Bryn | 10 | Ash Tribe | Shaman | M: Alder, pups (ref)

Bryn huffed an amused blow of air from his nose as Alder asked her series of innocent questions. He loved their curiosity and spunk. Their naivety was charming and he had a pain in his heart to image their simplicity wiped away by the world and its hateful harms. A powerful defensive wave flooded him and he wanted to sink his teeth in Time who seemed to take joy in destroying the good and fair.

He opened his mouth to answer her questions, “Insects usually come from the forest or high grass. When we pass by them, they drop down from their perch and land on us. They don’t just bother us. They mess with all animals like a deer or coyote.” At her second question, he started to scratch at his left ear. “I’m not too sure why they like to get on other animals. Maybe we move faster than they do so they take piggy back rides.” He looked down at the pups to answer the last one.

“Let me tell you a story that my father told me that his father’s father told him.” He began with his voice lowered. “There was a time where we did not live here. We existed in forests of stone where wingless birds would take care of us. I know, I know, it’s funny but it is true. These birds didn’t like insects and they didn’t eat them either. Instead, they would eat out of odd colorful or clear leaves. Their food smelled good but we were rarely given it. Instead we were fed disgusting pebbles day after day after day. But it was worth it because these birds would scratch the hard places and take care of us when we weren’t feeling good.” He coughed a little and then continued, “It is said that these dogs whose leader were the birds had no insects that crawled on them. These birds would give them sweet treats that would prevent this or sometimes wet slime on their backs. Legend also states that some of these dogs still live. Dogs whose master is a bird. So to answer your question, Alder, no. Not all dogs get them.” He realized that these pups might want to find these birds, so he quickly added, “Do not seek out the featherless birds. Some of them are dangerous and powerful who do not want our freedom. Our founders came from these birds after a terrible experience from them. From what experiences, I will not tell for they are not for such sweet ears of yours.”

Tanzanite || Ash Pup || 1 Month || M: Sapphire, Alder, River, Kyanite, Bryn

The young pup was rudely awakened, once more, by her mother. She whined in annoyance as her mother carried her out of the den, her good dream being cut short. Her stubby, white legs flailed in the air in a poor attempt at escape.

It did not take long for her mother to reach her destination, setting the blue eyed pup down in a place she had never been before. Curiosity grew within her tiny chest. That is, until she saw the black and white dog sitting in the cave with her.

Tanzanite jumps in surprise before curling into herself in an attempt to hide – her mother having left before she could use her as a shield. During this time, the dog’s dark brown eyes studied her fur intently – moving away from the black to glance at the white. Why is he staring at me?

Her mother soon brings her sister and cousins to the den as well, thanking the stranger as she takes a seat. Her cousin River looks rather annoyed that his play time got cut short. Taking the chance, she scrambles over to her mother as fast as her stubby legs can take her – huddling beside her tail.

At her sister’s question, the husky-like pup perks up a tiny bit, hoping for an answer. Though, she only grew confused at the mention of a “check up” and worried when her mother volunteered her and her sister to go first. The mention of another litter never crossed the pup’s little mind. Her mother began to lick her to calm her nerves – not helping in the slightest.

Kyanite was the first to be checked out, much to Tana’s relief. However, that relief did not last long as she was chosen to go next. The entire check up, the pup stuck as close to her mother as possible – almost becoming a part of her leg and tail. A tick was found on the back of her neck by the Shaman, and was swiftly removed. She calmed down a tad after this action.

The fluffy youngin’ watched on as Bryn checked over her cousins, now rather intrigued in his actions. Various questions formed in her mind, all of which she was too shy to ask. Her cousin, Alder, piped up after her once over – asking numerous questions about bugs. Tanzanite was glad for this, as she found herself wondering the same things.

During the canine’s answers – and story – the blue eyed husky looked on with perked ears, listening intently to his every word. At the end, her mind was spinning with new knowledge and numerous questions. Taking a few moments to build up courage, she speaks, “W-what do th-these b-b-birds look li-like? If th-they did such b-bad things, why did not e-everyone l-leave them?”

Bryn | 10 | Ash Tribe | Shaman | M: Tana, pups (ref)

Bryn was alarmed to see Tanzanite react fearfully to his simple story. He didn’t think it was that impressive, but then again, she was just a month old. Her looked at her with sympathetic eyes and a bit of regret as he should’ve told them that all dogs got them. They didn’t need to know the dark history of their past. However, it was too late and he had dug his hole. He’d have to finish it.

“They come in many colors like we do.” He began, “Sometimes pink, copper or a coal color. They had little to no fur on their skin, rather it all gathered at the tops of their head. This would come in all sorts of shades from the darkest black to the brightest of yellows. They stand taller than us, maybe twice your mother’s height, maybe even more. They were clawless and fangless like they were wingless, but they had a brain. They were smarter than most animals and learned how to build, make and learn. However, these birds are wicked and heartless. The only reason why a dog would stay with them is because they are kept on chains and inside cages. Because they are limited and have forgotten the free spirit that a dog should have.”

