Woodlands RP

Kovara found herself breathing heavy and panting. She crawled from the small space into the sparkling clearing. Her nose scented a carcass nearby so she let it guide her. When she reached the carcass she found it to be a small white tailed deer. She peered over the landscape one more time before leaning down to eat. It was clear so she proceeded. By the time she was done the sky had tinted to a brilliant orange pink with tints of pink. Kovara licked her maw clean of blood and started of at a quick trot. She walked through the forest and stopped every once and a while to check for predators and rest. She came across a large tree with a lichen covered boulder next to it. The tree was tilted to create an arch. She poked through the lichen and found it to be hollow. Her nose smelt nothing but the crisp scent of nature. As soon as her whole body was through she gazed around the small clearing. It was pure beauty she felt at home it was green and peaceful and a small brook was running straight through it. Two holes were located on the rock wall surrounding the paradise. The first one she walked into was lightly bedded with lush grass. On the top of the den was a few cracks that let in a light warming glow. She stepped back out and walked over to the other opening. It led further into the ground becoming cool and dark. Soon it opened into a silvery dome. With a pool in the center that shimmered with crystals on the bottom. A pink purple color tinted the water. Kovara padded back out of the tunnel into the clearing. It was getting dark so she decided to call it a night. She trotted over to the den and curled up slowly drifting into sleep.

Saru looked at Nina as she spoke. So she and Koda were close friends, but were they more than that? Her confusion remained, but it wasn't as strong as it was before. She looked at every individual wolf, first Koda, then Ebony, Kieth and finally Nina. They were a pack of five, it wasn't a bad start considering that most of them were loners.

When Koda told them it was time to go to Diamond Lake, she smiled to herself. Since Koda had shared the information about Diamond Lake to her, she had been imagining it it in her mind. She couldn't wait to get there, to see the sunset and dawn by the lake. It had sounded so beautiful when Koda spoke of it, but it was probably even more when you saw it. "If we want to go home to Diamond Lake, we should start now otherwise we will be trekking throughout the night."

She looked at Koda as she spoke. Her heart fluttered as she took in his features, his honey golden eyes, the way he held himself. She shook her head at the thoughts, surely he wouldn't fall for her, she was just a lone wolf that had recently joined his pack. Nina would be a better choice than her, especially since they already knew each other.

Soft white and black specked ears perked up at Saru's comment. I wouldn't mind traveling in the dark. Another thought suddenly occurred to her. Wait, I won't be able to talk to the moon anymore. Or vanish and run when it disappears. The one thing I have relied upon for so long, must go. They would think me mad for talking to the moon, anyways.

The sobering thought had completely smoothed her hackles. Without the fur sticking up and making her appearance larger, she was a small little thing once again. The moment of Rogue forgetting herself in thoughts ended and her sharp gold eyes watched the pack again. It was amazing the information she could glean by watching each member.

Koda was obviously glad to see Nina again. And her last several comments made Rogue wonder if they were once more than friends. Nina looked happy to see him again, but distrust played in her eyes as she looked at the rest. Perfectly understandable, Rogue thought. Saru's eyes held an eagerness, and an almost sadness. Rogue couldn't be sure though. Kieth, he was still a bit of a mystery to her. Protective and loyal, already though. That was obvious to her.

Kovara woke to a thud outside. She jumped and ran outside it was still dark. She adjusted her gaze to a large shadow just beyond the brook. Her hackles raised and her teeth bared. She wasn't up for a fight but she was not going to just let whoever pleases to trudge through here. She stalked forward slowly giving the creature a warning. By the time it was visible she reconized the figure as a cougar. Kovara let out a snarl letting the cougar know she was serious. The cougar swiped its claws just above her nose. Leaving a large tear on her muzzle. She rolled under the cat and scratched its underbelly. It jumped up and bared its teeth. Kovara growled and landed a deadly blow to the side of the cougar's head. It ran away screetching in pain. Her heart thumping and her veins pulsing. She was glad the fight was ended soon she was lucky. As she padded towards the brook she noticed the thick beads of blood dripping from her wound. Kovara dipped her muzzle in the water and cleared of the blood on her muzzle. Then she placed a cobweb over it to prevent blood from dripping everywhere. Her stomache growled so she pushed through the lichen of the entrance and trotted silently to an elk carcass. She took two slabs of meat and ran back to her hideout.
When she was back in she took it to the top of the rocks and bathed in the moonlight. Filling her stomache then stowing the rest away.

Not in the least bit.

A smirk tugged at Rogue's lips for the briefest of moments. Several minutes and already the pack was beginning to get tense. This new she wolf carried a air about her that annoyed Rogue. The comment, the cold eyes, and the way she carried herself made her feel sorry for Saru. It was only a first impression, but Nina seemed to think she could take her position at the top, even though she joined only moments ago.

Staying several yards behind the pack, Rogue momentarily wondered if she could wander off a little ways. It was tempting. The cool night air and the bright moon sent energy and impulse coursing through her veins. To get away, to run, to be wild.

