Sanguine Cove at last i see the light

One by one, the rest of his packmates began to arrive as well, each giving their own greeting. Moonshadow received a small nudge back with his nose, while the yearlings each got a friendly nod. Leo watched them huddle together with a warm glint in his eye, though there was a wistful pang in his heart, a brief twinge of longing that he quickly swallowed back. He was a grown-up now, after all, with no desire to be coddled. Still, it helped further when Stella showed up, reminding the oldest Vuesain brother that he was not alone either. A soft hum was emitted as greeting when his siter came close enough, tawny shoulder nudging blond. Then his attention was drawn back to the leaders as Aquene began to speak, a small furrow forming between his brows as he wondered where Oksana and his younger sisters might be – Sana’s absence especially worried him. But for now, Aquene required his attention, and she would get it undivided. A solemn nod was his only answer to Eclypse’s introduction – the young guardian would continue to do all he could to keep the Cove safe, as well as keep an extra eye out for the pup’s wanderings. The second subject was more troubling, the mere mention of the Backwater making Leo grind his teeth nervously; ‘Strained’… That was putting it mildly. He didn’t much like the idea of any Cove wolf getting close to that territory. However, those worries were quickly overpowered when the alphess addressed him directly with a completely unexpected request. Two-colored eyes widened, his mouth feeling suddenly dry as a stammer, that had otherwise pretty much disappeared, returned with a vengeance; “Uh… I-I… M-maybe…” He struggled, trying multiple times to swallow spit that wasn’t there, gaze jumping to Stella in clear panic before returning to Aquene; “Of course w… Whatever you need… But w-wouldn’t it be better if…” Another glance at his sister, she was the scout after all; “M-maybe I should come along… with you? For… Safety?” It pained him to speak against his leader in any way, but the thought of travelling all the way to the north was even more agonizing. Of course he wouldn’t disobey the order when it came down to it; But surely there’s a better way…! Thoughts ”Speech”

Lakela @DA

The crowd gathered, prompting Nash to finally sit up. It wouldn't do to be lazy, after all. He was finally back. Like his wife, however, he was quick to notice both Sana and her daughter's absence. His ears flicked back briefly in concern. Perhaps introducing a new puppy was too soon for her; he would have to find her later to check in.

He couldn't dwell on the matter however, as Aquene began speaking. He surveyed the group, smiling warmly at his own children - now yearlings - how did they grow up so fast? - and wishing Mona was here to meet her sister as well. But back to the duel purpose of the pack meeting.

Leo's stammered response immediately drew Nash's attention, eyes snapping to the boy. No, no longer a boy; he was grown. The leader's brow raised in surprise, but he managed not to tilt his head. He didn't miss the look he gave his sister, recently returned from her excursion. Nash would have chosen her to go, but she'd been absent at the time he and Aquene had decided. Now his wife had spoken, and while Nash wasn't about ultimatums...

"We think it's best if only Aquene approaches the Backwater. Taking a guardian - regardless if he's in training or not - could be seen as a threat," Nash said, not unkindly. "While Paradise Falls is... a journey, we know them to be friendly. Most of their founding members once called the Cove home, after all." And my brother is there, Nash did not say. That particular wound still stung. "You've grown into a very capable young man, Leo. I have full faith in your ability to represent our pack in forging new bonds. And keeping my daughter in line," he added with a twinkle in his eye as he glanced at the child in question. "I have faith that you will cast a good reflection on our pack as well."

And maybe work out a bit of that wild energy.

She'd heard the call, but Diantha didn't hurry. There was a long moment in which she strongly considered simply not going to whatever this meeting was. She knew she had no reason to be, but she couldn't help feeling... bitter. Bitter that her mother's place at the helm of the pack had been taken, that her agemates still had their dad, and that they even had a new baby sister. Di didn't play with her own littermates as much as she used to, but it still stung to know she might have had more little siblings to look after if it hadn't been for that cat.

But with a heavy sigh she dragged herself to her feet and trotted off to answer the summons. Her mother would be upset with her if she didn't show, after all. It was to her great surprise to find that she was one of the last to arrive - everybody except her mom and Star. Suddenly shamed, Di slunk her way in around the back until she came to Galen's side, slipping up next to him to watch the youngest member of the pack play, completely oblivious to the adults gathering around her.