He looked at each one of them, meeting their eyes.

“Be thankful that our ancestors held onto their independence so that we were born and we were born wild. No matter what, never go near a stone forest or a wingless bird. For they will destroy you. But,” he added quickly so that they’d not dwell onto his warning too deeply. He didn’t want puppies with nightmares. “The forests and plains are safe. Our camp is a refuge and we will do anything to protect you from all danger.”

At his promise to them, he ached. He knew that he’d protect these young ones from any danger, bird or dog. No matter his age or the cost. They were worth it. These thoughts dug into the ditch were Night laid in his heart. He would’ve done that and even more for her and he wished he had had the chance. This stirred up his ever-growing hatred for Oak. He hadn’t realized it, but he had growled a little.

Nymph || Oak Tribe || Warrior || M: Cawls

The nervous laugh from the male only amused her more. She was glad he had found it somewhat funny, even if she could tell how awkward he felt around her. She didn’t care much for how others perceived her or even if they really liked her. As long as she was treated with the same respect she gave out, then they could hate her for all she cared. With Cawls, he just seemed a bit uncomfortable. She didn’t remember speaking much to him prior to today so she didn’t blame him. Nymph shivered at the sound of gagging beside her, making her stomach churn and making her thankful that she hadn’t eaten yet. She was sure it would have come up if she had. It did taste disgusting but she did her best to simply ignore it. The sooner she could get this taste out of her mouth the better.

A few more minutes of pulling and they were finally out of the long grass, ticks most definitely finding her legs and underbelly. Nothing a good grooming session later on couldn’t fix. As bothersome as the little creatures could be, they were inevitable. The smell of the fox was strong so she was glad she knew where she was heading, relying on the scent of the borders would have made this much more difficult. Thankfully it wasn’t too long until they reached the border they needed to be at. Killing the thing was clearly more work than if they had let it run off but she wouldn’t have been satisfied so it was work she didn’t mind doing. Nymph released the leg once more, lifting herself up so she was standing properly and stretching a little.

Looking at the body and then back to Cawls, she spoke up. “Do you think it being just outside the border will do? Or should we drag it a little further out?” She asked, unsure on what would be best. Even if she was older, the female could be clueless at times. She was more fight than smarts.

River || Ash Tribe || Pup || M: Alder, Sapphire, Bryn, Tanzanite, Kyanite

River watched as his cousins and sister were looked over, watching as bugs were pulled from their fur. His face scrunched up in disgust, slowly backing away to try and hide from this tedious experience. As he did, he bumped into his Aunt who was sitting at the entrance, slowly looking up at her before looking past her. He knew better than to just run off completely so let out a huff and waited until it was his turn. Secretly wishing for his mother to come save him instead. He wondered where she was, he didn’t like being away from her for so long. He knew he would just have to wait, surely they wouldn’t be there much longer.

Once it was his turn, he squirmed a bit, unsure of what to do with himself as Bryn did what he did with the others, letting out a quiet yip of discomfort as a couple ticks were pulled from his skin, turning to lick at the areas to soothe himself before looking back up to the older male. Letting him finish before shaking out his fluffy pelt. Finally He thought, stepping away and scratching at the back of his ear. He perked up again at his sister's questions, looking towards Bryn as he waited to hear the answers. River wondered why those bugs even existed, there was no point to them all they did was get in the way. Bryn’s explanation though made him giggle, mainly the part about piggy back rides. It was funny to think that the bugs just wanted to get somewhere faster.

When a story started being told, River grew interested again, his eyes full of nothing but innocence and curiosity. The young male laid himself down by his sister, leaning his weight into her and having no regard for her personal space. He listened closely, finding the story to be amazing. He believed every word and hoped to one day see these so-called flightless birds, even if they were told to never search for them. His ear twitched at his cousin's voice, looking back to her and then up to Bryn. She seemed scared, he wasn’t sure what, he thought the story was cool and couldn’t wait to hear more from this older male. Being taken away from playing didn’t seem so bad anymore.

River continued to listen, swallowing hard at the warnings. Surely they couldn’t be that scary or that bad. If they had no claws or fangs or wings, he could take them. At least that's what he told himself. Then again, the little sprite thought he could take on anything and was invincible.

Mike followed Avalon as they went on patrol when Avalon had finally slowed down, Mike started helping Mark the territory. He looks around when he had heard shuffling in the bushes. He smelled Rouge Dog. one growled letting Avalon know. As soon as he growled he was jumped on. The Rouge dog looked like it had seen many battles. Mike twisted out of the dogs grip and slashed it. The dog didn't back down as Mike lunged the route dog dodge him and he pinned Mike down agian. This time Mike couldn't get out of the dogs grip all he could do is keep out of reach of the teeth on the dog. Mike growled again and was able to bite the dogs leg making the dog stagger back. Mike took this chance to get out from under the dog and slash its eye but it wouldn't back down it seemed to be a female but why would she have attacked. Mike was lost in thought which ended up leaving him wide open. The Rouge dog bite him on the shoulder and wouldn't let go.

