chasing shadows

ooc: Hokay so Zia, Lucero, and Lyr have brought Borlla back to the pack. Since Bry said Borlla would pretty much be out of it I ran with that. Let me know if you want anything changed or if I power played too much. For Lucero and anyone in Magnolia Glen



Deft paws passed over rotting flesh, chasing infection away. Claws ripped and bruised leaves, extracting juices. Smooth pads washed blood away. Such was the rhythm in which Lyr worked.

In the darkness, the wolf’s mismatched eyes were the same color - shadows. And with those eyes she saw the shadows within the body she bent over, threatening every moment of the life beneath her paws. Every laborious breath was welcomed by soothing murmurs to reassure the alpha. The herbs she dealt with were fresh in her memory as if she had learnt them yesterday, but truly they were foreign to Lyr. They were not part of her usual arsenal... And although her actions were confident, her mind knew she was not suited for the medicine den. Many hearts had she poisoned, many bodies had she prepared for the ground.

She briefly recalled the times when she had sent shadows to consume the minds of her enemies, the herbs that had oozed poison and death... but these memories were fragmented. She only knew the shadows to be her friends, yet for some reason today she was chasing them away... It would be so easy to kill the poor soul beneath her, so simple to end the misery...

Yet she worked with kindness in her heart, sympathy in her silent words. And she supposed time passed, for when there was nothing left but to send Borlla to sleep, night had fallen.

Walking out into the night she inhaled deeply the scent of the fresh, cold air outside the den. As she left the warmth of the place where Borlla rested she noticed the smell of herbs and sickness clinging to her pelt. Steps were taken with care through the shadows down to the water that provided the valley with bounty. When she reached it she checked to see if she was alone before dipping her paws into the cold water. Throughout the day she had heard the cries and laughter of the pack, but so far none had bothered her and she had been provided all that she had asked for. It was all for the good of their leader, so no one opposed her, but now that she had done her job, she wondered what was next for her.

Of course, the healing was not over. There was a long road ahead for the alpha, provided she awoke in the morning.

The cold of the water shocked her but was soothing on her tired feet. Her lids were heavy and the queer feeling she was being watched had come over her. It was strange being around a pack. It was hard to even believe Lyr had once grown up in a place like this. A cold wind chilled her sweaty skin. Her scent was mixed with the scent of the pack, but she still must have smelled like a stranger. It made her nervous to know she was around so many wolves... So she began to wash herself to look presentable when the time came for her to meet the others.

(This post was last modified: Oct 04, 2013, 11:57 PM by Lyr.)

