Fenrys - M - Akashi - Mention(s): None (indirectly; Xiomar)

~

Fenrys finally gave up on sleeping, and with a huge yawn, stretched, shook out his fur, and finally made to move out of his den.

It was an important day for Fenrys - he had a special job he had to do. It's not like so much had ever rested on his job, after all.

The proud male distastefully spared a single glance at Xiomar's den, off a little way (what a brat), and moved off into the communal areas, which were just waking up.

Fenrys wasn't the sociable type of wolf. He kept himself to himself. Willing to do things for the pack, and for himself, but he always had a purpouse. This was why he hated idle chat - not purpouseful, a waste of time - and hence not worth his time.

Well, but it was his job to lead the pack in a hunt. Such as this one, celebrating the rise of the new - female - alpha.

Fenrys had a mixed opinion on it. As long as she could do exactly what the pack had been doing before her, Fenrys didn't especially care one way or another.

But Xiomar didn't like it. Which meant, automatically, that Fenrys would like it. Maybe just to spite him. But this feud wouldn't end anytime soon.

Fenrys shook his fur once more. Ugh. It felt slightly itchy. He idly wondered why as he slowly decided what he'd do with his day.

So. He needed to find an elk herd. He needed to do it pretty quickly too, because he'd have to lead the hunt at the end of the day.

Fenrys took his duty seriously. While he may not have been that sociaable, he was dedicated. And stubborn. Sometimes those two got mixed up, but they were essentially the same.

Such duty meant he had to already be working. He would have to find an elk herd before the ceremony, so he wouldn't look like a dawdling idiot when the time came to it (it had happened once, a long time ago, and Fenrys was ready to forget that ever happened). Which meant he would need to be out there - now - finding an elk herd to lead them to later, and to simply hope that they didn't move too far away after he left them where they were. So annoying, elk herds. He could find one, and within half a day, they could be in the exact same place still or really far away. They were annoying, and unpredictable. Fenrys wished they were less so - it would have made his job a lot easier.

In fact, why couldn't they just stay in the same place once he left them alone? Then they wouldn't have to expend so much energy getting them. Fenrys idly daydreamed this as he kept moving.

Sighing, Fenrys passed right through the communal area, ignoring all the other wolves and looking slightly intimidating. He didn't want to talk to the shakiras right now. He didn't even need them until they went on the hunt.

For now, he'd work alone.

His footsteps almost silent, Fenrys plunged into the forest like a blade into the shadows, ready to find an elk herd to lead the pack to later in the day.

Frost surrounded her

The sky was darkened, there was barely any light. She was stumbling around in darkness. The frigid air was piercing and she could barely breathe - her body was wracked with chills. Her coat, though thick wasn't a match for this blizzard - it was relentless, angry , even. And it wasn't giving her a break. The snow was blinding, and they hit her body like miniature knives, stabbing her and causing additional discomfort. She could barely walk in it and her body was already tired, she breathed in a shaky breath as she trudged through the deep snow. She could see the entrance of her den in the distance and breathed a sigh of relief.

Her den was barren and empty, the leaves of spring long gone and replaced by the bare branches winter brought. She swore she could hear the taunts of ravens, their eerie call piercing her ears as she stumbled in her den. The den was cold, and she just laid there - her body finally giving way to exhaustion. Her breathing slowed and her eyes closed, her mind drifting to nothingness - until she was no longer breathing . . .

. . .

The female gasped awake, and she scrambled to her paws - wildly looking around her den and saw the blooms of spring creeping within it. The sounds of life outside her den trickling to her ears and she let out a shuddering breath. What in the hell was that ? She thought to herself as she stood up on her paws, and she made the way to her entrance of her den. The fragrant sweet grape scent of her wisteria vines brought her comfort as she exited through their curtain - she had done right planting those vines at the entrance of her den. The sounds of the nearby creek brought her comfort and the smell of fresh morning dew calmed her nerves - she had chosen a rather lovely spot to make her den near. Her home was burrow under a giant oak tree, it had long been abandoned and she made some renovations to it - she had spent careful months digging it out and expanding the space within it. She had a comfortable bed consisting of ferns, moss, duck feathers, and various flowers she liked - and then the inside was rather spacious with room to have at least two others inside it.

