Skeletal Hill Crucible

It had been hard walking away from the new home of the river wolves. She knew she had to do it as much as she would have loved to stay within visiting distance of the pack to be able to see Andre and her daughter regularly she knew that bad things could only come of it. She had risked a lot just to be there to see them one last time before she headed out to find the Inna she'd lost all those months ago.

Now she trudged through the snow to a destination she didn't know, just wandering. Perhaps learning more of the lore was best for now. Give some time for things to calm down and then maybe she could go on seeking the information about her family that she had always wanted to learn. She hoped that in time everyone would forget what she had done and maybe give her a chance to be in their lives again somehow.

She'd been traveling since she'd left Andre as much as it had pained her but staying any longer was risky for both of them. So she'd finally set out and had quite a bit of distance between her and the Kingswood. She didn't know if she felt different, the constant drive to keep moving was what she concentrated on. After spending most of her time at an easy lope she slowed her pace as she came across something she found rather strange. Hanging from a branch was the skull of an animal, odd. She continued on blinking against the reflection of the sun off the snow but she caught glimpses of more skull as walked until she finally stopped. “What the hell is this place?” she muttered out loud as she moved to sniff at one of the skulls that had been uncovered by blowing snow. This place reminded her of the antler ring that resided in the Lowlands.

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Dark paws would carry the shadowy figure across the snowy lands as Diana moved at a steady walk. She'd been making it her job to see as much of these new lands as she could and had therefore spent very little time between areas. From what she gathered the lore was very large and brimming with all sorts of wolves and creatures. It definitely seemed like the ideal place for her to remain, when the going got tough she could most certainly find a pack to crash in to recover and the rest of the time she could keep the freedom of being a loner whilst still being able to socialise with the area's many inhabitants to her heart's content. Or should she find a pack she liked she could remain there and try her best to gain a high rank after proving the worth she knew she had. Even better maybe one day she could be recognised enough for her strength and lead a pack of her own. A smile would curl at the corners of the fae's maw at this idea, she'd like nothing more than to lead her own pack. It'd be stronger than her mother's but smarter than Hutter's. There would be absolutely no room for weakness. Of course these were all faraway dreams, she was only a newcomer now and it would take a long time before her name would be known by others. But everyone had to start somewhere.

She'd been travelling for days now since she'd last stopped and interacted with a wolf and she was growing bored. The mind grew restless without something to occupy it and Diana was certainly no exception, sure she enjoyed the sightseeing but what she craved was the kind of information you could only gain from the mouth of another. Words were very powerful. She had made her way into a forest a while ago and was beginning to grow rather restless by the endless similarity of just about everything. She usually liked the shelter of the trees above her head but sometimes when you'd been under them for too long and especially in the Winter when the bareness and lack of vegetation made everything look the same, you felt a bit crazed. The only upside was the snow was slightly thinner here than out in the open and so her stomach fur actually remained quite dry, only her paws having to suffer the numbing dampness. However it wasn't long until something very odd caught at her attention and Diana frowned, squinting against the glint of the snow against the weak but bright sunlight. It was a skull, hanging from the branch of the tree. She moved forward at a slower pace now- emerald gaze scanning the area for more oddities and it seemed that skull wasn't the only one here.

Her gaze would narrow suspiciously at the eerie setup, glancing around only to start slightly at the voice of another cutting through the silence. Diana would spin around quickly, catching sight of another dark coloured fae a little while off. She had her back to Di and was also sniffing at the skulls, she knew the other hadn't been expecting an answer to her question but Diana offered one anyway.  a damn weird place She walked closer as she spoke until she simply stood a few paces from the other- eyes shining very bright in the sunlight as she calmly awaited the other's reaction to her presence.

(This post was last modified: Feb 10, 2018, 08:54 PM by Diana.)

