Setting
One of the many forests that blanket the land of Nigerius.
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
"Blast it all! Well is she alright?" an irate Nova practically yelled at the Dimitrios wolf that he had bumped into. "Yes, your family was in the village, it seemed that this attack was confined to the capitol" the other wolf replied, shuffling his paw in the dirt. This other wolf had an air of annoyance about him, which Nova couldn't figure out. Of all the news that had to greet him on his return from his trek out east, it had to be that his pack was attacked. The fact was made worse by the fact that there had been practically no carnage in his native Sharikere's since the war had started, save the incident of Rashid and the Kamarians.
In an effort to reassure himself, Nova told himself that it was great that his family was safe, he wouldn't know what he would have done if he had lost them. Unfortunately, the Dimitrios wolf caught the sigh. "You don't know what you would do? I'll tell you what Ausi, you'd be like every other one of us who have had to sacrifice something for this war. You think losing your sister or your parents is a big deal? I think its high time that you get your head out of the glaciers" the other wolf said with an unexpected snarl.
Nova was taken back by the affront, but it was an insult he wasn't willing to just swallow. With a growl, Nova shot back "What do you think I have been doing out here? What do you think I have spent my life doing? Its been serving my pack, and last I checked it was the Dimitrios who came crawling to the Ausi's after the Alva destroyed them in battle. I'd say my pack is sacrificing a whole lot so that you can keep your hide!"
"I don't doubt that the Ausi took advantage of us and put us into practical servitude and labeled it protection, but I've been talking about you. I know about your little adventure this past year with those other wolves, everyone does. Leaving the home behind to do something that you think is grand. While the rest of us have to face cold, hard, doldrum reality" the Dimitrios wolf responded.
Nova couldn't quite get a read on this wolf, whether it was jealous or bitter or just in a bad mood, and Nova being unusually riled up didn't help his read on this wolf's emotions. Instead of continuing this conversation into its probably outcome of a fight that Nova would loose, the Ausi swallowed his pride and withdrew himself with a huff. Before the earth wolf had reported the attack, he had relayed orders to Nova that he was to fetch a compass around Maxim lake to check if there were any signs of further Tenneth activity before he could return home. The lake area had always been a rough border between the Dimitrios on one side at the Onatah cliffs that made up the foothills Sharikere's, and the Tenneth coming all the way down from the Vulcans on the other. Though practically, the Tenneth side was a sparsely inhabited wood, most of the fire wolves preferring to stay in the mountains, so their control over the area was on paper only. Some of the leaders of the Ausi felt that another attack was not far off, and by seeing where exactly the Tenneth were rallying their wolves they could be prepared.
Soon Nova found himself alone in the woods again. It was one of those peaceful, carefree afternoons. A gentle wind played off the needles in the trees above, creating the sound of rushing waters high above him. The occasional twitter of a bird added to the melody, and the sun that could break through the understory speckled the forest floor, making it looking like an incomplete jigsaw puzzle. Nova had been in many peaceful thickets just like this one, though he learned from hard experience that nature was not always telling of a coming danger or evil. He had been ambushed in woods like this one several times, and the birds just kept on chirping without a care.
Glancing upwards at a certain point as he neared the Tenneth side of the lake, he saw a peculiar looking branch. It hung limply from the tree it was attached to, and it didn't really match the color. The point that jointed to the tree was rather thick, seeming to bulge out, and the stick didn't seem to have any leaves on it. When the wind blew, it seemed to flutter more than the surrounding twigs and leaves.
Like a flash it occurred to Nova that that was not a branch, but rather a piece of rope from an old Dimitrion trap. A trap that had once held a wolf he had known. Where was Cerise? Chances are that bubbly Aviran was up in the clouds somewhere, trying to get her people out of the war. She was always so idealistic about things like that. That the nature of wolves was naturally good. Hard experience has told Nova otherwise. How can there be good in those creatures who have been born with so many weapons to kill? Fangs, might, claws, and elements, were all weapons, not tools of piece.
Nova shook his head. There was too much evil in this world for Cerise even to stop. These wolves were going to destroy themselves.
In an effort to reassure himself, Nova told himself that it was great that his family was safe, he wouldn't know what he would have done if he had lost them. Unfortunately, the Dimitrios wolf caught the sigh. "You don't know what you would do? I'll tell you what Ausi, you'd be like every other one of us who have had to sacrifice something for this war. You think losing your sister or your parents is a big deal? I think its high time that you get your head out of the glaciers" the other wolf said with an unexpected snarl.
Nova was taken back by the affront, but it was an insult he wasn't willing to just swallow. With a growl, Nova shot back "What do you think I have been doing out here? What do you think I have spent my life doing? Its been serving my pack, and last I checked it was the Dimitrios who came crawling to the Ausi's after the Alva destroyed them in battle. I'd say my pack is sacrificing a whole lot so that you can keep your hide!"
"I don't doubt that the Ausi took advantage of us and put us into practical servitude and labeled it protection, but I've been talking about you. I know about your little adventure this past year with those other wolves, everyone does. Leaving the home behind to do something that you think is grand. While the rest of us have to face cold, hard, doldrum reality" the Dimitrios wolf responded.
Nova couldn't quite get a read on this wolf, whether it was jealous or bitter or just in a bad mood, and Nova being unusually riled up didn't help his read on this wolf's emotions. Instead of continuing this conversation into its probably outcome of a fight that Nova would loose, the Ausi swallowed his pride and withdrew himself with a huff. Before the earth wolf had reported the attack, he had relayed orders to Nova that he was to fetch a compass around Maxim lake to check if there were any signs of further Tenneth activity before he could return home. The lake area had always been a rough border between the Dimitrios on one side at the Onatah cliffs that made up the foothills Sharikere's, and the Tenneth coming all the way down from the Vulcans on the other. Though practically, the Tenneth side was a sparsely inhabited wood, most of the fire wolves preferring to stay in the mountains, so their control over the area was on paper only. Some of the leaders of the Ausi felt that another attack was not far off, and by seeing where exactly the Tenneth were rallying their wolves they could be prepared.
Soon Nova found himself alone in the woods again. It was one of those peaceful, carefree afternoons. A gentle wind played off the needles in the trees above, creating the sound of rushing waters high above him. The occasional twitter of a bird added to the melody, and the sun that could break through the understory speckled the forest floor, making it looking like an incomplete jigsaw puzzle. Nova had been in many peaceful thickets just like this one, though he learned from hard experience that nature was not always telling of a coming danger or evil. He had been ambushed in woods like this one several times, and the birds just kept on chirping without a care.
Glancing upwards at a certain point as he neared the Tenneth side of the lake, he saw a peculiar looking branch. It hung limply from the tree it was attached to, and it didn't really match the color. The point that jointed to the tree was rather thick, seeming to bulge out, and the stick didn't seem to have any leaves on it. When the wind blew, it seemed to flutter more than the surrounding twigs and leaves.
Like a flash it occurred to Nova that that was not a branch, but rather a piece of rope from an old Dimitrion trap. A trap that had once held a wolf he had known. Where was Cerise? Chances are that bubbly Aviran was up in the clouds somewhere, trying to get her people out of the war. She was always so idealistic about things like that. That the nature of wolves was naturally good. Hard experience has told Nova otherwise. How can there be good in those creatures who have been born with so many weapons to kill? Fangs, might, claws, and elements, were all weapons, not tools of piece.
Nova shook his head. There was too much evil in this world for Cerise even to stop. These wolves were going to destroy themselves.
Durandel descended from the Vulcans as he cautiously looked about, turning his head to each horizon. He didn't see anything that looked like a Dimitrios or an Ausi, but then again he was still in Tenneth territory so he shouldn't see anything out of the obvious. Yet, that didn't bring to him too much comfort since he fears an Ausi attack soon. He continued to cautiously move about the area as he headed towards the new coordinates Nova should be at. Which would seem to take him straight to Maxim Lake. He didn't really like the idea of going near that body of water at all. From what he could understand during his time amongst the War Council, Maxim Lake is a heavily contested spot. Mainly because it seems to straddled the borders for the Dimitrios and the Tenneth. So battles have arose over control of the lake, but so far it remains a neutral zone. "Hopefully this journey will end sooner and without a hitch." Durandel prayed.
As he moved about the sparse trees, he began to see the outskirts of a more fuller forest. It was some miles deeper into those woods that he discovered a cave under assault from a strange grouping of wolves. Furthermore, their target was an equally eclectic grouping of various wolves. Durandel had never seen all these wolves from different packs, work cooperatively towards anything. That wasn't until he discovered that these wolves were under the influence of Rashid. Funny thing about that is that he would have to suffer two attacks and being captured to realize it. That was quite a grim time, and Durandel didn't even think he would survive that ordeal. Yet, here he stands and was treated with much more respect for his actions. It's funny how things end up sometimes, he never would have guessed that his search for better game would lead him to a position of the War Council. If you told this same wolf that would happen to him, a year ago, he would just laugh his head off.
While he is some what grateful to that, he was hoping being on the Council would spare him of having to enter these lands again. A land filled with war and strife, he sometimes he wish he could be the like the chirping birds, and just fly away far off from this place. Soon the Canicus found himself within the thicker foliage as he etched ever closer to the coordinates. He wondered if Nova had heard of the recent news. If he did, then he really hoped that the Ausi won't attack him on the spot. Of course, being a red furred wolf already paints a sizable target for Nova to strike...he's gonna have to hope he will recognize him. Well, Nova was a sensible fellow, and perhaps won't attack the first red wolf he sees. Then again, Durandel should probably call out to him before he comes within his sights just to be safe. As he reached Maxim Lake he didn't see anyone around at first. Perhaps he was on the wrong side of the Lake?
Durandel decided to follow the shore around until he ran into Nova, or another wolf for that matter. As he did so he managed to catch a glimpse of a wolf staring up a tree. It was rather peculiar but he wasn't sure for himself if that was Nova or not. He decided to slow down his pace as to not startle him. As he came closer he decided to call out, "Nova? Nova is that you!?"
As he moved about the sparse trees, he began to see the outskirts of a more fuller forest. It was some miles deeper into those woods that he discovered a cave under assault from a strange grouping of wolves. Furthermore, their target was an equally eclectic grouping of various wolves. Durandel had never seen all these wolves from different packs, work cooperatively towards anything. That wasn't until he discovered that these wolves were under the influence of Rashid. Funny thing about that is that he would have to suffer two attacks and being captured to realize it. That was quite a grim time, and Durandel didn't even think he would survive that ordeal. Yet, here he stands and was treated with much more respect for his actions. It's funny how things end up sometimes, he never would have guessed that his search for better game would lead him to a position of the War Council. If you told this same wolf that would happen to him, a year ago, he would just laugh his head off.
While he is some what grateful to that, he was hoping being on the Council would spare him of having to enter these lands again. A land filled with war and strife, he sometimes he wish he could be the like the chirping birds, and just fly away far off from this place. Soon the Canicus found himself within the thicker foliage as he etched ever closer to the coordinates. He wondered if Nova had heard of the recent news. If he did, then he really hoped that the Ausi won't attack him on the spot. Of course, being a red furred wolf already paints a sizable target for Nova to strike...he's gonna have to hope he will recognize him. Well, Nova was a sensible fellow, and perhaps won't attack the first red wolf he sees. Then again, Durandel should probably call out to him before he comes within his sights just to be safe. As he reached Maxim Lake he didn't see anyone around at first. Perhaps he was on the wrong side of the Lake?
Durandel decided to follow the shore around until he ran into Nova, or another wolf for that matter. As he did so he managed to catch a glimpse of a wolf staring up a tree. It was rather peculiar but he wasn't sure for himself if that was Nova or not. He decided to slow down his pace as to not startle him. As he came closer he decided to call out, "Nova? Nova is that you!?"
The sound of his name broke the relative stillness of the glade, and Nova felt a chill creep down his spine, followed by the bristling of fur. The voice had sounded familiar, though Nova could not immediately place the proper source of it. Before cocking his head to the speaker, his mind made a few rapid calculations. If he was about to be ambushed, he could use the lake to his advantage. No Tenneth would follow the Ausi out on an improvised ice barge. All he would have to do was make a defty dash to the right. Perhaps he should not even give the speaker the pleasure of a response. After all, why would anyone besides a hostile Tenneth be over here. But then again, what Tenneth actually knew his name?
Curiosity eventually trumped Nova's natural caution, and the ice wolf turned to meet the speaker, who was standing several paces away. Nova raised a claw to his face to hook the goggles from off his eyes to place them on his forehead while peering at the distant speaker. It did not take Nova long to recognize Durandel, though the normal warmth of seeing a familiar face was replaced with an icy fear. The two of them had not departed on the most gracious of terms, where Nova had rather rebuffed the Cancius by telling him to leave his territory for his own life's sake, despite the adventure they had just emerged from. Now, the tables were turned, and Nova was the foreigner without anyone to support him. The fact that the fire wolves were now aggressors did not help his nerves.
