continuation of this. also, this is a good song to listen to while reading.

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Forks of slanted radiance drove through the trunks, dappling the melting snow with passionate, golden blood. Strange scents greeted her nose as the pair drew closer to the borders of Swift River, teasing and tempting her wild fur and tired mind. After travelling for some time, even with ample respite, she was still panting heavily. Wisps of her breath disturbed the air about them as she inhaled nose and drank deeply from the wondrously feral woodland scents stagnate in the atmosphere. There was something powerful here, but she could not quite grasp at it. Something raw and sensual, untamed and untouchable. Profoundly moved and winded, she could do no more than let her lower jaw hang. Suddenly, she realized she could smell Triell in this foreign mix, along with Ruiko.



"Oh," she said softly to the wolf shaped walking stick beside her, "Indru, I can't believe how wonderful it feels to be here! How pretty it will be in the spring, if Ruiko isn't determined to make it rain!" A tight half smile creased her tired face, and would have been accompanied by something like a giggle had she not been so painfully out of breath from all the walking and the knives in her sides. As it was, the grin was almost too much for her after expending so much breath talking. Probably should keep that to a minimum.



But now she was beginning to feel light headed again. The world wizzed by her eyes, jarring and tilting sickeningly as if she were at a carnival. "Actually, do you think we could rest just one more time?" Not waiting for an answer, her hindquarters dropped abruptly, crashing into the ground with an ungraceful thump. She was still leaning on him, though, since it was rather hard to remain upright in such a position. "I feel so dizzy." Refusing to watch as the world churned and teetered, she clamped her eyes close. Ozera tried to take deep breaths, but the broken rips in her torso angrily scolded her with searing pain.

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Though the walk had not caused him great pain or exhaustion Indru had never been so glad to see the end of a journey, he had not enjoyed Ozera's suffering as much as he had tried to ease it. His shoulder wounds now throbbed, the pulling his own movements made on the torn only magnified with Ozera's jolts too as she struggled with her own pain and balance. Unaware that the she wolf beside him was doing much the same thing Indru inhaled the scent of his borders (recently remarked with his own dominant scent) and took relish in the smells of his home and family. His ears twitched as she suddenly spoke, something either of them had refrained from doing other than his odd words of encouragement, and listened as she spoke of his home. At mention of Ruiko Indru winced but his shoulder's were not the cause this time and shook his head slightly, my brother does not live here now.

Just when he was about to take a step forward — eager to cross over the pack boundaries once more — her weight fell from his side for a brief moment just when she asked him for a rest. Oh, yes, of course. Indru replied, quickly swallowing the urge he had to just cross and finish the small leg of their journey that remained so that she could finally rest for as long as she wanted. Her eyes shut as Indru watched her from his upright position, head turned to his side so he could see her, and he exhaled softly himself, orange eyes trained ahead of him as he listened carefully for any movement at the borders as he waited.

what was he pretending the words were? xD and blah this is lame because Idunno, it just is. listened to this while typing.
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What? Her brain refused to wrap itself around the idea that Ruiko didn't live here. She could smell him after all. She had seen him not too long ago. They were brothers. The world had been spinning, but now reality jarred and reeled along with it, and she refused to accept it. "What do you mean he doesn't live here!" She was unsure whether she sounded upset or incredulous. Ruiko definitely lived here. He definitely did. Unless.... Her eyes snagged on the thorns of Indru's wounds. No. Once more, she denied reality. Those wounds could not be from Ruiko, they were probably from something else. However, she still had to ask. "Something... something happened, didn't it?"



Slowly, wearily, as if she were peeking out of a hiding place to see if it was safe, she peered at Indru with one open eye. He was not smiling as if he was kidding. In fact, Indru did not appear to be doing much of anything —just staring. This drifting, yawning distance did nothing to reassure Ozera. Her muzzle flicked upwards and nudged his neck fur, "Indru, what are you thinking? What's going on?" It was perhaps a bit too mild to say that she was freaking out, but she pretty much was. Right now it was hard for her to understand anything, to think clearly, to look out at the world and not see slanted, eddying doubles of the trunks or Indru. But now she felt that she could not close her eyes —she needed to see his face, his emotions and reactions.
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Triell was his trying to catch a few mice in the grove. Their tunnels twisted, and turned all round though the melting snow banks. He'd get his snout a breath from a bite, when it'd dissapear, and another would launch out of a second tunnel. Their scents were everywhere, he was getting flustered. Playing tag, or hide and go seek rather then Triell grabs a snack. Sighing he layed down, resting his head on his large paws. He had actual gotten better at hunting, but these mice were masters of avoiding him. Licking his jowls, black triangle points tipped to the sound of their scuttling feet. "Don't worry I won't be eating you today."He assured them, he hadn't been very hungry any way. Big game had no such stragety, and maybe later he might convince Borlla or Indru to accompany him.

