Crossroad

The shivering mess that was once Domina had reached the end of the road. Her life couldn't possibly continue after all of this running and wandering. She had fallen in a frozen lake for crying out loud; and then after a desperate scramble to escape, the nimble creature had bolted. It was a case of staying warm; and even now, with her body stumbling and skin trembling, she couldn't figure out if it was the correct response. The run had been cold. Colder because of the air that whipped around her, colder still because she had to fjord a field of snow. Ice clung to her pelt, caking the wisps of gold upon her cheeks down in drags of crystal and white. She had run because running would heat her up; however, Domina never considered her size in the equation. She was tiny, so even her activity had not been enough. The cold had crept in to her lungs and through her flesh; her toes were numb, her face was frozen.

The end had to be near. What else could there be?

But she kept going. Fighting through the snow that was up to her chest - even to her chin, in some places - and feeling the damp sensation of the melting snow, just barely, through her skin. Before her there was a darkness. It contrasted with the white of the snow, and stood out plainly to her. Reaching arms of trees beckoned her closer, and while Domina found herself wanting to sneer and shout at the stupid growths, she didn't have the energy. Just as her face passed under the shadow of the first tree, the girl realized just how exhausted she was.

It was in that next instance that the darkness overtook her. She collapsed in to the snow at the base of a tree, slipping in and out of sleep, and dangerously cold.

(This post was last modified: Dec 12, 2013, 11:06 PM by Domina.)

HEALER LACH 2 DA RESCUE also for some reason i keep attracting food
wat

Long, willowy legs dragged the yearling through the snow, destination unknown as he put distance between himself and his home. He was an Arctic, made for the snow, so he had little reason to fear it. Occasionally a frigid breeze would ruffle his luxurious coat and chill him to the bone, but the feeling wouldn’t last long. The key was to keep moving and keep busy; the less he did the colder he got, which was why the boy was constantly searching for herbs to stock his inventory. Not only was it useful, but it also kept XIX on his toes instead of moping around because he was cold.

Boo-hoo.

As he lost himself in the thicket the scent of a nearby pack weighed heavy on the air, keeping the yearling on high alert. The last thing he wanted was an altercation with a wolf from another pack – he didn’t know if Cut Rock was on good terms with this neighbouring pack. A soft frown worked itself onto his dark lips, brows narrowing as he slunk through the trees, absently wondering to himself how he was going to find his way back home. He would worry about that later – for now, Lachesis was utterly fascinated by the undergrowth that made up the thicket. Littering the hedges was a plant that was particularly useful for winter, black hawthorn, which he intended picking up before returning to Cut Rock.

As he moved, serpent-like, through the trees the scent of another – a loner – slapped across his damp nostrils. Unsure what to do the boy’s steps faltered, brows narrowing as he struggled to decide which direction to head into. An exasperated sigh stumbled off his tongue as he pulled himself in the direction of the stranger. Generally the boy preferred to be on his own – he didn’t like making friends or striking up conversations. He liked keeping to himself and busying himself with his healer duties. Lachesis knew he should be attempting to get to know his new packmates and get along with them, but he was still adjusting to the change.

It was only when he saw the collapsed form of the female that Lachesis realized he had made the right decision, as if fate had been whispering in his ear to find the loner. Breaking into a sprint he lunged toward the female, heart beating rapidly in his chest. Winter was a cruel mistress and kept bringing injured wolves to him – as much as he enjoyed his role as the pack’s healer, it was also upsetting seeing others sick or injured. He knew that he was helping them get better, yet he couldn’t help but empathize with their pain.

Without a second thought the boy flopped down beside the golden-black female, his lanky body pressed up against her small frame to share his body heat with her. There was icicles clinging to her fur – she had been in water! Panic consumed him as he rest his head over her, trying to cover her body with his. He pressed frantic licks against her fur, hoping that it would be enough to warm her up and drag her back into consciousness.

(This post was last modified: Dec 12, 2013, 02:43 AM by Lachesis.)

stick with those who stick with you

Look Out!

