His eyes fluttered open. Immediately, he was aware of the pain that coursed through his body. For a moment, he was disoriented, his mind struggling to piece together the events that had led him here. The last thing he remembered was the darkness closing in around him, the cold numbness spreading from his limbs as he lay bleeding and broken on the forest floor. In his dreams, he had been floating, everything around him peaceful and serene. He felt weightless, the pain and fear melting away, as if he were drifting on a gentle breeze. It was a dream of dying, a dream that had seemed almost merciful.

Now, Vern found himself lying on a bed of soft ferns, moss, and feathers. The scent of lavender and lilac filled the air, soothing his frayed nerves. He could hear the gentle trickle of a creek nearby and the faint rustle of leaves. The pain was still there, a constant throbbing ache, but it was dulled somewhat, as if someone had tended to his wounds.

Slowly, Vern turned his head and saw a young wolf lying nearby, her fur a wet mess and a makeshift bandage wrapped around her paw. She looked exhausted, her eyes closed as she slept. He remembered the airy, concerned voice, the firm touch as she prodded his injuries, and the hurried movements as she worked to save him. This stranger had saved his life, dragging him from the forest and tending to his wounds. He didn't know how she had managed it.

All he knew was that he couldn't stay.

They may be looking for him still. The longer he remained here, the quicker they found him. Vern had to run, and he had to run far. He had to leave this land and find another. However, another part of him, a darker part, thought of letting them finish him off.

Groaning softly, Vern decided to try and sit up. He pushed his paws against the soft bedding, his muscles protesting with every movement. A sharp, searing pain shot through his abdomen, where the jagged tear in his flesh had been hastily poulticed. He gasped, the sudden agony stealing his breath. Undeterred, he gritted his teeth and continued, his vision blurring as the effort of moving sent waves of dizziness crashing over him.

With a great deal of effort, Vern managed to get himself into a sitting position. The world spun violently, his head pounding with each heartbeat. He glanced down at his body and winced at the sight. His fur was matted with dried blood, both his own and that of his family. The deep gashes across his chest and legs oozed pus and blood, the wounds raw and angry. The makeshift bandages the female had applied were soaked through at this point, offering little comfort.

Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, Vern attempted to stand. As soon as he put weight on his right leg, a blinding pain shot up from the exposed bone and muscle. He cried out, collapsing back onto the bed of ferns, his body trembling from the effort. The jagged edges of his wounds pulled apart, fresh blood seeping from the deep lacerations. Each breath he took was a struggle, his chest heaving with the effort.

His vision darkened at the edges, the world narrowing to a pinpoint as he lay there, panting and shaking. The pain was overwhelming. He could feel the life slipping away from him, his strength ebbing with each passing moment. He wanted to scream, to cry out in frustration and despair, but all he could manage was a weak, pitiful whimper.

He was so weak. So embarrassed.

The only thing keeping him going was the thought of somehow returning to his birthplace and getting vengeance.

He noted the female sleeping then. How odd, he thought. Though glancing ahead, his eyes narrowed as he took in the landscape. Had she pulled him across the water? And where was he? How far had he been dragged? He was within some cavern, much nicer than anything he ever had. It was cozy, warm, even. How on earth could a hole made out of rock be warm?

After a few moments, summoning what little strength he had, Vern turned his head. He tried to speak, his voice barely a whisper. "Who are you?" He croaked, his throat dry and sore. He tried again, louder this time. "Who are you?" His tone had come off harsher than intended. Snappish, even. But he made no move to correct himself. He didn't have the energy.

Lilith || Shakira Shikara Tomato Tomahto || M: Wisteria (Ind), Other Beachgoers (Ind)

Had she really slept in? The slate wolf got to her paws with a start, ears flattened and tail stiff. Of all the days to be a lazy slob, this was the worst. She had planned to be up before the sun, and yet here she was, striding through the half-empty camp. She couldn't see any of the apprentices; perhaps they had already gone out. A burst of pride ran through her. Lilith's own apprentice, Wisteria, was certainly the type to take initiative and begin helping of her own volition. She was a leader in the making, that one, even if she was training under a shakira such as Lilith.