Closeing his eyes, he fell into a light sleep when voices in the distance caused him to startle. Jerking up, his amber eyes looked around but he was still alone. He let out a short yawn, and stretched his head, cocking it to the right to get a better listen. He could hardly make anything out. Stretching his limbs, he decided it was time for a stroll, knowing he was just inside the borders. Like he'd done many a time, he breathed in the scent of home, trying to pinpoint whoever was entering Swift River. alert, he kept a stiff posture hoping the creatures were friendly beasts. The farther he pushed himself he immediately recongonzied two scents. Indru and Ozera...Ozera? This stumped him momentarily, his forepaw hung in the hair briefly. Had she followed him home? What if she was hurt? Worried, he hurried faster till he came upon the two. "Ozera, are you okay?" He asked, for this was his first concern. He had no idea in the slighest they were talking about Ruiko's departure.

Her worried inquiry caused Indru to glance at her quickly from the corner of his eye, still facing ahead, and he watched her gaze drift from his own abruptly to his shoulders, thinking of them again making him feel a sharp throb of pain. She asked him a question one, then, and he nodded, sighing and turning to face her. Yes, something did. Though Indru was sad his brother had left he was not ashamed of the reason why, rank challenges were common among packs and he still felt like he would be the best to lead Swift River. He realised he had got caught up in his thoughts when he felt Ozera nudging her neck, away from his wounds, and peered at her again. My brother left after I challenged his claim to leadership and the pack is mine now, he explained, still watching her curious as to what she would think. Indru was not sure on her relationship with Ruiko, whether it was antagonistic or not, and then found himself wondering whether may she would change her mind in joining Swift River after all.

Suddenly then, almost timely, Triell's scent was carried towards him in the wind and indru snapped his head forward again waiting for his black brother to appear from the trees. He was concerned for Ozera's safety and Indru smiled warmly at him, leaning forward to brush his muzzle along his side comfortingly, not speaking for her but trying to lessen the worry in his brother before she replied. We have to move her into pack lands, Indru explained to Triell before he remembered that she may not want to any more and instead looked back down at her, eyes wide, as he waited for a response.

this is bad because I can't focus. the music is too loud :C

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Her mind had been made up long before, and none of the factors in the decision had involved Ruiko. With or without him, Ozera wanted to be a part of this world nestled in between two soft, fleet-footed rivers. But it was confusing to her, since Indru had told her that they fought, but no more than regular brothers. How often is it that brothers fight, then? How hard do they fight? Her eyes noted Indru's shoulders once more. Hard enough. Being a sister and a female made it hard for her to understand this concept of machismo and brotherhood that existed between males. Yet it was funny for Ozera to hear that the pack belonged to Indru now. Quite frankly, she had no idea who lead or had lead the pack. She hadn't really taken the time to care. Ruiko, who apparently used to lead, had never mentioned it to her. Well, I guess Indru is mentioning it to me now. "Okay..." she responded absentmindedly. "As long as you're all okay." Regardless, she was finding the concept difficult to grasp.

Wrapped in her introspective shell, she had not noticed the approach of the leggy black youngster. A different voice, a harmony of concern to accompany Indru's melody coaxed her back to reality. "Triell! Oh Triell!" Instantly she cast away the shawl of confusion and pain and sorrow that she had draped upon her shoulders to cradle the fall from the mountain. "How are you?" For some reason she completely disregarded his question. But she did manage to snag the last few words of what Indru had said. Exasperation and impatience bubbled in her stomach, she just wanted to be there already.

With a smile she craned her neck to face Indru, "I think I'm ready now. The world stopped spinning." For Triell's sake, although she could not attempt a laugh to sooth that worried look off of his face, she tried her best to smile bigger, "We can talk later."
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The place where is heart beat felt like heavy stone. Indru's reassuring touch, Triell froze, his one paw hanging in the air when he looked up to his brother's orange gaze. Black lids blinked, then closed nodding briefly. He really didn't understand how she'd gotten there or knew Indru but he did understand what Indru meant. She would be much better in the packlands, and Triell could help with the task. Nose breathed in her coat, wondering what had caused the damage. Every scent was mixed, and foriegn but Indru's. Sighing, he smiled happily when she realilzed he was there. A change was definate, hopefully the some new strength for the last leg of her journey. "I'm perfectly all right...." He replied, long tail wagging loyaly behind him. Of coarse she'd worry over his welfare when she was the one battered and bruised.

Indru had his sight upon her, waiting for some answer. Triell exchanged looks between the two them, trying to put the little puzzle pieces together. They both looked a bit worn, but his paws tingled with energy happy to have both home...at Swift River. Ozera placed a big smile on her face, and answered she was ready. So she was going to stay? Triell would assume and hope so. That would be nice to have her around. Neither of them had answers, she stated though they'd talked later, and his face sorta went into an O sorta shape. He could wait, they had a ways to go. He brushed his muzzle long Indru's shoulder, a silent welcome to him. Then he looped to Ozera's other side, standing by her so their coats mingled. He was still concerned for her, but joy was clear upon his face. "Well we still got a little further. I'm ready when you are Indru." He said, the helpful lad he was.