The outside of her den was near a spacious cavern along with a creek that ran alongside in it. It was illuminated my some fungus that seemed to glow - honey fungus, it had taken residence in an old tree within the cavern, long forgotten by the times. She had made it her makeshift "emergency bay" with fresh materials needed for comfortable bedding and then in the rocky crevices was where she kept her medical herbs and supplies. She then went and grabbed her makeshift sled, it was what she used to carry all the herbs and healing items she found for her poultices and such. She drug it by a long vine and she began pulling it out of the cavern, so she could make use of spring herbs before they went away. She made her way towards the forest, away from the main camp - not caring to greet the others. The camp had nothing for her - her father was horrid, her mentor hated her, and her best friend was mad at her and then she lost a friend because of her father. She didn't see the point of showing her face to the pack today - it wouldn't benefit her. She should just stick to finding herbs. And speaking of them she began finding some.

And she found one helpful herb ; stinging nettle. Perfect for detoxifying, and helping the kidneys, blood and circulation and other helpful things. She carefully added them to her sled. And she hummed slightly as she looked off for more healing remedies, and that's when she noticed violets and lilacs - both being flowers but they also were able to help in health ; with violets being able to help with the lymphatic system particularly coughs and digestive issues and lilacs having several uses as a calming agent, and various boosts to the immune systems and cardiovascular system as well. As Yèmiào was collecting the flowers she caught the metallic scent of blood, and she frowned - following her nose she found the source of the scent and promptly dropped the flowers and gasped in shock.

It was a badly injured wolf.

"Oh my goodness," she squeaked, her voice airy and concerned as she rushed over and began prodding at the young wolf. "Sir ? Sir ? Are you alright ? Can you hear me ? " she said firmly, getting into her zone. Establish if the patient is nonverbal or verbal, she coached herself. The patient is possibly unconscious she deduced in her mind, and she gave a quick scan of his injuries. Multiple severe lacerations and contusions, and a partially exposed bone and muscle of the leg - the leg would possibly be rendered weak or useless if help wasn't administered or treated properly. She huffed as she ran around and she found what she was looking for, and she thanked the gods - this wolf was lucky - yarrow was in season.

She quickly gathered some leaves and rushed to a river and wetted them and placed them on a rock and using her paws she mashed them and then found a large leaf and placed the make shift poultice on it, and grabbing the leaf gingerly she ran over to her patient and then placed the poultice on the wound and the went to her vines and using her sharp teeth and snapped a piece off. After getting back to her patient she set the vine down, and then checked by prodding the leg - it didn't seem broken and so she grabbed a nearby piece of wood and placed it atop the leaf and then tightly wrapped the vine around it. She looked at her work and decided this would have to do until she could get a better look at his injuries - she just needed to stop the bleeding. Now the question was ; how was she going to get him back to her medical cave?

And that's when she looked at her large piece of wood, and realized it was big enough for the young male wolf. And she drug the wood piece over and then struggled to get the male on it - but after a good few minutes of struggling she got him on there. This male better be grateful she was such a nice person or else he would've been left for the crows. She huffed as she drug his heavy unconscious body along the trail she often used back to the den she slept in. And she the realized she had another problem.

The creek

She usually made short work of the creek by hopping across the rocks with the wood floating along side her in the creek. But this time she had heavier cargo and a living creature on it. She carefully set the wood piece in the water and it tentatively floated and she slowly walked with the lead in her mouth and began crossing along the rocks - carefully keeping an eye on the unconscious wolf she was transporting. She was so focused on the wolf she missed a step and ended up stepping wrong on the wet and jagged rocks. She let out a small hiss as she realized she had cut her paw pad a bit. And she took a deep inhale at the stinging sensation she felt as water rushed over it. And she realized she had lost grip of the rope and her patient was floating down the creek. She let out a yelp as she dove in the water and grabbed the vine - preventing the wood from drifting any further and she swam back to the other side - soaking wet and tired. Her paw stung and she was lugging such heavy weight. She soon got to her cavern and sighed relieved as she carefully put the young wolf on a bed made for patients - it was soft consisting of ferns, moss, goose feathers, and some lavender and lilac for calming the nerves and promoting sleep.

