Red Fern Forest tell me that you'll open your eyes

for @Lila only, right on the edge of RFF and Spectral, if you don't mind. c:

Chan remembered the times he had been here before, how happy and naive he had been. Just adventuring, oblivious to the hurt he was causing back home, to the conscienceless beasts that lurked in the darkness, to the shadows that could take over a wolf's heart. He wouldn't have thought that anything would hurt a child, but here he was now, seeking two who were missing; two who might very well be dead, and at Roland's paws.

"Nash?" he yowled out, having not called in some time. His ears twisted round like radar dishes, taking in each and every little sound; desperate to hear even a faint whimper.

Nothing.

"@Elwood?" he pressed on further. The sun had already fallen out of the sky, he would need to shelter soon and prepare to make his way back to the remainder of his family. @Moonshadow, @Kajika, @Tagg, Birtie -- he didn't need to give them anymore reason to worry, anymore stress than what they were already drowning under.

Chan sighed, and his shoulders sagged. This was his fault.

She needed to head back. She'd never quite done something like this. Been gone so long. She couldn't imagine how much torment and pain she'd caused her mother. But she'd be happy to see her wouldn't she? Proud in some small form she was alive. It'd be some story she joked about in her old age. Aponi wasn't the only one she missed.

With some sense of direction she kept her steady walk. It was was less painful now. Not that she showed it. It was better to hide weakness. Especially in a time like this. She'd gotten herself cleaned up, and remembered not to forget who she was. Daughter of Aponi Aquila. How she needed to act like it.

A weary sigh fell from her lips, as she stretched her back knowing she had so much further to go. It was going to be dark soon. She use to love the dark, but now it made her feel a bit claustrophobic. Even without anyone around she didn't want it to bother her. She'd walk until she got tired or had another reason. At least for now,despite the sun already setting, there was still its faint glow. Holding on, giving her a few more moments of its light.

A voice rose in the distance.  Clearly in some desperate search. Why was it familiar?

"Who are you looking for?" She loudly questioned, her blue-gray eyes shifting through the wood. Wondering if she'd regret asking. But she swore she knew this wolf. She stalled, uneasily shifting from one leg to the other. Waiting.

(This post was last modified: Nov 14, 2018, 08:56 PM by Lila.)

When that first syllable reached him, it hit him like electricity. After hearing only silence for so long, hope ballooned in his chest and he almost set off at a run. Before he could, however, his brain caught up with the rest of the words; not to mention the voice had been adult, female. He deflated, sadness gripping him once more. Maybe she had information, though. At the least, it wouldnt hurt to have more eyes out.

He padded through the woods, desiring to have this conversation face to face, and when his eyes settled on the figure of his unexpected company, Chan's spirits lifted ever so slightly. Lila. He remembered her clearly, just as he remembered every encounter he'd been gifted with during his time in the forests. She had been steeley at first, but warmed up quickly. He was pretty sure she was trustworthy.

Then again, thats what his mom thought about Roland.

"Lila, hey," he greeted, with none of the childish enthusiasm that he'd carried the first time theyd crossed paths.

"My brothers are missing. Nash and Elwood, they're just pups. Ones black n' grey, got green eyes. Elwoods white, sunflower colored eyes," looks like his mother Chan wouldve added, had he thought Lila knew the woman, "you havent seen them, have you?"

(This post was last modified: Oct 18, 2018, 02:08 PM by Chan.)

@Chan

It took her only a short moment for recognition to set in. It was Chan, but he looked different from the last time they'd met. Older. Troubled. Things he not been. She didn't like how they marred his face, like they didn't belong. This time he was on a real search. She knew that usually wasn't good.

Fear from before mostly left her rigid frame, but not worry. She eased closer to him, puzzlement in the tight lines around her eyes. "No I'm sorry. I haven't." Dismayed her ears twisted back, wishing she could provide something more. She hadn't run into anyone by either description though she hadn't exactly gotten too far. But imagining they were the same age as her own siblings she felt worse. And if he'd already came this far.

"How long have they been missing?" She questioned, trying to keep her tone soft. She had no reason to keep coarse edges for him. "Are you the only one looking?" She still didn't know much of the Cove. They had seemed about the size of the Bend and she doubted they had many to spare. Especially if there were still other siblings to look after.