Sanguine Cove and everything i touch is breaking

Backdated to 8/3, if that's okay? hmu. @Oksana @Nash, all welcome to anyone from SC.

Part of him had feared that he would come to find the lake drained and desolate, an even more gut-wrenching replay of the start of the prior year. When he crested the fortifying walls of the valley, he was immensely relieved to see the waters still glittering beneath the bright sunlight. Even from up high he could see that the shoreline had receded just as Turtleback's had, but at least they hadn't suffered the same trials as the Chasm seemed to.

He descended into the forests, and found the pack's markers still strong. Aleister's contributions were largely absent, but there were still places here and there where Chan swore he could still catch faint traces of the other wolf's scent. A wash of grief settled over the walls of his chest, and he took a moment to reflect once more on his friend's life. When he was confident that he could reign his emotions in and maintain his composure in the face of his family, the Eastfall took a breath and called out to the pack.

Once again, he had returned to the Cove.

(This post was last modified: Aug 18, 2022, 04:43 AM by Chan.)

I think I need help, cuz I'm drowning in myself

Sooo I got a little carried away >.< oopise! <3

There was no mistake in what the aging cove woman heard. There was no sleep fogging her mind, no cold causing her to hear voices. His call rang clear through the cove, straight to her heart. Her baby was home.

Moonshadow had been keeping a closer eye on her grandchildren, both litters, since Al's passing. Though his and Oksana's were not technically her grandchildren, Moonshadow loved them just as much. Just as she did the yearlings. With the tragedy of Aleister's passing, the older woman did what she could to help. In the past it would have been stepping up in border patrols and hunts, but now she felt her skills were best needed keeping tabs on seven rambunctious pups. They were still small enough she could easily check up on all of them no matter where they were. However, she knew that was about to be short lived as they were getting bigger by the day.

Large inky paws were making their way through the trees as she was on the trail of Matos when Chan's call reached her. Fluffy silver tipped audits flung forwards atop her head before her gaze flicked in the direction her firstborn was. She took only a split second to think before her fragile frame abandoned its current course. Matos was one of the least likely to get into serious trouble. Surely, he would be fine until after she welcomed his uncle home...

Moon ran as fast as her body would allow her, her heart easily outrunning her paws. Surprisingly she was the first to arrive on scene, something that hadn't happened in a long time. That didnt matter to the Eastfall matriarch as she beelined it straight for her agouti son. Tears in her eyes at the sight of him, she was so thankful she was able to see him again. The dark mother embraced her first born with a tight hug before adorning his face in feverish kisses. After a few moments of this, she calmed her excitement and reluctantly took a step back, looking to his two-toned gaze. She had missed him so much and while was overjoyed to see him, she knew why he had returned. And she wished that hadn't ever happened.

Word Count: 373

Nash was slowly getting used to his new duties. He was... Surprised. It was almost as though nothing had changed, even though everything had. Well, not everything. He still has his mother. He still had @Aquene and their children. He had Oksana to help him learn.

It was all very surreal. So much had changed, and yet much of his daily duties had not. He wondered when they would.

He did try not to brood, but today was one of those days where he was unsuccessful - until he heard a call. Nash sat upright, on his feet before he even realized he'd moved, ears pricked and trembling as the sound faded from the air. And then he was running. "Aquene, get the kids!" he called over his shoulder, hoping his love would hear him and gather their young ones to meet their uncle.

Nash all but flew across the territory, yet despite his speed his mother has beaten him to the border. Of course- it was her oldest. When Chan came into sight Nash only slowed enough to avoid hurting his brother as he tackled him, wrapping his paws around his shoulders.

He quickly realized he had a face to maintain now and stepped away, wagging tail curling over his back, though his grin never faded. "You're home!" he said jubilantly. Then he realized his brother was alone and glanced around, expecting to see a fiery form appearing. "Where's Flair? Is she still with you?"

Since her husband's death Oksana found it hard to find much joy in anything. She missed Aleister dearly and it saddened her to know that he would never get to see his children grow up. She didn't know what she'd do without her children. They gave her a reason to get up in the morning. What did bring her joy was watching them play and explore the cove. On that particular day she laid in a shady spot next to the mouth of the den watching the children as they played in the little clearing.

Her ears perked when she heard the voice call out through the trees. It was a welcome surprise to be sure and it was a clear indication that Chan had recieved the news. "Children stay close to the den mommy will be back as soon as she can," the Crow instructed before rising to her feet. She made her way to the border as quickly as she could.