No, she couldn't resist. Rogue almost took off into the forest, before she reminded herself that she was part of a pack. Slowly, quietly, she made her way up alongside Koda. "I'll be back," She said in a soft tone, that made it only possible for him to hear.

Then she jogged away from the pack. A run to clear her thoughts would be most rejuvenating.

Saru bristled slightly at Nina's words. She looked at her with disbelief. How could she act like that to her? And why? Then realisation hit her, maybe Nina liked Koda, just as she did. Her heart sank, if Koda ever had to choose between them, he would surely choose Nina. He already knew her as a friend, and her? She was just a newfound friend, a wolf part of his pack.

Her ears pricked at Koda's beckoning sound and she followed. She kept close to him, but staying on his left. She didn't want to be to close to Nina right now. Sighing softly, she realised that there would always be a tension between her and Nina. No matter what happened.

~~~*~~~

Kieth followed behind the others, the only wolf behind him was Ebony. He watched as she caught up to Koda, then leave. It seemed as if Ebony still didn't like to be around other wolves. A small pain in his shoulder remimnded him that he should go easy, it wouldn't be use if he made it worse now. Then he might not even be able to walk.

Picking up his pace slightly to avoid falling behind, he sidled up up next to Saru. His gaze met hers and he saw sadness in her eyes. He gave her a warm smile and she returned it. Even though they didn't speak to each other, he knew that Saru felt a bit happier now, even though her eyes betrayed her emotions.

Kieth noted that Koda was setting a ground-eating, but slow pace. He was grateful for it, as going any faster would tire him out to much and they had a very long trip ahead of them. But at least his long legs made the trekking a bit easier, but it was still quite hard on him.

After about two hours he was already puffing slightly, his shoulder was starting to sting again and he felt as if he would just lay down and sleep. Scolding himself for thinking such thoughts, he continued with the pace Koda set. At last they stopped for a rest, he was panting heavily and his shoulder was aching from walking so much.

Giving a small nod to Koda, he padded over to a bubbling stream. Lapping up the cool, refreshing water, he looked at his own refelction. He was still scruffy, but he longer looked as if he wanted to just lay down and die.

Laying down in the cool shade, he reflected on what happened a few hours back. But the memories were disturbed as Nina came over to him, with a plump rabbit and something else that he didn't recognise. As she spoke, he looked up at her face. She didn't seem too friendly, but not harsh either. Before he could say his thanks, she disappeared into the thickets.

Ravenously, he ate most of the rabbit. Even though it wasn't that big, he wasn't used to eating much food. Staring curiously at the Ginger, he licked it at first. Taste-testing it. He took a few in his mouth and ate them, but not too much as Nina had instructed.

~~~*~~~

Saru was glad when they stopped for a rest. She looked at Kieth and saw that he was puffing. Must've been hard for him to keep up with the rest of us She thought. Taking a quick drink from the stream, she glanced at Koda, then Kieth. As Nina walked over to him with a rabbit and something else, which he ate.

She couldn't help but smile, he was cute in his way, but Koda was different. Even when he just looked at her, she felt happy. Making her way over to Koda, she dipped her head in respect. "May I join you?" She asked. This wasn't just for show, even though they were still traveling to their new home, she felt the need to treat him like an Alpha.

Freedom never felt so good. When she was out of sight from the small pack, Rogue let loose a burst of speed-- sending a cloud of leaves fluttering back to the ground. Her eyes were wide and her feet ate the ground before her as she raced through the forest and fields. Wandering far until the scent of the pack was faint, Rogue enjoyed the sweetness and familiar sense of solitude.

When the sun hung high in the sky, Rogue slowed to a walk as the pack stopped. Her pink tongue wagged as she pinpointed the exact location of the pack. They must have stopped for a break. A trickle of a stream zigzagged in front of her, and Rogue gratefully lapped enough to cool her throat. It wasn't enough though. Her keen nose could smell a larger body of water not to far off, so she headed for it.

The water was in fact a clean pond. Three streams fed it, making it active. Running a few paces, Rogue took a giant leap into the cool water. Her webbed feet splayed out as she paddled for shore. Water cascaded off her thick white and black specked fur as she climbed on shore. Rogue shook, sending droplets everywhere.

Taking a stroll through the forest until she dried, Rogue found herself quietly singing.

"Hiding in the forest,
walking with the breeze:
is the ghost of freedom,
untamed and slave of none."

Her voice seemed to dance in the breeze and match the songs of the wild perfectly. It was a sweet and slow song, one that she heard the foxes singing long ago. She had always wondered who the ghost was.

Kovara thought for awhile the sceenery soothing her mind. The soft rustle of trees and the hooting of owls. The brook was trickling and flowing cool and fresh. Hers eyes flickered towards the moon she stood and let out a simple lonely howl. Her heart throbbed for company. Kovara loved this place but she must move on padding softly to the stash of her meat. She carried the meat out into the clearing and took her last bites finishing it. Turning towards the entrance she sighed. But she needed to find that pack and give it another try. So she walked out of the entrance and looked around. She glanced at a small tree that had fallen, then she dragged it to cover her beloved home. Once the tree was in place she broke into a ran in the opposite direction.

