Black Night [Cassian]

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Monca was completely lost. The tall Maned wolf didn't know which way to turn, to one side was a everlasting line of trees and on the other was the same. She didn't know how she got here, she seemed to just go on a walk since she had nothing to do. The pain started again, it came in waves interrupting her thoughts. It had started this morning as a numb gnawing feeling in her paw then it had traveled like a run away train up her leg, sending spasms upon her weak spindly legs. Now it was just waves of pain that made it impossible to hunt or walk for long, she was useless!
Her breathing was raged and black splashes were blinding the corners of her sight. Each wave made it harder to stay standing, harder to keep walking. But it was over, the femme body shock until her spine arched like a cat and the her last meal came up to greet her. Standing a little taller she tried to hold herself

Her mind cleared and she felt like it had never happened except for the acid smell from the mess sitting infont of her. Her mind started to run again, if this illness, or whatever it is, is fatal... What will happen? Will anyone care? She doubted, she was as useless as a piece of rock to this pack. She could hunt only enough for herself but with this it was impossible, she couldn't even protect herself from a few pronghorn! The only thing she was good at had been taken, they have a shaman, they have a gather. The lanky Maned wolf has no purpose.

Monca decided to turn to a lighter note, she had heard there are two other Maned wolves in the pack, one was the gather, quite the... Well Monca didn't know how to put it, she had been told he is very curative, with body's... It always sent a shiver down the wolf's spine. The other was new to the pack, just like her. Monca paced forward, making sure not to stand on the mess that covered the ground. The snow covered the dead leaves of last autumn in a ice sheet prism, the winter cold had never affected the Maned wolf before. It had always been quite rainy winters in the plains, but not as cold as this. The pelt Monca held wasn't as thick as the wolves around her, That's it! Fever! I must have fever. Monca had to say it out loud to make it true, she never really very good at telling what illness was affecting a wolf, manly because she had never been taught. She had been told by her mum how to cure them, not find them.

Her red eyes slowly scanned the trees before her, they were like towers that blocked the sky, she didn't even know if it was night or day the trees were so thick and a fog was starting to creep around her ankles.

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He had heard that there were two more like him and though that pleased the kalak, he could not help but be wary. What if he was not up to par with their skills? Could they fight? Any kalak could hunt easily enough, as long as the game was small. Did they specialize in the art of herbs? Something he had never found an interest in, although he knew it would have came in handy during his time away from the small pack he had left behind. A sense of unease rose up in his throat, making it difficult to breathe and swallow. What if I am cast out? As logical as Cassian was, this irrational fear would not leave his mind, it plagued it ever since being accepted as a mere subordinate.

Walking quietly on his stilt-like limbs he moved through the trees in silence, ears flicking at noises that caught his attention, but for the most part his stride was one of ease and confidence. He had nothing to fear here, this was where he belonged now. The night was young and his mind was sharp, Voilyre had not given him much to go on, but he figured, why not let the others pace in a groggy state or sleep as they wished. The nocturnal wolf had no qualms about running the border late at night or hunting so the pack could have a small breakfast when they woke from their slumbers or came in from their nightly patrols…did anyone patrol here? The thought had his head cock slightly to the side in curiosity, but he did not ponder it long.

The stench of vomit was picked up and he paused, looking towards the ground to find the pile not far away, accompanied by steady tracks. The maned wolves had a very unique gait when they walked and it was not hard to distinguish the tracks as his own kind. Curious and a little concerned he began to follow the tracks, paws lifting overly high to clear the pile of vomit before he picked his pace up to an easy jog. The snow that cloaked the ground made following her easy, as it left clear paw prints for him to follow…although the fog was a pain.

His ears twitched once more as they picked up the not so distant voice of a female. It did not take him too long to find the other kalak and his stride slowed. “Hey!” His voice was not so much a shout as it was a slightly raised tone. He did not need to scream at her, the night was quiet enough, Cassian could have spoken in his regular voice and the female would have heard with ease. Coming to a stop a few feet behind her, he cocked his head, silver eyes staring at her with a hint of concern. “Are you okay? I saw the vomit…and heard you mention a fever…” Leaving his loud voice behind, he settled for something softer, a couple levels above a loud whisper.