It was no surprise to the cove Leader that Moonshadow and Nash had beat her. She stayed back a little while the reunion took place. She wanted to give the family time to become reacquainted. "Its good to see you Chan," she said finally stepping forward, "Though I am sorry that it is under such circumstances." She had hoped that Chan would have been able to return to the cove for happier reasons.

Please see Sharlee's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you

Aquene had continued her grief in silence. She would not speak of the man, not with her husband or with anyone unless it was in a manner of talking about him and his relationship with the other, never herself… she had done her best to support those around her, just as she always would, still suffering a crippling guilt and blame for herself in his passing… he had died under her care, and the loss weighed heavily on her.

There was a call for her to get the kids, and for a moment, there was panic, thinking that something was wrong… but it would not last when she realized what was happening. Aquene gathered their three young children up, guiding them to the borders while trying to keep them from messing with each other too much along the way. They were certainly a pawful and a welcome distraction.

She moved, a strained smile on her maw as she greeted her brother-in-law with a gentle nudge, not quite as aggressive of a greeting as Nash had provided. “It is very good to see you again, Chan.” She offered up with sincerity, her voice a little more hollow though the cause was anyone’s guess. She had failed him too, failing to save Aleister while he was away. "You have a nephew... and two nieces." She offered, stepping aside to reveal the brood.

Aquene Slayer

Fittingly, his mother was the first to greet him. For a moment, it was just him and her, and Chan closed his eyes as he leaned into her embrace. He wished it could have stayed that way, quiet and comforting, but others were just as quick to see him home. The man knew he should have been thankful, but instead he felt increasingly hollow as one by one they appeared.

Nash's hug was returned tepidly despite his older brother's best efforts to appear cheerful and enthusiastic. He asked after Flair, and Chan breathed in sharply. Already it was starting, and he was still not prepared.

"She wanted to stay with Jet and the others, they're all up at Turtleback. There's a litter to care for, we befriended their mother some months ago," he explained as Oksana next appeared, grief haunting her eyes just as it had his family's. Chan swallowed, feeling immense sympathy for the woman who should have been anticipating her first anniversary with her husband and now was left alone with all of his responsibilities, children included.

"They all send their condolences, Sana. We're- I'm so sorry."

The words were filled to the brim with heartfelt emotion, and still he knew it was a drop in the bucket against what the other was going through. Under any other circumstances, he would have wanted to help with the children to try and ease her burden. After his own misadventures this Spring, however...

Aquene caught his eye and broke his focus from the Cove matriarch, and as she leaned in for a hug he could hear the familiar chirrup of pups. When she stepped away, it was to reveal them, small and bright-eyed bundles of fur. The air caught in his throat.

Fiodor. Shea. Enette.

If the others had continued talking, he could no longer hear them; his ears were filled with a maddening buzz.

(This post was last modified: Sep 03, 2022, 03:39 AM by Chan.)

I think I need help, cuz I'm drowning in myself

For a moment it was only the two of them. Mother and sons reunited after so long apart. The dark shadow held her tawny boy tightly, knowing the reason for his return but not wanting to instantly jump into their sorrow. They needed this moment of happiness, no matter how short. Moon tore herself away to look to her first born, soaking in the sight of his two-tone gaze that was no longer just his and Al's. Little bundles of terror joy ran about the cove with the same duality. Before either Eastfall could say anything a third joined the scene as the inky pelt of Nash burst onto scene. The mother took another step back to avoid the collision as loving chuckle left her salt and pepper maw. Her silver dusted tail waved easily at her hocks as the boys had their usual reunion. Another sense of normalcy before the inevitable.

Nash asked after Flair, looking around to see if he could see her namesake form. Cool mercury gaze also glanced around interested if she would appear. Chan explained that she wanted to stay at Turtleback Lake to care for others, including a litter. Oksana's voice then called out greeting Chan and expressing her apologies it wasn't under better circumstances. Moon's silver dusted ears fell flat against her skull as her banner stilled. Sorrow welled up in the woman, all too familiar with the feelings on multiple levels. He offered his and his companion's condolences for the loss of Aleister. It wasn't long before another familiar dark figure appeared - her daughter-in-law with the children in tow.

An almost inaudible whine came from the Eastfall matriarch as she felt all the grief in the air. She didn't know if it was the weight of the loss or her old age that made her unable to conceal her pain as well as she once had. She inhaled in an attempt to keep it together for the multiple generations that were gathered. Moonshadow's pale gaze watched Chan's tawny features as Aquene stepped aside to reveal his nieces and nephew, hoping it would be some happiness among the grief. She was wrong as dual colored gaze seemed to freeze on the triplets. Something in his gaze caused another whine to fall from the mother's lips. Something was wrong, she could feel it in her gut. She wanted nothing more than to pull him into another embrace, to chase away the feelings within him. Feelings that she sadly also knew all too well but was ignorant to the specifics. She would seek him out later once he's had time to rest. For now, the inky eldery woman looked on with clear concern. Unable to not worry for those she loved.

