Poison Path Waking Hour

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Mid-Morning, Overcast — Current Temperature: 61° F

It was time.

The puppies were finally old enough to be moved out of the birth den into the bigger pack den. It wasn't going to be a very far move, but she was sure the puppies were going to get a kick out of being able to finally get out of this cage. She was actually relieved that it was time, she doesn't have to be cramped in this tiny den for much longer. With the little ones still asleep, she got up quietly to peek outside at the weather. The slight breeze whipped the poisoned scent around her, surrounding her with love. She was sure the poisoned ones would love the new cubs. She sure did.

She glanced back at the comforting and serene scene behind her, knowing that this might be the last time she'd see these two so peaceful and calm. In a few weeks, she will probably be wishing for this every waking minute. Looking back out into the poisoned lands, she let out a beckoning call for Ava and the rest of the Poison Path wolves to come finally meet the new arrivals. She was sure Ava would want to come help with Datura, hopefully her new adoptive son. Walking back towards the two balls of fur, she nudged her adopted daughter gently on the side, then licked Datura on the top of the head making sure to leave some slobber for him. "Wake up, my darlings."

(This post was last modified: Jul 14, 2012, 04:26 AM by Athena.)

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

<blockquote>Her dreams were filled of wide open spaces, vast fields of waving green and the sound of rain. It was her favourite noise, and the infant could always be relied upon to settle the moment that the sky became overcast; she would listen intently, waiting for the white noise which always made her eyelids heavy.

The rise and fall of her brother's chest added to her peacefulness, and she made a small, airy content noise as she cuddled against him closer, her tiny body dwarfed even more by her littermate's size. Gently she pawed at his belly, enjoying his warmth, but it was nothing compared to the huge mass of white fur which kept her safe and cosy all of the time. When her mother shifted, Belladonna murmured in discontent, but the rain in her dreams kept her from waking, and there she stayed until a nose prodded her awake.

Her eyes scrunched up before opening, full of tiredness and the desire to go back to sleep. Her mother's soft voice called for them, and Bella could not disobey, though she blinked wearily up at the familiar white face with the faintest of frowns. <b>"Mmmrrmmm?"</b> <i>Wake up...</i> Well, if she must.

With a high-pitched yawn, she rolled away from the warmth of Datura and onto her four unsteady feet - though as she woke up, growling affectionately as she buried her dark muzzle into her mother's white cheek, Bella's coordination and balance much improved. If they had been woken up, did that mean food? Eagerly she hopped up onto her hind legs, reaching out to grab her mother's ear and tug it downwards, giggling quietly.</blockquote>

Though it was cloudy, in Chantille's mind, the sun was out and shining brilliantly. She was nearly bouncing up and down outside of the birth den, excitement being an understatement as to how she was feeling. Creamy coat moved as her muscles brought her up and down, up and down. Teetering on her paws, she peered into the den, sweet voice questioning "Would you like help, Athena? Oh goodness, I'm sorry. I'm intruding, aren't I?" She leaned back now, nearly falling upon her rump in a comical manner. Taking a step back, she dipped her head respectively, almost seeming to apologize silently for her energetic mood. With her tail wagging, though, she stood and waited for the pups to emerge. She had not seen them yet, so this was most certainly going to be a day that would remain in her heart for the rest of her life?

<blockquote>OOC: I hope it's okay Ava didn't get here first. Maybe Ver could write her waiting outside the den already, or have her come with food? I'm sorry. I just wanted to get this up before I leave for the weekend. </blockquote>

A scruffy paw clenched around uneven ground, black nails digging into the soil. It held tightly onto the floor, unnecessarily hard. It seemed uncomfortable, but an action she herself was not aware of. Like a man clenching his fists in anger, or throwing both hands in pockets, it was something many would not notice, but quite obviously showed nerves and excitement. She was freshly groomed, prepared for the occasion. Her body did not shake, nor did her tail wag, but a smile broke through her lips each step she got closer. She trotted through the pathway at a nice pace, not prolonging the moment, but preparing herself. She didn’t want to be the first to get there. She feared standing alone outside the den, no idea if Athena’s call had been a mistake, or worse, just for one pack-member. The more she thought, the more she grew uncertain. She replayed the notes in her mind, calculating the chance of failure. Treena may have not been omega, but her stomach lowered instantly at the thought. Tlarx was amazing, a charming male. She was familiar with him, comfortable, bonded. It was strange, how natural Salamander-Man seemed as new leader. She did not hesitate to give him the title, or the respect. She would avoid his fangs just like everyone else.