Unsure of what he should offer the poor kalak, he shifted uncertainly on his paws, ears up, listening for her answer. Of course, her health made him nervous and that only made him speak more, “should I find the shaman?” He asked, head tilting the other way, of course he had no idea where the shaman was, or if the kalak he saw was in fact the shaman. That would be a nice way to look like an idiot. Of course, it made little sense if she were the shaman. Why would she have not found the herbs to heal herself? No… She could not be the shaman.

Words: 615
Tagged: Monca
Muse: meh
Notes: sorry its short. Homework fried my brain.

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Monca walked on, her eyes scanning the around for something, anything! Her nose twitched and turned on the top of her snout, her ears rotated to face her back, there was someone out there. Turning her head she scanned the forest, nothing. But still the feeling of uneasiness creeper up her body, her mane bristled in alarm when the soft crunch of ice came to her ears. Were there loners out here? Were the pack still doing patrols? Has it been following me all this time? Monca's gut twisted in pain, she was a idiot, she should of just stayed with Rovanfaer, he would of kept her warm and stoped this uneasy feeling in her gut. The Maned wolf turned her head to other matters, herself. But there it as again, the sound.

As she watched in the distanced for a sound she felt the presents of another wolf, spinning on her heels she let out a growl that traveled from the deeps of her belly, up her throat and out her bared teeth. Her red eyes met the other wolf that had creeper up on her, it was a wolf around the same height as her, with the same coloring and form, it was a Maned wolf. But this didn't relax the femme, this wolf had creeped up on her and she didn't knowing he was of the pack or not. But this brute seemed similar to the one that had just been accepted, so this must be him. Monca's growl was cut short and her ears pressed forward, her eyes darted all over the wolf, judging him, until they came to his eyes. They were the silver of a Maned wolf, but still Monca's mane was held on end and her eyes held his, she knew that it was disrespectful to look into another's eyes but he had spooked her.

As he approached she readied herself, she didn't know what or why, it was just natural. But his voice was completely caught Monca off guard, why would he be worried? He didn't know her and she to him. Im fine, its just... Monca said a little harshly, this wasn't Monca's day and this wolf had come at the wrong time, she was angry at herself and weak at the same time and she had needed something to channel her anger out on. Before she could reply the spasms held her body fast, it came and as quietly as it came it left. Monca legs shook and she felt like she was about to through up again. But she held it in, she didn't want to look anymore of a foul infout of this wolf. No, I dont know where the shaman is... Monca's tone was weak now, all her energy was leaking out of her. The fox on stilts turned away. Her body gave a heavy sigh then she slumped to the ground.

Words:512
Muse:Not my best work

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The kalak before him seemed more than frightened as her mane bristled and she spun to face him with a growl rumbling from the deepest parts of her chest. He took note of her bared canines as he instinctively slipped into a defensive position, his legs bending, ears flicking back but he did not show any signs of aggression by responding in kind with a snarl and a flash of his own teeth. Instead, he waited for it to register that he was part of the pack and that he was not there to harm her. At that very moment, he was more worried about her health and the fact that she might try to come at him with those sharp teeth.

The growl in the air was cut off as it became obvious that they were the same species and (he hoped) that it was obvious that he was not there to harm her. With a calm patience, Cassian remained as he was as her eyes absorbed his frame, sizing him up. He simply stared cautiously back at her, when her eyes found his, he blinked, but he did not let his gaze shift down as their gazes became locked. His mane began to bristle, as he felt the urge to respond to the subtle challenge she gave him, but he reminded himself that he was not an alpha and that she was frightened and clearly sick.