"We-ll hullo Cancius!" Nova said with an awkward stutter, not entirely sure what to do, calling the wolf by his pack name out of habit. He wasn't even sure if he had ever called the wolf by his name, he couldn't remember what it was. If there was a even a hint of foul play, Nova planned to dash for the lake. The treachery of the attack was still fresh on his mind from the Dimitrios report, and though Nova had not suffered personally from the attack, he still felt a natural amount of fire surfacing beneath his nerves at the sight of the red wolf.
Curiosity eventually trumped Nova's natural caution, and the ice wolf turned to meet the speaker, who was standing several paces away. Nova raised a claw to his face to hook the goggles from off his eyes to place them on his forehead while peering at the distant speaker. It did not take Nova long to recognize Durandel, though the normal warmth of seeing a familiar face was replaced with an icy fear. The two of them had not departed on the most gracious of terms, where Nova had rather rebuffed the Cancius by telling him to leave his territory for his own life's sake, despite the adventure they had just emerged from. Now, the tables were turned, and Nova was the foreigner without anyone to support him. The fact that the fire wolves were now aggressors did not help his nerves.
"We-ll hullo Cancius!" Nova said with an awkward stutter, not entirely sure what to do, calling the wolf by his pack name out of habit. He wasn't even sure if he had ever called the wolf by his name, he couldn't remember what it was. If there was a even a hint of foul play, Nova planned to dash for the lake. The treachery of the attack was still fresh on his mind from the Dimitrios report, and though Nova had not suffered personally from the attack, he still felt a natural amount of fire surfacing beneath his nerves at the sight of the red wolf.
Durandel watched as the wolf seemed to stiffen after hearing his name. He wasn't quite sure if that was a good or bad thing in this case. He began to worry that Nova may flee or worse, attack him. Durandel took note of a nearby tree to run and take cover from just in case. Still those few moments of silence where intense and the Canicus began to assume the worst. That was until the Ausi turned around and spoke to him. "That was a bit awkward," Durandel paused a moment, assessing what he just said, "Did he...just call me Canicus?" Durandel thought a bit confused. Did he really forget his name? Perhaps that was the issue, still it was no matter to him. At least he recognized him and that was the first step. He just wondered how he will take what will come next? Durandel decided to walk a bit closer to Nova, but still kept a fair amount of distance. After all, the Ausi still seemed a bit tense even though he called him by name.
He began to wonder if he's heard the recent news about the attack? He hoped that wasn't the case as he hoped to break it to him here and now. But then again, perhaps it is for the best he knew about it ahead of time. At least now he can just skip through all the unpleasantness and get down to business. Durandel decided to break the ice and speak some more to help comfort the situation.
"Uh, hello again, I'm glad that it's you." Durandel spoke a bit unsure of what to say. "It seems you're doing well and, uh, not dead that's good too." Durandel spoke a bit awkwardly himself. "I'm sure you're wondering what I'm doing out here...well, I'm here out on a mission." Durandel spoke trying to figure out how to say this. "Uh, well, it's important that you listen to me...if you'll hear me out?" Durandel asked. He hoped the Ausi would, it was of the utmost importance.
He began to wonder if he's heard the recent news about the attack? He hoped that wasn't the case as he hoped to break it to him here and now. But then again, perhaps it is for the best he knew about it ahead of time. At least now he can just skip through all the unpleasantness and get down to business. Durandel decided to break the ice and speak some more to help comfort the situation.
"Uh, hello again, I'm glad that it's you." Durandel spoke a bit unsure of what to say. "It seems you're doing well and, uh, not dead that's good too." Durandel spoke a bit awkwardly himself. "I'm sure you're wondering what I'm doing out here...well, I'm here out on a mission." Durandel spoke trying to figure out how to say this. "Uh, well, it's important that you listen to me...if you'll hear me out?" Durandel asked. He hoped the Ausi would, it was of the utmost importance.
Nova flicked his ears slightly as he listened to Durandel's own stutterings. He couldn't completely understand what was going on, the whole situation seemed a little unnatural. Why would Durandel have a message to deliver to him while he was in the Tenneth lands? Nova's eyes began to flick from tree to tree looking for any other traces of wolves that were about, as the ice wolf didn't doubt that the lava wolf could have confederates hiding in the nearby foliage. His way to the lake was still secure, but the more Nova thought about escaping, the farther the run to the waterline seemed.
Partially in a bid to stall for time to allow his brain to catch up to what was happening, Nova responded "I don't have much of a choice, Cancius, I think I am the guest in your lands at the moment." He was comforted somewhat that Durandel's tone of voice lacked the expected edge, there wasn't a hint of a growl or sharpness. As Nova began to focus less on the surroundings and more on the other wolf, he noticed that Durandel seemed almost as uneasy as he himself did. Why? Shouldn't be be comfortable in his own front yard?
Partially in a bid to stall for time to allow his brain to catch up to what was happening, Nova responded "I don't have much of a choice, Cancius, I think I am the guest in your lands at the moment." He was comforted somewhat that Durandel's tone of voice lacked the expected edge, there wasn't a hint of a growl or sharpness. As Nova began to focus less on the surroundings and more on the other wolf, he noticed that Durandel seemed almost as uneasy as he himself did. Why? Shouldn't be be comfortable in his own front yard?
Durandel took his right paw and scratched the brim of his nose. This was a little more harder than he would of thought. Perhaps it was the weight of what he must tell him. What if Nova had family that was victimized during the attack? What if he will go into a blind rage and attack him? Perhaps he was overthinking it, which he rarely does, he felt a bit silly about to be quite honest. Nova seemed more and more unnerved the longer this strange conversation carried. He has to say something that makes some sort of sense before this gets out of hand. He seemed to perk up when Nova gave him the go ahead. He hated trying to find some way to beat around the bush, Durandel is not the kind of wolf to sugarcoat things...no he was the more forward type. This sort of secrecy and guile was not his forte, he soon grew frustrated with this silly little game.
He then gave a heavy sigh, as a look of sadness was upon his face. "I'm sorry if I'm too blunt about it, but I really have no other way to put it," He then gave another pause, "There was an attack on the Ausi, a couple days ago, and...it was by the Tenneth, but!" He quickly interjected, "That's what I'm here to talk to you about. I really don't know how else to say it, but it wasn't the Pack's fault! The Tenneth behind the attack are a bunch of rogues, working outside of the Alpha's command! And I am sorry if your loved ones or anyone you knew, where harmed in the attack. And I also understand if you wish to hurt me right now, I'd probably feel the same if the Ausi managed to hit us at home as well." Durandel spoke quickly as he gave a loud exhale. "I'll give you some time to digest what I just said, and then...well, I hope you will stick around, because I have more to say." Durandel spoke as he watched the ice wolf. He hoped Nova won't get too angry or aggressive with him, he needs to know he's here to help.
He then gave a heavy sigh, as a look of sadness was upon his face. "I'm sorry if I'm too blunt about it, but I really have no other way to put it," He then gave another pause, "There was an attack on the Ausi, a couple days ago, and...it was by the Tenneth, but!" He quickly interjected, "That's what I'm here to talk to you about. I really don't know how else to say it, but it wasn't the Pack's fault! The Tenneth behind the attack are a bunch of rogues, working outside of the Alpha's command! And I am sorry if your loved ones or anyone you knew, where harmed in the attack. And I also understand if you wish to hurt me right now, I'd probably feel the same if the Ausi managed to hit us at home as well." Durandel spoke quickly as he gave a loud exhale. "I'll give you some time to digest what I just said, and then...well, I hope you will stick around, because I have more to say." Durandel spoke as he watched the ice wolf. He hoped Nova won't get too angry or aggressive with him, he needs to know he's here to help.
Somewhat startled by the sudden energy coming from the other wolf, Nova's countenance hardened at the second report of the attack on the Ausi capitol. Much of the edge had been taken off when it had been reported to him the first time, however hearing the details from the very forces that attacked did rekindle a bit of flame.
Never the physically aggressive type, Nova did however think of a few biting words that he could spit out, but refrained himself given he knew from experience that outbursts of emotion, especially in enemy territory, yielded unfruitful. Fighting words directed at Rashid had only resulted in that insane wolf casting the Ausi into those blasted Elemental Battles. Besides, if Nova was to continue to be wary of potential ambushes, it would be better to have a clear head than one filled with passion. Duranel seemed like he was speaking honest enough anyway, the Cancius didn't seem like the type to launch a fire and sword campaign.
Nova masked his feelings with the rather diplomatic reply of "We all have lost something in this war, Cancius, why should my pack be any different?" And, to give the other wolf his requested permission to proceed with the conversation, Nova ended with "Say on. What other carnage have the Tenneth brought?"
Never the physically aggressive type, Nova did however think of a few biting words that he could spit out, but refrained himself given he knew from experience that outbursts of emotion, especially in enemy territory, yielded unfruitful. Fighting words directed at Rashid had only resulted in that insane wolf casting the Ausi into those blasted Elemental Battles. Besides, if Nova was to continue to be wary of potential ambushes, it would be better to have a clear head than one filled with passion. Duranel seemed like he was speaking honest enough anyway, the Cancius didn't seem like the type to launch a fire and sword campaign.
Nova masked his feelings with the rather diplomatic reply of "We all have lost something in this war, Cancius, why should my pack be any different?" And, to give the other wolf his requested permission to proceed with the conversation, Nova ended with "Say on. What other carnage have the Tenneth brought?"
Durandel felt a bit relieved that Nova was taking this better than he thought he would. Perhaps he has heard this all before and has calmed himself since then. Yeah, that must be it. Durandel looked at him as he felt it safe to continue onward. "Well, what you said is true...we all lose many things in times of war." Durandel spoke as his ears folded down. It was a bit hurtful and a bit frustrating at the same time to hear Nova's rather passive-aggressive wording. Still, he supposes he could allow that slight, after all, the mission is peace not war. "Well, that's just the thing, we don't want anymore carnage. In fact that's why I am here, to help prevent anymore death between the Tenneth and the Ausi. It's part of the reason of how I was able to find you, you see...I am apart of the War Council, and before you say anything, no the Alpha doesn't know where we are. He just merely allowed me to go out and find you, because even he wishes to stave off any unnecessary bloodshed between your pack and mine." Durandel spoke as he gave out another sigh.
He wasn't sure how much of this Nova believed or felt comfortable with, but he must say it. "So, as the meeting went on, I told them that trying to convince the Ausi that we are innocent of the attack would be useless. I said that they would only listen to another Ausi...so I said I knew you and the Alpha decided to take advantage of it. He then sent me to try and convince you so you could try and convince your packmates to not attack the Tenneth." Durandel spoke with a huff. "So, any questions?" Durandel asked. He wasn't quite sure what to do beyond this point. At least he expressed to him the mission, but he figured that the Ausi would need more convincing. So, perhaps answering his questions may help in that regard. That and the Canicus is unsure of what else to say at the moment.
He wasn't sure how much of this Nova believed or felt comfortable with, but he must say it. "So, as the meeting went on, I told them that trying to convince the Ausi that we are innocent of the attack would be useless. I said that they would only listen to another Ausi...so I said I knew you and the Alpha decided to take advantage of it. He then sent me to try and convince you so you could try and convince your packmates to not attack the Tenneth." Durandel spoke with a huff. "So, any questions?" Durandel asked. He wasn't quite sure what to do beyond this point. At least he expressed to him the mission, but he figured that the Ausi would need more convincing. So, perhaps answering his questions may help in that regard. That and the Canicus is unsure of what else to say at the moment.
Nova peered at the other wolf curiously. What kind of power did Durandel think that he wielded? A scout, trying to convince the Ausi not to counterattack? Considering how aggressive the Ausi had been in this war, Nova had no doubt that and Ausi force was on the way to the Tenneth this very moment, if the reports of the attack on the capitol were as bad as they were reported to be. What did the lava wolf want him to do, go and halt his own army?
"Don't you think it is rather brazen to ask my pack not to retaliate? I have not doubt that a counterattack is already in motion, if your pack's aggression is as bad as you make it sound" Nova responded after a moment, venting his thought more than anything.
"The conflict between fire an ice, and more so the Tenneth and the Dimitrios whom we are allied with, has been generational and perpetual. Our people won't stop fighting, Cancius, regardless of this little attack. Nigerius will simply continue to soak up blood, and sooner or later our numbers are going to come up. We surely owe fate one with our run in with Rashid, don't you think?" Nova continued, figuring that he should simply put his thoughts on the table. Of the Cancius' sincerity, Novas certainly had no doubt. But the idealism he had...was troubling. How could to little pawns stop this great war game?
"Don't you think it is rather brazen to ask my pack not to retaliate? I have not doubt that a counterattack is already in motion, if your pack's aggression is as bad as you make it sound" Nova responded after a moment, venting his thought more than anything.