There is a moose carcass that has been scavenged by a bear nearby. +10 Health

It was easy to tell that this winter was going to be extremely cruel to them all. Things had begun to freeze quicker than normal. The herbs had quickly shriveled up and died long ago and unless one had preserved them, they would all be long gone until next spring. Things had been calm, for the most part, on the Secret Woodland borders, the only thing that had set them off was when a few loners had come to the borders, but none had been hostile. All claiming they wanted a place to stay for the winter, which Nina had no problem with, as long as they worked for it. She hadn’t been expecting to hear a large crash coming from close to her borders though. Her single eye widened in surprise, but other than that, she sprinted off into the direction of the crash. On the way she passed by a moose carcass, one that seemed to have been killed by a bear, something she would have to bring up with Hollow at a later date, as she didn’t want to risk the safety of her pack, but at the moment it seemed as though there was another life on the line here. When she arrived, she noticed another wolf there, though he seemed to be much healthier that the loner that was on the ground…soaking wet. The other wolf that seemed much healthier, she wouldn’t be surprised if he was from a pack, was a yearling, but as a Healer she could sense the faintest scent of herbs clinging to the boy’s pelt. Lifting her tail upon instinct, she looked upon the starving loner beneath them. Turning her head towards the young boy, she made it clear that she was the alpha of these lands and hopefully, if this loner was to survive, then the yearling would listen to her, as she was much more experienced. Clearing her throat, she spoke clearly to the boy, <b style="color:#008080">”There is a moose carcass near my territory. Please go grab it for her while I start the process of warming her up.” Flicking her tail in dismissal she didn’t check to see if the boy was following her orders. Instead, she approached the woman and made sure that it was obvious that the experienced healer wasn’t going to injure her. Then carefully, the woman began to try the woman’s fur by licking her fur in the wrong direction. This would dry her off and begin the process of keeping her warm at the same time.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

He drowned himself in his work, continuing to apply licks to the female’s fur in order to return her to reality. This was the second unconscious wolf that XIX had stumbled upon since the pack had relocated to Cut Rock – was he a magnet for sleeping females? Definitely not the type of attraction he wanted from females. He preferred them awake and able to speak – even be rude to him, as long as they were awake. Just without being violent.

A voice broke him away from his thoughts; movements paused as a female approached the pair. Pear eyes quickly avoided the one-eyed stranger, as she made it quite obvious that she was the leader of the nearby pack. While she was not his Alpha the yearling (reluctantly) pulled himself away from the golden shadow, only responding with a brief nod before following the scent of the fallen moose. If there had been no alliance established between Cut Rock and this pack Lachesis did not want to be the reason why one didn’t form. Stepping aside he watched as the agouti female approached the dark rogue, his legs twitching as she lowered her muzzle. Instinctively he wanted to lunge forward to protect the stranger, but he knew the female only wanted to help the loner.

Turning away the boy darted forward, nose held to the wind as he followed the scent of the moose carcass. He had to keep reminding himself that fetching food was going to help the dark yearling, and that the agouti female knew what she was doing. Just because he wasn’t the one warming her up and trying to rouse her awake didn’t mean he wasn’t being useful. He had started the process, regardless of what the Alpha had said. Snorting in annoyance he slowed his pace once the moose came into view; anxiety replacing his previous irritation. He was close to the pack borders – too close. He was worried that another was going to lunge out from the trees, shouting nasty words and attempting to scare the deer-legged youth away.

Tearing as much meat off of the carcass as he could carry, XIX returned hastily back to the two strangers. He could leave, after dropping off the meat, but something in his gut told him to stay. While the dark yearling was nothing but a stranger to him – he didn’t even know her name – he needed to know that she was okay; to be there when she was awake.

Long, spidery legs carried him quickly as he approached the pair, body lowered as he dropped the meat her side. Taking several steps back the boy watched the experienced healer with curious eyes while ensuring that he maintained a submissive posture. Although they were from different packs a leader was still a leader regardless; she had years of experience behind her and was fully capable of tearing him to pieces if she wanted to. <b style="font-family:georgia;">“Do you need anything else?” He asked suddenly, voice quiet as he observed the older female.

stick with those who stick with you

It was a usual day for the man. Miccah was out marking and guarding the borders, making sure no threat passed his watchful eye.