Forcing his body to calm and his mind to ignore the unwavering stare she placed upon his own gaze. Her shock at his words, and perhaps his tone, was reflected in her eyes and he smiled reassuringly…although that obviously did not stop her from replying in a harsh manner. At her snappy words his ears flicked forward and a frown pulled at his blackened lips. The female kalak was ill, her body stiffened and he assumed it was another convulsion of her stomach, threatening to spill out more of its contents in front of him. Cassian did not stare with sympathy or pity; his gaze remained one of worry for his pack mate, even if he did not know her personally.

When she spoke again, her tone was different, frail and weak. He took a slow step forward, watching her reaction before he moved closer still, though he was careful not to fully invade her space. She did not know where the shaman was. He frowned. “I could call for the Shaman? Perhaps the a-“ His tone cut off as she slumped to the ground. In one long legged leap he was at her side, nudging her gently, the way a friend would another. “Is there anything I should get for you?” He asked, his tone remaining just above a loud whisper. He was not knowledgeable of herbs or plants that could help, but with a proper description he was sure that even at night he could find them.

Briefly, he thought of merely grabbing her by the scruff and dragging her off but it occurred to him that he had no idea where other wolves would be at this hour, nor where she would usually rest. He needed her direction for that and it was clear she was in no state to be giving coherent and accurate descriptions of landmarks. As he stared down at her, it also became clear that moving her was likely to make her nauseous. Great. The sarcastic thought was given a silent growl as he pushed it away and focused on the weak wolf.

Words: 558
Tagged: Open
Muse: meh.
Notes: sorry, havent been feeling well so this isnt my best.
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« Reply #4 Today at 2:23am »Quote, Modify, DeleteWho was this wolf? Why is he still here? Monca had expected this wolf gone by now, gone hunting or something but he had stayed. When the femme had challenged him he had hardly done anything about it but flash some teeth, which settled it for the much weaker Maned wolf. Was he here to harm her? Did the alpha send him to get rid of his mistake? Ofcoruse Monca was useless in every way, she could hunt, but little prey. She could fight, the air. She could gather, but that place was already taken. Monca let out a sigh, no longer could she stay in this pack, she must leave the moment she can. Her weak legs shuddered, and the ground seemed to come quicker than expected.

Monca could hear the wolf beside her, but it was just a blur of noises mixed together. Now what? She couldn't get up or fear going unconscious, she needed a herb but she could not find it in this fog and darkness. Why Skoll! Why have you haunted me! her mind screamed out, then she looked up at the wolf again and got a idea. Do you know herbs?  it was a simple question that could mean life or death for her, but she didn't have time to know if he knew what she was talking about or not There is this herb called Aghada Leaf, it is very common but I dont know if you will be able to find it in this weather. The weak Maned wolf said, her voice was getting weaker and weaker by the minute, she needed to tell him what it looks like, but her mind was blurring and near impossible to get a picture into her minds. Its a small leafy plant that grows in clumps, a bit like dockleaves! And it likes to grow on tree roots, at least there is no shortage there. She said with a slight bit of humor know her voice, why was she locking around when this could mean life or death for her? The leaf should be a yellow green colour since it's spring, it can cure fevers, I think. course Monca was unsure about everything now, the world was spinning before her and her stomach threatened to show up again.As she looked up at the wolf, her eyes were blurry with a misty grey and spasms were about to hold her again, he was her last hope, but she didn't want him to go.

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The female seemed discouraged and much more obvious she appeared delirious. Fever. His mind placed the thought before he could blink, but of course, he did not know what cured fevers. The few times he had been ill the shaman of his old pack had healed him without explanation of the herbs she had used. Cassian had never been destined for the work of healing and poisoning; he had been the hunter and strategic one. The one who whispered to the alpha when to let the pack fade into the blackness of night and let lions or hyenas finish their meals before prowling forward for their share.

Her question, if he knew herbs, made his head slump and shake from side to side. “No…but I can find plants if you tell me what it looks like.” He spoke low, knowing in her weakened state that she would hear him quite well, it was whether she understood him or not that worried him. What if she gave only a name and he was to go find it? I’ll call for the shaman then. He thought decisively. Cassian was not going to inadvertently give the female a poisonous plant to eat.

