Secret Woodlands Heart of Silver Heart of Gold

Be aware that they are at the border not across it.  Note that Nari doesn't know of Nina eventually giving up her leadership.
I understand Light plays 3 characters that need to show up in this thread. Feel free to post Yuka like once and then skip him if that's easy for you Light. I think Ash and Nina will have to be played though. :C  sorry
This thread is forward dated to the 9/4/2015 afternoon. 
Refer to the last post in the WC pack thread here http://relic-lore.net/showthread.php?tid=4140&page=6  which was dated on 8/31/2015
Be aware it's only the pups and Ash who need to be accepted (if you guys are in fact interested in accepting all of them then sorry, if you do refuse everyone then ignore everything I posted up here) 

NO POSTING ORDER  (because there are so many of us)

She already horribly missed the caves in which the Lagina woman had made her home in for years. Despite enjoying the chance to roam far from the boundaries of the meadow, Nari wanted only to hide back in the caves and watch the world go by. Maybe this was something she had in common with Yuka, and maybe not. Either way, @Yuka loyally followed the silver woman making her more proud than anything to have the Thorben by her side. Her son was doing her proud by sticking with his family through even the hardest times. @Ash was there too keeping step with the tall woman and giving her the inner strength she needed to keep going northwards.  They were headed to Nina and the woodland wolves. As Ash's sister, and now knowing of Titan's relations to Danica within Secret Woodlands, Narimé could only hope that her alliance with Nina would allow her children if not herself to join the pack and survive. She didn't need to worry about herself for some time, despite being a bit hungry Nari was still full of health. Ash too was healthy, and both would be useful for Nina should she did decide to accept all of them into her ranks. Nari knew that this was an absolute best outcome that she was imagining. More likely they would all be turned away just because there was too many of them, even with their former alliance. Logically an alpha didn't want too many pups in their ranks or other mated pairs because normally that would cause problems in the pack. Even if they were family. However Nari could only hope for a good outcome here. There were so many other in between outcomes that Nari was also thinking of. That the pack would accept her children but refuse her and Ash. That Yuka would be refused, that Ash would be refused (however unlikely that might be), or that she would be refused. In the end she knew that however hard it may be she had to persuade the pack leaders to take her youngest children at least. Even Yuka could survive on his own now, and it might even be good for him to be on his own, but the small pups needed a pack to get through winter. Even the promise of her pups being safe could help to calm the mothers raging heart. They walked slowly for the most part, just making sure that @Nineva, @Korrin, and @Rose kept up with them for the long journey. Nari made sure to keep an eye on the skies as well as upon the landscape for predators that might go after her children. She definitely didn't want Nineva being carried off by an eagle again. However the journey was an easy one on well memorized trails. Nari had been here many times before, as did Ash most likely. Even Yuka should know the way to the woodlands by now. Eventually the little family made it to the borders. It was here that Nari began to raise her head and howl for Nina. She skipped over the alpha males name not knowing who was leading beside Nina, but Nari did call for the "alpha male" as well. Once that was done she sighed, sat down, and waited keeping an eye on her children quietly.

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Rose had been too young to process exactly what had been going on, though not naive enough to disregard that something was definitely wrong. Following her parents with obedience, the young Hervok kept an ear out for any conversation the two might exchange. If she could just catch even a bit of information, maybe she'd be able to set her mind at ease. 'We been walkin' a loonngg time.' she complained in thought. Where could they be traveling to? Shooting her siblings a puzzled expression, the pup couldn't help but wonder if they might of known something about the situation.

After some time, her mother halted the travels. "Fiiinally!!" she cried, sitting down to rest her chubby legs. Examining her mothers actions only lead to stranger events, Narimé raised her head to call out for someone, or quite possibly even some thing. "Is there gonna be a pack meeting, mumma? Why for?" she giggled, trying to convince herself into thinking that maybe just maybe there wasn't anything wrong at all. That maybe the bad feelings were all in her head. Neither parent appeared happy, could that be in her head too? Ears found their place lowered toward the back of her head as Rose tried her best to hold in a displeased whimper. "We dun' need no pack meeting mumma, mostly we're all right here.."