"The conflict between fire an ice, and more so the Tenneth and the Dimitrios whom we are allied with, has been generational and perpetual. Our people won't stop fighting, Cancius, regardless of this little attack. Nigerius will simply continue to soak up blood, and sooner or later our numbers are going to come up. We surely owe fate one with our run in with Rashid, don't you think?" Nova continued, figuring that he should simply put his thoughts on the table. Of the Cancius' sincerity, Novas certainly had no doubt. But the idealism he had...was troubling. How could to little pawns stop this great war game?
Durandel sort of figured out this plan was probably going to be a bust from the get go. Still the words of Ezra have whittled away at his perceptions of things, and he felt that peace was the answer. Or at least, the only way to stop such a longstanding war. He looked at Nova who he felt would at least see some good in trying. But, he guesses that was just wishful thinking on his part. "Well, Prometheus did assault the Alpha of your pack and wounded him badly, along with whoever else was around him...who knows they could have all died from their wounds by now." The Canicus pessimistically spoke. "Yeah, it may seem foolhardy to ask of them to stop...but, I don't know...I felt I should try something." Durandel spoke as his ears folded down.
Nova told him more of the same, the years of conflict have made them all angry with each other anyway. It really didn't take much to set off a powder keg between the two packs. He then perked up at the mention of Rashid, a time he would rather forget. "I don't know if it was fate...probably, but we did work together to escape as well...I guess I was hoping for more of the same." Durandel then drew a heavy sigh. "I guess this plan of mine was foolish, I was never one to think things through...heh, I often get made fun of by some of the council members for being rather thick." He gave a sort of pathetic chuckle as he spoke. "It's just...that this whole conflict was born of misunderstandings and people being thick like me. It's just....I don't know...things aren't looking too good back home either, and so...you know what never mind, you probably don't want to hear the troubles of a Lava Wolf." Durandel spoke as he hanged his head.
"I guess, I better go back home, and be a proud Canicus and tell the Alpha I could do nothing to stop what's coming." Durandel spoke as he sniffed into the air. "I keep forgetting how nice fresh air smells like without all the ash clogging it up." He spoke as he took in a deep breath.
Nova told him more of the same, the years of conflict have made them all angry with each other anyway. It really didn't take much to set off a powder keg between the two packs. He then perked up at the mention of Rashid, a time he would rather forget. "I don't know if it was fate...probably, but we did work together to escape as well...I guess I was hoping for more of the same." Durandel then drew a heavy sigh. "I guess this plan of mine was foolish, I was never one to think things through...heh, I often get made fun of by some of the council members for being rather thick." He gave a sort of pathetic chuckle as he spoke. "It's just...that this whole conflict was born of misunderstandings and people being thick like me. It's just....I don't know...things aren't looking too good back home either, and so...you know what never mind, you probably don't want to hear the troubles of a Lava Wolf." Durandel spoke as he hanged his head.
"I guess, I better go back home, and be a proud Canicus and tell the Alpha I could do nothing to stop what's coming." Durandel spoke as he sniffed into the air. "I keep forgetting how nice fresh air smells like without all the ash clogging it up." He spoke as he took in a deep breath.
As the situation cooled, Nova realized he was getting the upper hand in this rather depressing conversation. The further mention about Rashid recalled a few interesting memories of his, as he temped his brain into trying to recall what instances he and this Durandel had worked together. One of the most notable, of course, is when they dived down together into that water filled cavern. Nova could still remember that feeling of burning within his lungs as he struggled for air in his ice helmet. Who's idea was that anyway? It was brilliant, is what it was. Then of course there was the time that they actually made it out of the underground spring, when Nova had shooed away Durandel and Mydnyte for their own safety. What had happened to the others in that cave?
"You certainly remind me of that Avira, Cerise. She was always looking for ways beyond the obvious to end the conflict. Can't you see it is no use though? With everyone poisoned against each other, what really can we do? Enlist Rashid to brainwash everyone into a peaceful state?" Nova responded half sarcastically. Though only half.
"You certainly remind me of that Avira, Cerise. She was always looking for ways beyond the obvious to end the conflict. Can't you see it is no use though? With everyone poisoned against each other, what really can we do? Enlist Rashid to brainwash everyone into a peaceful state?" Nova responded half sarcastically. Though only half.
Durandel began to feel more insecure with all of this. Even the distraction of fresh air could not alleviate this feeling of burden. Still it seemed Nova was not to be convinced to take any course of action besides...nothing. He looked over to the Ausi as he mentioned Cerise. Durandel began to remember that winged wolf, he didn't get much time to speak with her but she seemed alright. It seems Nova has given up all hope and even his sarcastic remark did little to make the Lava Wolf feel any different. Then his mind was called back, to the times Ezra had spoken with him. He felt a bit happy to recall the wolf's words of wisdom, for they seemed different from everyone else who supports warfare. Durandel without turning toward's Nova spoke, "You know a friend of mine, Ezra, said this to me, No one should be eager for war, but rather eager for peace. I think he said that because this is no longer a war for peace but for destruction, especially since we seem all too willing to destroy each other, instead of working together to survive. I think he said that sounded counter-intuitive...the want to die instead of live....that's what he said was at the end of this war, death, not only death on the battlefield but death of all the packs, and of all the elements." Durandel spoke, even sounding confused himself as he tried to mull over those words.
"Eh, I'm not as elegant as he is with words." Durandel sighed as he looked over to Nova. "I guess that's why I and, er, Cerise are trying to end this conflict. Because we both know that everyone will die in the end...no more packs, no more wolves, and no more Nigerius. The only way to avoid it is through peace, as my friend would say." Durandel finished as he look down. "But I guess you don't mind it though, I guess the only way out you see is through death. Ezra had said something about people that have given up hope, he said if they have truly given up then why do they continue? So, why do you continue to be a scout for the Ausi? Why don't you just give up and die? You might as well since that's really what you're doing out here, so why wait?" Durandel spoke as he looked towards the Ice Wolf. He knew his words sounded cold and harsh, but it seemed Nova understood such words better than others.
"Eh, I'm not as elegant as he is with words." Durandel sighed as he looked over to Nova. "I guess that's why I and, er, Cerise are trying to end this conflict. Because we both know that everyone will die in the end...no more packs, no more wolves, and no more Nigerius. The only way to avoid it is through peace, as my friend would say." Durandel finished as he look down. "But I guess you don't mind it though, I guess the only way out you see is through death. Ezra had said something about people that have given up hope, he said if they have truly given up then why do they continue? So, why do you continue to be a scout for the Ausi? Why don't you just give up and die? You might as well since that's really what you're doing out here, so why wait?" Durandel spoke as he looked towards the Ice Wolf. He knew his words sounded cold and harsh, but it seemed Nova understood such words better than others.
Having thought about the questions Duranel had posed on multiple occasions, the response was natural for Nova, although it did take a moment to collect his thoughts. After all, the short cuts taken in the brain while thinking don't work when you are trying to formulate a sentence.
"Like anyone, I suppose that I am assuming that I am going to outlive 'the end', and even if I don't, I might as well make it as comfortable for myself and my loved ones until that point" Nova responded factually, as if Durandel had just inquired what the weather was the day before.
"Mate, I would love for there to be peace. Among other things, I struggled for months during and after our grand adventure to try and get someone, anyone, to listen. The only thing that seemed to spur on any kind of success was when I tried to convince them to unite and fight Rashid, who I described as a common enemy to all in my reports. But when that feign disappeared without a trace, enthusiasm waned" Nova explained on, recalling a few of the events that had taken place in the last month. After Rashid's cavern had been discovered empty, Nova spent weeks trying to convince the Alpha that a group of wolves should be sent out to find the criminal. He had finally succeeded shortly before he had been sent to scout out the desert, and while the wolves had been picked and ready to leave, Nova had no doubt that the Tenneth attack squashed that plan rather quickly.
"I feel that the only time that the packs will actually begin to recognize Rashid as a threat will be when it is too late. And really, what can we do to convince anyone otherwise?" Nova finished, taking the time to scan the trees for other wolves. This conversation was taking a bit of time, and ambushes could form quickly if one wasn't watching.
"Like anyone, I suppose that I am assuming that I am going to outlive 'the end', and even if I don't, I might as well make it as comfortable for myself and my loved ones until that point" Nova responded factually, as if Durandel had just inquired what the weather was the day before.
"Mate, I would love for there to be peace. Among other things, I struggled for months during and after our grand adventure to try and get someone, anyone, to listen. The only thing that seemed to spur on any kind of success was when I tried to convince them to unite and fight Rashid, who I described as a common enemy to all in my reports. But when that feign disappeared without a trace, enthusiasm waned" Nova explained on, recalling a few of the events that had taken place in the last month. After Rashid's cavern had been discovered empty, Nova spent weeks trying to convince the Alpha that a group of wolves should be sent out to find the criminal. He had finally succeeded shortly before he had been sent to scout out the desert, and while the wolves had been picked and ready to leave, Nova had no doubt that the Tenneth attack squashed that plan rather quickly.
"I feel that the only time that the packs will actually begin to recognize Rashid as a threat will be when it is too late. And really, what can we do to convince anyone otherwise?" Nova finished, taking the time to scan the trees for other wolves. This conversation was taking a bit of time, and ambushes could form quickly if one wasn't watching.
Durandel felt like he was going no where with his plan. It seemed Nova was all but content with the way things are, even if he does realize that it is wrong. Durandel felt saddened by this and began to worry about the coming fight, so many wolves, innocent wolves, slaughtered over the actions of a few wrong people. Prometheus was the enemy not the entirety of the Tenneth Pack, but the Prometheans boisterous, nationalistic attitudes and the people's acceptance of them, makes it all look like this was planned. Not to mention the Ausi would just find them all guilty by association, not really by any other pretenses. And of course the Tenneth and the Canicus will not sit back and let these Ice Wolves invade and attack, they are going to defend themselves...to the death if need be. It was going to be a bloodbath.
Durandel looked towards Nova as he began to explain how he struggled to have anyone listen to him. That was when an idea flashed in his brain. If having a common enemy seems to be the only thing the packs will accept then perhaps he can convince Nova, that Prometheus is a common enemy himself. Unfortunately for Durandel and Nova this plan is about to take a serious detour. Unbenowst to Durandel, Ephraim was spying on him and Ezra over the past couple of days. He had suspected those two where up to something, and he didn't like it. Besides he wanted the Council to formally recognize Prometheus and allow him to be one of them. But the Alpha would need convincing and what better way than to frame Durandel as a traitor? If he can convince the Alpha that his council is being subverted then he may accept Prometheus for better protection.
This course of action may have been allowed by the Alpha, but the others do not know of it. His actions will be seen as an act of treason to the rest of the pack, and then faith in the Alpha will be shaken. Then it would be all too easy to convince the Alpha to perform an act that will reassure public opinion of him. And that would be recognizing and hiring Prometheus in Durandel's place, and then the pack will be happy. From there Durandel will be a scapegoat, and who knows, perhaps he can convince them all that he was planning to betray rather than help. Ephraim sent a capable group of Tenneth to find Durandel under the false pretense that the Canicus has left the Vulcans to betray us to the Ausi. Him speaking with Nova will be able to solidify this claim. They were to find him, and of course deal with him and then report back to everyone. These Tenneth were stealthily closing in on them.
Durandel then spoke to Nova, "Then if that was the only point you could make to convince your people, then do it again. Make Prometheus out to be a common enemy to us all. And it's true to boot! Prometheus's actions are not only placing your people in danger but mine as well. He's dangerous and his...idealism is poisoning our society, turning our people into fanatic killers. Ezra even worries that his pull with the people may lead to a division within the Tenneth and could even overthrow our Alpha. I don't know if it will ever come to that, but even I can see that as a possibility. So you see, Prometheus is a danger to us all, perhaps you can convince the Ausi of this and maybe they will see him as the true enemy instead of the Fire Pack?" Durandel asked. He hoped this gambit would work. If not, then he is not quite sure if anything will work.
Durandel looked towards Nova as he began to explain how he struggled to have anyone listen to him. That was when an idea flashed in his brain. If having a common enemy seems to be the only thing the packs will accept then perhaps he can convince Nova, that Prometheus is a common enemy himself. Unfortunately for Durandel and Nova this plan is about to take a serious detour. Unbenowst to Durandel, Ephraim was spying on him and Ezra over the past couple of days. He had suspected those two where up to something, and he didn't like it. Besides he wanted the Council to formally recognize Prometheus and allow him to be one of them. But the Alpha would need convincing and what better way than to frame Durandel as a traitor? If he can convince the Alpha that his council is being subverted then he may accept Prometheus for better protection.