There is a rabbit's nest nearby. +1 Health

Truly out in her own now Inna had begun to feel the vulnerability that she knew came with being a loner. The worry that something would happen she couldn't come back from. What about where her next meal was going to come from or what shelter could she find to get her through the nights. It seemed all she did was worry even though she'd only been away from Hearthwood for a day. It was like everything had come crashing in on her and she felt very overwhelmed. How was she supposed to do what she needed to do with so many other things busying her thoughts.

All of that seemed to have been forgotten as she came across the strange little ornament hanging from the branch. Then there were more and more until she came to a place with skulls. She had to question it out loud she was so shocked by what she'd found. Had the animals come to die here or had the bones been collected? What if this place killed them? A chill went down the Ravens spine just as a voice sounded behind her. Her dark form turned quickly to face the stranger who'd spoken. “It seems fitting I should find this place,” she joked morbidly. After all she almost felt that there were plenty of wolves what would love to see her bleached bones laying in this place. "Someone such as yourself however I don't think should be here.” It wasn't spoken with any malice just an observation.

The Raven turned her orange gaze back on the skull for a moment in thought. She didn't have any place in particular to be, no schedule to keep. “What do you say we take a little risk and explore this place a little more?” She asked. It would be nice after all to have the company of a wolf who didn't know her past and perhaps this woman could give her something to help her. “I'm Inna by the way,” she offered with a dip of her head, “Did you have any other plans for your afternoon?” Maybe they could even find something to eat, Inna was willing to share as long as there was enough to go around. She still couldn't help but think of antler ring as she looked out across the land that she now found herself in.

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☾ I'm the violence in the pouring rain, baby I'm a hurricane ☽

She could sense the distress rolling from the other in waves but although she spun around with speed upon hearing Diana speak, the fae's orange gaze was clear and seemed almost relieved to see her. Presumably she found this place easier to face in the company of another. She was quick to respond to Di's words, seeming to spend little time on judging who this new wolf could be and Diana would smirk slightly- the expression playing across her features as she listened to the words uttered by the other. She'd arch a brow skeptically, a snort slipping from her as she shook her head slightly. Believe me, this place couldn't be more fitting. Her gaze would darken very briefly after she spoke, memories of Jay's blood pooling into her mouth bursting sharply and unwelcomed into her mind but practice left her skilled at pushing it away and her gaze would return to its default laid back, slightly amused expression.

Her piercing gaze would fix itself on the other, observant as she properly took in what she could from looking at her company. She was a bit taller than Diana, pelt a similar ebony but eyes a deep orange. However what interested Diana most was the scent clinging to her dark fur. It was that of a pack for sure but it was fainter than it should be and this wolf was deep into unclaimed lands. The other woman would speak again, voice holding friendly enough tones to it as she asked would she like to explore the area a bit more. Diana didn't hesitate in agreeing, this wolf could definitely be a potential source of information and she wasn't going to turn that down. Anyway, travelling alone got boring- this could give her some amusement. Plus, the odd place intrigued her. Definitely sounds like a plan, I want to know what's going on here Her voice was smooth and pleasant as it slipped from her maw. When the other would offer her name Diana would throw hers back. Diana The single word was all she uttered as she stretched out her aching muscles leisurely in the weak light.

This wolf was quite the chatty one and she'd blink with slight amusement as she asked about Diana's plans for the evening. Plans, she'd chuckle lightly- it had been a long time since she'd had such a thing. I'm new here actually she'd offer up, half hoping this would lead Inna to be more likely to hand out information. all I've been doing for the past few days is wandering around really, getting a feel for the place. I quite like it actually, but no aside from checking out this place with you I'm quite free for the evening The smile lingering on her lips was not one to be trusted but Diana was going to put in an effort to behave, this Inna could be useful so she was going to attempt to be as pleasant as possible.

