Stonewatch Timbers somethings here tonight

@Kova @Raela 
April 9th, 4:30am
Here's a brief description: The center mountain of Stonewatch Timbers. The large hill, or rather the small mountain, owes its size to the several other hills that are nestled around it. On its peak, a single boulder of almost perfectly circular shape marks the entrance to a den; a large stone cave formed by wind and rain over time. The northernmost side has been eroded into a messa, sparse of any vegetation it creates an easy advantage point to see the surrounding areas. The dense forest of towering spruce and pine that covers the majority of the territory lends easy camouflage. The main water source comes from a slow stream that snakes around the eastern base of the mountain before continuing on its way south.

They had been travelling for a long time, almost 12 hours to be exact and by now the mother was weary. The small group had left before sunset the previous night, Minka being more safe doing the majority of their search in the cover of dark. Especially since Tokino had been missing for a week now since had had insisted of going on a search by himself. The mother was growing increasingly uneasy in their territory, she felt as if she were being watched. It was time to start looking for the spot that they would call their new home, somewhere that the newest members of her family could be raised safely.

So the alpha had recruited her son and Raela to accompany her as she moved to the north in search for this oasis. The south had automatically been out of the question, too many allies of the Woodlands lay there, it would be foolish to move closer into the mouth of the lion. This was why they had spent the night heading north into increasingly elevated grounds until they were moving through the domed mountains. Something about the area calmed Minka's tense nerves, it reminded of her birth pack whose lands had been incredibly similar to this. While it had been surrounded by stone fields the actual pack territory was an elevated forest, it was as if she had been transported back to where she was born.

Cresting their latest slope, the highest one that they had yet and seemingly the largest one around Minka could no longer deny her fatigue. The tawny sides were swollen with child and her paws were sore from carrying the extra weight all this way. Slowing her steps the mother looked around, surprised with the amount of mass that was a top the mountain. The terrain was relatively flat across here and covered by densely packed trees. Intrigued by their finding she pushed forward, her exhaustion forgotten as she felt her heart begin to lift, had they found the place?

Kova strutted along usually staying beside his mother in case she needed somebody to lean into. Over the past month and a half he had watched her long lean form balloon out from the middle. Immense curiosity over why her body had changed helped to keep his attention on Minka most of the time. Especially when one big part of the boy wanted to be out with his father looking for his sister Noble.

Despite being a very curious wolf, Kova had yet to ask his mother why she was growing so large, and why her odor had changed from that oddly spicy smell to a much more familiar warm scent.  It just seemed like something he shouldn't ask about simply to be courteous of Minka, so he didn't ask a damn thing about it. 

For now though, Kova was content to help lead Minka and the young woman from his pack he had not really met yet northward into the territories he had roamed through. Mostly he stayed behind Minka occasionally pointing the way by remembering certain paths or landmarks along the routes he had once wandered across. Since his mother was with him, and another pack mate was there to keep watch, Kova was actually really into viewing the sights he had once passed by. He wasn't afraid of this land now, and with a full belly he could enjoy the beauty of the thick timbers without constantly looking for food. What was even better; Kova could share the majesty of the place with his family since Minka wanted to move them north for some reason.

Soon they were climbing up the same mountain he had met Aideen on. The one that had ll the surrounding hills bowing to it. They had skirted the flowing water to the east and headed up the side of the grand hill. Then the little group began climbing upwards. Kova pointed out at the view between the trees, and how they could see all the landscape beyond the hills. He knew now that the rolling area devoid of trees to the south was their home. Or at least, it was the only home he had ever known. Blackberry fields was only just visible to them through the clear air and trunks of trees. It looked so far away though, that Kova was surprised it hadn't taken them longer to get here.

 “Hey mom? You okay?” Kova asks suddenly turning his head to look at her form. She looked visibly tired an worn out which caused Kova to wander back towards her shoulder. He gave her a reassuring lick before pointing up to the top of the hill with his muzzle. “We are almost there. The cave I stayed in is up there by those stones.” He spoke just as Minka started forward again heading for the very place he had mentioned.