She spoke, telling him a name, and he frowned, only to replace it with a grin. “I can find anything in this.” Although it was more to reassure himself than her, the fog was not that bad yet, if she gave him a descent description and where to find it, he would be able to if he hurried. Yet, he sensed the urgency in the weak ones frail voice, it was softer than it had been before. He waited, a sense of frustration causing his mane to rise as he waited on her to gather her thoughts and tell him just what he needed to know.

Again she spoke, explaining it to him, when he was sure that there was nothing else to say he turned and darted off on his long lanky limbs. The fog was growing thick, covering the ground to create blurred images of the things that lay beneath its blanket. He growled in frustration as he ran to the first large tree he found, circling it with his face close to the dangerous roots. There were no yellow leaves. He turned and bounced quickly to the next tree, no leaves. He travelled quickly, his silver eyes searching the misty ground, searching the trees and their roots for the yellow green leaves that grew in clumps.

Is that them? His paws took him to a smaller tree whose roots rose up and twisted in an angry way before submerging beneath the earth. It was the yellow green spots that had caught his attention and as he neared, it was obvious they were not spots, but clumps of leaves. Just like she said. Without hesitation, he grabbed a mouthful, careful not to swallow or crush them as he turned back the way he came. He had to hurry back now.

Following his scent back, he nearly trampled the poor wolf. The fog had grown thicker, wrapping itself around the fallen maned wolf and hiding her from view. Fortunately, he saw her and managed to jump over her. Spinning on his paws, he nearly tripped but still he moved to her side and dropped them in front of her mouth. “Are these them?” He panted, as he nudged her rather urgently to make sure he got her attention.

Words: 579
Tagged: Monca
Muse: Good
Notes:
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Monca had described the plant to the wolf but still he was unsure. Why Skoll have you lead this idiot to me? Doesn't everyone know anything about herbs? Both Rovan and this seem to have no idea what herbs are, it almost makes Monca laugh out loud. What do they do when they are alone and have a infected cut? Die? Monca looked up to see that the wolf had gone. Her stomach lurched forward and started to travel up her throat, swallowing hardIt went back down.

Fear sized the Maned wolf body, What if he doesn't come back, what happens if he's too late? Shivers held Monca's body, but she was as hot as a boiled kettle but still she shivers as if a ghost had just entered her body. Trying to move to a muddy puddle, she cooled herself down by putting her head into the watet. But the trouble was getting her head back out, all her limbs were aching and blocked off, so when she tried to pull her head back it only moved a inch. Monca presses her paws into the mud to hold herself and pushed. Laying parting she looks up to the wolf back. It was difficult to hear what he was saying but she guessed he had found it since the leaf slowly floated next to her mussel, But the fox on stilts eyes were flickering and it was difficult to stay awake. The nudge gave her enough energy to open her mouth and chew, she didn't care if it was the right one or not, at least she wouldn't die alone.

Sleep enclosed Monca into a word where none can follow. There, her mum stood under the willow tree, pointing her mussel up at a present that was sleeping peacefully unaware of the danger that lay below. Monca creeper forward, her mother barked, the present awoke and jumped from his perch. His flying was clumsy just as the Maned wolves had expected and with him flying her way, Monca leaped into the air just like she had seen her mum and grabbed the present out of mid flight, sinking her teeth into the soft neck, she knew this was her first kill. The image rippled like it had been disturbed by a change of wind and another appeared before Monca's eyes, but this was not a happy one like the last, this one was of when she saw her first death. Monca was struggling to keep up with her much stronger brother, This way! Her brother yelled and then it happened so quickly before her eyes, the fur, the blood, not a single growl escaped the lips of weather of them, it was over so quickly. The night dream had shown her two things, her first kill and her first sight of death.

Monca's eyes flickered open a few hours later, her head ache had eased a little and her body was no longer shivering.

Muse:I didn't know what to do when she woke up, left it open for you.