OOC: Zia has gone ahead and summoned Phineas. If anything should be changed, let me know. ;) The journey home had been long and tiresome. As the four females picked their way back from the creek, a trail of blood left in the wake of Borlla was all the proof there was that something terrible had happened to her. But she hadn't been alone. Like a devoted friend, she had kept to the pale wolfs side the entire time. Lending her support, both physically and emotionally. Zia worried for her. Would she recover fully? How long would it take? How would Kyros and Hypatia handle the news, once they found out? Zia had mixed feelings about letting a stranger such as Lyr within their home. But what choice was there? Lucero only knew so much about healing, and here was Lyr, who seemed most knowledgeable and willing to help. So surely, once Phineas discovered what had happened, he would trust in her judgement. Even if it went against letting Lyr within the borders as a guardian, there were still times when exceptions had to be made. But just because Lyr had been kind enough to tend to Borlla's injuries within the Glen, did not mean she was trusted. As she had gone about the painstaking task of collecting herbs, nursing the injuries of their Alphess within the den, Zia watched her like a hawk. She had taken up a station right outside the entrance of the den, laying off to one side, cold blue eyes fixed steadily upon the gaping entrance. Assuming a position laying on her stomach, one was not to mistake the silver guard to be at ease. Instead she lounged with her head upright, paws crossed, shoulder muscles taut. At any moment, at any sign of trouble in the slightest, Zia was ready to launch to her feet to see to whatever matter it was. She would not sleep tonight. Instead she would maintain her vigil outside of the den, or keeping close tabs on Lyr. It was in serious times like these, that her harsh and highly disciplined, militaristic side revealed itself. It was these qualities along with a healthy mix of genuine concern, that made her ideal for the role of guardian of which she had been bestowed. After what could have been moments or perhaps hours, the shuffling of dirt was heard from within the den. It couldn't have been Borlla. Just as she had suspected, it was Lyr, who had emerged from the darkened hole. Without having to ask, Zia knew that her task was complete. The silver and brown female was watched with a seemingly cold, yet not unkind gaze as she slipped a short distance away. Zia was not trying to come off as unfriendly. She was only making sure that their visitor knew her place and that her every movement was to be watched. After a moment, she slipped out of her sphinx like posture, extending her forelegs out in front as she stretched. Following her trail over to the nearby creek, she came to stand by it's bank. Zia was quite easily spotted with the bright metallic fur that was cloaked around her shoulders. Yet in the shadows of night such as this, her charcoal coloring also allowed her to slip by many eyes unseen. Knowing that Lucero was likely close by or checking on Borlla, she knew it was only a matter of time until the pack was informed of the devastating news. But for now, she wanted to be informed of her queens condition. "So, how is she?" She asked, getting straight to the point. There was no beating around the bush, no unnecessary questions. Glancing over her shoulder, unsure of Lucero's exact location at the moment, she allowed a soft bark to escape her lips. Calling the ivory female over to where she and Lyr stood, so she may hear of the information Lyr had to give them. She didn't know Lucero personally, but she did know that she shared a deep bond of friendship with Borlla. Certainly she would want to know how she had been treated and the severity of the injuries. Stepping back, Zia seemed to glance around into the night thoughtfully. "Phineas needs to know about this." She stated quietly, a matter of factly. While she respected Lucero completely as a higher ranking member, in times like these she had no problems in taking charge. It didn't need to be said that she was grateful for Lucero's help today. Raising her muzzle to the sky, she let forth a low, urgent howl. One that easily translated the solemn, yet serious and urgent situation that had taken root within the heart of Magnolia Glen.

Table by Pann, Image by Jolee

:c I'm SO sorry for the wait on this. I thought we were waiting for more than me to reply.. and then realized we weren't/ {headdesk}

He had spent the day just outside the pack borders, maintaining the packs security and with a careful eye. His pale mate had come to him hours earlier, explaining she would be absent as she sought out her brother across the mountains.. as unwilling as he was to support her absence, he knew it was important to her and wished her a safe and speedy trip – after all, it took many days to cross the mountains.. how many would it be before her return?

Of course, he had detoured from the pack borders after a bit, scenting a herd of elk not far. Intrigued by this, the ivory male in turn had missed the entirety of events during his brief time away, and only as his paws swiftly brought him back to the border edges did the scent of blood send an alarming sense of shock across his large frame. It was not that his eyes could now see traces of it, but that the scent of whose it was enveloped him like a snake. The vice-like grip of this surreal and frightening moment had him rooted to the spot momentarily, his fiery eyes staring at the one splatter of crimson that seemed larger than the rest. He could not react, could not question. All he could do was feel the hammering of his heart as it picked up speed in his chest.

It was at that moment that a cry from Zia echoed sharply across the Glen skies, calling for him. Alarmed, but now able to move once more, the ivory Leader found his paws once more and began to race toward the sound of her voice, realizing it had come from his den.

It felt as if hours had passed in the time it took for him to reach his Guardian, and yet it had been only moments. He found the silver she-wolf by the creek edge, accompanied by another he had neglected to even notice had been in his home. His eyes darted between the two, his pace slowing as his tail curled over his back before lashing in agitation. “What happened?” The demand came out harsher than intended, and yet as his gaze settled to Zia, he had not even noticed his words and tone might have come out as anything other than what he felt – afraid.

