Thicket of Secrets and the sunlight hurts my eyes

@Danica, @Nina, @Aideen, maybe @Koda? takes place right after 'bitter night, cold frights'. Dani posts after Io, then whatever order I guess?

It had been a long night and an even longer journey home. For the most part she had managed to keep Danica on the right heading. A few times the girl had wandered away, looking for who knows what. Heart twisting in worry Iopah had successfully turned the disoriented girl around. Sometimes invoking a game (at this point Io would have resorted to any means to get Danica to help), other times suggesting that the view may be better somewhere else. It didn't seem to matter that it was still pitch black, there was no view in the inky darkness.

In the brief spells of normalcy, no humming or bizarre question to occupy her, Iopah would look over to the girl as she limped along. How did she get this far north? She was so disoriented and dazed that it was hard to recognize the girl Iopah had once known. Was the familiar Danica in there somewhere? Could she be helped, was there a plant that could fix her mind?

When dawn first streaked across the sky in lines of pale yellow, Iopah could have slumped with relief. She let out an audible sigh, then glanced worried at Danica. The girl had such a fragile hold of reality,who knew if the sight of concern in her savior would damage it further. There was nothing to do but push on. Iopah let them through the cherry orchard. She remembered finding Danica and Gent in this very place. Months later she had met Gent again and had to admit the girl was lost. Iopah felt like the princess was still just as lost.

Finally the forested border of the orchard appeared. Under the canopy vines twisted thickly up the rough-barked trees and Iopah whined low at the first hint of the familiar thicket. Certainly they were wondering where she was. Iopah had said nothing about a trip to the Ghastly Forest and it was now late morning with no trace of their huntress. Her voice raised in a plea, pitch rising and falling, but not daring to fade away. There was a desperation to her ordinarily low and throaty howl. At least her absence meant that someone would be at the border searching.

Danica moved silently from Iopah. Her pale paws traveled across familiar land. Her messy mind was managing to focus on what urged her forward. A memory. One of adventure from some time ago.

The yearling found what she thought to be the place where she met Gent and sat. The scene played before her very eyes to her delight. She pictured a tiny yet big eared pup rushing after a stranger. Her growing body mostly consumed in deep glistening snow. He had stopped to respond to her innocent pleas. A handsome and kind fellow Gent was. Especially since he had helped her dear Titan. At the thought of the dark boy her flashback came to a halt. With fresh determination she glanced around for the Secret Woodland Huntress. *Maybe she knows.*

Lifting up off the hard ground she rushed forward. It didn't take Dani long to catch up with Iopah. When she did, however, she forgot about Titan and begun another toon. Her humming was soft and sweet with an eerie edge to it. Quickly she was lost once more into the bizarre world inside of her pretty little head. She stepped lightly with an unusual bounce.

As they drew close to the edge of the Orchard and the Thickets were in sight Danica stopped. Every muscle froze into place and she held her breath. Her eyes went from a sleepy dull to bright within a moment. Trees twisted about one another to create her old home. Gleefully in a pup like manner she ran forward yelling,"Tacoma, Ashton, Mother, I'm home!" Her voice was loud and carried all around her.

She smiled big as her paws raced towards the border, but stopped in realization. The memory of the dead still body assulted her and a wail of sorrow slipped forth. She jumped from the scent marks as if they were acid or blazing with fire. She did not belong here! Oh she did not belong here! Inside she screamed and outside she ran in a circle confused and frightened.

"WHY?!" The shout was filled with hatred and hurt. Wild green eyes stared acussingly."WHY HAVE YOU BROUGHT ME HERE?!" A simple question asked in a raised tone, rage soaking each word,"Just why?" Dani asked quiter and suddenly, creepily, calm. Tears welled up on her lower lids.

She stoped her pacing and faced Iopah. "Why?" She sobbed.

"speech"

@Nina @Koda @Aideen.

(This post was last modified: Dec 08, 2014, 10:39 PM by Danica.)