Filled with anguish over her unresolved feelings, Rose slowly got up and found herself next to her brother. Korrin always protected her, so there was no doubting that he'd continue to do the same now. "I dun' like this... I wanna go home now."

Hear the word; My voice will not be cast away.

Rose Hervok

The entire affair had completely broken Nineva's heart. Unlike her sibling, she fully comprehended what this sudden chain of events meant for their family, their pack. Unlike herself, not even Rose's constant nervous state and incessant whining could make it through the thick black fog that seemed to surround her as she trailed behind. When told of what must be done, she had reacted with rash anger, yelling at her parents and attempting to race off. Now, she had all but accepted her fate, and had remained silent through their sojourn. It was so unfair, the eldest Hervok child was convinced. To be taken from her home, her birthright, and why? Well, really, she wasn't entirely sure why. She could see that sustaining their family had taken its toll on Narime and Ash, yet she couldn't understand why this was nor why her parents couldn't do anything different to remedy it. In her head, they should have been able to fix it and keep her beloved caverns. Instead, they were dragging her from them, accepting defeat. Fueled by her anger, Nineva discarded the faith she had held in her parents. Instead, she clung close to @Yuka, the only adult left who had not disappointed her. Surely, it couldn't be his fault too, could it? No, even if that was what made sense she couldn't let herself think it. She couldn't let go of all of her faith. As they arrived, she didn't give any sign of notice other than halting her steps as the group had. Her eyes remained fixed upon the ground, ears drooped, shoulders sagged and tail limp behind her hocks. This was definitely the most horrible time of her young life.

faestock @DA, Whimseystock @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

I believe @Aideen wanted to join when Nina comes in. 

He had felt it in his soul before it actually happened. Their numbers had increasingly lowered until all that was left was those tied in by blood. He had taken a moment for himself to reflect on this. Ash knew that disbanding Whisper Caverns would have been harder on her. He had gone through Poison Path and Darkwater Rapids. The third time was nothing hard on Ash, especially since he had his family this time. He was sad that his children had to go through this so early in their lives but he also knew that this would teach them valuable life experiences. With a sigh, he gave Narimé the last kiss he would give her in Whisper Caverns before they set out. He watched his children dutifully as they made their way towards Secret Woodlands. There was no doubt in his mind that Nina would accept them. She was a kind woman whom Ash and Nari had grown close to over the years. Though, Ash was sure that if Nina had too many members they would be able to think of something different. His tail wagged behind him slightly at the thought of seeing Nina again, despite the circumstances. The Hervok wasn’t overtly bitter over the affair. He was trying to see it in more of a positive light for the family. They could have a new beginning, untainted by Sloane’s disappearance and the betrayal of Minka and many others. They would be starting over again with a new era. It was what they needed, it would just take time. Over their journey, Ash noted Rose’s constant whining and Nineva’s isolation towards both of her parents. It hurt him to know that she was distancing herself, but Ash hoped that once she adjusted to where they were going, everything would be alright. Yuka was a trooper through all of it, remaining silent and keeping his trained eyes on their surroundings. Ash was lucky to have been able to train him and the red male was sure that Nari was even more proud of him. Before he knew it, they were at his sister’s borders. Both former alphas took a moment to reflect in silence before Nari took the first initiative. In some ways, the Hervoks worked in the same manner, ranking the importance of things based on who and when it was. After his mate called, Ash made sure to allow his own thundering voice call for his sister, making it clear that both of the former Whisper Cavern’s wolves were on her territory bounds. He sighed, his emerald eyes looking down towards Rose. His heat swelled in love for his children and he spoke in soft tones, ”Rose, I need you to be good and be quiet while we talk to someone, alright?” Waiting for her answer, Ash looked back up, his eyes directed towards the shadowy part of the thicket, no doubt where his sister would soon be making her appearance.

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I think I've finally seen the light..in you.