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The place she had found screamed death with it's skulls hanging from branches and more of them and other bones scattered about. She didn't know if it was some kind if sign that of all places she should end up there. She wasn't the only one, another female had appeared seemingly out of nowhere. She was the first wolf that Inna had come across since leaving Andre and her daughter behind. The Raven didn't know the woman but then she didn't expect to know many of the wolves she could possibly encounter now that she was away from Hearthwood. Part of her felt like for so long she'd been sequestered away in the Kingswood. It seemed that the woman had a similar thought to what Inna had, that perhaps this was an appropriate place for them to end up in. Her orange gaze was on the woman as she spoke, “Well then we are quite the pair, perhaps we were for whatever reason drawn to this place.” It was a crazy notion Inna was well aware but who knew there could be some truth to it somehow.

Inna had taken notice of how the woman seemed to stare at her but she pushed it aside. Instead she decided to remain cautious about her still the company that the woman could offer wasn't lost in the Raven. She offered that they delve deeper into the purpose of this place or maybe find some clue as to who created it or why. She didn't know if those answers could actually be found but the exploration might at least make her feel less overwhelmed. A smile crossed Inna’s features when the woman who she learned was named Diana agreed to explore with her. “I do as well and who knows what we might find.” It probably wasn't the best way to spend her time but maybe there was some kind if knowledge to be gained. She did have to wonder if the place was like antler ring, there were no answers.

After asking to make sure she wouldn't be intruding on anything the woman might have planned she found out that Diana was new to the lore. “What's it like outside the lore?” She asked curiously. It had occurred to Inna that perhaps leaving the lore would he the best thing for her but she wasn't sure about that. “The lore is a nice place, at least all of the places I have been,” she agreed, “I'm glad that I won't be keeping you from anything. Since you've been out there wandering how do you find the prey situation?” She asked because when knew how it was around the Kingswood but further out Inna had no idea.

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☾ I'm the violence in the pouring rain, baby I'm a hurricane ☽

Diana would blink slowly as Inna spoke thoughtfully in response to her statement about belonging here just as much as she. Diana's smiled never wavered as she glanced up at the tall branches with their odd ornaments before letting her striking gaze fall back down to her company. They were probably quite the site, two lost shadows, one with a gaze of cold sharp emerald and the other with a warmer fiery orange- standing in the stark whiteness surrounded by death. She fought the urge to laugh as not to leave the other woman doubting her choice of company. Instead she simply stretched out leisurely until she heard her muscles pop satisfyingly. Was Diana drawn to the place? Who knew, although it really had been merely curiosity if nothing else that had led her to want to remain and investigate what they'd stumbled across. She believed the rest had to have just been luck, but she was slightly intrigued by this wolf she'd found. Diana couldn't pinpoint any sign of cruelty from the other at all but she'd said aloud that she believed she belonged here and no one said that about a place like this unless something dark had occurred in their life.

Despite the eagerness in her tone, Diana was pretty sure she could see a slight flicker of doubt in Inna's warmer toned gaze and she didn't blame her. She had the suspicion this place had been like this a long time, answers for its creation long since lost to the everlasting forest it resided in. Nevertheless, it was something to do and she knew that was something it seemed they both could do with. Well I suspect we'll find a whole lot of bones anyway she observed dryly, still observing the odd items scattered about with a frown. She really didn't like not knowing the answers to things and this odd little mystery itched at her. It was easier to let it go though when there was a wolf here with knowledge of the lore, if this was to be her home she wanted know all she could about it.

It seemed Inna had similar thoughts however her curiosity being aimed at what wasn't in these lands. Diana would merely shrug. It was a hard question to answer. It's very, very big She'd murmur softly I travelled a lot with my birth pack and well every place is different so it's hard to give a straight answer. There's a lot of areas that are very empty though, sometimes you'd go weeks without seeing or even scenting another wolf. You'd want to either have a place in mind or be good at surviving by yourself because you really don't know where you could end up. Her voice had grown quite curt especially with the mention of her birth pack, the past was not a place she liked to linger. However hopefully her answer would be satisfactory enough for the fae. She'd nod slowly at what Inna said about the lore and let that easy smile return. It's always harder to find during these months but I've definitely seen worse, I don't think we have too much of a risk of starving as long as you're always alert for a potential meal She'd state about the food situation, was she new to being a loner? It would explain the fading pack scent anyway. So what's it like here socially? There seems to be a lot of wolves here, a good few packs too it seems She'd begin to walk slowly as she spoke- expecting the other to follow as she slowly moved deeper into the eerie spot they'd found.

