Poison Path My Last Will and Testament

Set before <a href='http://relic-lore.net/index.php?showtopic=2345' target='_blank'>The Sky is Falling.</a>

<blockquote> The tawny leader was troubled. It had only been days since the latest batch of recruits had been accepted and already they had vanished. The memory of Jedd was still etched freshly in her mind and her thoughts were more than troubled. Where had they all gone? There were only two wolves she could count on of all the gathered ladies. Two who had proven themselves beyond any shadow of a doubt. The third was slowly making her way into the lady’s good graces but was yet to do anything remarkable to cement herself there solidly. Only time would tell.

She had been waddling without purpose. Restricted from the borders by her precarious state and with no real want to be far from her den she had found her way to a small stand of trees, not far from the mirrored surface of the lake. She wondered what trouble the newest amongst them were stirring up and didn’t even attempt to mask the dissatisfied growl that was growing in her chest. They all knew the rules. Do not speak of the pack, do not bring danger to their door. But did they really understand it?

Settling herself on her stomach she almost longed for the days when it was just the four of them. Although Vafri had been an advantageous addition, and was the only male to prove himself so far. He had saved her hide after all. They didn’t need healers and they didn’t need mice. If the new wolves didn’t shape up soon and show their worth there would be a very angry mother snapping at their heels. She would not tolerate freeloaders.

Truthfully, Athena and Ava probably had a better feel for them than she did. She hated to interrupt their daily routine, but it was beyond time Athena was informed about their patient and she needed the counsel of her most trusted companions now more than ever. Her mind was clouded with the confusion of hormones and their eyes were clear. There was also the matter of how business would be conducted while she was den-bound. She would trust their judgement above all others.

She tilted her head and howled. The message was clear and beckoning Athena and Ava to come, but not with any urgency. Any who misinterpreted the message would have her temper to contend with. They should know to stay away.</blockquote>

Nose to the ground she had been patrolling the border when the Poison Path leader's howl rang through the clouds. Ava knew the voice of Naira by her heart, and today she sung a song that asked herself and Athena to gather. Though she hadn't the slightest clue what was to be requested of them, the dark female headed toward the call without hesitation. In fact there was almost a bounce in her step. How could one blame her? She adored the Lady Gang to which her loyalty was fiery and undying. Whatever mission they were being called for she would be happy to do, even though the last one had gone a little rockier than she had expected. She and Naira hadn't been in too great of contact since the night she delivered the hellebore (and the shoots from the Rise). She had returned reeking of Swift River, which made her feel extremely weird when she walked through their packlands even after she'd bathed in the Lake for a while, but unscathed... <i>Lucky</i> for her that no one had intercepted her...

They weren't likely being called on Sticky's behalf, being that as of yet Naira and Ava were the only ones who knew about them. But that was based on her knowledge. Perhaps someone had uncovered him? Wouldn't be surprised if it had been Athena - she was such a smart woman and she scoured the packlands on a daily basis to make sure everything was in tip-top shape. Or maybe he had woken up? Ava was just waiting for the day that happened, nervous and excited both to find out who he was. Perhaps he was just a loner... or perhaps not. Her wild thoughts had kept her company on the trek downward and through the poison path, and suddenly she found herself at the densite. Naira, of course, was no where in the immediate area. Even heavy with pregnancy the female had her ways. She followed the scent through a patch of trees and came upon her tawny leader.

Legs bent, she licked the underside of the other's chin to show absolute respect and fealty. Her tail wagged as it hung low, happy to be among her most trusted friends. Ava backed away and sat slightly, turning her head toward the trees that hid them from view. She wanted desperately to know what was to happen next, but first their pale Second would have to appear as well.

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