The boy had significantly aged. In body, yes, but mostly in mind. He was now old enough to understand what was going on. He had seen it with his own eyes. They had steadily lost members, until only his blood family was left. Korrin was not broken, like his eldest sister, or scared and wanting to go back home like his youngest sibling. The growing boy was just...dissapointed. He was sad that the Caverns were no longer his home, but he was not torn about it like his mother or his siblings. Wherever their parents were leading them, it would become their new home. And if they left that place, they would find a new place to call home. But home wasn't really a place, Korrin had come to realize. As long as he was with his family, his parents and his sisters safe, that was where home was. Trailing behind his sisters, his now green gaze drifted towards Nineva, the eldest of the children. She was unusually quiet, but in the recent days, that had become her normal. Yet, he noticed the simmering anger in her eyes. He had tried talking to her, but she now seemed to only be focused on Yuka. That was fine with the boy, but the brother and growing protector in him wanted his sister to feel better. So his rusty colored form moved towards her slumped figure. He nudged her muzzle, and his tail wagged lightly. Korrin was growing to be not that talkative of a wolf, so he let his actions speak for him most of the time. He gave her a light smile, before turning towards Rose. He had another sister to try and comfort too. But Rose came to him first. She was clearly scared, and he ached to comfort her smaller form. In these strange surroundings, she clearly felt uncomfortable. He nuzzled her cheek for a short moment, then pawed playfully at her form, trying to bring a smile to her face. They wouldn't be able to play, since this seemed important to their parents and they had to be quiet, but he at least wanted to make her feel safe again.  ”Speech”

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The move did not really affect Yuka. He could care less about where he lived as long as he was living. It was no surprise to him when they disbanded. He had seen it coming and he knew that both Nari and Ash knew. They were just procrastinating the inevitable, which was understandable considering they had three children to maintain. Luckily, it hadn’t gotten to the point where anyone was starving and the children were fine. Ash and Narimé were both slightly worn down but where they were going would fix that. From what he had gathered during his visit quite some time ago, Nina was a regal woman and was a very powerful woman. He did not know how she had gotten that way but the air around her made the point clear that she was a horrible enemy but a wonderful ally. Thankfully, Ash was their way in, being related to the woman. The two seemed close but held a past that the Thorben was quite curious about. It was none of his business but it still intrigued him. There was also the matter of seeing Inali again. It would be wonderful to see his mother figure again, it had been quite some time since Yuka and Ash had needed to come to save the Woodlands from a war. He wasn’t quite sure if his mother knew or not, but Yuka would never dare tell her. Ever since Minka’s betrayal, his mother’s heart had grown darker and the only real happiness Yuka saw was when she was with Ash or her most current litter. Obviously, it wasn’t around him because he steered clear of the gray woman. In reality, he was doing her a favor.

They moved as fast as they could through the territories, Yuka sticking close to the shadows and watching the area around them with his attentive teal-flecked amber gaze. It did not take him long to notice that Nineva was sticking close to his side, avoiding her parents. The man could almost feel the anger radiating off of the young princess’ body. He remained silent most of the trip. However, as they grew closer to the borders, the large man slowed his pace, in turn causing the princess’ step to fall by him. Softly, he whispered to her, something he did not do quite often to offer her a word of advice, "Do not be angry with them, Nineva. They are doing what is best for all of us. Home is where the heart is, my dear." The endearment slipped out of his muzzle before he could help it. He bit down on his tongue harshly as he looked forward again, picking up pace with the group. It wasn’t long then until they reached the borders of the Thicket Queen. Hopefully, if everything went according to plan, they would be able to join Secret Woodlands for shelter until they figured something out. And Yuka would be able to see his angel again. For now, however, he contented himself to stay in the shadows and listen to the meeting that was about to ensue.

Thank you TABs

WARNING swear words.. Blame Iopah for teaching them to Unitas.