Speaking of the young wolf, as she walked, Lilith caught her faint scent blowing in from the beach. Ah. She slightly altered her course and came out onto the sand, scanning the shores for Wisteria. There she was with Régnar, their noses dipping frequently to the ground. Decorating? Lilith began to debate going over and helping them, but all plans of that were dashed when the hulking frame of Sikúnguak approached the juveniles first. Stiffening and feeling the relaxing warmth of the sun abandon her entirely, Lilith released a soft, frustrated growl and pushed down the opposite end of the beach. She would go decorate elsewhere. Or maybe hunt. Just... anything to get away from that male.

Lilith began collecting larger, smoothed out stones from the transition zone between sand and rock and then carried them towards the waves. Keeping her distance from where she predicted high tide to reach, she plopped her packages down and proceeded to stare at them. How did one decorate? What was the secret to making it look like something other than a pile of rocks? Furrowing her brow, she began nosing the pebbles into a straight line, making sure each was equally distanced and adding variation in size. Well, it didn't look terrible, but it wasn't anything eye catching either. Perhaps some seaweed...? No, everything near her smelled old and nasty. She began to go around to the piles of decaying ocean grass and dragged them far away from the beach, depositing them at the bases of the border trees. They could be fertilizer if nothing else.

The large female took up a mouthful of moss and longer, terrestrial grasses to bring back to her rocks instead. At least that would smell fresher, and it would bring a piece of the inner territory to the outer reaches. She could probably swing some symbolism into there if anyone asked, but for now, Lilith was alone with her thoughts, her pebbles, and the crashing waves behind her.

Vern lay there, his body racked with pain and exhaustion. He watched the female as she moved, seemingly with a grace and determination that seemed out of place in this harsh reality. Truthfully, he didn't want her help, didn't want to feel this vulnerable, but there was no escaping it. He was too weak to fend for himself, and that realization gnawed at him.

When she introduced herself as Yèmiào and explained their location, he scoffed subtly to himself, not bothering a reply. What was he meant to say? That it was a pleasure to meet her? Because it wasn't, and certainly not under this circumstance. Instead, he listened in silence, his eyes narrowed with a mix of pain and resentment.

"Yèmiào of the Druid Pack," he repeated, his voice low and raspy. "And I suppose I should be grateful." Snorting his words out, he turned his head from her. Ignoring her warning, he tried to sit up again. It was a futile attempt to reclaim some semblance of control. The moment he put weight on his injured leg, a searing pain shot through him. He suppressed his cry, foam growing around his mouth as he battled the pain until finally, he lowered himself back onto the bedding. Blood seeped from his wounds, the hastily applied poultices unable to withstand the strain.

"Leave me be, I don't want to be in your debt. Don't you have better things to do, Apprentice," he spat, nose perspiring. Vern could see the determination in her eyes, the way she moved with purpose as she gathered her supplies. He resented her for it. Why wouldn't she listen? He watched her prepare the strange concoction, his nostrils flaring at the unfamiliar scents. When she nudged the bowl of herbal water towards him, he hesitated, staring at the mixture with suspicion.

"I don't want it." Stubborn he was, and had he any energy left, he would have flung the bowl away from him. Nothing would help ease the pain. Naturally, he wasn't speaking about his physical wounds, rather what he felt within; grief, sadness, anger. He didn't want her poultices or help. He knew how these things went. The moment you help another, they expect something in return. He wanted no part of it. She truly wanted to help him? Then she could haul him to the river and hold his head under. That would help.

His body throbbed, the pain giving him a headache.. Or perhaps it was the bloodloss? Releasing a small hiss, his nostrils flared. Eyeing the liquid, Vern waited for Yèmiào to turn her back. Only when she did he grudgingly take a sip. The taste was bitter, but he forced a few laps down, hoping it would bring some relief.

When she told him to remain still, he nearly whirled his head at her. She had the audacity to sound annoyed? "I didn't ask for your help." He muttered under his breath. Though didn't move. Not that he could. Vern had used his remaining energy to attempt to stand. He wouldn't be able to budge if he wanted to.

As Yèmiào worked on his wounds, Vern gritted his teeth, the pain of her ministrations almost unbearable. Each touch sent fresh waves of agony through his body, the raw edges of his wounds protesting every movement. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the pain, trying to forget the horrifying memories that haunted him.

When she asked for his name, he opened his eyes and stared at her, his gaze hard and guarded. "What's it to you?" He asked, glaring at her before releasing a sigh and lowering his head onto his paws.