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Her past and her present all seemed to converge in this strange and eerie place. The death of her parents and loss of everyone she loved, she could see it all presented here in front of her. As she looked around seeing other places where bones could be scattered yet were now covered with snow. She was sure that once the snow melted the bones would be more visible at least until the plants grew back to their summer glory. She looked back to her companion, surely she had a story to tell just as Inna had her own story. Perhaps it was something they could commiserate over later for now she didn't want to think about it. Instead find the answers that the bone place held and if there was some reason that she had come this way instead of finding another way. She could have easily gone back down through the kingswood to the lowlands but she hadn't.

Inna looked back down at the skull at her feet wondering what secrets it held that it could no longer give. The only thing she could tell from it was that it belonged to a deer at some point in time. Her orange gaze fell in Diana as she spoke a smile breaching the Ravens face, her humor was welcome. “Yes, I expect we will find that,” she agreed, “Don't you wonder how the skulls were hung in the tree?” It was probably the strangest thing about the place if she were honest. As she studied the woman that would he spending at least the evening with her she didn't think she should waste the opportunity to ask about what lay outside the lore. If she was thinking about going there she wanted to know what to expect.

Luckily Diana was willing to give her and answer thought the Raven didn't miss the curtness of her tone. It caused the Ravens head to can't to the side sharply though she didn't outright question it. “Sounds like you need a good plan before embarking on the lands that lie beyond the lore.” She hadn't ever considered that she might need to really think about before embarking. Diana’s words didn't completely dissuade the Raven from the thought,it just needed to be more thought out. “It sounds lonely out there too,” but then wasn't that what her life was now except these few chance encounters. The prey situation however sounded a little more promising to the Raven. “Then I think I will be alright on that front. Last year was a bad winter and food became very scarce,” she explained. Hearthwood had made it through but now it was dead just like her parents and the bones in the place. A small wave of sadness washed over her before she shook it away. Since Diana had shared about outside the lore it was only fair Inna share about inside it. “There are more than enough wolves to meet. Most are kind and willing to help but there are others that aren't so much. Be wary, you'll know the good ones right away. As for packs there are quite a few. One in the Lowlands and two north of here,” Inna explained, “And there are others in other places but I can't tell you much about them." As Diana started to walk Inna moved to follow her deeper into the bone field. She kept a close watch on their surroundings just in case they came across someone.

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☾ I'm the violence in the pouring rain, baby I'm a hurricane ☽

OOC: sorry for the late post, also a very tired post so it ain't too good ahh

She found herself fidgeting absentmindedly with one of the skulls as she moved, using her paw to roll it along the bumpy ground and repeating the process everytime she stepped close enough to where it had landed. Probably not the most respectful thing to do to the dead but Diana wasn't exactly known for her mindfulness. Although her sharp green gaze tracked its movement without faltering- her eyes were distant and distracted. The whole area really did throw her pack into the past- the whole being surrounded by death giving an odd deja vu vibe back to the days where she'd resided within Huttser's ranks. She'd almost managed to forget about Inna's presence until the woman spoke out again and Diana would glance up sharply before letting herself relax once again, gaze quickly guarding itself with that cool unbothered look. Her eyes would lift, skull at her paws abandoned now that she was back in the present. The skulls that hung from the trees were definitely what intrigued her the most, skulls did not climb trees. Perhaps a warning of some sort?" she would wonder aloud but even if she was right which wasn't likely, it still didn't answer who put it there and exactly why? Talk about frustrating.