Raela had actually been excited to be chosen for this expedition. It was a very important task to be sure, and she, too, felt safer while moving away from their vicious neighbors. Kova's excitement at the views was a welcome if often occurrence. She appreciated having someone else along who loved the sights, and offered her agreement and a smile. The girl's condition had steadily improved, especially with the recent decision to end the exhausting patrols. Even so, she worried for the lost pup, for Lugh and now for Tokino, her Alpha. She knew he was probably alright; likely determined to find his daughter and stubbornly refusing to return empty handed. She was concerned for Minka, though. Raela suspected she was pregnant, and now they were trudging up hill after hill in search for a safer place for those very lives. It was no surprise when the leader slowed, visibly weak from travel. Kova was at her side quickly, and his show of concern made her content to hang back and view the exchange. Bright golden eyes drifted over the landscape, taking their cue from Minka's own scrupulous gaze. She felt the decrease in pace relieving. The woman's body had mostly recovered, but many hours of walking had awoken her old soreness. She took in the view from this hill, being careful not to pass ahead of the Alphess or her son. It was a gorgeous place. The trees were thick near the base of the hill, lending a sense of safety and protection when looked upon from such height. The peak they stood on was like a throne waiting to be claimed. Clearly Minka had the same thoughts, because she suddenly became very interested in the area. Rae's pace quickened to keep up with the other two, but her eyes continued to drink in their surroundings. It was a far more majestic and impressive territory than the one they had come from. A smile tugged impatiently at her face as the tawny wolf moved forward toward this den Kova spoke of; excitement powering her steps. When the mesa came into view, Raela hurried toward it; temporarily breaking rank. Her head tipped back as she scented carefully for other wolves. When the girl turned up nothing she turned to face the others with a cautious smile and a slow wag. ”No one around,” she said shrugging. The subordinate paused a moment, looking out over the trees. ”...I like it here,” her voice uttered softly. Orange ears tipped backward curiously as she waited to hear Minka's thoughts on the matter. Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

(This post was last modified: Apr 10, 2015, 11:47 PM by Raela.)

            

No posting order :)

Kova's constant travel stories and sightseeing were amusing to his mother who had long ago grown accustom to his running dialogue. Now that he was older and the talk was less questions and more statements and stories Minka found herself marvelling at the boy. He truly had turned into a young man when he was lost, he was witty and intelligent and funny and confident in a way that she herself had taken years to grow into. She knew he was curious about her stomach and the changes that were occurring, she could see it in the way he eyes her roundness and kept close to her side. She would have to tell him soon, though she had half hoped it would be his father that would have had this conversation. Life had a peculiar way of changing plans though, which was exactly how they found themselves on the top of this small mountain.

Though the night was past the point of pitch black it was still dark, not even the smallest hint of a sunrise on the horizon. It was in this dim lighting that Minka felt her son lick her shoulder, voicing his worry, "Oh I'm fine Kova, just tired from all of this walking is all." The tawny cranium turned as she offered him a reassuring smile, licking at his cheek in comfort, she was going to have to tell him soon if he was this worried. Nodding at his words she had continued to the crest of the hill before being renewed in energy.

Stepping forward Minka took it upon herself to examine the large stone cave that Kova had mentioned, though she didn't enter it fully. Peaking her head inside golden eyes swept its interior, taking in its large smooth walls, it was more than large enough to fit the pack inside. Taking a few steps backwards she met her sons gaze, "I think we should explore this area further, leave some scents behind as we go. This could very well be our future home." Minka's eyes sparkled as she talked, her body filled with hope.

Acting upon her own words Minka pushed on, slowly following Raela's scent to see if she had discovered anything else. It didn't take long until she reached her position, the view was enough to make the expectant woman pause. Gasping as she looked out at the surrounding territories, the sight even in the dim lighting was enough to take her breath away. Taking one more step forward so she could see more clearly she broke the silence following her subordinates words, "It reminds me where I grew up, I think we found the place. This will be our home." Even as she spoke the words she knew her mate would agree, it felt right.

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The young wolf looked around as his mother assured him that she was okay. Kova didn't like seeing her hurt. As long as she said she was okay though he wouldn't worry too much. Minka stepped away from him heading towards the cave. As she inspected it Kova looked to where Raela had disappeared to. He spotted her flitting up the shallow slope towards the mesa. He listened as Minka spoke of leaving their scents behind which made him pause there thinking for a moment.

“Leave our scents like the way guardians do?” He asked quickly before sliding himself along the side and opening of the cave. If Minka said yes to this question then Kova would attempt to properly mark the place by peeing on it like how Bane and Tokino had shown him. Though he couldn't figure out why mother wanted to claim a place that was so far away from their home.