She sighed exhausted as she splayed herself in the ground. Her fur was a mess and she was tired - this was a rather eventful morning for her. She made some poultice from some dried yarrow leaves and wrapped a large leaf around her paw and secured it with a vine. Afterwards she lay down in a bed near him , and she looked at him wondering if he would awake.

She was tired, and she decided a small nap would be fine. Her eyes were fluttering, and she soon fell to the lull of sleep. Slipping into nothingness.

Wisteria

| Apprentice | Female | Mentions: Régnar

Indirectly: Alari, Sikúnguak Pack, Lilith, Rune/The Beorn

Despite the brisk morning air, Wisteria felt warm from all the celebration and decorating work, thankful for the breezy day. The sea salt carried by the wind stung her eyes a bit, but she barely noticed, her mind occupied with the significance of the day. Wisteria took a deep breath, inhaling the salty air mixed with the scent of wildflowers woven into garlands. Her heart swelled with pride and determination as she glanced toward the horizon where the sun began its ascent, casting a golden glow over the waves.

As the ocean breeze ruffled her snow-colored pelt, she began to collect an array of pretty seashells, putting them carefully into an arranged pile. The seashells she collected varied in shape, size, and color, each one a miniature masterpiece crafted by the sea. Among them were delicate spiraled shells, their smooth surfaces adorned with intricate patterns in shades of ivory and soft pink. Others boasted robust, scalloped edges with hues ranging from iridescent blues to deep greens.

Today was the day history would be made and Wisteria wanted everything perfect. The anticipation of Alari becoming the first female druid Alpha filled her with exhilaration, coursing through her entire being. Despite knowing that not everyone supported this decision, it ignited a deep sense of excitement in the young she-wolf. Not just for the new Alpha, but Régnar's mentor, Sikúnguak, was becoming Beta. She glanced toward the horizon, where the sun's golden glow began to illuminate the waves, wondering if her mentor would arrive soon. She was surprised that the usually punctual dark she-wolf wasn’t already up and about.

Lilith had been an excellent mentor to Wisteria, and Wisteria was already brimming with newfound knowledge. Lilith’s tactical skills and battle prowess had Wisteria in awe of her. Not only was she physically strong, but her mental prowess was next level. Lilith was extremely intelligent, constantly keep Wisteria on her toes—both mentally and physically.

In addition to Lilith’s guidance, Wisteria often found herself as the Beorn's little shadow, closely following his tips and movements. Wisteria had always dreamed of being the next Beorn, aspiring to become the best strategist and fighter in the pack. As soon as Lilith and she were done training, she would run to the Beorn to show him what she had learned. She appreciated his honesty—just as she valued Lilith’s honesty and guidance.

At the mention of seashells, Wisteria nodded excitedly, “Already on it! There’s a pile I’ve been working on while you were collecting the kelp.” Before she could show him, Régnar darted after a shell. Wisteria laughed as the other apprentice dived nose-deep into the sand, grabbing the shell gently with his teeth. She watched as the kelp slid from his back and shook her head, all of this for a shell? When he dropped it, her breath caught. The swirling colors of the abalone shell shined brightly in the morning sun.

“Oh, Régnar! It is lovely! This is perfect!”she exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm, her eyes bright with appreciation for the abalone shell. Feeling his shoulder bump into hers, she picked up the shell gently while he retrieved the kelp. Wisteria hesitated, noticing the subtle change in Régnar's demeanor. She wanted to ask if he was alright. She swallowed hard, the taste of salt burning her mouth. Glancing around to ensure they were alone, she set down the shell and padded over to him.

