Shroud of the Lost sanctuary

She noted the way Nori looked around, and Aquene offered the woman a smile. It would do, at least for now even if Aquene was silent and unwilling to give the depths of her own opinion at the moment. There was a gentle thrum in her chest as her tail waved from side to side. “I think it best to let us explore.” She offered in a more kindhearted nature than she’d showed in perhaps months, maybe even years… a softness that she had thought lost in herself even. And still, there was a strain on her heart thinking of all they had left behind.

Thinking of the bodies they had buried on that mountain.

She did her best to push it down and keep that smile, not allowing her thoughts to become infected by the soured news. “So we can understand the terrain… look at cache locations, herbs that grow in the area…” She added a little more, though there was a certain lightness behind the exhaustion in her eyes that would hopefully give Nori the indication that she liked the location, even if she wasn’t certain of it as a future home.

She glanced to Nash, offering him a gentle bump with her shoulder. She, for the moment, had missed the interaction between Nori and Leo, though she had little doubt her husband would fill her in on his theories later.

Aquene Slayer

It was a rare thing, managing to surprise the quick-witted scout, and Leo couldn’t help but feel pleased with himself, seeing the astonishment on her face. Two-colored eyes sparkled with amusement up at her, smile growing a little wider as she acknowledged his support. For a moment they stood close enough for him to feel the heat coming off her body, breath catching a little in his throat, then he remembered where they were, surrounded by the entire pack, all eyes on them. Now it was Leo’s turn to feel flush, eyes dropping to his paws as his short burst of confidence was replaced by more characteristic shyness. As Nori spoke up again, he looked around, trying to make a show of taking in the surroundings all while pointedly avoiding the gaze of any of the others. At least her voice sounded less nervous now, as she tried to clarify her own feelings about the spot; Got a lot of potential… He felt another weird clench in his chest, eyes flicking back to the scout, seeing the smile on her face; It’s got something, that’s for sure… As she finished, he would bob his head little in agreement, closing the distance between them to bump her shoulder with his muzzle. It definitely felt good to him! Then Aquene spoke and Leo dared to turn and face her, pleased to see a smile on her face too, his tail starting to wag in response to hers. Despite the tentative nature of her words, he thought he saw a softening in her that hadn’t been there during their long trek. He smiled at her, nodding his head softly as he slowly turned his attention to Nash, similarly trying to gauge his reaction before suggesting: “Perhaps we stay here for a little, get our bearings and explore the surroundings? Give everyone time to see how they feel?” He would certainly enjoy some rest, his whole body felt stiff and crocked from hobbling along, and then he was eager to explore the open lands to the north some more; Maybe Nori would like to come too… They were supposed to travel in pairs, after all. Thoughts ”Speech”

Coccineus, annamae22, stock-ashleyrwatts & Dawnthieves.de

The eldest Eastfall-Slayer surveyed their surroundings while they waited for the rest of their family to filter in. It wasn't long before his parents and bothers arrived. Sam followed closely behind but his littermate and nieces were no where to be seen. Matos had noted Magg's distance from their cousin during the trek. How she kept the twins away, how she would ignore her when Nori was around, and now this. His two tone gaze shifted to his father as he called out for her. Would she come?

His attention shifted back to his cousin as Leo spoke his thoughts on her find. Amber and emerald observed the small interaction between the two. His dark brows raised slightly as his tail swept behind him. He quietly tucked the information away. If what he saw was true he would be happy for them. They all deserved happiness.

His attention shifted to his mother as she spoke. The young swarthy man noted the change and softness in her as well. A small hum in his chest at the sight and sound. He was happy to see her in a better state, like he remembered from his puppyhood. He nodded in agreement to her words then again to Leo's words. He agreed that they could try the territory out, explore it, see what's around. A trial run per say, nothing permanent yet.

Anxiety spiked back into her chest when Nash called for Magg, and she found herself hoping, perhaps a bit childishly, that her cousin wouldn't come. It was foolish, really - the worst that could happen was some jeering and perhaps a dirty look or two, but Nori had been going to great lengths to avoid that recently, and though she'd been ready to face her at the beginning of the little gathering she'd called, she would likely be immediately on her way out the second Magg approached.

She hoped the wince that crossed her face at Nash's call wasn't too noticeable.

But she did not show up, and everyone seemed in higher spirits. Even Aquene, who had been so quiet and grieving, had a smile on her face. Nori felt a small, pleased sort of sensation in her chest at the sight.

Maybe things really were getting better.

Leo echoed Aquene's sentiments. Exploring would be a great idea - Nori had seen some of the area, but there was only so much she could do on her own, and she hadn't been to the surrounding territories at all, instead clinging to the forest rather than the open plains.

"Yeah, I think you're right," she told the other woman, tail swishing back and forth. There was a strange lingering warmth where Leo had pressed his muzzle to her shoulder, but she resolved not to think about it. At least... not right now. That would be something to figure out when things settled down a bit more. "I'd love to take a look around. It'd be nice to explore more of the area." Perhaps not on her own, this time. Maybe she'd ask Leo to go with her, she thought to herself - if his leg would be okay with a bit more travel.