Two tone gaze watched with curiosity as his newest sibling bounded about the clearing. It was only taken away with the arrivals of the girls. Just after their arrivals his mother began to speak. She began with the obvious - the introduction of his sister, to which he smiled and looked at her once more. The yearling's attention was brought back as his mother - who was now also his alpha - began to speak once more. The other reasons for their gathering, two trips to the other packs. One friendly and the other...not so much. Aquene assigned both Leo and Magg to the trip for Paradise Falls. A twinge of something stirred inside him for not being chosen for an important task. His gaze snapped to his father as he fought the urge to let his ears fall against his head. Surely there was an important reason for him not to go...right?

The next assignment - the Backwater - made him shift uneasy. While he hadnt known exact details of what happened when the news of Sephrina was delivered, the young boy could only imagine. The horrors of that day would likely haunt them all til the end of their days. He knew the packs were no longer on good terms and the thought of his mother or father going was not something he was fond of. It seemed like he wasnt the only one who was uneasy. The strain in his adopted older brother's voice was clear as a stutter forced its way out. His gaze dropped along with his ears for he didnt want to make the older Vuesain uncomfortable. It was removed only when his father began to speak.

Nash explained why it was best for Aquene to travel to the Backwater alone - which squashed his idea of asking to go with her. He also explained why Leo had been chosen for the trek to Paradise Falls. The explanation Matos was looking for wasnt given. He wanted to help too! He decided to seek one of his parents out after the meeting. He didnt feel like this setting was appropriate for his question.

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

The sun warmed her inky coat while the gathering of her family warmed her heart. It had been so long since they had all gathered together. The elderly woman hoped they would a few more times for good things before her time came. As everyone gathered Aquene started off by introducing little Eclypse. Moon's silver dusted tail thumped happily as the pup bounded about. She was a blessing, as were all her grandchildren. The grandmother knew though that the little darling wasnt the only reason for their meeting. Two missions were announced, one to each known pack in the Lore.

Paradise Falls wasnt once she worried for. Her eldest resided there and while it was a bit far she knew Leo and Magg would be more than capable of making it. The Backwater however? That one she knew was a necessary evil. Their relationship needed to be mended but for Aquene to go alone? That didnt settle well with the Eastfall woman. Had she been younger and more capable Moonshadow wouldve insisted on accompanying her. She wasnt a guardian so wouldnt been seen as a threat. However, her limbs arent as strong as they once were and she wasnt sure she'd make it down the mountain, let alone back up it. So she would have to settle with having her daughter-in-law making amends on her own and deal with the anxiety until she returned safely.

Word Count: 235

She was arguably the best person to send. She was a mother who could emphasize with the loss of a child. She was Kateri’s mother, whom to her latest knowledge still resided within the Backwater… and on top of it all, she was a healer who had sworn to never harm another wolf… she felt as though she would be fine, given what she had listed. "Magg and Leo will go to the Falls first, and once they return I will depart for the Backwater.” She held zero doubt in her mind that her more than capable husband could keep things in check while she was out, even as he finished recovering from his illness.

Still, with Leo’s response, she made a note to check in with him after the pack meeting to ensure that he was okay. “Thank you all for coming. I’m sure Eclypse would love to meet you all more… but if you have other responsibilities you must get back to, then we will not stand in your way any longer.” There was a lightness to her voice, a smile on her features as she said it. “And please, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if there is something you wish to discuss more privately.” They were going to heal, as a pack.

Aquene Slayer

(This post was last modified: Jul 07, 2023, 10:28 PM by Aquene.)

Just one little girl. Wasn't she lonely? Magg could only see happiness within the child's demeanor, seemingly perfectly content with all aspects of her life. Part of her wanted to be riled by jealousy, but the emotion never came. Things were what they were, she supposed. Happy as she may be, she wouldn't ever be Matos' closest sibling, or best friends with Galen. ... right?

Her mother's words moved on, mentioning the Backwater which caused her ears to droop and her head to hang a touch heavier upon her pitch black friend. She didn't see why they needed to push it, Magg perfectly happy to never get attached to another foreign peer again just for them to die on her. Her concern wasn't as heightened as the others', though- it didn't occur to her that this was something a Cove wolf might ever be physically attacked for. Worst case would be they just ask Aquene to leave. ... right?

Man life was a pain, she was thinking, and then-

'Magg, Leo...' her ears lifted, a moment of apprehension flitting about in her chest before her mother continued, 'I would like to ask you both if you will represent the pack and visit Paradise Falls on our behalf.'