(This post was last modified: Nov 10, 2013, 06:53 PM by Phineas.)

Now it's my turn to say I'm sorry for holding this up!

It had all been a lot to take in. Under other circumstances, or had it happened to someone other than Borlla, she might have been less shell shocked, but tonight the image of her best friend's limp, bloodied body ran through her mind over and over again. A part of her felt some level of guilt, or responsibility. There was something she could have done, and though she didn't know what would have been, she felt as though she'd failed to keep Borlla safe. Inadvertently, she'd managed to make up for her perceived short comings in the hours that followed the queen's gruesome discovery by keeping busy. Whether it was gathering available supplies for the loner-healer, Lyr, while she worked on Borlla, gathering water, standing watch at the den mouth, or preparing herself emotionally for the months of caring for her friend she knew were to come, Lucero did her best to be available, supportive, and productive.

What if Borlla didn't survive this? What is she were permanently injured or disabled? What would the children think and feel? How would Phineas feel. While Lyr worked on Borlla within the confines of her den, Lucero was sure to be out of the way and took the opportunity to get some fresh air─to clear her head and prepare for the impending long night. A short time was spent on the grassy bank of the creek where she watched silent tears slip down her reflection's rippling face. When Zia's howl echoed through the territory, the golden-eyed wolf abandoned the bend in the creek where she'd been taking a moment to get herself together and cut through the darkness straight to the small gathering.

Arriving just after Phineas and in time to hear his shocked inquiry, the ivory girl slipped quietly to his side, her shoulder brushing his in in silent gesture of support. Her wild eyes took in the sight of their leader, clearly shaken by the event, before falling expressly on Zia, expectant of the new guardian's explanation as she'd been the one to summon them. Lucero would be sure to fill in any gaps in the story as it was relayed to Phineas.

After she had summoned Phineas and anyone else who might show up, she waited. The night was eerily still and silent. Only the trickling water of the creek and the soft rustling of the leaves. She didn't have to wait long until Phineas had answered her call. The sound of his paws hitting the earth in rapid succession alerted her to his haste. Every wolf in Magnolia Glen, especially the ivory male, had good reason to worry. Borlla was horribly injured, leaving the pack short one member. Someone would have to step up in her place to ease the workload for Phineas. Then there were the children. It made her heart wrench painfully at how they would react, once they discovered their mothers condition. Perhaps it was best to hold off, keeping them away from the horrible truth. Maybe they were too young yet. That decision though, was not hers to make. Either way, she would support whatever choice Phineas made, offering what comfort she could. As he had came to a halt in front of her, looking visibly upset while demanding an explanation, Zia sat before him calmly. Although his voice was understandably harsh, laced with panic, the silver female didn't flinch. Didn't bat an eyelash. Simply sat tall and poised, calm and collected. Yet there was an air of graveness about her, hinting at the full severity of the situation. Her glistening blue eyes shifted, noting the arrival of Lucero. Dipping her chin in a subtle nod, she expressed her appreciation towards her presence. If it hadn't been for her, then the journey back from the woods to the safety of the Glen would've been much more taxing. It could've been too late for Borlla. Drawing in a breath, it was expelled afterwards in deep sigh. "There's been an accident." She stated simply. There would be no unnecessary details, no procrastination. Zia would deliver the sad news directly to him. No point in making him suffer any longer than needed. "I was out by the creek. That was when I heard a cry of anguish." She moistened her lips with a lick of her tongue, concentrating on keeping this as short as possible. "Luckily, Lucero was around too. She got there before me. I believe Borlla had been trying to get to the mountain...she suffered a terrible fall." At this she shook her head slightly, forced to look down at the ground, ears plastered to her head. She was trying not to get choked up. Swallowing, she regained control of her emotions, and looked back up at her leader. "Fortunately, a lone female had found her. She claimed to be a proficient healer." With a glance to the side, she had noticed that the loner Lyr, had seemingly disappeared. No matter. Perhaps it was for the best that she had made a swift exit. Her job was done. Zia continued. "Lucero and I came to the agreement that we had no choice to allow her to accompany us back to the Glen, to administer treatment to Borlla's injuries. She is now recovering inside the den...but her condition is...well, I think it's safe to say she'll be out of commission for a while." Glancing back towards the den, as if double checking on his mates condition, a worried look crept into her eyes. Finished, she turned back to Phineas, as if to silently say, "I'm so sorry. We're here for you."

