Snow had finally reigned over all the area’s around the Poison Path territory. All one could see in all directions was white and it was close to impossible not to miss the bitter chill in the air when you stood high and tail, ears pricked as the harsh winter conditions would root itself into the ear canal, making it a pain just to unfreeze yourself. It didn’t bother the head guardian as much as if it would have been other wolves, for he had grown up in the mountains and was quite use to the bitter cold that covered the area. Nothing seemed to be going quite right this winter, and the heavy winter snow was just to prove it. Winter had just begun and already everything had been covered in snow…though it was something to expect considering how high up in the mountains Poison Path was in. Ash was concerned about the pack as a whole, but mainly young Bella…though he had not seen much of Datura, he was still naturally concerned.

Ever since the disappearance of Treena and the reappearance of Rhysis and Naira his border runs had been tripled…though he had forced that upon himself, he was satisfied with the daily schedule in which he had ruled out through the other wolves, most of them hunters. Though now that Ava had disappeared, Ash had doubled his already tripled patrol runs and he was slowly starting to tire himself out. Exhaustion was clear in his gaze and a dark hue seemed to ring around his eyes, making his fur seem darker than it really was. He missed both of his pack mates dearly, their disappearances rocking him to his core. His mate first…and now his partner in crime…one of the wolves he could sit around for long periods of time and be completely comfortable with. And now…both of them were gone, and the only comfort he would be able to find would be in the mountains.

Scaling the area was an easy task, for he had done so many times, before and after he had joined Poison Path. It had helped him develop the now strong muscles in his shoulders, giving him more bulk than he had originally came to Relic Lore with. When he reached the large rock that would enable him to see over the territory he stared silently…his eyes scaling the large rock. It would take time and much work…but it was worth it. They were family, though not blood. He approached quietly, rearing back on his hind legs and attaching them to the front of the rock, before using his strength to push the rest of him up. Grunting with the effort, he attached himself to the rock, ready for the painful task in front of him.

He climbed steadily and shakily. It took hours…hours that he was willing to spare for this. It also helped him take out some of his anger, the exertion and space from the confinements of his territory was much needed and he took great comfort in his short freedom that he was living in right now. It took him long until he reached the top…the sun, just starting to set as it had been high in the air for so long. He had gotten up quite early in hopes to get back to do some patrols, but he had insured the others that he would be gone for the day, and he had faith that one of them would heed his orders and take over his shifts. Hopefully Tlarx and Athena would understand.

He looked over the land, his sad green eyes searching for any movement, any sign of life would be appreciated. He just wanted his family to return home and be with him. Why did they have to leave? His head raised and he called out for them. It was a powerful thing in itself and Ash let it all out. The pain he felt for them leaving, confidently, knowing that his pack mates wouldn’t be able to hear him and hoping to the high heavens that none of them were nearby. Otherwise, he didn’t care, he just wanted them to know. He wanted Ava back…and most of all he wanted Treena back, his true though. He knew that they wouldn’t be together as much as they had wanted to. Athena and Tlarx had those rights, not them. The two of them had respected the rule though…they knew they couldn’t have pups. But now, he wouldn’t even have her by his side any longer she was gone.

In a frenzy he started barking out their names repeatedly…hoping for an answer, for both of their voices to be granted to his ears…even one of them would have been welcomed. Deep inside, he knew though, he knew there would be no answer for them. But as he perched over the large rock and franticly cast his eyes around the mountains he couldn’t help the howls of despair and longing that took over him. And soon more shouts were going through the air, along with a few curses, “Treena!!! Ava!!! Where the fuck are you!?! Why did you leave us?!” The guardian was now worse off than he was when the two had first disappeared. Letting the anger and guilt build up in him for so long had taken its toll on his sanity and he had finally had to let it out. The sadness was taking over him, and all he could do was stare into the whiteness, while no reply greeted him for the longest time as he numbly stood here, his tail and ears lifted high and his position stiff as he looked over the mountains. Happiness was something Ash was going to have a hard time regaining.