Image by Cool Text: Free Logos and Buttons - Create An Image Just Like This

She answered the call quickly, paws carrying her towards the borders with ease. Smoothly, she slipped in and out between the bramble, every step falling certainly and without waver; this was her home, and she knew its ins and outs like the pads of her paws. Which was good, because it made it possible for her to move towards her goal without having to focus much on her movements, leaving her mind open to speculate; Iopah! Where has she been?! The young healer had been out for the very reason of looking for her friend, the huntress had left the lands yesterday, without word, and when he hadn't returned by the morning, Aideen was starting to worry. Enough members had been lost to unheralded trips that the mere idea send ice rushing through the reddish girl's blood; even if this was Iopah, the most loyal of those still faithful to The Woodlands. So when her call had sounded, it had filled Aideen, first with a rush of relief, and then a new dread as the howl went on, its rising and falling tone full of worry and urgency. And the healer speed up in response, flying along the border to the place the sound came from, body tensed like a coiled spring. As she came closer she heard another voice, unfamiliar, and with a tone that made Aideen's hackles rise; someone was shouting, spitefully and accusatory, and when the orange shewolf sprang onto the scene, it was with bared teeth, ready to defend her pack mate. Seeing the situation before her though, her defensiveness defused a bit. Iopah was standing across from a similarly light pelted female, barely more than a yearling and scraggy to that, bones standing out a bit under her lush winter coat. Her anger, because obviously she was the one who had been yelling, seemed to have faded into despair, a small, defeatist question leaving her quivering lips. Looking from the girl to Iopah, Aideen tried to judge the situation, muscles still tensed and ready for action. Focusing her copper eyes on the stranger, she studied her every inch, with both eyes and nose; Who is she..? "Iopah..?" She then asked, hesitantly, brows furrowed, eyes still locked on the yearling; Something's off with her..! Something eerily familiar; "Who's this?" Word count: 383 Thoughts ”Speech”

new-horizon-stock @DA & Dawnthieves.de

The alpha never became too concerned when it came to Iopah's attendance. The woman had been with her before the founding of Secret Woodlands and had never once faltered throughout their time together. The Hervok trusted the woman with practically anything and would definitely reward her in the future should her loyalty prove to be as strong as Nina was sure it was. Due to her lack of worry about Iopah's whereabouts, the golden brown woman was surprised to receive an urgent call sounding from her second. A small frown pulled at the corners of the alpha's lips, wandering what could have caused such a problem. None the less, she did not hesitate to make her way towards where the creamy woman had called, moving easily throughout the territory in which she knew so well. However, as she heard the familiar, panicked voice of her daughter, Nina's speed picked up, wanting to know what was going on. When she arrived at the scene, it was clear that Aideen had already arrived at the scene, finding out the information needed on their patient. As the golden brown mother approached her daughter, she cleared her throat and allowed her delicate voice to float through the air, trying to calm her frantic daughter, "Danica, darling...mommy is here...why don't we go to the Glade and you can rest there? I will be with you the whole time...and so will Iopah." Whatever would make her daughter the most comfortable, would do fine with Nina, she just didn't want anything bad to happen and she was desperately clinging onto the hope that whatever was going on wasn't a mental ailment.

Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

@Danica @Aideen @Nina

She was expecting Danica to be better somewhere familiar. Her tail slipped lower in relaxation. Soon someone would be here and they could help the girl. It was fine now: She was unprepared for the greeting Danica gave. Spinning around she listened in horror and deep confusion. Should she correct her? Was it better to remind her that Tacoma was dead or just let the delusion continue? What if she wanted to speak with Tacoma? What then? Ears slipped back against her pale head, feeling entirely out of her element and disliking it.