This course of action may have been allowed by the Alpha, but the others do not know of it. His actions will be seen as an act of treason to the rest of the pack, and then faith in the Alpha will be shaken. Then it would be all too easy to convince the Alpha to perform an act that will reassure public opinion of him. And that would be recognizing and hiring Prometheus in Durandel's place, and then the pack will be happy. From there Durandel will be a scapegoat, and who knows, perhaps he can convince them all that he was planning to betray rather than help. Ephraim sent a capable group of Tenneth to find Durandel under the false pretense that the Canicus has left the Vulcans to betray us to the Ausi. Him speaking with Nova will be able to solidify this claim. They were to find him, and of course deal with him and then report back to everyone. These Tenneth were stealthily closing in on them.
Durandel then spoke to Nova, "Then if that was the only point you could make to convince your people, then do it again. Make Prometheus out to be a common enemy to us all. And it's true to boot! Prometheus's actions are not only placing your people in danger but mine as well. He's dangerous and his...idealism is poisoning our society, turning our people into fanatic killers. Ezra even worries that his pull with the people may lead to a division within the Tenneth and could even overthrow our Alpha. I don't know if it will ever come to that, but even I can see that as a possibility. So you see, Prometheus is a danger to us all, perhaps you can convince the Ausi of this and maybe they will see him as the true enemy instead of the Fire Pack?" Durandel asked. He hoped this gambit would work. If not, then he is not quite sure if anything will work.
Nova struggled with his own desires at the sound of Durandel's proposition. It wasn't that the wolf's plan did not have merit, it certainly sounded better than the last thing he had proposed. Nova's real lack of enthusiasm stemmed from the fact that the Ausi's personal plans would be put on hold if he followed through with the proposed campaign. In fact, Nova had been planning his return home from the day he left his beloved Sharikere's.
The proposed wages he was to receive from this rather dangerous assignment was very generous, six months of food with the option to keep anything he used while scouting. Six months of not having to worry about hunting, fishing, or scouting quite appealed to the Ausi who had had his life is chaos for the past year. As selfish as his desires were, Nova felt quite justified in having a break to do what he wanted, whether it be casting a net, courting a shewolf, or simply lying down and doing nothing. He ran the risk of stepping on the wrong paws if he started up another propaganda campaign, on top of the fact that working itself was not his idea of a vacation.
But it was his duty. He was going to have to swallow his own desires if he didn't want his pack to be dragged into another war. Of course, he though with a smirk, there wouldn't be anyone to bring him his food if they were all killed by the savage Tenneth. Yes, he could put his rest on hold for a bit. Perhaps he could even intercept a war party that was bound to be leaving the Sharikere's right now. Needing to talk to the Alpha could also be a great excuse to avoid having those soldiers ask him to do some more recon.
Amidst the storms of his own thoughts and emotions Nova's ears flicked at the sound of silence that slowly crept into the air. The birds once chirping along were slowly stifling their songs, and the buzz of junebugs seemed to becoming hushed as well. Realizing he had been in enemy territory too long for comfort, Nova decided to agree with the ambitious young Cancius.
"I can't see any harm in trying it, mate. They are already used to hearing me raise a fuss, perhaps they might listen this time." Nova said, speeding up his words as his eyes shifted from tree to tree. He instinctively refrained from looking behind him to the lake again, if there was indeed someone watching, there was no use telegraphing his plan of escape.
The proposed wages he was to receive from this rather dangerous assignment was very generous, six months of food with the option to keep anything he used while scouting. Six months of not having to worry about hunting, fishing, or scouting quite appealed to the Ausi who had had his life is chaos for the past year. As selfish as his desires were, Nova felt quite justified in having a break to do what he wanted, whether it be casting a net, courting a shewolf, or simply lying down and doing nothing. He ran the risk of stepping on the wrong paws if he started up another propaganda campaign, on top of the fact that working itself was not his idea of a vacation.
But it was his duty. He was going to have to swallow his own desires if he didn't want his pack to be dragged into another war. Of course, he though with a smirk, there wouldn't be anyone to bring him his food if they were all killed by the savage Tenneth. Yes, he could put his rest on hold for a bit. Perhaps he could even intercept a war party that was bound to be leaving the Sharikere's right now. Needing to talk to the Alpha could also be a great excuse to avoid having those soldiers ask him to do some more recon.
Amidst the storms of his own thoughts and emotions Nova's ears flicked at the sound of silence that slowly crept into the air. The birds once chirping along were slowly stifling their songs, and the buzz of junebugs seemed to becoming hushed as well. Realizing he had been in enemy territory too long for comfort, Nova decided to agree with the ambitious young Cancius.
"I can't see any harm in trying it, mate. They are already used to hearing me raise a fuss, perhaps they might listen this time." Nova said, speeding up his words as his eyes shifted from tree to tree. He instinctively refrained from looking behind him to the lake again, if there was indeed someone watching, there was no use telegraphing his plan of escape.
Durandel's ears perked up at Nova's last words. He couldn't quite believe it, but he finally managed to convince the Ausi, someone he was beginning to think would never go along with the plan. Breathing a long sigh of relief, the Canicus bowed his head down to Nova in respect. "Oh wolf, thank you for saying that! And here I was just about to give up...to be honest, I'm not really good at this sort of thing." Durandel spoke as he flashed a quick smile. "Well, now since that bit is over, I'm sure this bit of information is going to make a few people I know quite happy." Durandel nodded his head. "Well I shouldn't keep you here any longer...I really should-," Just then Durandel perked his ears upwards again. Except this time he heard a twig snap in the distance. Feeling antsy, a fireball came flying from out of the brush as it slammed itself right into Durandel's side.
The force sent him flying into the waters of the lake's shore. "DURANDEL! YOU TRAITOROUS FILTH!" Shouted a Tenneth. "Giving up your people before the battles even fought!? Ephraim was right, he is a coward and a rat!" The Tenneth continued to shout as more fire wolves came from out of the distance. "If you thought that fireball was the worse you will suffer, then you're seriously mistaken...you'll be flogged in the streets for this!" Shouted the Tenneth. "Sir, that must be the Ausi he's ratted us out to." Spoke another Tenneth. "Oh, don't worry about this snow rat friend of yours...he'll be the first we burn!" The Tenneth growled. Durandel was groggy from the sudden attack. He wasn't burned from the fire but the impact was no less painful. He tried to rouse himself to his feet.
"N-n-no...you've....got it, all wrong." He muttered. "N-Nova....run!" He spoke as he wobbly stood before dropping back down. "Don't let them escape! The Tenneth need to see this treachery with their own eyes!" The Leader barked as three Tenneth came charging towards the shores.
The force sent him flying into the waters of the lake's shore. "DURANDEL! YOU TRAITOROUS FILTH!" Shouted a Tenneth. "Giving up your people before the battles even fought!? Ephraim was right, he is a coward and a rat!" The Tenneth continued to shout as more fire wolves came from out of the distance. "If you thought that fireball was the worse you will suffer, then you're seriously mistaken...you'll be flogged in the streets for this!" Shouted the Tenneth. "Sir, that must be the Ausi he's ratted us out to." Spoke another Tenneth. "Oh, don't worry about this snow rat friend of yours...he'll be the first we burn!" The Tenneth growled. Durandel was groggy from the sudden attack. He wasn't burned from the fire but the impact was no less painful. He tried to rouse himself to his feet.
"N-n-no...you've....got it, all wrong." He muttered. "N-Nova....run!" He spoke as he wobbly stood before dropping back down. "Don't let them escape! The Tenneth need to see this treachery with their own eyes!" The Leader barked as three Tenneth came charging towards the shores.
The devil's snout, where did that lot come from?!
Nova felt the icy grip of fear come over his heart as he panicked to control his mind long enough to formulate what to do. There were too many things going on. Wolves were peeling down the hillside, fifty meters, closing fast. Durandel was in no fit to fight, and likely couldn't even run. Snapping a look behind him to see how far he would have to run, his vision blurred as he looked back at the lake, which seemed much farther away than he had thought. He was not a fighter. But he would not be captured. Not again.
It was then that the clearing aura of adrenaline hit. That one piece of salvation that Mother Nature granted her children in distress. And for once, Nova moved without thinking. He was going to have to harness his element for all it was worth.
With a howl, let out more nerves than by anger, Nova dashed down the hill at a speed that led the young ice wolf tripping over his own paws, and his tumble was only broken by the impact of the water. With teeth born he stared at the charging brutes. They were going to make it down to the lake whether he liked it or not. But the Ausi was not about to let them descend gracefully.
Standing in the water, Nova closed his eyes. He imagined the grade of the hill he had just been standing on. He thought of the blades of grass that grew, the small meadowflowers, the clumps of dirt, the pebbles and stones. Slowly, like a light dew descending on a morning field, a crystal of frost began to light upon the grass. The small sparkles were nothing at first, and of course they were easily treaded over by the rushing Tenneth paws that were eating up meters. But soon, even the smallest of sparkles joined with the neighbors, and with a final moment of exertion Nova froze the grassy slope into a frosty sheet, and Nova was proud to see that the pursuing wolves lost all grace as they all slipped. They would come crashing down now, hopefully one of them would get clocked in the head by a passing tree at those speeds.
Realizing that the Tenneth were just moments away and furious, Nova rather savagely tackled Durandel further into the lake. Nova growled an order, pulling on the scruff of Durandel until the wolf would paddle on his own, and said "Come on, lava wolf, its time we take another swim together!"
Nova felt the icy grip of fear come over his heart as he panicked to control his mind long enough to formulate what to do. There were too many things going on. Wolves were peeling down the hillside, fifty meters, closing fast. Durandel was in no fit to fight, and likely couldn't even run. Snapping a look behind him to see how far he would have to run, his vision blurred as he looked back at the lake, which seemed much farther away than he had thought. He was not a fighter. But he would not be captured. Not again.
It was then that the clearing aura of adrenaline hit. That one piece of salvation that Mother Nature granted her children in distress. And for once, Nova moved without thinking. He was going to have to harness his element for all it was worth.
With a howl, let out more nerves than by anger, Nova dashed down the hill at a speed that led the young ice wolf tripping over his own paws, and his tumble was only broken by the impact of the water. With teeth born he stared at the charging brutes. They were going to make it down to the lake whether he liked it or not. But the Ausi was not about to let them descend gracefully.
Standing in the water, Nova closed his eyes. He imagined the grade of the hill he had just been standing on. He thought of the blades of grass that grew, the small meadowflowers, the clumps of dirt, the pebbles and stones. Slowly, like a light dew descending on a morning field, a crystal of frost began to light upon the grass. The small sparkles were nothing at first, and of course they were easily treaded over by the rushing Tenneth paws that were eating up meters. But soon, even the smallest of sparkles joined with the neighbors, and with a final moment of exertion Nova froze the grassy slope into a frosty sheet, and Nova was proud to see that the pursuing wolves lost all grace as they all slipped. They would come crashing down now, hopefully one of them would get clocked in the head by a passing tree at those speeds.
Realizing that the Tenneth were just moments away and furious, Nova rather savagely tackled Durandel further into the lake. Nova growled an order, pulling on the scruff of Durandel until the wolf would paddle on his own, and said "Come on, lava wolf, its time we take another swim together!"
Durandel was slowly snapping himself out of his current daze, as he heard the battle cries of the Tenneth. His blurred vision was returning to focus as he noticed three of the Fire Wolves heading straight towards him. He wasn't quite sure what to do when, Nova bit down on his scruff. He felt himself being raised as he met eye to eye with the Ice Wolf. He listened to Nova speak but only managed to understand a few of his words. Yet, when he mentioned a swim, the Canicus spoke, "Yes...wait, what? A swim!?" He said with a mixture of surprise and fear. Durandel hated getting into the water, it's not that he doesn't know how to swim, but water moves so much faster than lava. The Canicus has to exert more force than normal to keep up with much looser, water current. Although it might not be so bad since it's a lake. It shouldn't be too much different than the lava inside a volcano, right?
Still, water and lava don't really mix. The Canicus would be practically defenseless as his lava would harden to stone within this much water. Durandel would have to rely on his Ausi friend for defense, since water is more a friend to his element than his own. Just then the Tenneth were rapidly approaching but thanks to Nova's quick thinking, the stable slope turned into a slippery one as the wolves began to tumble down in a slide. "WHAT THE!?" One of them shouted as he lost footing. The Tenneth were yelling as one sickeningly struck the side of a tree on the way down. The others were quickly falling, heading right for Nova and Durandel. Near the tip of the slope was the Tenneth leading this charge. He watched on with frustration at how easily his soldiers were duped. "YOU FOOLS! STOP PLAYING AND GET THEM!!" He shouted but it was to no avail. He then turned his head to the few around him. "Well don't the rest of you sit on your paws!!! Fire at them!!" He barked as the remaining Tenneth took deep breathes. Then suddenly they began to belt fire from their jaws as streaks fire began to rain around the fleeing wolves.