Now that everyone had said their piece and were at least considering the place, Nori didn't want to drag out the meeting any longer than it needed to be. "I don't wanna keep all of you too long," she started, looking over the small group. "I appreciate everyone stopping by and taking a look. Thank you." It had been a long trip, and they all deserved a nice place to settle - even if it was only temporary.

Think we can wrap this one up with the next few posts c: I might tack on one more as a fade, but otherwise I'm hoping to get it archived by 8/23

Time. She had once been told that it healed all wounds… and while as she aged she was not certain it were true… she was perhaps willing to give time one last try to prove that it could heal the festering that had lingered in her heart of late. She offered the girl a smile, intending to be comforting. She’d offer her husband a nuzzle, her eyes lingering on her daughter. “Perhaps we find a den for now? Form one to stay until we can decide?” She posed, planning mentally for the foundations of a pack that would need to be done if they stayed in the area.

Perhaps time would allow a place to grow on her as the mountain once had… or perhaps trust issues would run rampant in her chest. She’d offer a dip of her head to Nor, a gentle nuzzle to her husband once more. “I am going to find a place to lay. Amongst the stars.” She offered gently so he knew where she was going… it had been some time since she had allowed herself even that peace due to the cold the mountain often brought.

Perhaps, this place had potential for solace.

Aquene Exit

Aquene Slayer

It seemed like a rather solid maybe from the pack as one by one the others gave their input on the stretch of land Nori had scouted out as a potential final stop, seemingly all aligned that it had potential yet didn't quite feel like home. Yet. Time would tell whether this place would serve as the foundations of a new beginning for them, allowing one horrific chapter in their lives to finally close and allow a more pleasant one to begin. A new chapter they all so desperately deserved to have.

With a slow glance around the faces of those gathered, Galen shifted his attention back to Nori and offered the women a nod in solidarity paired with a soft smile to her accomplishments before opting to do the same as others had proposed. The bounties to be gained were waiting to be found and he was keen on seeking some of them out himself. After a nice drink from the sound of a flowing river he could hear off in the distance that is, but he'd stick around for just a moment in case anything else was needing to be said.

(This post was last modified: Sep 15, 2024, 06:38 PM by Galen.)

So time would be the determination of whether they stayed or kept going, further from their home past. Further into the unknown, into the future, and who knew what it would hold. The eldest Eastfall-Slayer hoped with every fiber of his being that it would be filled with goodness, love and happiness. Those gathered around him deserved it more than anyone else. After all the pain, suffering and heartbreak, good things had to be coming right?

His mind drifted to Eclypse and thought if they settled they could finally go look for her and bring her back. Then they'd finally be together...well that was if Mona found her way home too. That would be an interesting time. The swarthy male didnt dwell long on his missing sisters and what their returns would bring. He turned his attention to his mother's departure then to the others gathered. He guessed it was time to rest. Mat rose to his feet, ignoring the barking of his limbs in protest. A drink and a nap sounded delightful. Giving everyone one more smile and nod the shadow drifted towards the beckoning stream.

-Matos' exit-

The general reactions were muted, but that was to be expected with everything they’d gone through, it was hard to have much enthusiasm for anything; How does one even choose a new home…? Some of the older members of the group had tried it before, but both the Vuesain brothers and the Eastfall-Slayers had all been born on the mountain.   Leo sighed lightly to himself, leaning slightly towards Nori to take the weight of his leg. In any case, this would be a good place to rest for a while, and there were no obvious protests from anyone – although he did note Maggs absence but chalked it up to her being busy with the pups. Meanwhile, the gentle smile on Aquene’s face was promising, and both Galen and Matos nodded solemn agreement. Leo nodded back at them each in turn, watching them turn to go one after the other, before finally turning back to Nori, a tired smile on his face. “Rest sounds good,” he said softly, letting his shoulders sag even as his eyes remained bright; “Maybe in a few days we can have a look at those plains up north?” He would need some time for his leg to recover, but hopefully she was willing to wait.   Once she’d given her answer, he would give her shoulder another light nudge, before walking off to find a soft patch of grass – it felt like he could sleep for days! Thoughts ”Speech”

Coccineus, annamae22, stock-ashleyrwatts & Dawnthieves.de

It seemed everyone was in agreement - that they'd give the place some time, see how things went, before making a decision. It made Nori feel better even than if they'd all just said yes and moved on with it, because she also wanted to get a feel for the place and see if it was suitable. Having a good feeling about something and knowing for a fact were two very different things, and she would hate to choose a bad place.

Rest sounded wonderful, actually, but she felt a little too wired to settle down for the moment. Instead, she offered Leo a small smile, feeling perhaps a bit special that he'd asked her to explore with him.

"I'd love to," she admitted, nudging him lightly in return and watching as he and the others wandered off to rest and relax. Meanwhile, Nori's paws itched to wander a bit further, and so she would head off to explore what might become their new territory, eager to see what the forests had to offer.

fade