Makena shook her head with a smile on her face as Muli just laughed. So he really did forget about the stream. When he answered her she nodded. "Good point. I love living in dens with you, but i must admit i do slightly miss being able to roam around wherever I pleased." She replied. Just then Muli nuzzled her and soon after that a chilly breeze came. The suddenness of it and the smell of snow made her shiver. For now though, she let the thought of snow slip her mind as Muli let her have the rabbit. "Alright. If you say so." She replied before digging into the delicious flesh. It had been a day or two since she had eaten so the taste of blood was refreshing.

.

After almost all of the rabbit was gone, Kena heard Muli whisper to himself. She quickly looked up, wondering what he was whispering about. However, she only saw Muli's clawed paw above the water. She was about to ask what he was doing when Muli spoke. She tilted her head some and looked into the river. "Reflections are clearer in ponds, but i guess it is kinda cool how the river changes our appearance's." She replied, not quite as enthusiastic as Muli was. Makena quickly finished the last bites of the rabbit before dumping all but a couple bone remains into the river. She planned on using the sturdy bones for play toys. She then watched them float for a second before getting pushed deep into the river's currents.

.

Once the remains were long gone, Makena sighed and turned to Muli. "Im not the only one who smells snow in the air, right?" She asked, a hint of worry in her voice. "I think i should go hunting, my love. To stock up on as much food as we can before winter starts. I have a couple of reserves for winter but i wasn't planning on having a friend with me." She said before booping Muli's nose. "Maybe i can even get Frost or Icicle to help." She said as she pulled away. She then gave him a worried smile as she waited for his reply. She really didn't want to leave Muli, but she really was worried about the fast approaching winter.

Xola || 6 || Female || Wolf || Eastern Medic || M: Shadow, Icicle (Ind), Killjoy

Xola couldn’t help but feel at least slightly relieved at Shadow’s first string of words. A breath that she didn’t even realize that she was holding finally wisps past her lips and her ears relax from their tightened form. However, as he continues, her expression shifts to one of sympathy – usual striking eyes now soft and gentle, and her ears now loosely cast down to the sides of her head.

As Shadow moves to leave, the medic canters over to his side in hopes that she wouldn’t lose him before he got very far (Curse my tiny legs). Thankfully, however, Killjoy was there to stop the male from moving any further – blocking his path. Grateful for the action, she gives her alpha a slow nod and pads her way to stand to the side of him.

She listens to his piece to its entirety, not making any comments between the various parts of his confession. She did not even move when he set his sights upon her. Instead, she allowed Killjoy to speak first – allotting her time to soak in the entirety of his story. It… was a lot to shift through. But, she had a good idea of what to say.

Taking a deep breath, the night fallen female pads the smallest bit forward and stands at the male’s right side. Her coat presses gently into him as a form of comfort, blending neatly into his own pelt of darkness. Reaching a leg out, she scoops his own up in her motherly grasp – lifting it up to the slightest degree as if she were holding his paw. Her eyes settle upon his own to the best of her ability, still shining as softly as possible. She grants him no comforting smile, choosing to remain as serious as possible. Now was not the time for such a form of comfort. After a moment of silence, she speaks.

“What monster cares for another? What monster lives day by day with nothing but regret for events of the past? None, I tell you,” she jerks her head to the side, “A monster would hold no remorse for the actions long since committed. Have no nightmares of those lost to time. They live soundly within their own actions, and justify them every chance they get. Trust me…,” her ears pin back at the arising memory, a whining huff of air clamped down in her throat.

A blur of leaves. The snarling and snapping of jaws. Paws pounded against the shadow ridden ground at his approach. Face a sickly and twisted grin, teeth glinting in the low light of the evening. Naturally dark reddish-brown eyes scorned forever with bloodlust, set forth upon what he viewed as his prey. One so strong that it’d freeze even the most brave of wolves in place. Deep down, she knew that he’d never turn such an intentful gaze upon her. She knew that she’d never be on the receiving end of such anger or malicious intent, matter what she did. But she couldn’t stop herself from releasing a shuddering breath from its intensity, her heart skipping a beat within her chest before pounding like a fast paced drum.

What happened to the wolf she knew and loved? To the wolf she’d know all these years? This wasn’t him… was it?

A throat ripping growl, frightened and tight. The scrambling of the winter’s forest floor – away from the deadly advance. Away from violence. Fleeing death itself. His body pushing back in a sideways motion, ears flattened and pupils nearly invisible. She’d never forget his eyes, just as she could never unsee the leave’s. They’d been ones that she’d grown to enjoy over time. Their usual warm hue like the waters of a crystal bay was not replaced with ice cold dread and fright. Now, they were there. They always were. Watching. Haunting. Every time she closed her eyes, they pierced through the darkness with such fright and sorrow. A damn curse for her own choices and actions. Or, inaction. He did not deserve this. Despite his sin, he did not deserve this!