Durandel then looked towards Nova, "Well, whatever plan you have, now would be the time to do it." Durandel spoke as he looked towards the lake and then back to Nova. "I probably should hold my breath now, eh?" He groggily asked.
Still, water and lava don't really mix. The Canicus would be practically defenseless as his lava would harden to stone within this much water. Durandel would have to rely on his Ausi friend for defense, since water is more a friend to his element than his own. Just then the Tenneth were rapidly approaching but thanks to Nova's quick thinking, the stable slope turned into a slippery one as the wolves began to tumble down in a slide. "WHAT THE!?" One of them shouted as he lost footing. The Tenneth were yelling as one sickeningly struck the side of a tree on the way down. The others were quickly falling, heading right for Nova and Durandel. Near the tip of the slope was the Tenneth leading this charge. He watched on with frustration at how easily his soldiers were duped. "YOU FOOLS! STOP PLAYING AND GET THEM!!" He shouted but it was to no avail. He then turned his head to the few around him. "Well don't the rest of you sit on your paws!!! Fire at them!!" He barked as the remaining Tenneth took deep breathes. Then suddenly they began to belt fire from their jaws as streaks fire began to rain around the fleeing wolves.
Durandel then looked towards Nova, "Well, whatever plan you have, now would be the time to do it." Durandel spoke as he looked towards the lake and then back to Nova. "I probably should hold my breath now, eh?" He groggily asked.
"Correct" Nova said simply, before shoving the Cancius, assuming he was still confused, under and quickly following him. Even in the blur of the murky water Nova was able to look up to see the flames soar over the once sleepy lake. Did Durandel really think that he had a plan? He would hate to disappoint, so he tried to at least act like he did.
With his racing mind slowing just enough that Nova could take stock of the situation, he realized that while he had the advantage of the wolves in the lake, there was nothing he could do about the Tenneth on the bank pelting them from above. And with what Nova was about to do to their wet comrades, the ice wolf doubted that the rest of the pack would be inclined to come into the water.
Given that freezing substances like water required much less effort and energy than freezing something from scratch, so to speak, Nova quickly rolled through the things he could do. He could perhaps make a bridge on the surface leading back to the Ausi side, but while he could probably manage the hastily made ledge, he doubted Durandel could keep up on the slippery surface amidst the hail of fire. A barge would be too easy of a target, and a wall would be blown down. There was little Nova could do in the long term to ensure their safety. However, the two wolves in the water who were still recovering from their slide had a surprise waiting for them.
The slide had taken them deep enough into the lake where Nova was able to form a block of ice deep below them. The buoyant brick rocketed to the surface, and Nova was satisfied to see both hit their mark. One hit a Tenneth square in the chin, while the other block actually got completely under the second wolf, launching him but a few feet in the air. But a few feet was enough to cause the wolf to be intercepted by a follow up fire ball.
With his racing mind slowing just enough that Nova could take stock of the situation, he realized that while he had the advantage of the wolves in the lake, there was nothing he could do about the Tenneth on the bank pelting them from above. And with what Nova was about to do to their wet comrades, the ice wolf doubted that the rest of the pack would be inclined to come into the water.
Given that freezing substances like water required much less effort and energy than freezing something from scratch, so to speak, Nova quickly rolled through the things he could do. He could perhaps make a bridge on the surface leading back to the Ausi side, but while he could probably manage the hastily made ledge, he doubted Durandel could keep up on the slippery surface amidst the hail of fire. A barge would be too easy of a target, and a wall would be blown down. There was little Nova could do in the long term to ensure their safety. However, the two wolves in the water who were still recovering from their slide had a surprise waiting for them.
The slide had taken them deep enough into the lake where Nova was able to form a block of ice deep below them. The buoyant brick rocketed to the surface, and Nova was satisfied to see both hit their mark. One hit a Tenneth square in the chin, while the other block actually got completely under the second wolf, launching him but a few feet in the air. But a few feet was enough to cause the wolf to be intercepted by a follow up fire ball.
Durandel was surprised to get a muzzle full of water as he was shoved into the lake. He hoped Nova had a plan, he may be able to breathe under lava but not water. He noticed some of the fireballs as they impacted the water and quickly fizzle out. He was becoming increasingly worried about their current predicament. For all he knew, he was just suppose to swim and swim he did. Yet his attention was distracted by the counter offensive Nova launched as he saw his fellow, Fire Wolves being destroyed by the ice attacks. Still, this was no time to mourn their loss, after all they are trying to capture them.
Back on the surface the leader was becoming frustrated by their actions. "Sir! We hit one of our own!" A Tenneth cried. "Care not for his loss, it was the Ausi's fault not our own. Just keeping shooting at them, they will submit before too long." He barked as his subordinates continued their fire. Durandel wasn't quite sure what to do, he then popped his head up to the surface and shouted, "NOVA! What are we doing!?" He shouted as he ducked an incoming fireball. "I need some direction here!"
Back on the surface the leader was becoming frustrated by their actions. "Sir! We hit one of our own!" A Tenneth cried. "Care not for his loss, it was the Ausi's fault not our own. Just keeping shooting at them, they will submit before too long." He barked as his subordinates continued their fire. Durandel wasn't quite sure what to do, he then popped his head up to the surface and shouted, "NOVA! What are we doing!?" He shouted as he ducked an incoming fireball. "I need some direction here!"
Rather impulsively, Nova snarled at Durandel. He was high strung, to say the least. He thought he had gotten away from this drama, and he was not prepared to live on the precipice where is life was always in the balance once again, as he had been with Rashid. At the moment, Nova could not figure out who to blame for this terrifying situation: Durandel, the Tenneth, or his own naiveness for even thinking he could broker a peace deal with a Cancius guard wolf.
"I have no idea wolf, and I can't give you any more direction than I can save my o-" Nova's bark was cut short as suddenly he felt himself torn underwater by a savage force that gripped his hind leg. In the murky depths the ice wolf screamed in pain, as the slight tug upwards from his leather armor fought against the downward tug of needles in his leg. Briefly Nova was able to struggle back up for air, but as he surfaced he was met by another head that tore out of the water. It was a wolf, light blue and rather lean. An Arlyne, if Nova wasn't mistaken. Before Nova could raise an objection, or really do more than grab some air, the water wolf flashed its claws down Nova's sides, cutting the straps that held his armor turned life jacket in place. As the now useless leather bobbed to the surface, the water wolf dived under again, followed quickly by another tug on Nova's hind leg.
As the Ausi struggled to see in the darks of the deep, he could make out two other water wolves, swimming towards the defenseless Cancius on the surface. Before long, all was dark, as Nova was pulled deeper into the lake.
"I have no idea wolf, and I can't give you any more direction than I can save my o-" Nova's bark was cut short as suddenly he felt himself torn underwater by a savage force that gripped his hind leg. In the murky depths the ice wolf screamed in pain, as the slight tug upwards from his leather armor fought against the downward tug of needles in his leg. Briefly Nova was able to struggle back up for air, but as he surfaced he was met by another head that tore out of the water. It was a wolf, light blue and rather lean. An Arlyne, if Nova wasn't mistaken. Before Nova could raise an objection, or really do more than grab some air, the water wolf flashed its claws down Nova's sides, cutting the straps that held his armor turned life jacket in place. As the now useless leather bobbed to the surface, the water wolf dived under again, followed quickly by another tug on Nova's hind leg.
As the Ausi struggled to see in the darks of the deep, he could make out two other water wolves, swimming towards the defenseless Cancius on the surface. Before long, all was dark, as Nova was pulled deeper into the lake.
Durandel's head shot back after being snarled at. He wasn't quite sure what his issue was, aside from being shot at. Hm, that must be it. He wasn't quite sure what to do in this situation as he looked towards the Ausi. He didn't seem to have much of an idea himself but he could tell he was getting agitated. Before Durandel could suffer from his bark he suddenly was pulled underneath the water. "NOVA!?" Durandel shouted in fear. Just what in the world was going on around here!? It seemed nothing was turning out the way he hoped it would. He then saw Nova return for a gasp of air. "NOVA!? NOVA, WHAT'S GOING ON AROUND HERE!? ARE YOU OKAY!?" He shouted but not too long he spoke a blue wolf came and dragged him under, leaving nothing but his ruined leather armor behind. He was worried, and now felt the fear of death upon him.
High above on the slopes, the leader was watching this development with great interest. "ALL OF YOU STOP FIRING!" He barked. The Tenneth stopped as he gained a better view of the lake. It looked like they were drowning. That was until he saw the shimmer of a blue wolf drag the Ausi under. It was not too long afterwards he saw Durandel struggle as well. Durandel was thrashing about shouting, "HEY! LET ME GO!! NO!!! NO!!!" Then all of a sudden, the Canicus was pulled under. "Sir! What do we do now!" His subordinate shouted. "DAMMIT!" Their leader barked. "There is nothing we can do now! The Arlyne have them now...I hope they drown." He spoke as he spat at the ground. "But sir, we are supposed to bring them in alive!" His associate cried. "Yeah, well if you want to enter a lake full of Arlynes then be my guest, but you'll die and I have no interest in sending my Tenneth into a death trap." He gruffly spoke as he began to walk away. "Come on boys! It looks like we are done here." He commanded as the remaining Tenneth began to leave the area. With a grumble, the leader's assistant walked away as well. Soon the slopes where cleared of the Fire Wolves.
Meanwhile Durandel couldn't see anything in the murky depths. He so wished to fight back but his powers were about useless at this moment. Not to mention he began to black out, was this really the end? And what of Nova, is he dead as well? And Ezra...is he in danger too? All of these worries faded with Durandel in to the darkness.
High above on the slopes, the leader was watching this development with great interest. "ALL OF YOU STOP FIRING!" He barked. The Tenneth stopped as he gained a better view of the lake. It looked like they were drowning. That was until he saw the shimmer of a blue wolf drag the Ausi under. It was not too long afterwards he saw Durandel struggle as well. Durandel was thrashing about shouting, "HEY! LET ME GO!! NO!!! NO!!!" Then all of a sudden, the Canicus was pulled under. "Sir! What do we do now!" His subordinate shouted. "DAMMIT!" Their leader barked. "There is nothing we can do now! The Arlyne have them now...I hope they drown." He spoke as he spat at the ground. "But sir, we are supposed to bring them in alive!" His associate cried. "Yeah, well if you want to enter a lake full of Arlynes then be my guest, but you'll die and I have no interest in sending my Tenneth into a death trap." He gruffly spoke as he began to walk away. "Come on boys! It looks like we are done here." He commanded as the remaining Tenneth began to leave the area. With a grumble, the leader's assistant walked away as well. Soon the slopes where cleared of the Fire Wolves.
Meanwhile Durandel couldn't see anything in the murky depths. He so wished to fight back but his powers were about useless at this moment. Not to mention he began to black out, was this really the end? And what of Nova, is he dead as well? And Ezra...is he in danger too? All of these worries faded with Durandel in to the darkness.
Durandel and Mydnyte
Durandel noticed that Nova didn't seem happy...today had been horrible. Now when rest seemed like the only thing they should do, Mydnyte is pushing them onward. He seemed kind of irritated himself and he didn't want his fellow comrades to be as such. He looked at Ash and said, "Well, you can decide for yourself what you want to do...otherwise Mydnyte's right. I have an injured friend and I need to ensure that she will be cared for. So follow, don't follow, it doesn't matter to me. But thank you for saving our lives." Durandel said with a nod as he followed after them.
"What?!" Mydnyte barked at Nova, and growled as he continued his tirade. Mydnyte seemed even more agitated than before. It was then Fang spoke up, "No, it's fine. I have no issues carrying Battle from here to the Woods." Mydnyte looked over to Fang as he turned his attention back to Nova, still growling. He was about ready to launch his counter offensive, but It was then Nova made an apology. Mydnyte was frustrated but he then sighed. "It's...alright...I understand that I can be...insensitive, but that still doesn't change the gravity of our situation here. Let's keep going that way I can help to make some sense of things." He said gruffly. He then moved on.
Durandel heard Mydnyte's bark and worried that Nova and him, where about to enter a scrap. Luckily for him, Mydnyte seems to have found a cooler head. "Is everything alright?" He asked. "It's fine." Mydnyte answered abruptly. "Um, Nova isn't wrong Mydnyte. These wolves are dead beat tired...perhaps we can find shelter for the night and resume our travels in the morning?" Fang suggested. Mydnyte growled at that suggestion but then sighed after considering it. "Yes...I should think of them and not just my mission...besides they are more of a force to be reckoned with after some rest." Mydnyte mulled over his thoughts. "But, the Alva needs medical attention now. I'm not sure if she'll make it over night." It was then that they noticed Dey laughing and the strangeness of her shadow. "What the?" Durandel said out of confusion. That camping out for the night idea seemed to become wiser at this point.