The turmoil didn't continue for long. Just as soon as they crossed the borders Danica lost it again. Iopah hurried forward, hoping to soothe the pain that was clearly affecting Danica. Iopah had just reached her, muzzle out-stretched in a comforting brush, when the girl turned on her. She shrank back, immediately regretting whatever she had unknowing done to cause this. Danica's tantrum continued and Iopah felt her belly brush the ground. She wanted an explanation, but Iopah had none to give. Iopah could identify the problem no better than Danica could. When the tears started and the girl quieted the pale woman inched closer, picking her way forward as if approaching a timid fawn. "You needed help."

She spun again at the approach of another. Her eyes widened in realization at the sight of Aideen's expression.They had to convince Danica to stay. Iopah scrambled to her rusty friend and nudged her muzzle affectionately, despite the snarl that was slowing fading. Danica had to see there was no danger here, that everyone was a friend. "This is Danica, but I think we'd best wait for Nina."

They needed Nina. Iopah cared for Aideen like a sister, but the girl was just barely hanging onto reality and Iopah would let nothing happen to further push her off the edge. Luckily they didn't have long to wait. The hunter leaned back, allowing her leader access to the girl, but didn't leave. She watched Danica carefully, looking for the familiar signs of madness. When they suggested moving to the glade she readied herself to go, not caring where Nina wanted to take her. There was no surprise when Nina tacked her own presence onto the suggestion and no hesitation when she nodded. Both women were on the same wavelength. Nina didn't have to explain her reasoning, Iopah understood it implicitly.

"Speech."

A small smirk -quite unlike the little lady- consumed her face. Danica took the women's actions as submisson and rose up with a puffed chest. Then her eyes seemed to flash in relaztion and she flinched. Her posture changed as a subtle, familar, frown took place. A forgiving glance that was also apologetic came to her young features. She nodded with a sigh, "I guess so." She didn't fully understand the moment, but for a brief second she had control of her mind.

The sanity was gone in a flash. The pale yearling spun on @Aideen like a monster straight from hell itself. With a blood curlding snarl she spat out, "I am Danica your princess, bow down!" Anger blazed within her soul as she stepped forth with a proud posture. Her tail pointed straight to the sky as her head rose high. DISREPECTFUL MUTT! A voice soncreamed within her head while another shouted SHE DOESN'T KNOW BETTER! The confusion of two different opinions cleary tore her into two. She snapped visously at the air multiple times in pure fustrsation. "STOP IT! STOP IT! PLEASE FOR THE MERCY OF ME, STOP IT!" Dani's screams carried far into their surroundings as she battled the 'demons' inside her head.

That voice...Her head snapped in the direction at an unearthly speed. Green orbs widen at the sight of her mother and her hackles smoothed. "Mum?!" Her tail swayed cautiously as she cocked her head. "Mum, where's Ashton?" She questioned, quickly pushing off the idea of the Glade. Smiling she aproached the older beautiful women and butted her head against her shoulder. "How are you?" She asked before jumping back to the Glade conversation franticly, "But why?! What do you want from me?!" She looked at her without a hint of love. "What's at the Glade, stranger?" Her voice changed to that of a pup playing games.

Snow began to drizzle down steadily all around. Danica was quick to notice and smiled goofily, her pink tounge sticking out. "Momma momma! Lets count the snow flakes! One, two, three, ohh ohh, seven!" A childish spark ignited within her eyes. She pawed at the fastly falling flakes joyfully. "Oh momma, they're beeeautiful!" Dani exlaimed before meeting Nina's worried glance. "Mum, what's wrong? Must we got to the glade?" She asked in a sleepy seriousness. A random yawn forced its way out and in response her bottom met the ground. Dani curled around herself...

"speech"

(This post was last modified: Dec 25, 2014, 07:26 AM by Danica.)

Reply

@Danica, @nina, at @Iopah and @Aideen , here comes dad to interrupt the posting order XD

He paced slowly at the mouth of their den, his steady gaze watching the sky as he waited patiently for the return of his lady. She had left without word, most likely while he was out patrolling the border, and the fact that she still had not returned worried him the most. A pale morning sun attempted to break through the brambles of the Wood as he felt his heart lurch with anticipation when she howled for emergent response of anyone nearby, the agouti male did not hesitate a moment longer to answer her call.