Slipping through the shadows covering the forest floor like a snake, the black wolf made his way towards the calls that had come from the border. That thick bristling coat and deep growl showed how surprised and worried Tas was as he made his way towards the six other wolf scents that were not of his pack. Why were they calling for his mother? Why did it smell like the six wolves were related to each other? Was another pack trying to take their land? Unitas didn't know, and he was ignorant of the allied packs that his mother kept in contact with. Evading a fallen tree and jumping over a large rotten log, Unitas sprang through the undergrowth agile as a cat. As the scents of the strange wolves increased within the air the dark Hervok began to slow. He made sure to slow enough so that he could pick his way through the thickets and remain silent as a ghost. As he came around a stand of hemlock Tas spotted the family staying just beyond the border. He decided to squeeze between the trees to hide and watch the group. He didn't care so much if they scented him though, just as long as the group didn't see him. Unitas was more interested on spying or intimidating them instead of actually going out to greet them. I wonder what mom will do with them... There's certainly no reason for a whole family to be at our border... He thought quietly while looking over the wolves gathered before him. There were three pups he was most interested in. One held a coat of bright reddish rust fur which caught his teal gaze. The little girls fur was different than the rest of the pack, though it somewhat resembled the big burly males brownish red fur. Then there was a bronze coated wolf pup, a male by the smell of him, who kept close to the red coated girl pup. Then there was a silver coated pup, who looked very much like the tall ass female that stood looking rather serious at the border. Then his gaze switched the the scarred brute who seemed to be trying to hide at the back. Or maybe it was just the angle Tas was trying to look at him by. Ugly fucker that's for sure... He sneered silently within his head. The sooner the scarred brute and his fmaily moved on the better Unitas would feel about the whole situation. "Speech"

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Puppy...did you want @Aideen in on this one?

Things were quite peaceful within Secret Woodlands. Besides the disappearance of Hudson, everyone else had remained, including Inali. It surprised Nina but she was equally pleased to see that the woman was trying her damn hardest to prove her worth to the pack, as well as her loyalty. While that would certainly come to be in the future, right now the creamy woman was proving her worth the best she could. It was also nice to have her son, Bane back. It had been hard on her to see him go but the experience he had gained from branching out in the world was truly worth it. One day, he would be a valuable Guardian. As much as she was reluctant to admit it, Tokino had made a wonderful teacher and Bane had learned much from him.

The Woodland’s matriarch was walking around the lands to work out her tense joints when a call from her good friend came from the borders. Nina’s tail wagged pleasantly as she began to make her way towards Narimé’s voice. However, after Ash’s voice sounded after hers, the woman froze in her spot, her single eye narrowing in confusion. Why were they both here? Only one explanation seemed reasonable. The woman did not hesitant to pick up her pace, though her body movements were much slower than they use to be, she still got there in a timely manner. Unitas was already there, hiding in the shadows per the norm. Quietly, Nina stepped next to him to give him a quick kiss to the check before she entered the area, her single emerald gaze taking in the family in front of her. A certain sadness passed through her gaze at the sight. It truly was only the parents and their children. Out of habit instead of the need to assert her dominance, Nina’s tail swayed above her back as she looked towards Narimé. The rest of her body posture remained neutral to show that she truly was happy to see them all.

In particular, Nina’s single eye traced towards her nieces and nephews, including Yuka. She nodded to the young man in greeting, still eternally grateful for his participation in helping Secret Woodlands with the war. Clearing her throat, Nina spoke to her brother and Nari, concern obvious in her voice, "Nari…Ash…what happened?" It was quite obvious what had happened but Nina wanted to know how it had gotten to that point. The Hervok woman had thought that Whisper Caverns had been firm in their standings and if they hadn’t been then Deacon would have told her with his last visit. The woman waited patiently, wondering what could have happened to the secure family.

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

The last few weeks had been a blur, so many things piling on at once, it made her head spin. Fall had finally taken hold of the Lore, and as the leafs changed color, the russet wolfess was ripped by a strange melancholia; The weight of change straining on her delicate shoulders. She had many things to look forwards to in the coming year, and at its core her heart felt warm and happy, but she was nervous too, afraid that she wasn't gonna be able to live up to the responsibility put on her. Luckily, Nina was an excellent teacher, supportive and kind and full of trust, and having her by her side made the younger apprentice feel much more at ease. This was what she wanted! But she still couldn't help feeling nostalgic, part of her longing for the days when everything was simpler.