Pressing against Régnar's side, Wisteria's eyes glowed with concern, their usual warm amber hue now burning with a deeper intensity. Finally, she mustered the courage and said softly, “Régnar, are you okay? You seem... different today," se said softly, the words tinged with worry. Wisteria couldn't shake the feeling that Régnar had been acting differently for some time now, and she couldn't ignore the worry that gnawed at her. They had been friends since they were pups, and she hoped he would open up to her.

Sikúnguaĸ
The Beta | Four Years Old | Male | Mentions: Alrai, Règnar & Wisteria (ind. + dir.) , Malakai, Xiomar, Rune, Sedona

The alabaster coated male has been off walking within the forest, his mind full of turbulent thoughts. He really didn't expect to become Beta this early or in this way, though he had the honor to be trained for such a position. He gave a heavy sigh, usually he would be in a better mood but with things starting to unravel within the pack he couldn't help but feel a bit at unease due to the situation. That was why he was taking this walk, maybe the shining sun and sounds of the songbirds would calm his nerves. If he has to be honest, spring was a second favorite season of his and he gave a soft exhale to calm his nerves. The scents of the aromatic spring flowers tickling his nose, as he walked back to the pack, he noticed a small patch of flowers., their freckled purple leaves caught his attention - they were lilies, "Purple Dream" as his mother had called them and he felt his expression soften at the sight of them. Purple was her favorite color and lilies her favorite flowers, maybe these would cheer her up? He knew she was probably overthinking and overwhelmed with everything going on. He gently picked the flowers and held them gingerly, they would look beautiful adorning her alabaster fur, and the vines decorating her tail and possibly some of the other flowers and petals he had could be used to make dye and adorn her. She would be stunningly beautiful today, and he knew it would take every ounce of self control to not just confess his love for her. But this wasn't the time, no, not when she had vultures circling her as if she was some weakened prey - no, she needed someone to stand by her side and to be there as her rock and he would not fail his lady, he has promised her father to protect her to the fullest extent of his strength. And he was a wolf of his word. And he would not fail his beloved, even if it meant his blood would be shed for her.

The male came back to camp and noticed that most of the wolves were still within it ; it seemed none of the Shakira were out hunting yet and the Akashi Fenrys was missing - he possibly was out scouting options to hunt, and he could appreciate it. But it seemed the Shaman was talking to an Omega, and he frowned at this - should Xiomar not be with Yèmiào and Rune and some Shakira at the beach decorating for the ceremony instead of gossiping like some older wolf. He gave a soft hum as he noticed Alrai was missing along with the apprentices - and he made his way to the beach, it was her favorite spot and when she was overthinking and she needed to clear her mind and clam her nerves. That's when he noticed the apprentices in conversation and they were decorating the beach - it looked quite beautiful with the markings and shells, and he was impressed but also upset on their behalf. Because where were the adults to help them? Why weren't they here to praise the youth for their work - hell, it looked like they were doing the jobs of the older ones . And they did it unprompted and without being told. It was admirable.

"Hello Régnar and Wisteria," he said through clenched teeth, the flowers still in his mouth and he gently placed them down , " the beach is looking beautiful, I love the touch of using the shells." He said eyeing the pretty shells and their careful arrangement, " could you possibly scatter some petals of these lilies as well? They're her favorite flower and in her favorite color - I think it would make her happy." He said softly and the cleared his throat before saying, " thank you for starting this decoration without having to be told, unlike some. Continue the good work, I won't stop you anymore. " he said praising them, and then a soft hum escaped him as he left some flowers and grabbed some and made his way to Alrai.

He put a bit of spring in his step, as he teasingly circled her with the flowers and extended his head showing off the flowers. He then placed them down and then grabbing a single one and placed it behind her ear before leaving the rest at her paws. He then gave her a genuine smile before saying, " Are you overthinking Lady Alrai, if so stop getting in your head and breathe. Now, I will leave you to your walk - I have to go express my disappointment in some wolves. " he said with a sweeter tone, one reserved for just her and not anyone else but his sister or apprentice. He then proceeded to make his way back to camp, where most were still either beginning to stir or just lounging.