"Grr...I'm not sure if that's good or bad." Mydnyte growled. "If you are concerned for her well-being, I know of some herbs and plants that can help to medicate her." Fang spoke. "They grow not too far off from here." Mydnyte then conceded with a nod. "Fine, will find some place to hold out for the night up ahead in the forest. Then we'll resume our travels in the morning." Mydnyte decided. It was then the Kamarians carried onward. Soon Fang found a fallen tree that was hallowed out. The entrance had the roots of the once tall, standing tree sticking up in the air. "We'll camp here." Mydnyte declared as he and Fang helped to lower her down on some soft brush. "I'll gather sticks for the fire." Mydnyte spoke as he wandered off to do so. "I'll go look for those herbs to help the Alva." Fang said as he too wandered off. Durandel finally rested his body on the inside of the fallen tree as he breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally." He said with triumph.
Durandel noticed that Nova didn't seem happy...today had been horrible. Now when rest seemed like the only thing they should do, Mydnyte is pushing them onward. He seemed kind of irritated himself and he didn't want his fellow comrades to be as such. He looked at Ash and said, "Well, you can decide for yourself what you want to do...otherwise Mydnyte's right. I have an injured friend and I need to ensure that she will be cared for. So follow, don't follow, it doesn't matter to me. But thank you for saving our lives." Durandel said with a nod as he followed after them.
"What?!" Mydnyte barked at Nova, and growled as he continued his tirade. Mydnyte seemed even more agitated than before. It was then Fang spoke up, "No, it's fine. I have no issues carrying Battle from here to the Woods." Mydnyte looked over to Fang as he turned his attention back to Nova, still growling. He was about ready to launch his counter offensive, but It was then Nova made an apology. Mydnyte was frustrated but he then sighed. "It's...alright...I understand that I can be...insensitive, but that still doesn't change the gravity of our situation here. Let's keep going that way I can help to make some sense of things." He said gruffly. He then moved on.
Durandel heard Mydnyte's bark and worried that Nova and him, where about to enter a scrap. Luckily for him, Mydnyte seems to have found a cooler head. "Is everything alright?" He asked. "It's fine." Mydnyte answered abruptly. "Um, Nova isn't wrong Mydnyte. These wolves are dead beat tired...perhaps we can find shelter for the night and resume our travels in the morning?" Fang suggested. Mydnyte growled at that suggestion but then sighed after considering it. "Yes...I should think of them and not just my mission...besides they are more of a force to be reckoned with after some rest." Mydnyte mulled over his thoughts. "But, the Alva needs medical attention now. I'm not sure if she'll make it over night." It was then that they noticed Dey laughing and the strangeness of her shadow. "What the?" Durandel said out of confusion. That camping out for the night idea seemed to become wiser at this point.
"Grr...I'm not sure if that's good or bad." Mydnyte growled. "If you are concerned for her well-being, I know of some herbs and plants that can help to medicate her." Fang spoke. "They grow not too far off from here." Mydnyte then conceded with a nod. "Fine, will find some place to hold out for the night up ahead in the forest. Then we'll resume our travels in the morning." Mydnyte decided. It was then the Kamarians carried onward. Soon Fang found a fallen tree that was hallowed out. The entrance had the roots of the once tall, standing tree sticking up in the air. "We'll camp here." Mydnyte declared as he and Fang helped to lower her down on some soft brush. "I'll gather sticks for the fire." Mydnyte spoke as he wandered off to do so. "I'll go look for those herbs to help the Alva." Fang said as he too wandered off. Durandel finally rested his body on the inside of the fallen tree as he breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally." He said with triumph.
Nova
Finally was right, they were out of the heat of the day at last, and hopefully they would finally be able to get some rest. Nova had cooled down quite a bit over the walk from the cliffs to the forest where they were making camp, and he was relieved to find that his mind would cooperate as he tried to unwind. Nothing worse than trying to fall asleep after a long day, only for your mind to be too busy thinking about what happened to actually shut down.
Watching Durandel snuggle into the crook of the tree, Nova picked for himself a boulder that was still warm from the sun, and rested his back against it as he laid down. The warmth felt good on his tired muscles, and he knew that it would become a familiar icy cool by the middle of the night. Although the Ausi did live in the cold, and ice was their element, they weren't exactly freezing all the time. They got uncomfortably cold like any other wolf, though perhaps their comfort level was much more tolerant than others. However, their thick pelts were much more suited to the bitter climate, giving the illusion that these wolves lived for the chill, when in fact they feel warm in a blizzard.
Glancing sympathetically over at BattleDemon as she rested in the ferns, he considered moving her closer to the fire before the chill of the night grew, but decided that the Kamarians would be able to do that when the came back. "Mate, you sure signed me up for an adventure today!" Nova said with a little laugh to Durandel, as he shifted his gaze to the sky to watch the twilight fade.
Durandel and Mydnyte
Durandel sluggishly rolled over to address Nova, he then shrugged. "Yeah, I'm sorry...about all of it." He said as he looked up to the sky as well. In the Vulcans you could never see the night time sky because of all the light and smoke the volcanoes give off. That was one thing that he liked about being out here...the stars always looked so beautiful. He then shifted his focus back to Nova. "I don't know what went so wrong...my business was even official...which leaves me to wonder if we were betrayed." Durandel spoke grimly. "I hope everything is okay back home...I left my friends and family back there...I don't want them mixed up in this business." Durandel spoke as he noticed Mydnyte appear out of the dark woods with plenty of sticks.
"I'll start us a fire." Mydnyte spoke as he gathered the sticks in a pile. "Durandel, would you mind providing some heat?" Mydnyte asked as the Canicus sluggishly stood. He then spat a little lava spittle as the sticks ignited. He then returned to his former resting place. "I overheard you talking about some business, for the Tenneth right?" Mydnyte asked. "Yeah, I didn't find Nova by chance, I was told to by my Alpha in order to help establish better relations between our packs...because of...Prometheus." Durandel then looked over to Mydnyte and chuckled. "Oh right, you probably don't know who that is." Durandel spoke as Mydnyte sighed. "I know who that is, and probably better than you do." Mydnyte spoke. "What do you mean?" Durandel asked.
It was then Fang returned with those herbs. "Alright, I'm back. Let's move Battle closer to the fire, the heat could do her some good." He spoke as Mydnyte paused his story to situate Battle. Once they were done Fang went to treating her wounds as Mydnyte looked at them both. "Well, that's what I need to talk to you two about. At this point Prometheus may seem just like another rogue wolf with a mad scheme but to be honest, it's much worse than that." Mydnyte grimly spoke. "How can it be worse than that?" Durandel asked feeling growing concern. "You see, I've been tailing Prometheus for awhile and his ascent to power in the Vulcans was by no means a coincidence. Now both of you brace yourselves for what I am about to tell you next but I have reasons to believe that Prometheus is in league with Rashid." Mydnyte spoke, no falter in his voice.
Durandel shot up, "WAIT!? WHAT!? No! That's not possible!? Rashid! He...he disappeared! And Prometheus doesn't act like he's mind controlled!? It, It doesn't make any sense...how do you know this?! Did you find Rashid!? Did Prometheus find him!?" Durandel went on until he was interrupted by Mydnyte. "If you give me a chance to explain, then you'll understand me better." Mydnyte spoke as Durandel calmed down.
Mydnyte then cleared his throat as he spoke. "Let me start from the beginning. After the search for Rashid ended when we discovered that he abandoned his prison, I decided to continue my search. After all I didn't have much of a home or people to return to since Kaveh sold them off as slaves to Rashid. Trust me, it wasn't easy to find any clues as to where he could have run off to. I had no leads, no evidence, nothing but say instinct to go off of. I searched far and wide and followed rumors that I would hear about. Especially the rumors about brain dead or zombie wolves or about large clusters of Kamaria wolves. Most of the time they were dead ends but sometimes...sometimes I had promising leads. My first breakthrough was a cave fire that happened far off from here. When I investigated I found the charred remains of cages and wolves but little else. This was but the first of several prisons Rashid had left behind. Apparently he's been moving his base all around Nigerius, never staying in one spot for long...that's why no one could find the bastard. It became frustrating after awhile, the feeling of him always being two steps ahead of me! That was until I came across our mutual acquaintance Prometheus. After following a lead about loud howling coming from a cave, I smelt smoke drifting in the air. I immediately knew what that meant as I rushed to the scene of a cave fire. I foolishly braved the blaze to find evidence but nothing was salvageable yet the only piece of evidence I could find was the arsonist himself, Prometheus. I couldn't confront the wolf at the time, the cave was becoming increasingly unstable not the best place for a fight. Once I exited I stood in wait for Prometheus until several Kamarians appeared. I had to make myself hidden in order to not be captured. Once they arrived they spoke with Prometheus complimenting him on another job well done. It was then he was told that he must return home to the Vulcans, that the next phase of the plan was about to begin. They separated. I wanted so badly to confront my fellow Shadow Wolves but I knew that would be a fool move, so I followed Prometheus instead, intending to confront him on my own. Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to do so as he ran across a Tenneth scouting party, claiming he just escaped his Dimitrios captors." Mydnyte then took a deep breath as he looked towards his friends.
"I'm not sure what's going on around here, but whatever it is, it can't be good. Once I heard about you're involvement in all of this I saw it as an opportunity to gain more allies in this conflict. Now I know that the both of you did not intend to fight against Prometheus, but I am asking you to now. If we can get to him then we can get to Rashid and make sure whatever he's planning does not come to light." Mydnyte finished as he looked at the both, hoping they will say yes. Durandel at the moment was speechless as he laid down, trying to absorb this new found information.
Durandel sluggishly rolled over to address Nova, he then shrugged. "Yeah, I'm sorry...about all of it." He said as he looked up to the sky as well. In the Vulcans you could never see the night time sky because of all the light and smoke the volcanoes give off. That was one thing that he liked about being out here...the stars always looked so beautiful. He then shifted his focus back to Nova. "I don't know what went so wrong...my business was even official...which leaves me to wonder if we were betrayed." Durandel spoke grimly. "I hope everything is okay back home...I left my friends and family back there...I don't want them mixed up in this business." Durandel spoke as he noticed Mydnyte appear out of the dark woods with plenty of sticks.
"I'll start us a fire." Mydnyte spoke as he gathered the sticks in a pile. "Durandel, would you mind providing some heat?" Mydnyte asked as the Canicus sluggishly stood. He then spat a little lava spittle as the sticks ignited. He then returned to his former resting place. "I overheard you talking about some business, for the Tenneth right?" Mydnyte asked. "Yeah, I didn't find Nova by chance, I was told to by my Alpha in order to help establish better relations between our packs...because of...Prometheus." Durandel then looked over to Mydnyte and chuckled. "Oh right, you probably don't know who that is." Durandel spoke as Mydnyte sighed. "I know who that is, and probably better than you do." Mydnyte spoke. "What do you mean?" Durandel asked.
It was then Fang returned with those herbs. "Alright, I'm back. Let's move Battle closer to the fire, the heat could do her some good." He spoke as Mydnyte paused his story to situate Battle. Once they were done Fang went to treating her wounds as Mydnyte looked at them both. "Well, that's what I need to talk to you two about. At this point Prometheus may seem just like another rogue wolf with a mad scheme but to be honest, it's much worse than that." Mydnyte grimly spoke. "How can it be worse than that?" Durandel asked feeling growing concern. "You see, I've been tailing Prometheus for awhile and his ascent to power in the Vulcans was by no means a coincidence. Now both of you brace yourselves for what I am about to tell you next but I have reasons to believe that Prometheus is in league with Rashid." Mydnyte spoke, no falter in his voice.
Durandel shot up, "WAIT!? WHAT!? No! That's not possible!? Rashid! He...he disappeared! And Prometheus doesn't act like he's mind controlled!? It, It doesn't make any sense...how do you know this?! Did you find Rashid!? Did Prometheus find him!?" Durandel went on until he was interrupted by Mydnyte. "If you give me a chance to explain, then you'll understand me better." Mydnyte spoke as Durandel calmed down.