Winter had arrived in these lands, that was for sure. It showed in the coating of snow on the ground that he currently trudged through. Snow made scents diminish faster, and these days he found himself doing overtime on the borders. He wasn't complaining, for he liked his job of marking the borders. The peace and silence of the job enthralled him--though he wouldn't deny a bit of action here and there.

As he continued padding across the borders, a scent caught his attention. It was unfamiliar, but the male--for the scent displayed it was a male--was clearly of a pack. And he was coming Miccah's way. Following the scent, his paws silently moved through the thickets. A bit close from the borders, there was a moose carcass. Hidden by a deep cluster of the thickets, he watched as an Arctic yearling came and started to bite off as much meat as he could.

The man almost growled in warning, for that food was rightfully his pack's, but something told him to keep silent. The boy was healthy, so Miccah was curious as to why the yearling was taking the meat so hastily.

Making a quick decision to follow the yearling, his paws weaved through the thicket. If he did end up being a threat, Micah would take care of it. Either by himself or with backup from the pack. He had made a vow to protect this pack, his pack, and he wouldn't start breaking it now. Or ever.

As his body moved through the thickets, he was silent so that the yearling, who could be a potential threat, wouldn't know he was being followed.

What meant his eyes as his black form caught up with the young boy surprised him. Nina was there, an unconcious girl at her feet, and the boy seemed to be helping her take care of the female loner.

His deep baritone rumbled in his chest as he announced his presence. "Miss Nina." The second wasted no time moving to Nina's side, unconciously moving to her blind side. His tail lifted to show his high ranking position--for he was a dominant man after all--but made sure to keep it lower than Nina. Nodding politely to the young boy, he kept silent. He waited for Nina to either tell to him what to do or leave him be. He had no qualms with being silent and keeping alert for danger, for as he passed the moose carcass, he had seen what looked like bear tracks. He knew a bit about herbs from Ashanti, but he was no expert. Still, he would help any way he could.

Ashanti Aranna
Maybe my heart isn't that whole

I feel Ashanti needed to jump in here! <3

Ashanti had returned from her little expedition with little to no herbs. She couldn't find anything with the winter season upon them, things died and didn't grow back until spring. These were the facts and Asha felt almost like a failure for even trying. She came across a few familiar scents, Nina and Miccah, which was excepted of them. But there were some she didn't know. When she came into their view, she froze. It was her from Ghastly Woods. She let out a little hiss and realized she was injured. Surely Nina wouldn't expect her to be nice to the disrespectful and arrogant teen. Her talk with her had been short, but she didn't like the girl's attitude.

She gave a respectful bow to Nina and then she walked over to Miccah, just watching as her and another healer seemed to take on and off. She had noticed that the other healer had left, and with no doubt, Nina had sent him off to do something. She nuzzled Miccah's neck a little before turning to Nina, no doubt a distaste in her voice. "Any way I can help our little patient?" She asked, obvious that she did not like the female that she was referring to Domina. Then she remembered, none of them knew about her little encounter. Now was not the time to tell them either, when she helped Nina, she hoped the girl was sent away. After she was fully recovered, yes. But no later. She looked at the girl who had collapsed in the snow. If only she had been nicer. Ashanti thought, rather smug.

(This post was last modified: Jan 05, 2014, 03:27 AM by Datura.)

Above her body, entities shifted.

There was one, then another, and more as time passed. Moments; quick and fleeting. Domina was unaware of it all. The tugs of warmth upon her skin went without feeling; a body pressed against her, then pulled away. Voices, maybe, sank in to her like the cold of winter.

Domina was running out of time. Her body was still quite cold, despite the persistent effort of these strangers. It wasn't until the stench of meat was flooding the air, thanks to the return of Lachesis, that Domina gave even a hint of life. Her head twitched softly against the snow; an involuntary spasm that even the girl could not feel.