Striking eyes widen as the blow finally connects. Paws glued on the spot, she could only watch as the two tore at each other’s hides with such vigor. One in a fight for his life. The other… a disgusting desire for blood and repercussions. Fear shook across her form as the blood began to spill. This wasn’t right. Why was this happening?

Retching her gaze from the scene, she bows her head to the side – eyes screwed shut. Her tail curls tightly around her round and growing stomach, increasing in its grip the more sounds erupted from the two. Ears pinned back, she attempts to relinquish herself from the horrid sounds. Despite all her strength, she could not ignore the choking snarls that came from the losing party. Nor would she ever forget the cackling howl of the victor as he and his followers lifted their heads to the sky…

How long had it been since that happened? Two years? Four? Five? Time was not something that the medic liked to ponder. It had not been very generous to her in the past. Rather, it often scorned her. But, she had to keep going. If not for herself… then for her son.

Taking a moment to steady herself, she realizes that she had fallen a bit too deep within her own mind – taking up a similar position to the one held in the ghost of a memory. Just with the added addition of tears, which she failed to notice. It was almost as though she was there again. Surrounded by those she used to call family. The place she used to call home.

…She missed him. As crazy as it sounded, she truly did. He was evil. He was vicious. He was a monster… but she missed him all the same. And there was nothing that could stop her from loving him with all her heart. Not the murders. Not the vile punishments. Not even the wars. She still cared… and she always would.

Taking a breath, she herself and the shaking that had been spurred on without her knowledge. Her eyes, however, remain shut. As does her head remain down.

“…I should know…” her voice tapers off into a whisper, mending into the wind like the times of long past.

Finally, opening her eyes, Xola finally looks back at the alpha – head still downcast, but not as frightful as before. “If you believe that I’d think anything less of you for simply grieving, you are mistaken. Shadow. You did dishonor your pack. You did not bring them any shame. Even if your actions were not the most admirable. Even if you do not regret what you did. You cannot predict the future any more than any other wolf. You did your best to protect them. But, sometimes, that’s just not enough,” her eyes glance up to the leaf-covered sky, “While I may not ever be able to understand what you did and feel, I know what grief can drive one too. And I cannot entirely fault you for it. We’re mortal, after all. We all make mistakes. And you’re no different. So what if they were good or bad? You’re doing good now, and that’s what truly matters.”

She holds his gaze for some time, hoping to see if that – in any way – helped him. But her demeanor completely shifts as Killjoy addresses her out of the blue, going from sympathetic to what she would call unbridled rage. Though, to be honest, it was an annoyed look for others than anything else. With pinned ears and slightly exposed teeth, she turns towards the other alpha, holding back a growl to avoid disrespecting the alpha anymore than she had today. Her eyes scream, ‘now is not the time for such petty assumptions,’ but continues with what she has to say.

“I did not come here for you,” she all but snarls, “I came to help you comfort your friend. Besides, I believe your – likely now lasting – leg injury will be enough punishment for your recklessness today. If you had stayed a minute long, you would have known that I was going to be escorting you to Shadow. But you instead rushed ahead without a thought. Once again, I must ask, what good would that have done us?”

The night fallen female’s tail lashes about behind her, but is careful to not hit the suffering alpha beside her. “Yes, you are a mess. A mess that needs fixing. But I cannot give you any more aid than I already have, in terms of advice. At least, for the foreseeable future, seeing as it is a meaningless waste of time in your eyes. After all, undermining me is all you’ve seen fit for doing today, apparently.”

Her expression softens slightly as she continues, “I truly do care about your well being, Killjoy. And I do wish to hold some sort of friendship with you,” her face hardens once more, “But I cannot deny the overwhelming fact that I have been inadvertently deemed an annoyance, unnecessary accessory, squabbling scoundrel, and down-right meaningless addition to your pack. Even if you meant to show none of this, it’s all I’ve been shown today by most of your pack. My first day working for you and your followers. I surely hope that this is just a one time thing.”

Turning back to Shadow, Xola’s expression becomes her usual soft and motherly one. Pulling up slightly with her paw (that had remained wrapped around his) she looks up into his eyes before speaking once more, “Shall we get you back to the den, my dear? Or is there any place you would like accompaniment too?”

Solaris || 5 Years || Male || Raven Pack Hunter || M: Mairea, Shiva (Ind), Willow, Brute, Night

Solaris’ ear flicks back at the sound of Mairea’s laughter as they walk, a hair confused as to what could be so amusing. The confusion, however, is… slightly cleared by her remark which earns her a soft huff of air in her general direction coupled with an eye roll and a slow blink. A teasing action, of course. But one with an underlying meaning that only she’d be able to understand.

Patience my ass. But, of course, dear. For you, I’ll try and have some patience.

Sticking close to her side (to the point that his fur was constantly brushing up against hers), the sun bleached male keeps his stride slow and small so as to not leave her behind. His tail remains wrapped around her as they move, not dropping for a second. His head lifts towards a natural upwards position in order to properly guide this dear wintery huntress. Fiery eyes are cast upon the camp once more, sharp and peeled for danger – scanning the area with great vigor. Once more, the only being he spies is that hunter from before. And like usual, he pays her no mind. But, besides her, there was no one he could see.