In truth, Kova hadn't taken the last pack meeting as seriously as he should have. All kova had known of home and family was in the blackberry fields. The boy found himself constantly denying the fact that his parents wanted to move the pack. It just couldn't happen... he always thought before striking off into the fields to enjoy their sharp tangy odor. Now, Kova was following his mother along obediently despite completely opposing his parents views on moving.

Suddenly Minka moves then and heads to the mesa after Raela. Kova follows slowly behind his mother until all three wolves pause at the top. Hearing the Lagina woman speak so warmly of how the place reminded her of home didn't help to change Kova's views on leaving. However he wouldn't tell her that. She was his mother, and she was the one who he trusted most. Minka then speaks about keeping the place as their new home, and Kova sighs softly. He then looks to Raela and gives her a halfhearted smile. “Yeah its pretty here I guess.” He comments to both women before looking out over ther glorious view.

A smile peeled back Raela's lips as Minka moved forward in awe, and then spoke. Her tail began to wag slowly as they looked over the land. Home. The thought was poisonous to the abused girl. Home was a bad place. It had been nothing like these beautiful rolling hills. In fact, the downs had much similar terrain to that of her natal pack; gentle, sloping land with flat valleys covered in bushes and clusters of pine. The thought stopped her tail from wagging. These wolves are nothing like them, she comforted herself. The thought of this being their new home elicited a happy sigh from the female, one that was quickly followed by Kova's own. The sweet mountain air left her chest as she turned back to look at the boy. The royal smiled, but there was indecision on his face. She rapidly became aware of the young man's situation; of course he wouldn't want to leave his home. He didn't look old enough to have likely lived anywhere but the Downs. Her ears slumped to the side with sympathy, and her grin softened. How terrifying it had been for her to strike out, and she had already been two! Glancing between both of them, she tried to make the situation more palatable. ”I'll bet this mountain would make a much safer place for us to live,” she stated gently, her voice rising at the end in a somewhat questioning tone. She glanced at Minka, hoping the caring mother would take the cue and help her son adjust to the idea with further explanation ans reassurance, and guessing that she would. Kova seemed like he needed it. She wished there had been someone around to tell her that leaving her pack was for the best; that it would end with her finding a new, better family. At the time, it had seemed like a death sentence – and perhaps could have been. But, taking your chances was better than certain death any day, and that was sort of where they stood now with their aggressive neighbors back home.  Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

            

One more post from each of you and then I can fade and start the claiming <3 Thanks for your speediness guys, still no posting order :)

Minka was surprised by her son's hesitance to moving, usually out of her two children Kova was the one to dive into adventure head first. It was worrisome that her only returned child might be opposed to the future plans of the pack, but it would have to happen. Leighs had always been an adaptive group and from what she had seen of Tokino's family she could say the same of the Laginas. Still his interest on what guardians would do was a good sign, he always had been so curious at pack roles and what was the responsibility of each member. Smiling with a nod she glanced back at the boy, "Just like guardians do, have you put any thought into what you want to specialize in?" The day of his decision was quickly approaching, each passing week marked by the growth of her sides.

Minka wasn't the only one who noticed Kova's reluctance and the mother met Raela's gaze briefly over the platinum shoulder between them. Tilting her head to the right she glanced back down at her boy, deliberating her next words as carefully as ever. She had hoped that his father could be here for the announcement but Minka couldn't think of anything other than a positive to look forward to. Settling her romp upon the grass she shifted until her protruding belly was more comfortable, "It is much safer here, it won't be safe to raise your younger brothers and sisters so close to Secret Woodlands after what they've done with Lugh." Golden eyes focused unblinkingly on the platinum maw as she spoke, ready for any kind of reaction her son might have but praying he would be excited.

(This post was last modified: Apr 19, 2015, 12:03 AM by Minka.)

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When he was smaller he had sometimes followed his father around when Tokino went out on border patrols. The younger smaller Kova would then pretend to pee on things copying his the actions his father would do. Back then it had been all fun and games, but now things were more serious. Even so, Kova couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed lifting his leg and peeing all over things in front of the others. Avoiding the others eyes as he marked the area, Kova finished up quickly then shifted back onto all fours. He padded closer to the girls then paused to stand beside Minka. It was only after settling himself next to her that Kova decided to answer Minka's question.

“I don't know... I mean.”