"Esteemed Shaman," he said, his voice pleasant and respectful, but still holding his displeasure, " why are you here lounging about when you and the Beorn along with some Shakira should be decorating the beach - so why is it that two apprentices have started the job that you should be overseeing? And should you not be teaching your own apprentice how to conduct these ceremonies and traditions for when she becomes a Shaman in your place ? " his voice was calm and mild, yet it still held a underlying iciness to it that commanded respect.

"Malakai," he said - his voice icy and his expression containing his usual stoicism, " I how to see you on your best behavior ; Alrai, has a bleeding heart and seems to believe that you along with the prisoners should be given a second chance and be moved within the ranks of Shakira as she didn't punish you but her father did - her intentions are pure and noble, but in my personal opinion, she should be a bit more selfish. " his voice composed and controlled, holding a bit of dark humor , " I think she is correct that others should get a second chance, but you? While you are her uncle, she should cut her losses - I wish I could say you deserve redemption, but until you prove otherwise then I will keep my biased opinion . I hope that you will see some semblance of change and be happy for your niece, and support her reign because family is stronger together but your arrogance and loyalty to a dying system is astounding. Maybe I am wrong, and you can change - please prove me wrong, however," his demeanor changes to one carefully hidden from the eye of his pack members - one instilled in him from his own mother, underlying his polite demeanor was a venomous tongue.

" If you so much as blink at Alrai wrong, I will personally rip your eyes out, shove them down your throat so you can see my claws tear your carcass open. " he said calmly without batting an eyelash, but with every ounce of polite venom he could muster as if he hadn't just said the most atrocious words to his pack members, " I am so glad we have an understanding, have a nice day. " he said that and with that he left them both to marinate on his words.

He then searched for the Beorn, where was that male? And soon he found him, "Rune," he called - his voice cordial, " take the Omegas and Prisoners out to patrol the border, and keep an eye on their behavior - I want to know if they behave before the ceremony, because they may be able to become Shakira again if they please Alrai." He said with a sigh, " and it would give me comfort to know that the borders are being watched while I'm getting ready for the ceremony. Thank you, I entrust you with this task." He said before giving him a polite nod before moving on to look for his sister.

He soon found the pale colored female that meant so much to him and nudged her gently . "Sedona, could you help me get ready?" He asked politely.

Nikolai - M - Shakira - Mention(s): Open (ind. Sikunguak, Wisteria, Regnar)

~

Nikolai heard Sik- - no, the Beta - snarling at some poor wolves on his way back in to camp. Gah. He was already becoming the role of the Beta, with still a few hours left to go. Nikolai's heart sank slightly. He would have at least preferred if some shred of kindness came from him.

Then again, they probably should all be on the beach doing things now, not talking.

Nikolai quietly slipped around the outskirts of camp. Abandoning breakfast - really, he wasn't that hungry - he quietly padded around the camp, taking care to avoid the not-yet Beta and his snarling glances. He didn't want to get picked on.

Nikolai plunged into the forest, near the trail that led to the beach. He never really took that trail - always it was too full of wolves he didn't want to talk to.

Especially when he was trying to do something and someone approached him and began talking. That was really annyoing.

Reaching the beach, Nikolai briefly frowned. Maybe Sikunguak - he meant, the Beta - that would take some time getting used to - was right. Nikolai could only see the apprentices out there doing the work. Where the heck was everyone else? Nikolai could barely detect maybe one doddler on the trail he had not trodden through, and those apprentices did seem to be working hard.

Nikolai didn't want an apprentice. But these ones seemed to be working their tails off.

Nikolai, after walking so quickly to get here - maybe he could pretend he was here after all, doing work? But the Beta had clearly been here, as he was mouthing off at everyone in camp about this.

Then Nikolai saw the purple flowers.

Nikolai's mind locked onto them. Purple flowers... where would that have come from? Nikolai had maybe seen those once in the forest. And - ah. Nikolai tucked that little piece of knowledge away in his mind for future consideration.

But right now, there was work to be done. And Nikolai didn't want to get his fur full of sand.

