Stonewatch Timbers its gonna be me

Gent crested the hilltop, arctic blues looking past Bane and only to Minka. As he approached to respectfully greet his alpha, Cessair on his heels, he caught from the corner of his eyes the glinting of the Aranna boy's aggressively bared fangs, and a growl snaked through Gent's throat. His eyes flashed and he had to withhold himself. A part of him understood the stress pressing so heavily on Bane's shoulders, and also his eminence as sole guardian of the pack, but still the action hit a nerve with the blue-black wolf. Nevertheless, Minka's voice rose once more in the air, distracting him. She imparted to them quite a good chunk of information; the ending of the war that drove them here, Inali's fate, and the introduction of her chosen name for their translated pack. What lacked was any update on her mate or daughter's whereabouts, which was certainly a concern for those who knew them and of great personal interest to Gent. Still, the occasion was far too exciting to dwell. Gent back stepped through the gathered wolves, silently signaling to Raela that he would take over guiding Lugh. He would immediately, under Lugh's supervision so that he could have his say, begin digging out the new infirmary.

Minka's welcoming approval lifted the girl's mood even further. Her tail swished away in response as Raela felt the pride that came with success. Everyone was here with them, well, at least everyone that had been with them before they left. Bane's aggressive posturing was met with hard eyes. She and Kova would move their injured second as close to Minka as they damn well pleased. She did not snarl in return, not wanting to start an altercation or disturb the meeting. The Alpha needn't worry about such petty squabbles right now. Bane was simply ignored. If he decided to press the issue further they would deal with it then. She paid careful attention to the Alphess as news of the war passed her lips. A great sigh built in her chest, let out slowly so as not to interrupt. They would not fight, not yet, not now. The details of Inali's betrayal further confused her. She must have been very close with them... the woman supposed. Her ears melted downward as Minka finished that piece of the speech; a primal and familiar apprehension taking hold in her core. She could not attack such a kind woman on sight. She could keep her from the borders if need be, but outright hostility seemed unnecessary. Inali had been kind to her. Still, it seemed as if the former second was indeed a traitor after all. Minka's warm, proud gaze drew Raela's ears forward with excitement yet again. It seemed Minka did truly care for every one of them. As the Alpha mentioned her future pups, another flurry of energy flowed into the tawny girl's tail. The first pups of Round Stone Crest. She liked the name. Not nearly as foreboding but just as strong. The leader's voice ceased on a powerful note, pushing Raela's heart into her throat in a burst of joy and togetherness. She got to her feet, eagerly whipping her muzzle skyward to join in with her pack mates. The powerful song shot into the crisp spring air, lingering above and engulfing them all as one. Her lids were sealed over honeyed orbs, ears taking in all of their voices as she leaned forward – forward into their future. This is what she had wanted all along. This bond, this safety. They were wolves of the Crest now. For once, she felt as powerful as the notes leaving her lungs. They were all here to back her up, and she they. Their declaration faded, dying down as each member returned their gaze to the Alphess. Invigorated, Raela gave a deep and energetic nod as her task was assigned. She moved back from Lugh, returning him to his previous caretaker. A sideways glance met the dark wolf, an expression that didn't say much but behind it held the words ”I hope you stay with him this time.” That taken care of, she offered Aeus a gentle nudge with her nose, happy to redirect her attention to him. Now they could get to looking for food and scouting the area. She was sure this would sit well with her adventurous companion. Thoughts of the Alpha's pups occupied her mind. Perhaps they could bring back some furs or bones for the little ones once they arrived. The idea made her grin as she set out. She liked little ones. Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

            

Kova noticed Cessair attempt to help Lugh just as he snuggled up beside the injured healer. Giving the older woman an assuring smile, Kova let his tail wag a few times before she turned her attention back to the mountain. She's nice... He thought quietly. Kova's first impression of her had been a good one, and even now Cessair seemed very friendly. Usually the gray boy would stick around pack members who had good hearts. So the older lady was definitely somebody he might talk with later.