Yes, it's fine, he tried to reassure the female, turning to press his nose briefly against the side of her muzzle before pulling away and forcing a light smile. I used to lead, it just felt right for me to do so again and as we are both leaders, really, he thought it best he leave. It was a mellowed version of events of course, but Indru didn't think she wanted the gory details of each bite and snarl and he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to share them either. He and his brother fighting, yet still caring for each other strongly, was a thing only they really understood. Besides, his wounds (and Ruiko's) would heal without any permanent damage.

Indru sat down to watch the pleasantries between Triell and Ozera happily, responding to Triell's welcome with a nod in his direction before turning to Ozera and doing the same to confirm that he heard she was ready to move again. It was a relief, even though he understood her need for the pause, to know that they were almost home. Okay Triell, gently, help to support her weight like me. For as much as Triell looked almost fully grown he was still a puppy and Indru felt it wise to remind him to move carefully in case his excitement at their new pack mate took over. Then, meeting Ozera's eyes quickly to tell her that he was about to move, he slowly rose back to his feet, tightening his limbs so that he could easily take most of the females weight, especially with Triell following his example. After you, he said softly, waiting for her to rise up and for them to begin again.

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It took a moment for it to dawn upon her that Triell, perhaps even Indru, still, were very confused. When she had met Indru, she had been a happy-go-lucky jokester on the prowl. When he found her in the Wildwood, she was just broken and fallen, a bird with awkwardly bent wings who could not even laugh. And now here she was. Triell, on the other hand, well, he was probably not surprised to see that she was hurt. At least, the circumstances of their meeting was surrounded by dark, cold water and drowning and all those things. Why was it that she always needed these Tainn-folk to rescue her? That wasn't really to say that she was ungrateful or that her pride was hurt, just that it seemed peculiar that they always had such a keen nose for a damsel in distress. In any case, Triell had met her on a mountain, and now suddenly she was here, in his home, using his brother as a walking stick. She was not being very fair, withholding information. If their places had been swapped, Ozera would have gone mad with curiosity.

As it stood —or hobbled, really— Ozera could not really tell either of the brothers much. It was all haze and murk in her brain, although it was beginning to clear, to wash away ever so slowly. So really, she had little choice but to withhold the scraps of memories torn off of the tapestry from them until she could weave them back into the bigger picture. There would be time. Really, there was an infinity before them now that she was here with them, part of Swift River.

Indru's explanation was succinct and censored, but Ozera figured that was probably for the best. Right now it was a bit too confusing to imagine the leadership being tossed from brother to brother. She didn't want to think about fighting anymore, right now, either. Curious as she was, she was tired and she wanted to go home. Ruiko and Indru would know what was best for themselves and for their pack, and she would have to trust that.

Now Triell was brushing up against her side, offering himself as a second walking stick. "Oh, you Tainn's are all Prince Charmings. Never met such a polite, gentlemanly bunch in my life." She tossed a wink in Triell's direction. Suddenly, she was reminded of the wishes that she owed to Triell. Did she also owe them to Indru, now? Oh, worry about that later! Too complicated. Everything was too complicated. Besides, Indru was bidding her to stand up now. Grimly, she set her teeth and steeled herself, heaving herself roughly to three feet, the last of which she still tucked neatly into her breast. It was so much more manageable now that she had two wolves on either side of her —not that falling was a completely new experience to her. "Do you have a daily quota of damsels to save? Be honest."
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Indru's voice brought his full attention round. Gently he said. Black skull nodded, stating his silent understanding. Ozera must feel as bad as she looked, and Triell tried to calm the little busy butterflies swirling through his system. The young lad did not want to make things worse, and smiled glad they were at least trusting him with the task. Catching Ozera's wink, he gave her his huge smile from ear to ear. He'd remembered her calling him a prince once upon a time. It saddened him to think they were the most polite males she'd ever met, yet it thrilled him all the same. He liked the whole hero part, and chivalry of it all -it made him feel good.

Indru took up gumption to move, and Triell standing strong was ready to take any impact she needed to place upon him. The only worry in his heart was the slight akward body he was trying to fill into. His coordination was improving, with each new ounce of weight he'd gain. Indru restored any lack in confidence when Triell looked to the familiar face. Indru would not let Ozera fall. Triell chuckled a quiet humble laugh. Here she was completely broken and she was nice, thoughtful, and silly as ever. "You know, two a day at least." He said, trying to be serious but not managing to wipe the goofy grin off his face. Taking cues from Indru he did his best to keep her steady, and trust his own instincts.

It was still so insane, Indru rescued Ozera? Triell kept thinking quietly. Then his face went like an empty canvas. Did she tell him about the fall in the pool? Bright orange-yellowish eyes drifted once more to the elder Tainn's, as if trying to see what had transpired between them. Somehow he felt a little bad, but suspected if Indru knew he was not displeased. Maybe it would be included in the long story. Oh well. Relaxing Triell could not wait to get back to the den. Only hoping his dear friend would have a quick recovery. He couldn't wait to show her all of Swift River.