Mydnyte then cleared his throat as he spoke. "Let me start from the beginning. After the search for Rashid ended when we discovered that he abandoned his prison, I decided to continue my search. After all I didn't have much of a home or people to return to since Kaveh sold them off as slaves to Rashid. Trust me, it wasn't easy to find any clues as to where he could have run off to. I had no leads, no evidence, nothing but say instinct to go off of. I searched far and wide and followed rumors that I would hear about. Especially the rumors about brain dead or zombie wolves or about large clusters of Kamaria wolves. Most of the time they were dead ends but sometimes...sometimes I had promising leads. My first breakthrough was a cave fire that happened far off from here. When I investigated I found the charred remains of cages and wolves but little else. This was but the first of several prisons Rashid had left behind. Apparently he's been moving his base all around Nigerius, never staying in one spot for long...that's why no one could find the bastard. It became frustrating after awhile, the feeling of him always being two steps ahead of me! That was until I came across our mutual acquaintance Prometheus. After following a lead about loud howling coming from a cave, I smelt smoke drifting in the air. I immediately knew what that meant as I rushed to the scene of a cave fire. I foolishly braved the blaze to find evidence but nothing was salvageable yet the only piece of evidence I could find was the arsonist himself, Prometheus. I couldn't confront the wolf at the time, the cave was becoming increasingly unstable not the best place for a fight. Once I exited I stood in wait for Prometheus until several Kamarians appeared. I had to make myself hidden in order to not be captured. Once they arrived they spoke with Prometheus complimenting him on another job well done. It was then he was told that he must return home to the Vulcans, that the next phase of the plan was about to begin. They separated. I wanted so badly to confront my fellow Shadow Wolves but I knew that would be a fool move, so I followed Prometheus instead, intending to confront him on my own. Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to do so as he ran across a Tenneth scouting party, claiming he just escaped his Dimitrios captors." Mydnyte then took a deep breath as he looked towards his friends.
"I'm not sure what's going on around here, but whatever it is, it can't be good. Once I heard about you're involvement in all of this I saw it as an opportunity to gain more allies in this conflict. Now I know that the both of you did not intend to fight against Prometheus, but I am asking you to now. If we can get to him then we can get to Rashid and make sure whatever he's planning does not come to light." Mydnyte finished as he looked at the both, hoping they will say yes. Durandel at the moment was speechless as he laid down, trying to absorb this new found information.
Nova
Rashid, Prometheus...by the fang, had he really forgotten their attack on the Sharikere's? Ashamed at his earlier attitude at almost shrugging off the news of the attack once he knew that his family was safe, the full weight of what had happened began to press upon his chest as he listened to Mydnyte. Death had been brought from the front into the homes and hearts of the wolves who had hoped they would never see it. His family, his friends. Well, whatever friends he had left after his crusade to work with the other packs to pound out Rashid. He had taken a few poundings himself over that policy. This same Rashid, who had destroyed Mydnyte's pack, was working through his puppets to end any freedom this torn land had left.
And yet...what could they do to touch him? Nova winced at the physical and emotional pain of one who lacked hope. Upon hearing that Rashid had more prisons than even his nightmares dare conjure, the ice wolf felt crushed that the war was already lost. With connections in the top of the Tenneth pack, what is to say that he had not penetrated the Ausi and Alva as well? Could they even trust their own packs to help them?
But his decision had already been made. From the moment he had cast his lot with Durandel this morning, to the minute he had renewed his resolve atop the mountain after the landslide, he knew that he had to fight for whatever hope was left out there, even if it was not his own. He didn't mean to be dramatic, or the hero type, but those were simply the facts, and he had to face them with bared teeth or cowardly submit.
"If it must come to more fighting, let it be, so that others don't have to. It is really Durandel who has to agree to the capture of one of his own. Whatever he decides I'll stand by it. But can we at least wait until morning?" Nova responded with tired resolve.
Durandel and Mydnyte
Mydnyte nodded to Nova's request. "Of course, no sense in forcing you two." Mydnyte spoke. Durandel shifted silently, mulling over this new bit of information. "I...never thought Rashid had anything to do with this...how could we have been so blind?" Durandel asked. "Rashid is a master of manipulation, if he didn't wish us to know his allies then he can make it so." Mydnyte answered. Durandel looked over to Nova and then nodded, "Yes, I need my rest if I am to be of any help." Mydnyte nodded. It was then that Fang had finished his part in providing aid to Battle, when suddenly, she sprang to life.
"Whoa!" Fang blurted out as the she-wolf tried to flee again. "No, wait! You shouldn't move, you'll make your injuries worse!" Fang shouted as Dey came to a stop. Durandel and Mydnyte couldn't help but look over at the spectacle. "Dey, are you alright?" Durandel asked concerned. It was then her response pretty much answered that question for him, Dey's back. "Dey? Don't you mean BattleDemon?" Mydnyte asked confused. Durandel looked over to him and noticed the Kamarian's confusion and then he meekly chuckled. "Yeah, the answer would just make you even more confused."
Mydnyte looked over to Fang who shrugged. It was then Mydnyte walked over by Fang and introduced himself, "Hello, Battle, it's me, Mydnyte remember?" He asked. Durandel then coughed to gain his attention, "Uh, not to make you look foolish, and sorry on my part, but that isn't BattleDemon." Mydnyte turned to look at Durandel thinking he's gone mad. "What do you mean that's not BattleDemon? This she-wolf clearly is! Just look at her!" Mydnyte said aloud. "Yeah, I understand but just because she looks like her, doesn't mean she is her. Her name is Dey and well, I accidentally ran into her thinking what you're thinking right now." Durandel explained. "But...that doesn't make any sense! Not only does she look like her, her scent is that of the Alva, my nose can't be fooled as well as my eyes!" He barked. "I'm sorry, I have no other way to explain it...I...I just don't know." Durandel spoke feeling a little ashamed of himself.
Mydnyte looked at the ground then at Dey. "So...you are not an Alva, a Death Wolf?" Mydnyte asked. "Perhaps we were wrong in our assumptions?" Fang spoke up. "If Durandel recognizes her as another wolf then surely Nova does too?" Mydnyte shook his head, "But...this is odd to see a wolf with such an uncanny likeness to another one! I just don't believe it!" Mydnyte spoke obviously confused. Durandel wished he could help clear the air but there wasn't much he could do. Fang then spoke, "Whether or not this is BattleDemon, does not change our plans. I say we still head to the Acacia Woods in the morning, we can still gather more of your old allies." Mydnyte then nodded, "Yes, but, to challenge Rashid's forces we really needed a powerful warrior like BattleDemon on our side." Mydnyte then growled. "Perhaps we all need rest, we have been traveling for a long time ourselves." Fang reasonded. Mydnyte growling died down as he spat, "Fine, I'll take my rest." Mydnyte grumbled as he made a spot for himself to lay down in.
Mydnyte nodded to Nova's request. "Of course, no sense in forcing you two." Mydnyte spoke. Durandel shifted silently, mulling over this new bit of information. "I...never thought Rashid had anything to do with this...how could we have been so blind?" Durandel asked. "Rashid is a master of manipulation, if he didn't wish us to know his allies then he can make it so." Mydnyte answered. Durandel looked over to Nova and then nodded, "Yes, I need my rest if I am to be of any help." Mydnyte nodded. It was then that Fang had finished his part in providing aid to Battle, when suddenly, she sprang to life.
"Whoa!" Fang blurted out as the she-wolf tried to flee again. "No, wait! You shouldn't move, you'll make your injuries worse!" Fang shouted as Dey came to a stop. Durandel and Mydnyte couldn't help but look over at the spectacle. "Dey, are you alright?" Durandel asked concerned. It was then her response pretty much answered that question for him, Dey's back. "Dey? Don't you mean BattleDemon?" Mydnyte asked confused. Durandel looked over to him and noticed the Kamarian's confusion and then he meekly chuckled. "Yeah, the answer would just make you even more confused."
Mydnyte looked over to Fang who shrugged. It was then Mydnyte walked over by Fang and introduced himself, "Hello, Battle, it's me, Mydnyte remember?" He asked. Durandel then coughed to gain his attention, "Uh, not to make you look foolish, and sorry on my part, but that isn't BattleDemon." Mydnyte turned to look at Durandel thinking he's gone mad. "What do you mean that's not BattleDemon? This she-wolf clearly is! Just look at her!" Mydnyte said aloud. "Yeah, I understand but just because she looks like her, doesn't mean she is her. Her name is Dey and well, I accidentally ran into her thinking what you're thinking right now." Durandel explained. "But...that doesn't make any sense! Not only does she look like her, her scent is that of the Alva, my nose can't be fooled as well as my eyes!" He barked. "I'm sorry, I have no other way to explain it...I...I just don't know." Durandel spoke feeling a little ashamed of himself.
Mydnyte looked at the ground then at Dey. "So...you are not an Alva, a Death Wolf?" Mydnyte asked. "Perhaps we were wrong in our assumptions?" Fang spoke up. "If Durandel recognizes her as another wolf then surely Nova does too?" Mydnyte shook his head, "But...this is odd to see a wolf with such an uncanny likeness to another one! I just don't believe it!" Mydnyte spoke obviously confused. Durandel wished he could help clear the air but there wasn't much he could do. Fang then spoke, "Whether or not this is BattleDemon, does not change our plans. I say we still head to the Acacia Woods in the morning, we can still gather more of your old allies." Mydnyte then nodded, "Yes, but, to challenge Rashid's forces we really needed a powerful warrior like BattleDemon on our side." Mydnyte then growled. "Perhaps we all need rest, we have been traveling for a long time ourselves." Fang reasonded. Mydnyte growling died down as he spat, "Fine, I'll take my rest." Mydnyte grumbled as he made a spot for himself to lay down in.
Nova
Already dropping off, Nova watch through slitted eyes the ordeal of trying to figure out BattleDemon. Or Dey. He was still pretty sure that she was the former somehow, just with memory loss. Some of her old scarring must have healed too, she certainly looked younger without her war wounds. Bah, he was too tired to think about it to hard, it was just good to see that she was awake. Now, hopefully she and everyone else would drop off into a natural sleep.
...The thought came to him to suggest that someone should keep watch. If today was any signal, it seemed the entire world was their enemy. But it was such an effort to talk, it felt like he was trying to talk through a mouthful of honey. He was sure one of the others would think to do it, they were smart enough.
Shifting his body so that he could get the most out of his warm rock, Nova drifted off.
Tiberius
A chill was rippling through the new night, and Tiberius nervously looked around the dark woods. He was sure of it, there were eyes in the trees watching them. He longed to be back at their little camp, despite how easily he dismissed it earlier. At least there, things had been familiar. Now every turn they made seemed foreign, and threatening.
Digging his claws tensely into the loam, Tiberius spoke in hushed tones to sooth himself, and Blossom his friend. "Ya-know, Drais would be at home in this dark. He always loved the night. You think we'll find him with his pack when they come out at night? That's what shadow wolves do at night, right? Scurry along in the shadows? And when night comes there is a lot of them? Doing their night things? Attacking lone young wolves? Dragging them back as slaves..." Tiberius droned on, his attempt at comfort slipping into repeating a rumor they had heard some months ago. Frightened him to pieces.
Stumbling through the brush, it was a lucky chance that he spotted a cluster of roots growing out of a ridge that met all his criteria as a safe place to sleep: Not wet, and one entrance. "What do you say we turn in over there, Blossom? I'm sure we can pick our way back to home in the morning."
Nova
Being an early riser is useful. There seems to be more hours in the day, you are able to get where you going before others are out, and there is a certain calm that seems to exist in those early dawn hours. A scout who is an early riser has the added bonus of being able to get into position to spy on others long before they are up and going, setting up a much better day for him. Right now, Nova hated being an early riser. But he was awake, and there was no use trying to force himself back. With a standing stretch, Nova got up and looked over the camp.
Not noticing anything different right away, he decided that he still needed to get blood moving through his bruised and stiff body. "I'm going to find meat nearby" Nova said to Mydnyte, before trotting off through the woods. He was starving, and he was sure that the others would be too when they were awake. The last they had eaten was that fish yesterday afternoon, and his body was dreaming of getting something fresh. His body didn't seem too worse for wear, surprisingly, just a few minor scrapes and bruises that added up to a lot of pain. The ordeals of yesterday should have put him in a clinic, if not six feet under!
The forest was quiet except for the birds, and the grey light of morning was slowly growing brighter. He picked up wind of something a hundred or so yards away, and, dreaming of venison or elk, wandered off to follow the scent.
Durandel and Mydnyte
Mydnyte watched over the group once Fang turned into the night. He was awoken a little later than scheduled because Fang watched over Battle until she fell asleep. Mydnyte found it odd but did not question his motives. As he kept vigilance he noticed that Nova was the first to rise without his morning alarm. Mydnyte watched as Nova wandered close to him he then spoke, "Got enough sleep eh?" He asked. It was then Nova said he was going off to hunt. "Alright, I'll stay here and watch the camp for a few more minutes, hurry back." Mydnyte responded. He watched Nova disappear off into the woods.
Some more time passed and with a yawn Mydnyte barked, "Alright everyone, get up!" With the softness of a drill sergeant, Mydnyte roused everyone with his abrupt and stern tone. Durandel yawned and stretched as he lazily got up. "Oh? Wha? Already time?" He asked with a yawn. "Yes! It's time you woke up, we have a whole day of travel head of us! If we make good time we should reach the outer limits of the Aven territories before sunset!" Mydnyte spoke. Durandel nodded and yawn as he stood beginning to walk around the camp. Fang rose with sudden pep as the Kamarian looked around.
