Iridescent Lagoon save your tears for another day

Hagar was still searching, still desperately hoping that someone, any one of those were missing, were just around the corner. More than his son who had likely chosen to depart and his wife's closest confidant, the wolf couldn't help but yearn for his alpha. The pack and its hierarchy were a part of his very being, meaning Avella had been his compass for nearly two years now. Without that magnetic presence, no matter how dour she'd been acting, he was left absolutely spinning.

As if that wasn't enough, fires threatened to spread into their forests. He could smell them in the air, choked on the acrid ash which blackened the sky. What would they do if flames came licking at their home?

The sun shone through the haze, attempting to shed beauty on the darkened forest. His beryl eyes were on the water ahead, his throat parched and burned, lungs aching. His leg faltered, quivered and buckled, and Hagar hit the earth, gasping for breath and body refusing to cooperate.

Daegal knew it was probably rude to follow his Hagar, but the man had been acting so odd lately that he couldn't help but worry. They'd already lost so many of their family; he didn't want his dad to wander off too. The burning air didn't help to ease Dae's concerns. It clearly worried the adults and the way it burned going down his throat left his mouth feeling ashy.

Nothing sat well with the yearling anymore.

It got worse when Hagar wandered further than normal, heading towards the lake. Daegal trailed behind, not sure if he should make his presence known or keep trying to be sneaky. Once upon a time he would have leapt out at his dad in a game of tag, but  now... He couldn't bring himself to even try.

But then Hagar began stumbling as he approached the water and collapsed. "Dad!" Daegal screamed, kicking into a sprint to reach his father's side. The older man was gasping, choking because the very air had betrayed them.

(This post was last modified: Jul 14, 2023, 08:56 PM by Daegal.)

Regularly, Nineve was never far from her brothers, especially so when they were younger. A trio which had promised one another in their youth that they would never part. Of course, the trails of adulthood far outweighed that of a youth's dreams and now the litter was split. Iseldir still missing and Daegal's reserved and quiet personality putting a wedge between the remaining pups. Daegal was not in good spirits, worried. Eve was restless, looking out at the hope of a new life beyond. She wanted to leave. Maybe Daegal would go with her. Find Izzy and mom.

But right now, a smoldering new chaos was underway. The skies hazy, the temperature hot and a burning scent in her eyes and nose. What had life thrown at them this time? Was all this tragedy everywhere!? Or was this the reason the Archers of the past had decided to leave the Lore all together?

Eve followed her brother's trail, wanting to speak to him further on how he felt about sticking around. His path and, as it were, their father's, took them to the grounds around the Lagoon. She heard Daegal's cry out and rushed to the scene, panic setting in. "Dad!" She nearly squealed as her voice cracked. She slid up to his side, beckoning him to get back up. "Let's try to get him to the water." Hagar was coughing and hacking and really it was the best plan she could think of.

Instinct bid him to panic as he failed to get enough air. Hagar fought to keep control of his mind and body both, forcing his breathing to be as slow and even as possible in the moment. Sound barely came from his throat, even as his children called out. The sound of them sent another spike of adrenaline through him, wanting to protect them from seeing their father in such a state. There was nothing that could be done, however. Hagar was helpless.

Nineve urged him to stand, but his legs still shook and failed each time he attempted. She wanted him to get to the water, but suddenly those last few yards seemed impossibly far.

"Dae..." he tried to get his son's name out but could barely breathe out that first syllable. A whimper tried to follow, but that too died without enough air. His vision began to spot and break apart, and then everything was gone all at once as the large wolf passed out. His head slumped, muzzle burrying amongst ash-covered grass. He couldn't know it, but this would save his life - this time.

Eve was there and it helped Daegal feel a little better, a little more in control. He and his sister could fix this, could help their dad. She immediately had a great suggestion, and the water wasn't even that far, but as soon as Hagar tried to stand he dropped.

"Dad," he said urgently, but he appeared to be asleep, and the panic overtook the boy again. With his mind stuck on water, water, water, Daegal sank his teeth into his father's scruff and began heaving with all his might, trying to drag him forward and get him to the lake. He wasn't little anymore; he could get Hagar there, if Eve helped him.

Though struggle and try as he might, their father fell out of consciousness. For a moment Eve was struck with a deep worry that he has just died right there in front of them. But she moved to his face, his side- his breathing was shallow, but there.

All at once Daegal was then yanking on their father's scruff as he tried to get him to the lagoon bank edge. Daegal had grown to be the biggest of the litter for sure and if anyone could move him, he could.

Eve decided on the oposite approach and alternated between the top of her head and front legs to push her father while Dae pulled. Eventually, they would get him there, where Eve would use a paw to splash water on Hagar's face.

I'd like to try and get this thread finished at least with Eve and Daeg if that's okay

Eve quickly jumped in to help, pushing instead of pulling, and they got their father to the water. Daegal wasn't sure how long it took them; could have been hours, could have been minutes. All he knew was it took too long and his dad still hadn't woken and even though he was breathing it wasn't right and Daegal was scared. "What's wrong with him?" Daegal asked, helping his sister splash the chilly water on their father's face. He didn't understand how it didn't wake him. With how hot the air was, the water should have been a shock.

Maybe their dad really had died and none of them knew it yet, that they'd be watching his breathing slow and then stop and there was nothing they would be able to do about it.

Desperate, Daegal began splashing harder.

Daegal joined her splashing, Eve slowed her own splashing to study her father. She didn't know what was wrong with him. Didn't know it went far deeper then what was showing on the outside. "I don't know. I don't know!" She said louder as her brother's paws began to move more frantically. "He's just tired- working too hard, he passed out! He just needs rest... and it's really hot. He will drink when he wakes." And Eve sat, deciding that it was just that. Their dad was tired. Just really, really tired... to where, you know, his body was forcing him to sleep now.

"I can go back and get the others if you watch him- or if you wanna go." The wheels in her head kept spinning. "Maybe some medicine will help too. I can get Ra or Niamh."

(This post was last modified: Oct 30, 2023, 05:03 PM by Nineve.)