A call sounding through the thicket brought her out of her reflections, ears twitching  towards the sound. It had been a while since anyone had come to the Woodland borders, and curiosity bloomed in the fiery girl, especially as a second, deeper voice added it's note. There was something different about these appeals too, though not exactly impolite, they lacked the usual humility and anxiety that normally accompanied a loner asking admittance; These howls seemed more demanding. They also called for Nina by name, though Mirren was mentioned only in passing as 'alpha male'. Aideen felt a shiver of both excitement and worry run down her spine, this was definitely something out of the ordinary; Something it might be good to study closer.

No call had gone out for her, neither from the strangers - Of courses - or from Nina, but Aideen figured that if she was to take over leadership next year, it might be good to acquaint herself with the role. So with that excuse, she hurried through the bramble to satisfy her curiosity, cream-colored paws falling firmly, and petite form slipping easily between the thorny branches. She hadn't been far from the borders and soon enough her eyes fell on the procession gathered there, widening with surprise. She did not know the wolves, though she might have recognized a few from previous description if she hadn't been so astounded by their presence. Luckily Nina was already there, and Unitas too though he was further out of the way, probably invisible from the perspective of the visitors.

Stepping up to her queen's side, keeping a little behind in accordance with her position as second, Aideen greeted her with a low, affectionate rumble and the lightest touch at the base of her jaw, before turning attentive copper's to the strangers. Nina spoke their names, and finally her eventual successor  realized who they were; The Caverns! But why would both of the leaders have come here, and with young pups in tow? Quietly, Aideen awaited their response, assuming that it would be an explanation, and knowing to leave the talking to Nina. She was here to observe foremost, and support her alphess if needed.

 

Word count: 511

"Speech" Thoughts

PLOT WITH ME!

She stood still, only moving to look back at her children with an understanding gaze. Much like them she didn't want to leave her home, but things being as they were Nari knew that doing this was the right thing. Though winter had been fair to them last year she had lived long enough to know how bad the cold season could get in this land. She would be risking her life, as well as Ash and the pups, by betting on whether the winter would be easy on them or not. Nari had long since learned to not bet on nature being there for you. It was far more safe to move them, with the knowledge that her kids would hate her for uprooting them, in order to keep them healthy and safe. Nari was sure that they would understand in the future, but for now she accepted Nineva's silence and distancing. As much as it hurt the silver woman on the inside. The scent of another wolf, a younger male, came to Narimé's keen nose. She tried to spy him through the foliage but saw nothing. Likely the youth was one of Nina's elder children interested in their own presence at the border. Nari shook her head now ignoring the boy nearby and looking out for her friend Nina. It wasn't long until Nina came to the border. The tawny woman was followed by a pack mate, one that Nair may or may not have met. She looked familiar but Nari's memory was failing her just then.  Her promptness assured Nari that her choice in pack to join was a good one. Her head dipped lower, something that Nari found surprisingly hard to do, as she submitted to Nina. The gray womans tail also arched downwards falling between her ankles and legs. Her eyes averted Nina's hoping to be viewed as nonthreatening as possible. Glancing to Ash to see what he was doing, Nari then turned back to the woodlands queen to answer her. ”I have lived long enough to know when winter will consume my family if we were to try and endure in the caverns. Our former members disappeared, died, got lost, or formed their own packs. Some forming packs and leaving without a word or permission from ourselves.” She motioned to Ash then closed her eyes and let out a sigh. Just telling another wolf, a leader no less, of her pack's disbandment was a harsh blow to her confidence. Even if it wasn't her fault, Nari felt that prickle of failure aching its way through her chest. ”I come to you to ask a large favor. One that I will pay back however I can Nina... With my own life if I must.” Nari glanced upwards only looking at Nina's green eye for but a moment before dropping her own blue gaze. She looked to Ash to see if he would finish her words himself. She could barely get the words past her own black rimmed lip.

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