"Hey where's Nova?" Fang asked. "He went off to hunt some time ago, hopefully he's found some game by now." Mydnyte answered. Fang nodded. He then looked over to BattleDemon, "Hey it's time to get up!" He said with a grumble. "So? When are we heading out?" Durandel asked. "Whenever Nova returns...in fact, Fang go and see about Nova and his hunt would ya?" Mydnyte asked. Fang agreed as Mydnyte pointed in the general direction where Nova left. Fang then departed.
Mydnyte watched over the group once Fang turned into the night. He was awoken a little later than scheduled because Fang watched over Battle until she fell asleep. Mydnyte found it odd but did not question his motives. As he kept vigilance he noticed that Nova was the first to rise without his morning alarm. Mydnyte watched as Nova wandered close to him he then spoke, "Got enough sleep eh?" He asked. It was then Nova said he was going off to hunt. "Alright, I'll stay here and watch the camp for a few more minutes, hurry back." Mydnyte responded. He watched Nova disappear off into the woods.
Some more time passed and with a yawn Mydnyte barked, "Alright everyone, get up!" With the softness of a drill sergeant, Mydnyte roused everyone with his abrupt and stern tone. Durandel yawned and stretched as he lazily got up. "Oh? Wha? Already time?" He asked with a yawn. "Yes! It's time you woke up, we have a whole day of travel head of us! If we make good time we should reach the outer limits of the Aven territories before sunset!" Mydnyte spoke. Durandel nodded and yawn as he stood beginning to walk around the camp. Fang rose with sudden pep as the Kamarian looked around.
"Hey where's Nova?" Fang asked. "He went off to hunt some time ago, hopefully he's found some game by now." Mydnyte answered. Fang nodded. He then looked over to BattleDemon, "Hey it's time to get up!" He said with a grumble. "So? When are we heading out?" Durandel asked. "Whenever Nova returns...in fact, Fang go and see about Nova and his hunt would ya?" Mydnyte asked. Fang agreed as Mydnyte pointed in the general direction where Nova left. Fang then departed.
Nova
In many ways, it was a lot easier to kill a doe than it is to draw her back to eat, and so Nova figured that he would return to the others to let them know of his kill, so that they could travel to it at their leisure. Call it laziness, but the Ausi didn't feel up to dragging the carcass half a mile.
Leaving the carcass untouched, save for where a blade of ice had inflicted its death blow, Nova started to make his way back to where the others were. The whole affair hadn't taken too long, but he would be suprised if the others hadn't woken up by the time he returned. His stomach fluttered when he heard another wolf nearby, but was relieved to see that it was merely Fang coming to check on him. "Morning mate, did you sleep well? Gotta kill back there, you can go start on it while I fetch the others if you like" Nova said cheerfully. Nothing like sleep and the promise of a good meal to raise the spirits.
Regardless of his answer, Nova determined to return to camp and share the news of breakfast.
Durandel and Mydnyte
Durandel yawned still trying to get the kinks worked out, as he would stretch. Already Mydnyte seemed fired to go, he never would have suspected a Kamarian to be the morning type. It was then Nova returned with news of a kill. This brightened up Durandel's spirits at the thought of food. "Thanks my friend, don't mind if I do." Durandel responded. "Eat what you can but as soon as we're finished it's off to the Woods!" Mydnyte barked. It was then Durandel's ears shot up over the calling of his name. "Huh? What?" He asked confused.
It was then Dey appeared before him and she was acting odd to say the least. He supposes it's because of the previous day's injuries still, she seemed worked up over something. "Hm? What's the matter?" He asked concerned. It was then Dey had difficulty with speaking, most of it was unintelligible and then she said a sentence way too fast. "What?" He asked even more confused. It was then she said her name was Blue. "Huh? Wha? I'm sorry you spoke so fast...wait...I thought you're name was Dey?" Durandel spoke, hopelessly confused.
Mydnyte overhead this and then barked, "What did you just say!?" He then stood before her. "Well!?" Mydnyte commanded. "Whoa calm down, there's no need for this." Durandel retorted. |No, I'm curious, because it sounded like you said that you're not BattleDemon." Mydnyte spoke. "Of course she isn't, I told you last night she just looks like her." Durandel reminded. "No, this wolf knows more than she's letting on, go on say it again!" Mydnyte pressured. "Hey! At least give her a chance to speak!" Durandel argued. "Fine!" Mydnyte grumbled as he backed off. Durandel then looked over to Dey or Blue, "Say what you need to say and try it slower this time, alright?" Durandel asked.
Durandel yawned still trying to get the kinks worked out, as he would stretch. Already Mydnyte seemed fired to go, he never would have suspected a Kamarian to be the morning type. It was then Nova returned with news of a kill. This brightened up Durandel's spirits at the thought of food. "Thanks my friend, don't mind if I do." Durandel responded. "Eat what you can but as soon as we're finished it's off to the Woods!" Mydnyte barked. It was then Durandel's ears shot up over the calling of his name. "Huh? What?" He asked confused.
It was then Dey appeared before him and she was acting odd to say the least. He supposes it's because of the previous day's injuries still, she seemed worked up over something. "Hm? What's the matter?" He asked concerned. It was then Dey had difficulty with speaking, most of it was unintelligible and then she said a sentence way too fast. "What?" He asked even more confused. It was then she said her name was Blue. "Huh? Wha? I'm sorry you spoke so fast...wait...I thought you're name was Dey?" Durandel spoke, hopelessly confused.
Mydnyte overhead this and then barked, "What did you just say!?" He then stood before her. "Well!?" Mydnyte commanded. "Whoa calm down, there's no need for this." Durandel retorted. |No, I'm curious, because it sounded like you said that you're not BattleDemon." Mydnyte spoke. "Of course she isn't, I told you last night she just looks like her." Durandel reminded. "No, this wolf knows more than she's letting on, go on say it again!" Mydnyte pressured. "Hey! At least give her a chance to speak!" Durandel argued. "Fine!" Mydnyte grumbled as he backed off. Durandel then looked over to Dey or Blue, "Say what you need to say and try it slower this time, alright?" Durandel asked.
Nova
Hearing the commotion erupt as he was turning to go back to the kill, Nova stayed to observe what was happening. Battle wasn't acting herself, which wasn't all that unusual lately, she seemed to have a new self every hour, but hey, we all have mood swings, right? Nova figured that that was the case as he replayed what she shouted. Blue? That was an unusual name. Better than the last one she came up with, Khan, but nicknames are only good if they stick.
"Hey Mydnyte, why don't you go cool off with some breakfast? I left Fang over there" Nova suggested, pointing a paw back to where he had come from. Everyone was getting a little too excited, and Nova decided to break it up before their day got off on the wrong paw. Durandel was doing a fine job trying to consul whatever had gotten into Battle...Dey...Blue...whoever, but Nova decided to stick around and hear what was going on.
Durandel and Mydnyte
"Daughter?!" Durandel repeated incredulously. Mydnyte then made a sound that sounded like a mix between a growl and a groan. Obviously the Shadow Wolf was frustrated beyond a doubt. "Wow...I didn't know Battle even had pups." Durandel spoke in disbelief. Mydnyte shook his head as he turned away from Blue. He then looked over to Nova, "Yeah...I haven't eaten awhile...hunger always makes me irritable." Mydnyte confessed. As he turned away he decided to head down to where the kill was. Once there he ran across Fang who seemed to be enjoying himself.
Durandel couldn't really think about food at the moment, this new info was startling. Still it would explain both her resemblance and her scent. Durandel looked at her and nodded, "Well thank you for telling us the truth...," He then paused for a moment, "...So if she's you're mother then, do you know where she is?" Durandel asked. He knew Mydnyte would return and ask that same question, so in order to avoid more arguing perhaps he could spare everyone the trouble.
"Daughter?!" Durandel repeated incredulously. Mydnyte then made a sound that sounded like a mix between a growl and a groan. Obviously the Shadow Wolf was frustrated beyond a doubt. "Wow...I didn't know Battle even had pups." Durandel spoke in disbelief. Mydnyte shook his head as he turned away from Blue. He then looked over to Nova, "Yeah...I haven't eaten awhile...hunger always makes me irritable." Mydnyte confessed. As he turned away he decided to head down to where the kill was. Once there he ran across Fang who seemed to be enjoying himself.
Durandel couldn't really think about food at the moment, this new info was startling. Still it would explain both her resemblance and her scent. Durandel looked at her and nodded, "Well thank you for telling us the truth...," He then paused for a moment, "...So if she's you're mother then, do you know where she is?" Durandel asked. He knew Mydnyte would return and ask that same question, so in order to avoid more arguing perhaps he could spare everyone the trouble.
Nova
Listening to Blue, Nova couldn't help but to believe her sudden confession. It certainly explained her warmer personality and her lack of wounds. He silently berated himself, but he knew that until this explanation, he had no reason to believe her otherwise. But as often happens, this one answer breaks out so many more questions, the greatest of which Durandel had already asked. Leading Nova to only say something witty, like "Golly..."
As a way to distract himself, he tried to direct them to the woods to follow Mydnyte as he thought. BattleDemon's daughter? He didn't even know that cold Alva had any offspring. And well, BattleDemon had been a little older than him, which could explain how her daughter was already full grown, but not by much. That could only mean that she had skipped out on her pup while they were off adventuring those seasons ago. Why would she have done that? She couldn't have done it willingly. Who was her father? Probably just another Alva, but he though that Battle had killed her mate. Or was that her own father, the Alpha?
After giving her time to respond to Durandel, Nova almost felt obligated to apologize for giving her a hard time the day before. "Sorry...for treating you like another wolf. But I guess you have a good name to live up to?" Nova said, unsure if he was sincere about the last part.
Durandel and Mydnyte
Durandel hadn't gotten the most satisfactory of answers but he wasn't going to press the issue. Since this really isn't Battle they're dealing with, he isn't sure about her daughter. So far she seems different in personality from her mother making him reevaluate her character. Perhaps in time she will reveal what they wish to know, best not to ruin any of their chances. Durandel nodded as Blue wandered off to the kill.
Durandel looked towards Nova with a look of uncertainty, he didn't expect any answers from him over this situation. He's either confused, surprised, or perhaps indifferent? He wasn't sure, reading other wolves isn't exactly his specialty. He wasn't sure if he was going to hear anything pertaining to this subject from Nova; so he decided it would be best to change it. "Well, if you haven't eaten yet, I'll meet you over at the kill?" He asked as he wandered off himself. Durandel then reached the kill as Fang and Mydnyte finished their portions.
"Alright, everyone, eat what you need and once you're done we are gonna move on. With a fresh kill like this the scent of blood could attract some unwanted parties, so I would ask you to be brisk." Mydnyte spoke. Durandel took to the meat of the kill and it was marvelous to eat like this! It felt like ages since he had anything to eat, so the fresh game came at a much needed time. Once he finished his portions of the kill, the Canicus felt even more energized. He was ready to move on.
Durandel hadn't gotten the most satisfactory of answers but he wasn't going to press the issue. Since this really isn't Battle they're dealing with, he isn't sure about her daughter. So far she seems different in personality from her mother making him reevaluate her character. Perhaps in time she will reveal what they wish to know, best not to ruin any of their chances. Durandel nodded as Blue wandered off to the kill.
Durandel looked towards Nova with a look of uncertainty, he didn't expect any answers from him over this situation. He's either confused, surprised, or perhaps indifferent? He wasn't sure, reading other wolves isn't exactly his specialty. He wasn't sure if he was going to hear anything pertaining to this subject from Nova; so he decided it would be best to change it. "Well, if you haven't eaten yet, I'll meet you over at the kill?" He asked as he wandered off himself. Durandel then reached the kill as Fang and Mydnyte finished their portions.
"Alright, everyone, eat what you need and once you're done we are gonna move on. With a fresh kill like this the scent of blood could attract some unwanted parties, so I would ask you to be brisk." Mydnyte spoke. Durandel took to the meat of the kill and it was marvelous to eat like this! It felt like ages since he had anything to eat, so the fresh game came at a much needed time. Once he finished his portions of the kill, the Canicus felt even more energized. He was ready to move on.
Nova
There was just enough meat left on the deer for Nova to satisfy his hunger by the time he strolled over to the others. Not enough to get full, five hungry wolves is a lot to feed, but it would be easier walking without a full stomach. Finished, he wiped off his snout and followed Mydnyte's order to get moving along. Nova wasn't exactly sure where they were, a thought unsettling to a scout, but he figured it was somewhere southeast of the canyons, where they left Ash. Or, er, where he left Ash. Perhaps he had been a bit a jerk, now that he had a night to let his emotions wear off. But she would be safer back home, eh? More Dimitrios around to help with her canyon sized screw ups.
Deciding to test the waters after their confrontation this morning, Nova decided to field a question to the nearby BattleDemon, er, Blue. "So you must have done a bit of traveling yourself to end up here. Ever been to the Aven lands?" Nova asked as they walked.
- 38 posts here • Page 1 of 1