"Lave-" He cut himself off. "Vern. My name is Vern." Muttering his words out, he listened as she explained her Alpha’s need to be informed, her voice full of genuine concern. It grated on him, her kindness, her insistence on helping him. He didn't want to talk about what had happened, didn't want to relive the terror and the loss. Then again, he doubted that he would be left alone if he refused to reply. Instead, he kept it short and simple, hoping not to be questioned further.

"Attacked," he said, his voice clipped. "I'm the only one left." He paused, the memories too painful to continue. Vern closed his eyes, the exhaustion overwhelming him once more. "Tell your Alpha whatever you need to," he muttered. "Just let me rest." For a moment, he thought about befriending the pack, somehow gaining their favour so that they would march with him and abolish the strangers that killed his family. But the idea was fleeting, and idiotic. At the very least, he wondered if they knew of his brother. He would know what to do. Oh, but it had been months since he last saw him. For all he knew, Acheron was long gone.

Vern's thoughts faded as Yèmiào moved to prepare fresh bedding. He let himself rest, his body aching and his mind tormented. Through the haze of pain and weariness, he couldn’t help but notice how the soft light played off Yèmiào's fur, highlighting her delicate features. Despite his resentment and pain, a fleeting thought crossed his mind: she was undeniably pretty.

Sedona || Shakira || M: Sikúnguak, Alari (Ind)

The previous night had been full of pacing back and forth. There had been nothing wrong; the pale wolf had simply been restless. Fitful sleep had been interrupted by random bursts of useless energy, and nothing had seemed to calm her active mind until the early hours of the morning, when Sedona had finally been able to keep herself still long enough to drift into a more secure slumber. The rest ended with a persistent nose in her ribs, which caused the female to grumble and squint bleary eyes at the perpetrator.

"Sik," she mumbled, tail thumping slowly against the dirt. She raised her head to give her brother a lick, then slowly got to her paws. She was completely dwarfed by her older brother; it was still a mystery to her how they were related. Perhaps their mother had just run out of good milk by the time Sedona was born. Ah, well; he was the fighter, she was the hunter. And now he was going to be the beta. While the circumstances of his sudden promotion had not been ideal, Sedona was confident in her brother's leadership skills.

"Yeah, what do you need me to do? Make you all debonair for the new alpha?" Sedona asked, a teasing glint in her eye as she nudged him. "Your coat is a bigger mess than your love life."

Not that there was necessarily anything going on between Sikúnguak and Alari, but they had been friends for some time, and now they were going to be working extra close together. And then there was the pressure that Sik would face to find a mate, and it sure wasn't going to work out with Lilith anymore. At least, not in Sedona's opinion. She didn't really know what had happened, but with the way the large, dark female was storming, reconciliation didn't seem to be on either wolf's mind. Oh, and then there was the fact that the entire pack was extremely polarized over the fact that the new alpha was a female, which significantly reduced Sik's dating pool. He couldn't court someone who didn't like Alari, after all.

Everybody was overreacting. Even if Alari was alpha, Sik was beta, and last Sedona had checked, he was a male. Alpha and beta had always worked together to lead; wasn't Sik enough male influence for those dissatisfied with Alari? Whatever. Sedona was content to watch all the drama from afar, having no emotional connection to anyone outside of her brother, and she was not a wolf to be "loyal by association." If Alari proved to be what the pack needed, great. If not, shucks.

Sedona uttered a dismissive hum, moving on from such musings. Instead, she focused on the large white brute in front of her and huffed, "At least you can grow an impressive coat. You've practically got built-in armor; I'm jealous."

Alari | Female | Alpha | M: Valdís

Indirect: Sikúnguak, Lilith, Wisteria, Régnar

The she wolf watched the seagulls dance around the light blue sky squalling with harmony. The salty fumes of the ocean were vibrant and soothing to her nerves. Her light amber eyes closed feeling the ocean breeze kiss her face as she embraced her stay. If Alari was to ever die, she would want her body to be in the ocean and be where she truly wanted to be. So free and beautiful to look at. But dangerous and violent that could kill if you wander too far. The ocean waves from afar of the shore were high and roared with great intensity. Her senses were thriving and resting in the scenes of true beauty from nature around her. She was proud her ancestors resided here and started the Druids. Even if the harsh customs were not made for her.. It may have been easier to just leave the pack without a trace. For Malakai to conquer the Druids and turn them into violence and unnecessary bloodshed. Alari did not waver from spilling blood, but if it was for nonsense or no reason, it was sickening to witness and participate in.