It seemed the other dark being by her side would let her attention drift from where they were now back to what lay outside these vast lands. Diana was surprised by just how curious the flame burning in her company's orange gaze was. She understood why one would be interested as to what lay outside their homelands but with that level of eagerness...was she considering checking it out for herself? Diana had the suspicion she'd be quite disappointed if she did but what really got her wondering was why the fae could want to leave. Maybe she was just an explorer at heart but she'd seemed to be dropping hints that something was wrong with her life. Starting when she announced this odd find suited her. mhm, wolves tend to stick to certain areas- much like the lore. But between these certain spots there is a lot of emptier land where you will only find the odd loner wandering like you. So it really depends where you end up. She'd continue to walk deeper into the forest of bones, senses completely alert for anything that could be a clue as to what the origin of this place was. When Inna responded to her comment on the prey, Diana would merely nod. Yes I'm pretty sure you'll be okay Really she should've offered to help her find food, obviously she wasn't as used to living alone as Diana but frankly she didn't know how long she planned on staying with this wolf and she didn't want to go around making promises she had no intention of keeping. Not yet anyway.

Her attention on Inna would become a lot more focused when she spoke of the lore- green eyes burning with an undeniable curiosity. A smile would curl at her maw as Inna spoke of good and not so good wolves and being able to tell the difference right away. I'm sure I will she'd murmur softly, eyes dancing in the weak light filtering down between the branches and their strange decorations. She nodded slowly at the information about the packs, running it over in her mind. She'd tilt her head to the side slightly- a mysterious kind of glint in her gaze as she spoke. Forgive me for asking but do you happen to be from any of these packs? Your pelt smells like one but its faint and you seem to be quite a long way from any of them. Her voice came out silkily, dressed in an innocent curiosity the didn't quite reach her unreadable gaze.

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The Raven wondered just how many bones were in the place and how long had it taken to collect them all. Had they been collected at all? Maybe those who the bones belonged to had come to this place to take their final breaths. She used her paw to uncover some more of the bones that were around the skull she'd found. The motion of Diana rolling one of the skulls worth her paw caught Inna's attention. It wasn't something she would do but to each their own she expected. All Inna could think was what if the bones belonged to someone's relative. A child or parent? Her thoughts went to her own, they really hadn't left but she also thought of Lachesis and Lilya's still born child. She remembered how she'd felt that day, the fear that her own pups would come out like that. She shook her head when Diana spoke, “Could be or maybe even some kind of memorial?” She didn't know if either of those explanations was the case but they were both valid. Inna had accepted that they would probably never know.

Inna hadn't ever been curious about what lay beyond relic lore since she'd always planned to serve Hearthwood River for the rest of her life. With Hearthwood gone and herself ousted she needed a new plan. It also seemed there her life in the lore had come to an end so perhaps leaving was a good idea, starting fresh where no one knew her. There was a glamour to the idea but Inna didn't know if she could leave her daughter completely. Despite her reservations she didn't think it was a bad idea to at least hear Diana out. “It sounds like the lore just in a much larger scale,” and when she put it that way it didn't seem so daunting. If she could make it in the lore she could make it out there. “There probably is a place out there for me I would just have to find it.” It was certainly something to think about. For the time being though she needed to take care of herself in the lore and Diana was certain she would be okay. “Well as long as I can hunt and find shelter I think I will be okay too.” It was some small comfort but she was planning to be in her own for a long time to come. She didn't want to be tied to a pack and she didn't even know if there was a pack that would even want her.

After Diana had given her information about what lay beyond the lore Inna tried to give her the best information about the inhabitants of the lore. She was glad when her companion seemed confident she would know the bad wolves when sheet them. Inna felt that was important for survival, just as much as eating and finding water and shelter. The she supposed what was asked of her next was to be expected, she hadn't exactly hid anything from the woman. She nodded, “I was part of a pack, my birth pack,” she explained, “It resided in the kingswood which is to the north on the edge of the Lowlands. The alpha decided to move the pack and his beta told me I couldn't come so they left me behind. I stayed there for a time before finally leaving a few days ago.” She left all of the horrible details out for the time being. If Diana wanted to know more Inna would share, maybe talking with someone would help. She knew she needed some kind of help and she wouldn't get it if she didn't talk to someone.

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