In those short moments, he noticed also the princess' arrival, the little girl far more brash than her brother. Both of them were in danger. Nathaniel launched himself at the swan family, the children scattering and an adult turning on him, but he hadn't been fast enough. One swan had begun to attack the girl, and showed no sign of letting up. A chord of fear was struck within him, the waterfowl completely blocking his view of Neha and it could only be imagined what horrific harm was befalling her. Completely ignoring the trumpeter that was charging him, Nathaniel turned his deadly jaws upon Neha's attacker, quickly turning the enraged swan's white feathers cardinal red. In turn, it swung round to defend itself, completely forgetting the pup's presence. They were both converged upon him now, beating with their heavy wings and snapping with their ridged bills, but it wasn't long before his target had crumpled to the ground.
OOC: @Namid is tagged to come in after Nathaniel's next post.
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In his panic it hadn't dawned on the boy that his sister was nearby. All that mattered in the moment was escaping from whatever this thing was that he was convinced was going to eat him. But the time between his stubby legs pumping over the grass and Neha's battle cry was so incredibly short. He didn't even process her words until he'd reached a stride or two further with his head turned back. He caught the flash of belligerent silver as it plunged toward the beast; fright seizing his heartbeat as he realized what she was doing. In the blink of an eye that followed she was suddenly under attack herself; falling beneath the giant's vicious wing-beats and nearly out of his sight.
Terror stole his every thought and froze his blood and bones. He looked on in horror for but a second before the strange pack wolf arrived. His eyes had locked on to what he was becoming sure was the death of his only sister; his tunnel vision refusing to register the dark man until he was upon them. Cernan was too horrified to feel relief even as the colossal male's teeth secured the attacker and pulled it away from his sibling. The stranger was wrestling with both birds now! And what of @Neha? The scene was too much for his tiny self to even comprehend or deal with, and the child's lungs burst open in reaction.
“MAAAAAAAAAAAHM!”
He shrieked as loud as he possibly could. He would have felt his throat begin to ache if he hadn't been so pumped with adrenaline. Oh god. He didn't know how to deal with any of this; how to fix any of it. He wanted his Mom. He wanted his Mom right now. She would get rid of the birds and save them! Oh please, please let her hear me! His wide eyes were filling with tears now. How had this even happened? Neha! The thought broke him from his stationary bonds. Legs now wobbly with the chemicals in his bloodstream he flopped clumsily to her side; stumbling over his own feet to reach her. Oh god oh god oh god why had she done that?! How could she have saved him? She was so brave but so stupid! Now he'd loose her! The boy was practically bawling as he made it to the little girl. “Neha! Neha be okay! Pease be okay!” His words were broken with sobs. “Are- are you awight?” His strangled voice choked out. Off to the side their savior was battling the creatures, and now he was scared for him too. But he had to be sure Neha was alright first.
She was in trouble now. Stumbling back on her oversized puppy paws, the creamy princess let out a startled yelp as the great white beast came bearing down on her. Gigantic spanning wings pummeled her sides repeatedly while she was cornered by the angry bird. It's hard, clacking beak pinched and tugged her ears, her tail, but fortunately, did not break the skin. As much as she would have loved to show this filthy beast who was boss, Neha was just much to small to even dream of putting it in it's place. Instinctively, she dropped down on the ground, curling her vulnerable body into a tight little ball, to protect her face and throat. Maybe with some luck, her attacker would lose all interest and leave her and her brother alone. She hadn't done anything wrong! Neither had Erine...he was just minding his own business. They had a duty to look out for each other as siblings, as far as she was concerned. Even if it meant getting a few scrapes and bruises.
Just when she thought that the terror would never end, a more comforting sound broke through the angry honks and hissing of the goose. An air shattering snarl that made her body quiver. It had to be one of the adults...maybe her Mom or Dad. Too afraid to open her eyes to look and see who this was, all she could do was pray that this wolf got the goose away from her. And he did, the looming shadow from the bird that had surrounded her pulling away as strong jaws clamped down the avian. She smelled the metallic tang of blood, which fortunately was not her own. Her stomach churning, Neha took this opportunity to uncurl herself and run as fast as she could away from the unfolding battle. But she would never forget her brother, oh most certainly not! It was to he, that she ran to, ears pinned back with a worried expression on her young face. "Erine, Erine!" She exclaimed, wheeling around him in a circle. "Yous okay? Why'd dat thing come after you?" Always one for questions, she wanted some form of explanation. But what was more important was that her dear brother was unharmed. And as for herself? Well, save for a few minor bruises and bumps, she was in one piece. But quite shaken.