Kovara felt empty although she was perfectly fine. Until she slipped falling deep into a trench that was dark and moist. Her body made a thud against the hollow mud. The breath was knocked from her and she was silenced and blacked out. About 30 minutes later her eyes peeled open. Kovara was cold and filthy, but she was fine all but the now reopened wound on her muzzle. She put her paw on the wound to wipe it clear of blood. It began to get colder and darker. She gave out a piercing whine. Her fears caved on her what if she was buried alive. Left alive striving for air and help. She jumped up trying to get a grip on the slimy wall. Thorns hidden beneath the surface punctured her pads. After many attempts she gave out a sad howl. Hoping for help or for a easy escape. She waited and licked the blood oozing from her paws.

Glancing up at the early rising moon, Rogue decided it was now or never. The pack was still mostly out of earshot. One of them would have to have excellent hearing to catch whiff of her song. Finding a nice spot, she started her traditional song. This night though, it played a slightly different tune.

No longer were the questions of why she was alone, hated, and hunted. But of why she was found, why she was in a pack. Was this the answer to her cries? Did she belong to the pack, could they be trusted? Were her days of being hunted down finally over? She doubted it. Singing her questions slightly faster than usual, Rogue finished in twenty minutes. As her howl echoed away, there was a long silence.

Then she smelt it. Blood, and wolf. For a moment, Rogue had to decide whether to check out who it was, or to return to the pack. She hadn't seen them for a while, and she had a feeling Koda would start to wonder. They're not my family yet, blast it. I don't have to come crawling back like a lost pup.

So that made her decision. She would check out this wolf. If it was an enemy, perhaps she could kill it before the pack could find out more about her.

What she found could be hardly an opponent. The female wolf that had run away earlier, was lying mud crusted, wounded, and tired, trapped in a trench. From where Rogue stood, she couldn't be seen; and was up wind, therefore her scent was gone as well. Looking down at the wolf, she couldn't but thinking it was a sad sight.

Blast it, I'm growing soft.

Stepping out, Rogue appeared before the edge of the trench, gold eyes nearly glowing in the night.

Saru gave a few wags of her tail at Koda's reply. She lay down opposite of him, her body held high, but still quite low to the ground. She paused for moment, carefully selecting her words."I am pretty good, the short trek gave me time to think things over about our new pack members." She smiled, but then frowned slightly before continuing. "I'm just worried about Kieth. I can see he's in pain but he never speaks out, it's as if he doesn't want to act weak in front of us by asking to stop for a rest. But I think he's going to hard on himself." Her unusual green eyes searched Koda's golden ones as if looking for an answer in them.

~~~*~~~

Kieth was about to close his eyes for a nap when Nina approached him again. He was curious abut her, she was not that bad, but it seemed as if she had something in for Saru. When she spoke her name, he looked up at her. "Hello Nina. I am Kieth." He returned the smile she gave him, hopefully, they would get onto a good start together.

Ooc-Meh, short on Kieths part >.>

Kovara nearly jumped when she saw the golden eyes. Her heart skipped a beat and she struggled to stand in the thick crusting mud. Her eyes suddenly lit up when she realized this was her chance. She placed her swollen paw once again on the cold grimey walls. Feeling the soft fresh breeze she shook her pelt. Finally regaining her last bits of strength and energy. She gave out a shy small bark. Her tail slightly raised softly wagging. Hers eyes shimmering but the pain still swelled on her muzzle and paws. Over this waiting she had built up an appetite. Her stomache was growling but it wasn't going to slow her down now.

There was a moment's hesitation as Rogue looked down at this wolf. Her eyes didn't blink once. This was so not herself. Reaching down, she grabbed the wolf's scruff. Getting a good grip with her back feet, she pulled the wolf out. There was a sucking noise as the suction between the fae and the mud was released.

When the wounded wolf was completely free of the trench, Rogue let go. The glowing orbs of her eyes watched for a moment. Albeit it would be hard for this wolf to hunt, she could manage. Rogue did herself when only a pup. The wound on her nose didn't look terrible to her, only painful. The hunger, exhaustion, and relief showed in this fae's eyes.

Hunting for her, caring for her, and watching over her as she sleeps is definitely not in my personality. And it won't be happening. I helped her get out of the trench, that should be enough.

With a brief nod of her head, Rogue turned and walked away.

As kovara was hauled from the muddy trench she held her breath. When she was placed on the soft crisp ground she let out a sigh of relief. She regained her breath and dipped her head in thanks to the fae. Then as soon as the wolf walked off she shook her thick mud crusted coat. Her paws hurt but she must keep moving. Atlast she was free. So Kovara wiped the blood from her muzzle oncemore. Then softly padded delicately towards a soft grassy clearing. She dropped into a hunting crouch with her pelt still plastered with mud and twigs she blended in. Suddenly hearing a soft thudding feet away she stalked toward. Until a blur of gray bounded by her muzzle she reached out and bit into the soft skin. Her mouth savoring the warm blood and flesh. She gulped down the small rabbit. Then licked her sore swollen paws.