Making a mental note to get to know Cessair better in the future, Kova glanced back to Lugh finding comfort in the males strong scent. The group continued up towards Minka, during which Kova started to stare back out over the thick trees and rocky terrain.  What was interesting was that the first time he had been to this very place Kova had not thought much of it. The hunger in his belly had kept him from stopping for too long in places that did not have easily accessible food items. This had been one of the few places where there was shelter and he could fish along the creek, but even so Kova hadn't stopped to look at its beauty for too long.

The first trip back to this area with Minka and Raela had been nice, and it had opened Kova's eyes to the real beauty of the place. This second trip back had him wondering where the best trails and viewpoints were around the mountain along with the hills around it. He had a feeling that he would be visiting the stream or creek or whatever it was often just to think and relax. Fishing was also a good way for Kova to have a good time by himself should he finish up chores or something. 

They made it to the top by Minka and stopped to rest. He whined a little "hello" to Bane after the Aranna wolf postured towards the others. Then he greeted his mother warmly before weaving his way back through the group towards Lugh. Excitement was in the air, and despite already missing the downs Kova couldn't help but become infected by the others excitement. His tail began to wag while the boy tried to look at the good things about the move instead of the bad. He heard his mother begin to call out. Her howl was strong and forceful, and it was soon followed by Raela's lighter tuned howl. Kova gives way to temptation, lifts his head, and releases his own son into the air. His voice cracked at first, a surprising thing to Kova which made his howl waver for a second. However his voice returned to that normal youthful high tone as he continued to howl with the others.

Aeus strode alongside with Raela, making the lengthy steps to a tedious journey. He watched as Gent trotted at her heels, closely hugging her personal space. A heated flame expanded in his boasting chest. Something about the man's proximity made Aeus want to snap at those cerulean eyes and nimble snout. He sent some unreceived glances back at the proud man and raised his banner a few inches. He had heard about the little skirmishes that Gent had caused latley and he knew that at some point- he would be next. With Lugh injured- he was second in command. Astraeus wasn't nessicarily worried, for he could push his age and size around comfortably with him if it came to it- just fighting didn't really muse him. The sable man's attention was grabbed by Raela's little glances. He smiled and opened his mouth to speak. "Wha-" He was cut of by the scramble of rocks and dust behind the pair. Gent split ahead of the group- his excitement matched with Aeus'. He smiled and increased the pace as well, looking back at the little troop. As they neared Minka, the pack made a semicircle with bodies. He planted himself happily beside Raela, pricking his ears forward to listen. Minka's meeting and little excerpt about Inali was surprising, it was odd to think such a peaceful woman would do such a thing. But, she did something that would change the Dow- er, Crest forever. He have a firm nod, understanding that it needed to be done to preserve the pack. She then praised the group and lead them into a howl. He was quick to join, sharing his haunting cry into the crisp air. ”Speech”

Colourize-Stock @DA, ScifiStock @DA  & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

ITS NOT LIKE I WANTED US TO HAPPEN

Here they were again, the pack gathered before its alphess for the first time in this new territory.  Only this time, the patriarch was conspicuously absent.  Cessair had hoped Tokino would be here already when the rest of the pack arrived, but he was nowhere to be found.  Inali, too, was missing, and Cessair was growing worried.  She pushed these thoughts aside when Minka imparted her first item of news.  The war was over!  The lithe woman had been uneasy about fighting, and now she need worry no longer.

But Cessair's joy was immediately crushed.  Inali, a traitor?  She had never gotten to know the former second very well, but Cessair thought she was a good wolf and respected her authority.  But Cessair was mostly upset upon seeing Minka's own response.  The leader and her second had been close friends, she knew, and now there was the despair of being betrayed on top of the remaining lost pup and still-absent patriarch.  Despite all this grief, Minka managed to move her pack to a new territory.  And she was pregnant, too.  Did the difficulties never end?

The leader quickly revived her spirits and declared the pack's triumph before lifting her muzzle and leading the pack in glorious song.  The moment of euphoria in rallying together masked Cessair's worries for a moment.  She felt her energy renew from the excitement, but a thread of concern lingered for her leader, who was so insistent on being positive in the midst of her afflictions.  The best Cessair could think to do was to help as much as physically possible, so she immediately set off on her task of scouting around the new territory.