Kova paused to think a little bit more of what he was about to say. “I know what guarding is, what scouts, healers, and hunters do, but...” He made a strange puckered thinking face as if he were sucking on a lemon. “I just don't know. I like all of those roles.. kind of. Not really the healing stuff with plants, but...” Once more he paused trying to figure out what to say next. “Are there other kinds of roles other than those ones?” He asked quickly before looking back to Raela. His eyes skimmed over the nice she wolf before landing back onto Minka's form.

He waited for her answer then stood there thinking quietly. Is there a role that will fit what I like to do? the thoughts ran about within his mind before Minka's voice startled him to attention.

At first he didn't register the "younger brothers and sisters" part of Minka's comments. He simply nodded until his eyes screwed up in thought and confusion. Then his nods slowed down until his head was still. Blinking once, then twice, Kova then looked back towards Minka who was watching him carefully. “B..Brothers and sisters? Like.. Like Noble kind of sister? but more.. smaller? and young? Wait...” Kova was horribly confused now. He looked around Minka at Raela as if he were waiting for the other puppies to come out from hiding behind her. Then he looked to Minka again.

“But where are they? Why aren't they here now? Where are they going to come from?” Kova's question's began to pour out of from between his parted black rimmed lips. That bright sparkle of curiosity shone brightly in his eyes as he looked at Minka on wonder. I'm going to be a big brother?!?

Oh Kova you are the cutest thing! :)

Watching the young prince grapple with the idea of new siblings stirred warmth in the girl's core. It worked up from her chest, drawing a broad, amused smile onto her face. Young ones were so precious. She barely managed to stop herself from chuckling as the boy's eyes began searching for these new brothers and sisters Minka spoke of. She was happy that her Alphess had chosen this moment to break the news, and grateful to be included in such a close family moment. Rae had always wanted to witness something like this; to see a parent and child interacting with kindness and care. She couldn't imagine how excited Minka must have been to finally tell Kova. Perhaps there was apprehension there too. Pups weren't always so keen on new members joining the family, but this didn't seem to be an issue with Kova. In fact, the young royal seemed very excited.  His flurry of questions finally parted the subordinate's lips in a gentle laugh. She hoped he wouldn't get frustrated with her laughing at him like that, benign as it was. He was clearly puzzled by the whole thing, and rightfully so. Her sunshine eyes, now twinkling with laughter, landed on Minka as well. There was no way Raela was tackling that last one. It was neither her place nor her duty. Her gaze held a knowing quality; this was always the hardest part of the discussion. Turning back to the silver-coated boy, the tawny woman took in his stunned, amazed expression. Her cheeks rose with a brightening smile, he was such an adorable little moppet. She remained still, content to sit on the sidelines where she was as the exchange continued. If for some reason she was needed, she would be there to help explain. Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

(This post was last modified: May 02, 2015, 03:15 PM by Raela.)

            

It made Minka proud to see how her son was deliberating over this decision, especially since it had been such a big part of her life. The mother remembered being his age and worrying and stressing over what she would chose as it would affect the rest of her life. In the end she had chosen hunting, something she had never regretted as nothing got her adrenaline pumping like a good chase. His question made her ponder, it seemed like he had many interest and wanted a role that would incorporate all of them. Tiling her head to the right to show she was thinking about an answer in the end she didn't have one definite option, "Well a tracker is a type of hunter who specializes in following the herds movements and determining when is the best time for a hunt, so it combines scouting and hunting. It's what I specialized in at your age, you could also be a fisher which I know has always interested you. The scout role also has a specialization called a lookout, which combines guarding and scouting, they are the eyes and ears of the leaders and pack outside of the borders and must be the first to be aware of and alert of possible danger outside of our lands." It was a lot of information all at once, especially since he was already considering so many paths but it was better he knew all he could. Kova would be spending the next year thoroughly studying whatever he chose.

Suddenly she was flooded with questions and Kova's blue gaze began to scrutinize her form. She couldn't help the chuckle, it was as if he was young again and pestering her to know the name of every animal and plant. Smiling at Raela again she knew that this moment was for family, which was exactly what the subordinate had become in Minka's mind, this now cemented it. Standing now she knew her swollen belly was now on full view for her curious son, "Just like Noble but smaller, you might have brothers too! Right now they`re inside of me in a place called my womb, it`s why my sides are so swollen it`s to make room for them to grow. When the time comes in a month or so they will come out through a process called labour. It`s getting late now though, come we should go rest in the den and I`ll answer any other questions you have." Smiling once more at Raela she gestured with her tail that she should come as well and slowly the trio made their way back to the den.

FADE OUT

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