Table by Pann, Image by Jolee

So sorry for the wait.. last post for me, I think. Tagged on a faded ending if you guys wnated to leave it at that, or feel free to add another post yourselves! <33

It took every ounce of strength he held to not dash past the silver she-wolf -- to leap toward the stranger and push her to the ground. Had she done this? His muscles tensed, his ears swiveling to the sound of a voice, though it seemed almost distant to him at this moment. Zia's explanation did not reassure him, and while his eyes stoically regarded the unknown stranger momentarily, no words of gratitude escaped them. Blinking, he looked between the three women, taking in what news had been delivered to him.

Borlla was injured. Greatly. He felt the panic lift in his chest and swallowed it down, only able to give the Guardian a faint nod of understanding. As much as he desired to question them all -- would she survive, what injuries did she sustain, what could be done? He knew these would wait.. for now, he needed to see her. Slipping past the three figures, the ivory regal crept closer to the den, almost afraid of what sight would greet him the moment he slipped in to those shadows and laid eyes upon her.

Without looking back and without a word, Phineas entered the den entrance, careful with his steps before he accidentally walked on her or even touched her. His eyes blinked as the darkness enveloped him, and it took a few moments before the pale figure of his mate came to view. She lap limply -- the scent of blood and herbs filling his senses then. Broken. HIs mate was absolutely broken. Swallowing thickly, he wanted nothing more than to curl to her side and embrace her.. but for now, other things needed to be dealt with.

Emerging back from the den, attempting to contain the shakiness he now felt, his eyes fell quietly between Lucero and Zia. "Could one of you please go find @Kyros and @Hypatia and bring them here. They need to know." With that, the Leader collapsed to his hind, his proud figure slumping down as he tried to think of what he would tell the children. The days would be long from here on out, and desperation would lurk about every corner.

The pale cream and silver wolf who had so kindly assisted Zia and Lucero in guiding Borlla back to safety was on her way out, unwilling to face the wrath of a protective Alpha. Still, Zia was grateful towards the stranger, who was apparently an expert healer. For a time, she had even wondered if she would be recruited for her efforts. Lucero, she knew, was still in training and had yet to cross over the mountain to seek advice from a trusted friend of Phineas. Even though they had broken a rule, allowing her entrance, by doing so they had certainly saved the life of the Queen. That was her duty after all, as a guardian. Even if it meant pulling some strings every now and then.

The look of fear and worry within his eyes was justified. Had she had a loved one to care for, she would've reacted the same way, if not worse. Still, Zia was not the type to sugarcoat anything. In a situation as serious as this, he was entitled to the truth, no matter how devastating it may be. Stepping aside, she made room for the ivory Alpha to pass, so he may slip into the den to see his mate. She would not enter. At this time, only he and possibly the pups should be by her side. Borlla needed rest...and time. Time to heal. However long that would take. She remained a stoic figure, calm yet understanding while she sat like a guard outside a palace.

Once Phineas emerged again, Zia listened attentively, ready to spend the night awake doing his bidding. He wanted the children here. Swallowing slightly, she nodded slightly. It would be hard for them to see their mother battered like this, but why hide the truth from them. They would need to understand why Borlla was cooped up in the den, not fulfilling her role as Alphess. "Of course. I'll go find them right away." She replied softly, before giving Phineas a reassuring nudge behind the ear. She was there for him, to offer whatever moral support she could. Turning on her heel, she trotted off into the night to find the cubs.

-Zia Exits-