Her lonesome was soon interrupted by her lifelong friend, Sikúnguak. Her light amber eyes watched as he placed her favorite flower behind her ear. Then telling her to stop overthinking and enjoy her peaceful walk. She watched him leave longingly that turned to a neutral gaze. It was a feeling that needed to hide away from her own good. Alari knew that the others had the idea that they liked each other. But it was in Alari’s best interest to not toy with that topic for a while. Even if her heart screamed for him. Though her mind was too occupied with the new beginnings of her new duty. Lead The Druids. And how her enemies are plotting against her and she needs to stay focused. Love is a weakness and will end up dead. Her ambered eyes darkened from the thought of it. Her claw outstretched against the sand and clenched the soft sand under her paws. Alari would uproot them and make them beg for forgiveness before she showed them nothing, but a smile for their petty crimes.

She heard voices that she chose to ignore since she had arrived. The apprentices that were decorating her ceremony. Her precious little buddy Regnar had been acting a little different and more withdrawn. He felt so close, yet so far away that she could not pinpoint why. Was it her new upcoming title? Was it because of her? Though she was content with him having at least a friend to confide in. Those were rare to find. A true friend that will stay through the darkest and brightest times of life. She looked at their decorations in awe. White and purple lilies and seashells that painted the sand with colors that were exquisite and unique. Another beautiful sight on the ocean, but this was made just for her and him. As if they were… With that the idea was pushed to the back of her mind to come up again later from a new wolf on the shore. Her eyes saw Lilith.

A dark wolf that was decorating the ceremony and was once close to her Sikúnguak. The she wolf that got to be close with him and be his. Though it was no longer. That did not mean Alari felt jealousy and envy toward her. She thought Lilith was a great wolf and displayed the best leadership for mentoring apprentices. And worthy of him. But it also stung that she got him, first. She was jealous of Lilith. She was allowed to be with him and she could not. She envied that she could act on her desires. Though what hurt her heart the most was the two things that happened in Alari’s heart. Alari had to act so happy for those two at first of their togetherness. It nearly broke her and became more violent and poisonous and she had no idea why. She was vicious and became a prisoner at one point. Something that she never thought she capable of. It was the direct reason from her cold and poisonous reasoning in the past. Though she never let it show towards them, acting like they were the perfect pair. But she was more disgusted with herself when they fell apart. She was thrilled and happy and became herself again in an instant.

Her father said something because of her bloodline and the prophecy. Though she did not care about those fairy tales. Even if she knew it as if it was in the back of her mind. Her anger, possessive, leadership qualities roots from her descendants. But it did not mean she could just be poisonous for a male. Or voice it towards them. Unfair and disgusting for something she had no control over love. Though she would never say it out loud for Sikúnguak to hear. But she would never forgive him for that one act. A sight that she did not want any more to see.

Her history of being murderous and cold was something that she wanted to bear on her own.

Alari realized that she spaced out in her thoughts. She quickly picked up the flowers that were given to her. She retreated her way back to camp that welcomed chaos in her brain. A day she would love to see, but not fully experience in her body. Though she knew she had to. For her father. For her mother.

After reaching the camp from her small walk that she still dreaded to be on. But Alari needed to just get it over with. Or it was something going to sneak up on her. Alari searched for Valdís eagerly and very much desperate. Her only friend that was the same sex and well that understood her. Maybe better than her own beta. She found her den and she barked “Val, please help me decorate.”

Though her voice was rough and cold. She was still haunted by the thoughts of Lilith and Sik being together and her new title. And her enemies are becoming closer and seeking her downfall. Her eyes were wild and she quickly entered the den as her anxiety was quickly arising. Alari took deep breaths as her ears pinned to her head. Her eyes staring at the ground waiting for Valdís to speak to her. Alari did not care that she may be having a small anxiety attack in front of her, but all her other emotions that she hid away were still hidden away.

She looked up and barked “Sorry rather have a small panic with you. Then around some traitors of bastards waiting for me to die.” Her voice was ragged and vicious, though it was no threat to her best friend. She shook her head and fur calming herself as the ocean scent became more prominent. It almost within an instant made her calm and became neutral. Though like always Alari will just keep it on the down low about this little scene in front of her best friend.

She gave a short explanation of the scene and softly spoke in a whisper “Today.” Though it was half the truth, the other would not come up to light for everyone to see. Or for her to admit about her conflicted feelings about him in front of others.