She was arriving on an empty belly, each growl causing her to cringe. She would have enjoyed a nice meal, had the damn thing not escaped. Her one paw was slightly sore, bleeding paw-pads, claws sensitive. She had pushed herself to the limit this morning, and that hadn’t been enough. Hunger was tolerable. She was too focused on everything else to worry about health. Pups were beautiful, especially the two now roaming inside the birth den. Treena could only imagine Belladonna and Datura. Only hope for the boy’s spunk and personality, or the gifts Belladonna carried. Of course, she could not fully respect any healing talents, she lacked the education, but Ava knew a little, and Chantille was a professional. Belladonna would have plenty of guidance. Datura may be more difficult. Though the female had little to teach, she knew much about combat. If the cub was willing to listen, her knowledge could serve useful to both him and his sister. Though special attention wouldn’t outright be given, she had little to offer the female. Skills in the mountains came in time, as did experience.

The woman could smell the excitement. It was growing on her, tail starting to shake, picking up the speed until she was in the clearing. Treena loved Chantille. She loved each member of her family. Plus, it was impossible not to love a female so sweet and innocent. Still, it was habit to test the boundaries of her pack-mate. It had been a mix of the talk with Tlarx, and Ava’s clear dominance that had provoked her. She wanted to know how it felt, to put someone below her, to not have her muzzle grasped so often. She wouldn’t need to worry about carrying herself lower than everyone else, to wait patiently as they ate first. The puppies were finally here! Her rank threat was barley on her mind. She wanted to see the babies! It was that heart-beating, race pulsing truth that was finally sparked the next level as she stood right beside her pack-mate.

A gathering like this could not be without some action. Two new wolves were being accepted into the world! Here they would stand. Here they would grow and learn. While Treena knew Ava, as second, would arrive any minute and help usher out Athena, she didn’t dare get any closer to the den. She did not have that amount of respect, nor would she be that testy. Raising her tail was enough.

Chantille was like a sister, but the mix of emotional climate and impatience had sparked the female’s rebellion. While she would tend to lick the throat of those higher ranked, she instead strained her neck out. This would be the moment of truth. Here was not the place to battle, even the female knew that. If Chantille refused to back-down than Treena would submit.

(This post was last modified: Jul 17, 2012, 12:03 AM by Treena.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">Being accepted into a pack was a big step into life. A large milestone many would say. Nothing could stop him from feeling content though. He had a pack to protect, a glorious mate, and he was fitting in quite well. He had met Chantille and Ava already, which was a great thing, but the one thing he honestly wanted to see, was more males. Where were the muscles in the pack? Putting aside Treena. He had desperately been searching for some sort of scent of male, for he was sure he wouldn’t have been left alone in a pack full of females. Oh no. . .that would not happen to him.

His tail wagged contently as he made his way back to the denning area. He had recently come back from marking the borders and was happy in a way he could not admit. He felt safe and content. . .a feeling that many Hervoks couldn’t take easily. It seemed as though the peaceful day was the perfect one for him to be interrupted in the middle of though. For soon enough the sound of Athena’s strong howl echoed throughout the lands.

His paws instantly turned in the direction of the howl and his slow pace soon turned into a peaceful run. He loved the areas here, they were peaceful and deliberate. . .the lands that Ash surely loved to live in. His head lowered as he approached his leader and the others in his pack. He took pride in seeing them all, and soon enough his paws landed right next to Treena. He gave everyone in the clearing a brief, respective nod. They were his family now, and he respected them all.

( Apologies, here comes a shitastrophe~ )
<blockquote>The call came at no better a time, for Ava had just finished her border patrol and taken a seat at the lake's edge to calm her racing heart. Running the mountain's passes was a pastime she would never forego, no matter how winded she felt in the end. The freedom of it was like flying, and the little blackbird wanted nothing more than to be able to fly. But she was not given time to contemplate her wishes and waste time dallying; Athena's melodic voice had beckoned her forward. Within moments she was on her four and slipping through the path of nightshade like a shadow.

Outside the birthing den was Chantille, falling on her behind as though the gravity of having to wait was too much for her. A delicate smile edged its way on to the Second's dark face, which was waned slightly by the approach of Treena. The mottled female did not dare step so close as Chantille had, which was wise, but she stuck her neck out in a fashion that did not suit a lower-ranking wolf. <i>Interesting</i> was all she could make of it, though she was not so concerned which one of them was higher ranking than the other. At least, not here and not now. Her heart was swelling with warmth at the picture of her little golden Datura, curled in a ball somewhere beyond the darkness of the den's mouth. There was well would be Bella, and Athena, the lifeblood of their Poisoned pack.

As Ava stalked forward, Ash arrived. She was not surprised by his presence, for the male's scent had been recently marked on the borders as well as hers. So, he had actually come back to them? That was a pleasant surprise. Despite their turmoil he accepted the life anyway. That was respectable, at least. Her brilliant stare swept among the gathered wolves no more than once, but her hasty greeting had to be pardoned for she was too excited to see the children.