The sense of annoyance grows beside him, followed by a huff from the petite alabaster female. Yes. He held the sentiment, signified by his low and rumbling growl. One that only she would be able to hear. He was not pleased with the fact that the two hadn’t been alerted to any current events happening around the territory. Sure, they were not the most… approachable pair (him more than his mate), but that gave no excuse to them to be left out of the loop.

A bark caught his attention directly after this line of thought, causing his head and neck to angle themselves towards its direction. Stopping directly before the couple were a pair of wolves Solaris had only once encountered since joining the pack. One was a tan and black pregnant female. Willow, he believed her name to be. The other was a male that looked to be made of sand. Brute, if he recalled correctly.

Besides his muscles, he doesn’t look like much of a “Brute” to me, the hunter nearly scoffs.

The sun stricken males observed the two seemed to communicate among themselves, his annoyance rising as neither cleared up the confusion both wintery wolves held. A snarl ripples from his throat, hoping to catch their attention and bring them back to the situation at hand.

The action, however, turns out to be unnecessary as the alpha himself strides up to the growing group to discuss his plans for the day. Upon being addressed, Solaris wraps his tail a bit tighter around his mate. The desire to hunt was strong within his muscles, itching to dig his fangs into the flesh of some prey. However, he currently had a much bigger priority at hand. Getting his mate to the pack’s medic. That and the location of choice was not… a particular favorite of his. He’d rather hunt anywhere else.

At the notice of what had occurred springing from the male’s maw, he could feel his earlier annoyance ebb away. However, no amount of sympathy replaced it. Rather, he could care less about the outcome of such an event. It didn’t affect him, nor his mate, so why should he? Though, he does nod towards her mate as she speaks on the topic. Just to make a show of “hey, I care.” But the information as to where the medic currently resided was quite useful. Now, all he had to do was help his mate cross… the… river. Oh boy.

A chill runs down his spine at the thought of going anywhere near that monster of a natural formation. Then again, if it meant that he could get his mate checked out by the medic, then he would brave the waters and push through–

Wait, what?

The sun soaked hunter’s head whips towards his mate once again, shocked by her words. She wanted to go along?! But what if the river floods? What if something attacks her while he’s not there? (Not that she couldn’t handle herself, but still. A worrying sentiment.) What if whatever’s wrong spikes up while she’s alone? What if-

A cold touch to the cheek, and all his tension (that he didn’t even notice building) bleeds away. His eyes cast themselves downwards to his mate, much softer than their usual frightening glow. It was reassuring, but not to the extent he wished. The half of the message, however… well, he’d only place nice if the others did.

The lick to his nose, on the other hand, had him grumbling – disgusted by a public show of affection. Even if he’d actually liked it. Not that he’d admit it. Shaking his head, he tries to rid the end of his snout of the sensation as both he and Mairea wait for Night’s response.

Frodo || 9 Years || Male || Strays United Scavenger || M: Ash

The shuffling of paws sounds from behind him as they continue their journey, confusing Frodo. Glance back, he catches the youngster steadying himself after nearly tripping, causing him to inwardly chuckle. Though, he does not signify his notice of such an embarrassing action. Ah, leave it to a youngin’ ta nearly trip without anything going on.

At his following comments and question, he couldn’t help but genuinely smile, even if the wolf couldn’t see it. “Thanks, my boy! I’m quite glad I made it this far too,” he cackles light heartedly, “And yes, ya are correct. All builds have their strengths and weaknesses. The form of bear grants its wielder a great amount of power and durability. However, what it lacks is any amount of agility. Which is what the fox specializes in. Those dastardly critters can out maneuver nearly all animals within this land, including the bear. But ain’t able ta take a lot of hits. A pretty darn affect strategy, as much as I hate ta admit it.”

Movement catches the mutt’s eye, causing him to pause momentarily in his walking. Looking to his left, he spies a moose and its offspring. A cute pair, they were. The baby ran circles around its mother as the female in question simply looked on. However, at the notice of his wolf companion both stopped to stare – eyes upright and alert.

“Ya see, kid. There is no such thin’ as a ‘weak’ build, per say. They’re all strong in their own unique ways. While there may be weaker animals, their existence does not make the group as a whole inept for living in the wilderness. We are all built to survive. Some are just never given the chance ta.”

The fawn and black dog watches at the moose and its calf finally scurry off, having had enough with the duo’s presence. He stares after them for a moment or two before starting to walk once more. Again, not waiting for Ash to follow.

“As for yer question, I’d say quite a few years. Five, at the most. However, my first and only true owner had me hunting a lot of vermin around his farm. Kept nibbling on the grain he kept for the other animals. Did a better job than those filthy cats, if I do say so myself! Hehehe!”

Glancing over his shoulder, his dark brown eyes meet the wolf’s green ones, “What about you, kid? Ya said that yer in the town ‘round here once before. Did ya happen ta be born there or…?”