Not sure what to do while he waited his mind slowly drifted about flitting from one thought to another like an anxious bird. He went from thinking about his birth pack and the probability of if they were even still around. Then it would change to Copper Rock Creak and the flood that had terrorized them all. His stomach growled bringing him back to reality for the moment. "Can't go and hunt yet... need to wait for them to show up first..." Standing up for a moment he shook the snow from his coat hoping to dispel some of the chill that was settling over him from the cold winds and snow. Settling back down into a sitting position he kept his ears up and alert listening for any possible sound that might be the paw steps of wolves through the snow.
Not sure what to do while he waited his mind slowly drifted about flitting from one thought to another like an anxious bird. He went from thinking about his birth pack and the probability of if they were even still around. Then it would change to Copper Rock Creak and the flood that had terrorized them all. His stomach growled bringing him back to reality for the moment. "Can't go and hunt yet... need to wait for them to show up first..." Standing up for a moment he shook the snow from his coat hoping to dispel some of the chill that was settling over him from the cold winds and snow. Settling back down into a sitting position he kept his ears up and alert listening for any possible sound that might be the paw steps of wolves through the snow.
"Hello. I am Hollow Nite... what is your business, and your name?" Hollow's stance was tall, proud, and obvious that he was alpha, his voice held just a hint of curiosity, his face was much the same, because this wolf was just so damn familiar. But the leader of the Woodlands couldn't place it, even while he stood above the older male, for some reason Hollow thought he had once been below him, there was almost a tug for the male to lower his stance. But the laws of the wild dictated it stay high. Which Hollow was so used to he never tried to change it, but merely stood there waiting for Nina, or Kashikoi's answer so that he knew whom he was addressing, and why he seemed so familiar.
Things were slowly starting to come into working order around Secret Woodlands. Together they were all working past their losses and trying harder to work to find food for the winter, as this one seemed to not wish to be kind to them. However, things seemed to be brightening up for one of her most valued members, Ashanti, but not so much for Hollow, her partner. Koda had returned to them but Nina had been in slight emotional turmoil to fully comprehend what was going to happen. Did she honestly want Hollow to back down from his position? She knew she didn’t want him to, but she didn’t know what she would do with Koda around now. How was she supposed to act towards him now? Just like another subordinate? She knew that eventually the emotional toll would be taken on her; she was already starting to lose sleep because she was too busy thinking. |
When Nina broke through the brush his tail quickly rose into a wag before he quickly lowered it remembering that he was still a lone wolf. "Apparently long enough for Hollow to forget his former Second, Nina" Sitting down he scratched at his torn ear with a hind leg before looking them both over "Then again I take it I look a fair bit different than I used to... I well I wish to be part of the pack again, to be part of a family again. This winter has been harsh on me and I need food to get through it. So I'm not sure who is the ranking wolf currently but can someone bring the pack's alpha?"
"Well, Kashikoi, you would be speaking to us. Nina and I lead the pack." Hollow nudged Nina as if to say This is kinda fun, greeting an old pack mate like this. It was probably the lightest Hollow had felt in quite some time. It was nice to see a familiar face on the border, one they knew well and one he was sure Nina would allow a home once more. Plus it looked as though there was wisdom in the male now from his travels, Or at least some kind of world experience that Hollow no longer possessed from his time in the pack. Leading, it seemed had a way of making you forget how to act as a lone wolf, Kashi would be able to bring this experience back to all of them.
The strong woman was slightly surprised by how much Kashi had changed in the passing year. Her heart almost ached to be able to hold him like the son she had once viewed him as, but she knew he was no longer the child she had met when she had first came into the Lore. She had been leading when she had first created Secret Woodlands and was slightly shocked that the man would think that Nina would give up her position. She had once been a subordinate wolf, but in a way, when their former alphas had left them, Nina had risen, though she supposed she still had Ash to thank for that too. Too shocked to answer, she was happy that Hollow took care of it and spoke to the male for her, not losing a beat in her hesitation to answer his question. None the less, the Reinier was quite thrilled that her long time friend had returned and took in pleasure of closing the distance between them to rub her muzzle along his forehead; she had missed him dearly and was glad that he had returned home. |
Look Out!
A young pronghorn has fallen behind its herd and starved in the snow. +5 Health
The sudden advance of Nina surprised him at first, was she angry? Upset? Perhaps she just wanted to make sure it was him. It seemed to be none of the above however. As the female's muzzle rubbed along his forehead he couldn't hold back the urge to flinch a little at having her so close to his new scars. It didn't last long however as Nina pulled away and shot him the question. "I have learned new things yes, but studying comes hard at times as a loner, it was experimentation more than anything." Tilting his nose to the wind he waited for their response as the scent of somewhat fresh carcass met his nose. He knew it probably wasn't warm anymore but it still made his stomach rumble.
The leader of the woodlands fell into an old habit whilst listening to an exchange of old friends and began to scan the area around them, there was nothing, no threat no food, nothing. It pained the male almost to accept members into this land of desolation, shrouded in snow, scarce food, little warmth to be had even when huddled together in the den. Winter was here, and it was harsh, it felt as if the very land itself was rising up to meet them and smother them all in white crystalline tomb. Hollow sighed almost inaudibly, only noticeable by the fog that rolled from his muzzle. It had been a rough winter so far, but now they had more paws, and even though that meant more mouths, Hollow knew deep down that Secret woodlands would be fine
At first it seemed as though her touch was unwelcome, something that gave a shock to her. None the less she kept her mouth shut and waited for the answer to her question, single eye gleaming patiently with happiness for her friend’s return. When he opened his jaws to speak, Nina let her ears flick forward and was thrilled with the answer he had provided her. Experimenting was a great way to gain experience, no matter how bad it may have been. She let the silence wash over them then, the mother shifting uncomfortably in front of her former pupil and partner. She was saved once the swarming scent of prey came to her. Giving a comforting grin towards Kashikoi, she mentioned in the direction that the scent was coming from, ”Come, you must gather more of your strength. This winter is not going to be a pleasant one, my dear.”
Flicking her tail to admit entrance into her pack, she turned on her heel and started towards where the scent had come from, her emerald eye watching her steps to make sure she did not step on anything sharp. Hopefully, Kashikoi would remember so as well because Nina was low on her stocked herbs and she would not waste any more of them on broken paw pads unless there was reason to absolutely assume that there would be an infection. She did not waste anymore time trying to find the carcass and when she came upon the dead thing, she deemed it safe enough to eat and mentioned the boy forward so that he could get his first portions.