As he neared he heard an angry voice, one that shouted for understanding. and his speed increased as the urgency of this encounter played within his mind. He sought to know why Iopah had brought an irate loner to their border and as he neared the scene he caught whiff of a familiar scent; his daughter. Without missing a beat his paws gripped the ground as he turned a corner to enter the meeting before him, in attendance was Iopah, Nina and Aideen, and in the middle causing so much chaos was his daughter who seemed to be muddled with confusion and frustration. His brows wrinkled with concern, worried over the safety of his members as his daughter lashed out with uncontrollable actions first toward Aideen before settling at the sight of her mother and the breath he'd been holding was released. He was no medic, and could not be sure what was wrong with her, but knowing that she responded positively for her mother was a sign that she was probably just disoriented from travels and lack of nourishment. "Danica...it's me, your dad." he breathed, worried about her well being and excited for her safe return, he turned then to Iopah. He was grateful for the woman, she had brought home the princess of the Woods and for this he could not thank her enough, he knew that time would eventually bring her back home and patience had brought her back home to them, though disoriented, and for this he was happy. The sweet voice of his daughter inspecting and counting snowflakes made his heart lurch in his chest, she was so innocent and fragile and her memory was like that of his own when he had first returned, he wondered momentarily if she even remembered him. Before his entrance he had caught Nina's suggestion to get her to the Glade where she could rest up and he was prepared to follow her orders, she had been their medic and he trusted her judgement over that of any wolf here. With patience, for he did not want to startle his frantic daughter, he waited for orders before he would approach the woman with his intention to help.

Something unintelligible to the young healer passed between Iopah and the pale yearling, and Aideen's brows furrowed further. Then the huntress came to greet her, and the orange fae relaxed slightly and returned the caress, taking Iopah's quick explanation as endorsement for the girl; Danica... She knew the name, the lost princess. Suddenly the light pelted girl turned on Aideen, head raised, tail proudly ached behind her, barking orders in a haughty manner; green eyes flaring with anger. The russet healer stared wide eyed in shock, taking half a step back as Danica started snapping wildly at the air, snarling in anger. A cold shiver ran down Aideen's spine and she glanced over at Iopah, nervous worry shimmering in her copper eyes; this was all too familiar. Things happened quickly after that; Nina arrived, her appearance and the soothing tone of her voice seeming to calm her daughter some. The girl was still erratic though, asking questions all over the place, and as her father came onto the scene as well, offering similar words of comfort as Nina had, Aideen slunk further back, taking on a role as observer while the pale princess continued to jump from subject to subject, mood to mood. Snow started falling slowly, and the healer glanced up through the naked tree crowns; We should find some shelter... Nina had suggested the glade... Cold winds started to blow, and while the princess took on a pupish hunt for snowflakes, Aideen looked around at the gathered, feeling an urgency pressing in her chest; Now! Yet no one seemed to move. Maybe she should just leave, let the other's take care of Danica. They were more than qualified; Nina having taught Aideen all she now knew, there was no need for her, and yet... The young healer had only one reason to keep her paw in this. The one thing she had above the others present; Objectivity. Where they were concerned parents, and long time caretakers in Iopah's case, Aideen didn't know the girl at all, meaning she was able to do the one thing, that Nina had taught her was so vital to a healers work, which the others were to emotionally involved to do; keep her head cold and study the facts. And the case before her was clear as day, she had seen what the parents were still refusing to believe. It was so similar, there was no question. Once before, the three-colored healer had come across this kind of affliction, what seemed like a lifetime ago now. Nina had explained to her then, about the illnesses of the mind, and had since taught her more about these dire ailments, which were hard to treat and often impossible to cure. "Ashanti..." She muttered under her breath, a serious expression on her face, deep sadness in her eyes. Then she cleared her throat and looked at Nina, urgency clear as she sought to meet her clear, green eye; "I'll get her something to keep her calm, and meet you at the Glade." She put enough stress on the words to underline the importance of moving Danica to somewhere sheltered; not being insubordinate exactly, but using her clarity to remind Nina of what she already knew, getting to the healer behind the concerned mother. She would wait for confirmation, then rush to do her task; Hopefully warmth and rest will make this better... But she feared it would not be enough. Word count: 574 Thoughts ”Speech”

new-horizon-stock @DA & Dawnthieves.de

@Koda I believe it is your turn. :)