Gently Ava broke through the shadow of the den, posture simple while her smile was extravagent. Quickly she approached Athena to lick her Leader's chin, a whine of happiness escaping her dark jaws. Afterward, she swung her head toward the male pup. In the darkness of the birthing den his golden fur shone like a candle, yet he denied opening his eyes very wide. Ava shook her head and leaned down to nose the space between his legs and belly open, a <span class='word'>requisition</span> that he stand up. "<b>No more sleep, Datura,</b>" she coaxed softly. "<b>Your family is waiting.</b>"
</blockquote>

(Also, what's the deal? Should we PP Datura as like shy/weak/nervous?)

art - threads

Kegan sniffed the ground with his shiny black nose soundly onto the ground, the presence of new males were here. Then, the boy had heard a loud, beckoning howl, which was certainly Athena's. Kegan turned his direction to the source of the howl, his feet padding along quickly, tough quietly. His silver pelted coat was well groomed, and shimmered along with him as he started to sprint. He was, truly desperate to see the puppies.
Finally, the Timber wolf had reached outside the den. With his furry tail wagging like mad, he had joined Athena and the other members. He then noticed a new wolf, a large, male wolf, with fancy, bright green eyes. Kegan glanced over at the unknown male.
Kegan had given everyone a friendly nod, though stayed silent. Today was so peaceful and pleasant for himself.

<blockquote>A strange sound plucked at her ears, and, game forgotten, she turned slowly to peer at the den's entrance - where she caught the briefest glimpse of a retreating pale shape. The playfulness fell from her immediately as she stared, and then took the smallest of steps forward.

The sounds outside were different than normal. She could not hear the wind so well over the sound of footsteps, of breathing... Faintly she recognised them, as though they were strange sounds which had passed by her home before, but now they seemed important. They were here all at once.

The sight of Ava, a comfort in itself, broke the spell, and Bella's short tail wagged at the sight of the other woman she knew. It was not the same love as for her own mother, but this was the wolf who cared for Datura like her mother cared for her. Swiftly Ava went to her brother, coaxing him from sleep. <i>Good luck with that!</i> Bella thought with a giggle, before turning to gaze up at the white face she loved.

<i>Outside?</i>

She could not wait. Curiosity burned at her - it was almost as bad as if there had been a heavy, grey sky. Who had that cream blur been? Feeling safe, for her mother was here, Bella carefully waddled towards the promise of open space, but stopped just short of coming out. Instead, she peered out, startled by the faces she saw there, the faces so like mother's and Ava's and yet totally different! Who were these wolves? Why were their scents so familiar?

Eyes wide, she stared out at the gathered pack, unable to move herself another step, overwhelmed. Her toes itched, her haunches tensed - but to leap out into the day, or back towards comfort? Cautiously, for they were all but aliens to her, she yipped softly - a greeting, to them all in general. Friend or foe? Her mother would sort it out, make it clear. All would be well.</blockquote>

As Chantille lowered herself upon her rear, Treena approached. The woman outstretched her neck, awaiting the submission of the creamy woman next to her. Now was not the time. With her kind chocolate eyes narrowing briefly, Chantille offered a slight flash of her ivory fangs before gazing back to the den. Her lips covered her fangs as a small pup emerged from the den. Belldonna. The little critter released a soft yip to the wolves around her. Chantille felt her heart pulse heavily within her chest. "Oh, bless her!" Chantille spoke, a smile breaking across her muzzle. She rose up to her paws slowly as not to alarm the little wolf before her. With her tail wagging, she lowered her head downward to Bella's level "What a sweet little wolf. Hello, dear, I'm Chantille." The creamy woman was overjoyed to see the pups for the first time; she could barely contain herself.... yet somehow, she did. With the smile still upon her muzzle, her tail continued to wag as if she was a pup herself.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">His eyes would stay on his mate, but only before he heard Chantille exclaim something in glee. His curious green eyes would then turn to see one of the smallest things he had ever seen. . .a small pup. Even smaller than the rabbits and birds that he had ever hunted. His eyes filled with wonder and care as he stared at the small female pup. Wonder churned within him. . .he did not know how many pups there were, but only having one in the litter was slightly odd. . .and it scared him highly. He knew that these weren’t Athena’s pups, they just couldn’t be. They looked nothing like Tlarx or Athena, and the two would not of had time to breed in the short breeding season.

He wanted to approach but stayed rooted in his place. He wanted to reach out and touch his nose to the small girl’s cheek in welcome and comfort but he stayed. Athena had not given the okay to approach and so he would not. Yet. . . His head tilted briefly to the side towards where Treena was standing. . .wondering briefly what it would be like to have pups with her. He knew very well that it would never happen, but wondering was never a bad thing.