She shot upright, not just straightening her posture but standing all at once. A loud, celebratory 'yesss!' was bout to leave her throat too but the teen caught herself in time. Still, she beamed brightly and her tail whipped back and forth through the air. Magg couldn't believe her ears, and all at once this went from another reminder of how mundanely shitty life seemed to be to the best pack meeting of her life.

Her would-be scouting partner clearly wasn't anywhere near as thrilled. Magg almost spoke up to say 'that's okay, I'll take Galen with me.' After all, he'd been outside of the territory plenty! Her father was quicker, however.

'I have faith that you will cast a good reflection on our pack as well.'

Her cream-colored chin jutted up and she proudly answer with a firm, confident "Yup." She definitely wouldn't be shaking in her prints like Leo currently was.

The pack drank in their words and, to Nash's delight, Magg was enthusiastic, to say the least. It was why he'd suggested she go instead of her better-behaved brother. She was a wild child at heart, and while sending her off to see the world might backfire and inspire her to follow in her sister's footsteps... Or her Uncle's, Nash did not think, he hoped letting her go with a chaperone might settle her energy and keep her home at least for another year. At least until she was grown up.

He did not miss Matos' disappointment. Nash glanced between him and the other two yearlings that would not be going, and his expression softened. "For you three youngsters that are staying, we haven't forgotten about you. Your turn will come; I just can't send all of you at once right now. I know it's not as exciting as going to Paradise Falls, but if you'd like I thought I'd take you all on a special field trip to the old territory of Fallen Tree Cove, where Aleister and I were born and grew up." He looked at each of them meaningfully, gaze settling first on Diantha and Galen, and then on Matos. "Your Grandma Namid is buried there, and your Grandpa Tagg," he said to each in turn, only briefly glancing up at his mom as he mentioned his father.

Gradually the remaining members of the pack began to filter themselves in, a swell of pride filling the ebony boy's chest in realization that he had actually been the first to promptly arrive. Beating even that of his older brother Leo was typically the most prompt wolf he knew who took a moment to acknowledge his brother's promptness with a nod of approval before settling down to await those yet to arrive. Moonshadow was the next to arrive and the elderly wolf was greeted with a thump of his tail against the ground before his attention shifted to his near look-alike age mate spare the mismatched eyes that were nestled within his dark mask.

The inky boy was given a shoulder bump in turn before Magg managed to make her debut on the scene, his tawny best friend offered a nudge to her cheek with his muzzle in greeting before he relaxed to allow the weight of her head to rest more comfortable against the top of his shoulder while the rest continued to filter in slowly until the only ones left to appear was that of his own mother and litter mates. For a moment their absence had his ears pinning back in worry, but such emotions were cast aside temporarily once Aquene began to speak.

A small grin settled over Galen's maw at the idea of showing little Eclypse all the cool things he got to when he was younger, but what truly caught his attention was this talk about two separate envoys and how not only his brother got picked to go beyond the boarders, but his best friend as well who seemed ecstatic about the idea. HIs brother, not so much which caused Galen's ego to deflate a bit. In the past couple months despite the slough of tragedies that seemed to plague these lands, the swarthy Vuesain had worked his tail off to pull his weight in hopes of catching up to where his brother was. To where Magg was in her guardian training, even. He guessed not.

Although, ever vigilant, Nash seemed to pick up on the disappoint that radiated off a couple of the remaining yearlings and spoke up of a special trip to where himself and Galen's father had been born. To where his Grandmother once lived as well. The idea stirred up mixed emotions at first for Galen, but ultimately he settled to offer the older man a warm smile. Content with what he was being offered for now. There would be more chances to go scouting beyond the Cove and Galen would just have to work harder to make sure he gets picked next time.

(This post was last modified: Jul 11, 2023, 05:56 AM by Galen.)

Magg's reaction was to be expected. Of course she'd be happy to go on an adventure, who wouldn't? And with Leo too? It would seem that his disappointment would not go unnoticed. He felt his fathers emerald gaze settle upon him, causing his own to cast downwards. He missed his lookalike's same disappointment. Dual colored eyes only looked back up at his father when he proposed another trip. One to the other side of the lake to see Fallen Tree Cove, their parent pack. The one that started it all...

Dad explained that that's where he and Uncle Al were born and grew up as well as where Grandma Namid and Grandpa Tagg were buried. The first part sounded cool but the second made him a bit nervous. To visit a grave site? Well, actually multiple? It made the boy slightly unease, but he didnt want to seem ungrateful for the offer. A small smile and nod were given instead to his father as their gaze met. Maybe it would be fun?

Word count: 172