It wasn't long after her comment that her former lover arrived, also trying to appeal to Danica's senses. In such a case as this, it soon became apparent to the mother that this was much more dire than simple memory loss...this was much more like many personalities combined into one being. The thought crushed her. With the one case that she had worked with years ago, the end result had been catastrophic for all those involved, including herself. The old male that she had once treated had driven himself insane and had drowned himself, literally, in his own misery. Nina could only hope that at such a young age Danica would have enough resistance to even contemplate such risks. It clutched at her heart and she would be forever grateful to Aideen for taking over in the situation. When the healer spoken, the Hervok's gaze was broken from her daughters and looked directly into the gaze of her friend. With one more glance towards her pale daughter, Nina quickly stalked towards Aideen, her muzzle moving towards her subordinates ear before she spoke. "Unfortunately...this seems to be much worse than what we dealt with when it came to Ashanti....I fear that she has gone completely over the edge. Find something that will knock her out completely...and do it quickly. For all I know, she could run off as soon as we arrive at the Glade," she spoke urgently, her words moving quickly out of her mouth, knowing that the girl would be able to follow her orders, it was one of the many things they had been working on through their sessions. With healers, it had always been important to get information out as soon as possible and that was what both women's goals were that night. With Aideen's departure, the mother turned back towards her daughter, her single eye only glancing at Koda in sadness before she spoke to Danica. "Why, Danica! Of course we must go to the Glade! That is where all the fun and games are. We'll all even race you..." Her voice was steady and playful, hoping that she would be able to convince her daughter to get moving. They needed to get out of the area before the weather worsened, which would certainly happen soon enough. Her formerly injured leg ached at the fact, knowing that soon snow would most likely be upon them. Desperately trying to gain control of the situation, Nina waited to see what her daughter would do next.

Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: Apr 20, 2015, 09:52 PM by Nina.)

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

@Danica

She didn't like not knowing what to do. Clearly her fellow Woodlands wolves would need help, but with what? She was a hunter, not a healer, and wasn't a particularly persuasive speaker to boot. The pale women shifted, trying to ease her tired limbs. Koda arrived then. Iopah swiveled her head around to watch him approach and speak to his daughter. When he turned to her Iopah exhaled heavily at him, then eased her attention back to Danica. A light snow was falling, the flakes spinning around them. Danica was lowering herself, preparing to sleep in the face of the coming storm. Feeling powerless, Iopah glanced away.

The healers were speaking softly to one another. Despite a lack of interest in the subject, Iopah strained to follow their conversation. Her feet held their place, but she leaned towards, ears curving blatantly in their direction. It was more than mere nosiness. She'd helped them before and remember the strange requests they sometimes made. If they needed something, if she could be of any use, she would volunteer. Aideen left without a word and the huntress turned back to Danica, letting her eyes settle on the girl. She was waiting for further instructions, wanting to know what to do with her now.

The order, when it came, wasn't directed at her. Iopah turned to Nina anyways, head tilting ever so slightly in understanding. 'Get Danica to the Glade without startling her' was what she'd heard. This she knew how to do, similar to 'Divide and move the herd without startling them'. She planted a necessary smile on her face and spun back to Danica, tail waving about excitedly. "I know a shortcut!" Her front legs slide into a play bow and she barked once at Koda, then bounded sideways and away. Whereas Nina had stopped to wait, Iopah bounded playfully through the cold thicket. The act had to be believable if Danica was going to fall for it.

she can be pp racing and arriving at the Glade.