Quilo || Ash Warrior || 3 Years, 5 Months || M: Mishka

Quilo nods his head in a solemn understanding at her first response. He was right in his assumptions (though he wished he hadn’t outright stated them). On the topic of the patrol, he listens intently – taking in every detail and idea she presented. When she takes a moment to pause, he voices his answer.

“Sounds good to me!” His tail slowly begins to wag once more.

The husky mutt honestly doesn’t know what else to add, not having done much planning before. Due to his innocence and inexperience, he has never been able to lead a patrol. It is often worried that his naive ways will lead the patrol into trouble, being too trusting and friendly to dogs that may have violent intentions. Though, he has never figured this out – always thinking that it is his clumsy nature that makes the others hesitant (which is also true).

Silence fell between the two, causing the male to become rather uncomfortable. Being a rather social one, he always despised being silent around others. To him, it represents a bond and possible friendship that has yet to be formed. And not being friends – with a packmate of all things – is a big “no-no” in his book. So, he attempts to strike up a conversion.

“So, um… what… hobbies do you have?”

Tanzanite || Ash Pup || 1 Month || M: Sapphire, Bryn

At her words, the male appeared alarmed. As to why, Tana did not know. Did she say something wrong? Were the answers to her questions too much for a canine of her age? She was not afraid of the story – rather she was intrigued – so was that topic too sensitive? The one time she has the courage to speak up to a stranger, and this is what happens?

The blue-eyed mutt flattens her floppy ears, tucks her tail, and waits for a scolding. Why did I have to open my big, fat muzzle?

The young female was surprised to get an explanation rather than a scolding. Though, that did not mean she was ungrateful. She’d take it over a scolding. Quickly she perks up, listening intently to the Shaman’s words. The more he explained the more she became intrigued, amazed by the stories he told. Much to her surprise, her tail began to wag in the presence of one she considered a stranger.

Tanzanite became slightly worried at his warning, but that emotion was immediately squashed at his assurance that their home was safe. His promise of protection helped to douse her worries as well. Her tail increased in speed as her ears perked up. She looked at him in admiration. Maybe he is trustworthy.

A growl erupted from Bryn’s throat, igniting that “age-old” fear she held – reminding her that she was, in fact, sitting in front of a stranger. A pack-mate, sure, but a stranger all the same. Her tail stilled and tucked, her ears pinned back once more, and she pressed herself to her mother as closely as possible. A whimper raised in her throat as she watched the male in fear. Please don’t let him be angry at me!

Breeze / 6 / Female / Oak Tribe / Alpha

Breeze eventually fell into a fleeting but then again peaceful slumber. Her mind relaxed for what felt like only a few moments before she went into REM sleep and dreams started to appear.

She was in the camp as per usual, sitting, no lying down, beside the entrance to her den. Naruto was beside her, sitting, his eyes alert. She glanced at him, he was maybe a year older and larger than ever. He looked back at her and smiled before turning his attention back to the camp. She looked where he was looking and spied Kaylie and Mike, their tails entwined as two healthy pups wriggled and squirmed for room as they fed from Kaylie. She smiled, before watching as three juveniles, obviously the pair’s first litter went bounding over to their parents, yapping excitedly. Swinging her head round, she saw Avalon and Mora… Mora! They were sitting side by side, talking quietly. "Oooo oh my…" Breeze muttered under her breath.

Then, turning to the herself she saw little change, apart from, Oh my gosh! What!? Pups!? She craned her head to get a better look and saw three tiny pups , no bigger than two of her paws. She sighed and nudged one, marvelling at the sight of her and Naruto’s offspring. The pup unlatched from her belly and let out a small wail, soon Breeze was falling, down, down into nothingness.

She was in the forest, her own territory, she could tell by the absent reek of the Ash Tribe. She was running, her paw-steps seemingly silent, making no sound on the thin trail. She was heading near the border, but now running alongside it before skidding to a stop. From there she trotted over the border and paused, seeing a small black thing, Night, reaching for some moss. Breeze made her attack, launching herself after the small pup and chasing Night into Oak territory. Her paws made a grab for the pup, missing as they wound through the trees. Eventually Night slowed and she made the killing blow. She looked at her paws, blood splattered as the pup lay dead in front of her and she jolted with fear, her sleeping form in the clearing shuddering wildly and thrashing.

She woke, her eyes sweeping the clearing, wide and fearful. She glanced around before panting heavily as she sat up shakily, her mind gilled with horror at the nightmare. Which seemed very real in the dream but very untruthful at the same time.