(This post was last modified: Dec 16, 2013, 06:58 AM by Domina.)

Her methods didn’t seem to be working very well, which didn’t surprise her considering how frozen the poor girl was. When the yearling returned with as much meat as he could carry, a small growl rumbled in Nina’s throat in a way of thanks. The boy had asked her a question, but before she had been able to get a reply, one of the pack’s Guards came on her blind side, a sharp growl from her indicating a small warning as she stepped closer to her patient and eyes the man beside her. She wanted him to back off, but at the same time, the skilled Healer was smart enough to know that she would need the man’s help. When he greeted her she promptly ignored him and instantly gave him a command, <b style="color:#008080">”Chew the meat and give it to her to make it easier for her to swallow.” Her words were choppy and filled with such force that it wouldn’t make any wolf think twice about listening to her words. It wasn’t long before another member, one that she gratefully appreciated showing up, arrived. She had needed a specific herb that she knew she had, that grew year round, but from what she knew, it was only grown in the Mountain of Dire, and while she had been visiting her brother, she had picked some up along the way. Pleased that she would have the herb now, she became unsure of if she would use it or not on this loner…and then reminded herself that it was her duty either way. With Ashanti’s words, Nina paused only for a moment, her tone cold…and somewhat mean, when she spoke to her pupil, <b style="color:#008080">”I don’t want your help if you’re going to be snappy about it, Ashanti.” Pointedly, she met her apprentice’s gaze for a moment, before giving her a brief command, <b style="color:#008080">”I need you to pick me up some aconite. It’s a root and there would be a blue flower on the stem. I know I haven’t used it yet and it will raise her temperature. Hurry.” She knew of the side effects of the herb she was giving the woman, but she knew the correct dosage, and in Nina’s personal opinion possibly vomiting, dizziness, and numbness for a few hours would be much better than dying. Sighing, she turned towards the other boy, the yearling, her single eye gleaming in interest as she stood a seat close to the loner to keep her warm and inclined with her head for the boy to do the same on the other side of her. Speaking gently, she asked curiously, <b style="color:#008080">”Who is your teacher?”

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

sorry for the delay everyone. <3

<b style="font-family:georgia; color:#909892;"> It was if the agouti leader had released a sonar that attracted her subordinates – the longer he spent in the company of the experienced healer the more crowded it became around the injured loner. He watched silently, pear gaze following the movements of the others as the nameless Alpha barked orders at them, her tone leaving no room for question. The dark male, who had arrived promptly after Lachesis’ return with the meat, had approached the leader on her blind-side – something that the large female obviously did not like (as the growl from her throat indicated). It was interesting to be in the company of another leader and watch her packmates respond to her gruff, commanding voice. Not long after the male’s arrival a pale-furred female stepped toward them, her words clucking in bitterness as she offered her aide. Either she was annoyed that she had to help or she had met the dark, unconscious loner prior and their meeting had gone sour. As the nameless leader retorted with a snide comment to Ashanti the pale yearling struggled to mask the grin that threatened to break over his lips. XIX quickly regained composure, brows narrowing as the first female to arrive gave Ashanti orders to find a particular herb. Aconite. He mentally stored the word, along with its physical description, for future use – it was obvious that the Alpha knew her way around herbs and was experienced in the field. His thoughts were suddenly broken by the movement of the single-eyed female, who had gestured for him to flank the dark loner’s opposite side. Without question the boy pulled away from his position while keeping his posture lower than the nameless leader’s. He snuggled up against the shadow female’s side, hoping that their combined warmth would soon rouse the girl from her slumber. More words spilled off the agouti leader’s tongue, startling the yearling as they were directed at him this time. <b style="font-family:georgia; color:#909892;">“My mother,” he responded quickly, voice soft as he focused his pear gaze on the wolf between them. <b style="font-family:georgia; color:#909892;">“She started teaching me when I was very young. After I” – was forcibly removed by my brother – <b style="font-family:georgia; color:#909892;">“left I picked up some knowledge from both experimenting and other healers.”

stick with those who stick with you