Word Count: 456

(This post was last modified: Sep 06, 2022, 03:56 AM by Moonshadow.)

The eldest Eastfall-Slayer pup had been wandering through the territory that day in an attempt to escape the torment of his sisters, and their bickering. Though, despite wanting to escape them Matos had been sticking around since the pack's gathering. He was still unsure about what exactly had happened. Everyone seemed sad, especially mama, which was something he had decided he didn't like. So, the dark boy stuck close to the den knowing it helped his mother at least a little bit. For the longest time Matos was unaware of his grandmother being hot on his trail. It wasnt until a call rang through the trees reached them and she took off with speed he hadn't ever seen from her.

A hint of worry struck the boy as he ran back to the den. Surely his mother would want to know where he was if there was a stranger calling at their door. Large dark paws ran clumsily over rocky terrain as quick as he could. Luckily he wasn't far as the boy appeared as his father called for them to be gathered. Confusion crossed his features as dark brows furrowed at his mother. Why were they needed? Who was here?

Obediently Matos followed his mother to the borders with his sisters, resisting the urge to ask her all the questions that floated in his mind. He could sense the sadness flowing off her, it seemed heavier during their short journey. He wished he could chase it away, whatever it was that made her like this. Dark ears flicked back as they walked listening to his littermates bicker about who knows what this time. Sometimes he tried to keep the peace between them but then other times he simply stayed out of it. This was one of the times where he chose the latter. Before he knew it they all arrived at the border where many of the pack was gathered. Two toned eyes looked at those who were gathered, his father, his grandmother, the other mother and a stranger that was similar to that of Magg. Tones of browns, creams, greys and blacks that stood out starkly against the inky coats of his family.

His mother greeted the strange man before stepping aside to reveal him and his sisters, referring to them as a nephew and nieces whatever that meant. Two toned orbs met another two-toned gaze with curiosity, he hadn't seen a big with eyes like his before, only littles like him. His thin puppy tail waved behind him as he looked to his uncle with a wide smile. The look of shock on Chan's was lost on the child, going right over his head.

(This post was last modified: Sep 06, 2022, 04:59 AM by Matos.)

Nash had been so excited to hear his brother's voice, that something had gone right in this terrible, terrible summer, that for a moment he'd forgotten the solemnity that hung over his home. It didn't take long to return, however, as Oksana soon arrived with Aquene close behind her. There was a hollowness in both women that quickly brought Nash back down to earth and the weight that had been dragging on him since his friend's death sank around his neck again, heavier than ever.

He didn't miss the catch of breath when he asked after Flair and Nash suddenly knew he'd touched on something very bad. He glanced at his wife even as Chan explained. The Cove was not the only place tragedy had struck their family, even if now was not the time or place to press his brother for news. Instead he hoped to cheer him with an introduction to three of the seven blessings bestowed upon the Cove, his nephew and nieces, but even that seemed to fail.

Chan gaze grew distant, and the twisting in Nash's stomach worsened. He stepped forward. "Chan?" he murmured, and when there was no response in his brother's vacant expression Nash once again glanced to Aquene before carefully brushing his brother's shoulder with his nose. "Chan?"

(This post was last modified: Sep 08, 2022, 09:24 PM by Nash.)

This was getting absolutely exhausting and, frankly, ridiculous. The whole situation was leading to more bickering between the Eastfall girls as Mona demanded more and more of her parents' attention and when she couldn't get it, her grandmother's. If Magg even sniffed in the direction of the adults, Mona would find a way to make her pay for trying to take up any of their precious, limited attention.

So some guy died. He wasn't around much anyway, that she'd known in her lifetime. Who cares? Her dad was the leader now and that made her a princess and meant she should be in charge now.

When dad shouted for mom to gather them and the trio were suddenly being hurried off Mona thought a new page was turning. She bounced ahead of the rest of her family, only barely restraining herself from pelting after her father. There was a strange man at their borders, someone who grandma and dad were clearly pleased to see.

Someone who looked an awful lot like Magg, and had weird eyes like Matos.

That's no fair!

She didn't know what 'niece' or 'nephew' meant, but she did know it meant they were something special to this strange man and that meant he should have been happy to see them. Instead he just stared blankly, and dad started nudging him.

Unacceptable.

"'m Mona!" she said loudly, demandingly. </p>