He really, really should have thought of that before he dashed off to this place to pretend he was here the entire time. Nikolai silently cursed. He was here, and there was no going back. He had to do something - or at least, appear to be doing something.

The apprentices continued their work, digging up seashells and making the place look pretty. Nikolai hesitated to talk to them. They seemed to be having their own little conversation, right there - he didn't really want to interrupt.

And Nikolai didn't exactly want to get his fur full of sand. That made it super itchy - and prior experience told him that digging up things in sand made fur sandy. Fur sandy made fur itchy. Fur itchy made Nikolai annoyed.

So Nikolai wandered off slightly on the beach. Maybe he could pretend to be looking for something good. In any case, he would get the benefit of being here before the other lazy Shakiras, and pretending to do something while not really getting his fur sandy.

Acheron

| Rogue | Male | Mentions: Open

Indirectly: Vern, Yémiào

As Acheron followed the blood trail, his senses remained on high alert. The forest around him seemed to hold its breath, the usual sounds of wildlife muted in the presence of potential danger. Each step forward was careful and deliberate, his powerful muscles coiled and ready for any sudden movement. The crisp air carried the metallic tang of blood, heightening his focus as he navigated deeper into the underbrush.

The trail led him deeper into the underbrush, the scent of blood growing stronger with each passing moment. His mind raced with possibilities—had the young male been attacked? Was he alone or part of a larger group? The questions lingered, unanswered, as Acheron pressed on. Shadows played tricks on the forest floor, adding to the tension as he followed the twisting path marked by blood and the scent of injury.

The path twisted and turned, eventually stopping in the dense underbrush. The male hesitated; there was a new scent—female but young—that mixed with the wounded male’s scent. Acheron’s ears flickered, listening for sounds—though he could only hear the gentle bubbling of the creek and the distant calls of wildlife. His curiosity was piqued, wondering what had transpired in this secluded spot.

Dried blood could be seen against a pile of brush, which looked... smushed. He glanced down; drag marks could be seen, and bits and pieces of herbs were scattered on the ground. Did this she-wolf save him? His anxiety calmed at the thought; it was better than what he could’ve done. But something nagged at him, the familiarity of the young male’s scent irritated Acheron, stirring memories he couldn't quite grasp.

The familiarity gnawed at the edges of his mind, a persistent itch he couldn't scratch. He lowered his head to the ground, inhaling deeply, trying to place the elusive memory. It was faint but unmistakable—he must have encountered this young male before, but where and under what circumstances? The puzzle pieces seemed scattered, refusing to fit together.

This time, Acheron didn’t hesitate to follow the drag marks, his senses tunnel visioned as he traced the trail further into the underbrush. The forest seemed to close in around him, the scent of wood and damp earth mingling with the lingering traces of blood and herbs.

The drag marks led him through thickets and over fallen logs, through the creek, the path twisting and turning beneath the canopy of trees. His focus was singular, his instincts honed by years of solitary survival. But then, a subtle change in the air caught his attention—a familiar mix of scents, the subtle markers of the pack's territory.

Acheron paused, his heart sinking as he realized the direction he was heading. The drag marks, now clearer than ever, were leading straight towards the edge of the pack's camp. He hadn’t intended to get this close, knowing the risks of intruding on pack territory. The thought of encountering pack members stirred a mix of caution and unease within him.

Acheron stood still for a moment, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. He believed the young male was safe if he was this close to the camp. After all, the scents of multiple wolves indicated a protected area. If the she-wolf had intended any harm, the wounded male would’ve been left for dead. Perhaps this male even belonged here, though Acheron knew that wasn't true. The scents on the tuft of fur he found was different than the ones around here.

With a final glance towards the camp, Acheron slinked back into the shadows, his dark form blending seamlessly with the forest, retracing his steps with deliberate care. The encounter had stirred something within him. The scent of the young male was still fresh in his mind. The familiarity of it tugged at buried memories, leaving him unsettled.

The loner began his journey back to his den, away from the camp and away from the young male, hoping to put this all behind him. He chastised himself for even following the trail to begin with. He did not need to bring any drama into his life—he was content, happy even, right?