As it's mate fell to the ground, its life stolen by Nathaniel's vengeful jaws, the surviving Swan parent let out a strangled bleat and beat its wings upon the air, hastily propelling itself back away from the murderous wolf. The Cove subordinate rounded on it, clacking his fangs menacingly and letting out a few snarling barks. It did not occur to him to spare the adult in order to save the children from a slow, starving death. Instead, his reasoning for allowing the mammoth bird to retreat unharmed and to allow the next wave of cub-chasing swans to survive was simply to minimize the traumatization placed upon Namid's children. Chase was still given, a very clear warning that this sort of behavior would not be tolerated again, before Nathaniel finally relented and turned his attention upon Neha and Cernan.
To his horror, they were not only upset; Cernan was bawling over the scare. Neha seemed obvlious to her brothers concern amongst the wash of her own concern, and as Nathaniel returned to them he heard both siblings fretting over the well being of one another. Momentarily, his thoughts traced back to his own youth, how close he had been with @Anthem and @Angele and the scene was almost sweet. Then he remembered he had not a single clue as to what to do to calm the boy down.
"Looks like you're both just fine to me!" he offered with a clearly nervous smile. Drawing in close to them, his eyes scanned Neha over in particular, amazed that she hadn't received any broken bones from the thrashing. It seemed his swift reaction had saved her from such injury, and he was truly relieved.
Namid’s paws dug into the earth, scooping up dirt and flinging it backwards as she opened up the cache, revealing the bodies of several prey animals. Her nose wrinkled at the stench of overdue flesh and she bend, gingerly picking it up and tossing it to the side to be buried elsewhere. The smell of rotting flesh in the open would pique the interest of any prey or scavenging animal nearby, and with young in their midst she didn’t quite like the idea of that. She nosed her way through, cleaning the cache of any prey that was nearing past discomposure then placed her own catch inside; a hare. Once she was finished with this duty she began to paw earth back over the deceased animals, taking a few steps away to spray a marker to ensure that, even though it was within the pack’s territory, that this was claimed. It was business as usual for the queen, nothing out of the ordinary and honestly quite boring. How she wished she could be spending time with her darling, or her children but her duties were very important, especially with winter fast approaching. She wanted to be absolutely sure that there would be enough food for the pack, as well as her brood. This would be their first winter, and no doubt it would be a confusing and rough time for them as winters on top of the mountain could be brutal. Every precaution would be made to make sure that they were able to make it through in strides.
But, apparently not quite everything had been taken into consideration as a cry rang into the air. She paused, her muscles tensing and her auds swiveled forward to catch the sound in wonder before her blood ran cold. It was the voice of her youngest, Cernan. Instantly she was bolting forward, heading toward the sound. She wondered what could have happened, and why he was so close to the lake. She had been clear in telling the Vuesain children that they weren’t to be near the lake alone to avoid them getting in any trouble, and she certainly hadn’t suspected the boy of disobeying that. She raced through the trees, bursting from their lines and slowing to a trot as she came upon the scene. The bodies of two fowl laid mangled and bloody on the ground, necks broken and white feathers soaked in their blood. An obviously winded Nathaniel stood next to one of them, feathers protruding from his night-colored pelt and the scent of swan blood upon him as he seemed to be attempting to console her obviously frightened children. Neha and Cernan were wide eye’d and shaking against each other, fear coating their forms as it seemed that the man wasn’t doing a very good job of it. Her brows creased as she moved forward, attention focusing on her young as she bent, but not by much, to give each of them a quick sniff and a nuzzle. Then, she looked up toward the man. “It seems I owe a thanks to you, whatever happened here. Would you be able to explain?” she asked, looking from the swans to the man. If he had saved her youth, she would be forever in his debt.
Even as his little legs carried him toward her, the girl rose from the ground and sprinted right back. Cernan froze in his tracks as Neha finally reached him; still sobbing and scanning her with wide eyes. She had stood and run - did that mean she was okay? Now she was the one bombarding him with the same question. Hastily the boy nodded; grimacing with the hiccuping of his traumatized, spasming lungs. He whirled to face her, trying to get in close and nudge his sibling all over as they turned; to be sure of her health. She wasn't missing any pieces, and that was good. There was no blood either; another reassurance. He was panting now with the beginnings of relief as the sound of Nathaniel giving the evil bird a similar scare finally subsided.
Her question made him sniffle and his voice cracked with more terror and panic; like it had before. “I don know!” He exclaimed helplessly, exasperated and crying once again. His voice wavered with a few more desperate whimpers as the tears slid down in wet streaks across his face. “I- I,” he choked out between racking sobs, “din do anything!” He pleaded with her and the universe. He was minding his own business! He never attacked them or their fuzzy little demon babies! It wasn't fair! They'd have killed him and his sister too just for being there! Before the weeping pup could grind out any more words the dark savior had returned to them.
Skittish as ever; Cernan whirled to face the man; darting to his pale sibling's side to stare up at the great slayer of evil. He spoke, and Cernan could only sniffle and stare. He didn't feel okay, he was terrified! He was shaking and crying and hugging as close to Neha as he could possibly get. He had only a moment to wonder in silence if his dear mother had even heard his call when the wolf in question burst onto the scene. She slowed to a trot but the sight of her brought the chubby prince to his weak knees in a single breath. “Mama!” He cried, racing toward her through grass almost as tall as himself. The salty tears ran anew down their old course until the Prince met with her front legs.
He pressed against her; reaching up as best he could as she returned the gesture, nuzzling his trembling form while he quivered with sobs and muffled wails. When she pulled away he turned to watch; saddened by the loss of contact. He wanted her back! He wanted her to lay down with them and hold them and tell them it was all okay now. He whined as she spoke to the swarthy man; still pressed tight to her leg. Wide shining eyes turned on to him now.
Sorry for the wait! This will be Neha's exit post.
[dohtml]
She could only watch in awe, as the dark knight engaged the terrifying swans in battle. It was brief, but effective to put the first bird out of commission permanently. The second attempted to stand it's ground, but a fierce snarl from Nathaniel made it think twice, and it retreated. Huddled against Cernan's side both out of protectiveness and fear, she nosed the fur of her brother gently. Checking him all over as best as she could, for any wounds or sore spots. When she was satisfied that he was unharmed, the Vuesain Princess turned her attention to his shattered emotional state. A low, soft whine vibrated her vocal chords repeatedly as she rested her chin atop his neck, in a soothing gesture.
When Nathaniel returned, to no doubt check on them, he declared that they both looked fine, at least to him. Neha however, wasn't so sure, as far as Cernan's emotional state was concerned. She sent the adult a weak smile, before turning her eyes dubiously to the ground. Those birds were mean! But still, that didn't mean they had to go and bully her brother like that. He hadn't done anything wrong. Seconds later, their mother, Namid, was rushing onto the scene, looking concerned. The budding youth scurried up to her mother, just like her sibling had done, but more to express her indignation. Rising up onto her growing hind legs, she placed her paws against momma's chest to get her attention. "He was just minding his own business...just exploring! And those beasts attacked him!" She exclaimed, brows furrowed in anger towards the now dead swan that had dared to pick on her brother. Perhaps she was being a little over dramatic, but Neha's feathers were clearly ruffled by the incident. Glancing warily back at the lake, as if afraid more of the gigantic birds would appear, she deemed it best to get away from the area. At least for today. Taking a look at Cernan, she gently nudged his shoulder. "C'mon. Let's go explore somewhere else..." She encouraged, though her voice lacked true enthusiasm. She would understand if he wanted to stay by his mother's side, to be comforted for the rest of the day. But as for her, Neha needed an outlet to take her frustrations out on. Maybe some mice would do the trick. Nodding to herself, and with a look back to the adults that said she would be elsewhere, but nearby, she fled the scene of the crime, not looking back to see if her brother was behind her or not.
-Fade-
