Now What?

[koli]

As the white she-wolf apologised, Koli felt a strange stirring inside him. It was rare that anyone apologised to him, just as rare as him aplogising. But it gave him a great joy to know that someone was generally sorry. Most of the time a wolf didin't care if he had hurt Koli in anyway, especially his father. Smiling he wagged his tail and nodded, showing his thanks and gratitude to the mysterious she wolf. Koli wondered if she would ever say her name, or if she would just walk off, leaving them all to wonder who she was.

Listening closely to Tarus' words, Koli reflected on them and sighed. So... he had a fair chance. How... strange. Well, it might not have been to other wolves. But fairness and equality was. He had never been treated fair by his father. When his siblings went off to play, he had been put through intensive training. He had never really known the meaning of 'fun'. Was that fair? Koli had often questioned his father on it, and he had mearly been told that life wasn't fair, so neither should a wolf be. But the concept of being given a fair chance to start again excited Koli. This could be a whole new him... of course, he'd have to work hard. A cub didn't grow in one day, and neither would his personality. But he would work hard, and hopefully, he could prove he was worth keeping.

“I know you and I didn’t get a good start, but remember what else is dear to you or that you liked about this land. Do you want to lose it because you ‘think’ you will be rejected?” As Tarus looked at Athabasca, Koli's heart tightened, so... Tarus could see it. Koli wasn't even sure if his feelings were actually genuine, but right now he felt they were. And Tarus' words reminded him of it... if he left... he would loose Athabasca, and he doubted that the beautiful she wolf would want to leave with him. After all, her place was here. In Salem, and hopefully, it would be Koli's place too. But one thing did worry him... if him and Athabasca stayed, would they be allowed cubs? After all, only the Alpha could mate...and unless Koli fought Exodus and won the rank of Alpha, the chance to rear offspring was slim. But did that really matter? Couldn't Koli love Athabasca without rearing a set of fine, strong beautiful pups?

Nodding at Tarus, Koli smiled and looked at Athabasca before returning his gaze back the the white wolf in front of him. "Thank you Tarus" He said warmly. "I shall hold my end of the bargin, Exodus will never know I slipped past your senses" Raising his muzzle he tried to look beyond tarus, checking to see if Exodus was here yet. "But." He said looking squarly at Tarus. "If you reveal what happened, and break your word, I shall break mine." It wasn't a threat, but Koli had learnt the power of promises, and that if one end was broken, the other wolf had the right to break his end. But Koli was confident that it wouldn't happen, though he hardly knew Tarus, he could tell he was a wolf that was trustworthy.

[/font]

[rainstar]

Athabasca watched emotionlessly as Taurus, Koli, and the white femme conversed their position in joining the Salen. She herself had already decided to join, for obvious reasons and for some that held a deeper meaning to her. After the Bloodspills... Well, things were different after they were gone. But things were different now, too, and Athabasca wanted to live life at its fullest again- once she was fit for it of course. Although the femme admitted to herself that she did feel much better.

“I know you and I didn’t get a good start, but remember what else is dear to you or that you liked about this land. Do you want to lose it because you ‘think’ you will be rejected?”
The black femme's ears twitched questioningly as Taurus looked from Koli to her and understood the gesture immediately.
"Heeey.." she growled, but there was a slight hint of humor in her tone as she laid her head on her paws casually.

Athabasca knew that it could be possible, for Koli seemed like a nice wolf even though they hadn't known eachother for very long. She didn't believe in love at first sight, or sometimes in love at all sometimes. The world seemed a cruel and unforgiving place at times, and love was a distant dream. An illusion. She had her own opinions but then again, she and Taurus had become friends of sorts in short time, so why wouldn't it be possible to fall in love so quickly? Could it be possible that some were just made for others?

Athabasca gave an inward shrug and rolled her tired eyes, looking up at the three wolves from where she lay in the darkness. A sudden pang of anger hit her as she looked up at them, but soon found it was directed to herself. She hated depending on others, and suddenly hated the fact that she was being taken care of. Like a sick pup. With a disgusted snort, the black dame cast her eyes away from her friends and into the darkness. How she longed to crawl back into the labyrinth of mineshafts and lose herself there rather than be looked after by wolves who were younger than she.

The darkness needs no one... I need no one...

[rainstar]

Black eyelids fluttered open and squinted heavily at the daring rays of warmth that crept into the mineshaft, bloodied ears of the same dark hue slowly rising erect. The sound of birds hummed, muffled, outside. Ice blue eyes glittered in the shadows, unseen and unheard. It was morning.

Athabasca gave a great yawn and stretched her tired limbs out before her, wincing and giving a yelp of pain as she did so, and then the memories all came flooding back- The white wolf, the mineshaft, the darkness, and the... accident. The ebony femme had forgotten all about the rockfall, but now the sharp pain and the remembrance of it made her stomach churn. There was no room for pain in her dreams, but this wasn't a dream. This was real. With a sigh, Athabasca gingerly looked around her. Same cave, same place. The only thing that had changed was her own blood, spilled on the ground. The only trace of her accident now lay dried on the floor, staining the dirt a sickening red-brown. That, and the horrible pain in Athabasca's side. The pain hadn't gone away, but she was feeling incredibly better than before.

With another hateful glance at her wound, which was healing quickly, something hit the femme's mind like a falling boulder, and her maw dropped in sudden panic.
How long have I been here?!
Athabasca noticed the deer she had killed were still in the corner of the cave, but the once-juicy, tender meat was dried and almost shrivelled like it hadn't been touched in days. The blood had stopped flowing and her prize had wilted- she must have been here for quite a while- a week at least.

With a startled whimper she swung her head around, looking for somebody. Anybody. Had they abandoned her here? Left her for dead? Koli, Taurus, and the other wolf were nowhere to be seen. She was alone. In contrast to what she was feeling a few days ago, Athabasca felt horribly lonely and scared. On any normal occasion, the black dame would have scoffed and not given a damn if someone abandoned her or not, but now her fear struck her like pebbles, whizzing through the air and hitting her, cracking her bones and drawing blood. Terror echoed and thudded in her heart, and rose up her neck and into her throat where she threw up her maw and howled misery.

ooc: yeah... no one was posting and I didn't want the thread to die, so I just posted again sorry/

[thalia]

Koli's good mood was infectious. Thalia found herself bubbling up, sloughing off all the excess anxiety at his smile, the happiness emitted from his body language. She cracked a grin, and it in turn shifted the ice to a warmer disposition in her eyes. The change was immense, almost a metamorphosis; the hard ice in her eyes melted to a liquid ocher swirling to a silver-green mist around the edges of her irises. Her features brightened, the hollows beneath her cheeks filling with the raise of her lips, and the tiniest tremble a detached, momentary shiver, relapsed to swing her tail gently like a pendulum for a moment. It surprised her, almost, how a simple gesture could bring on such a reaction from someone as indifferent and cold as she.

Well, even if it was fake.

Even if it was simply her natural façade returning.

It didn’t have any substantial meaning, really. It was just her instinct, per say, kicking in after so long without contact to others. She had grown out of tune to the other wolves around her, hadn’t exercised any emotion by herself. Quite simply, she was getting used to being around company again, making it appear as if she was collected, as if she did have something on the inside. It was just the technical stuff that made her empty shell seem almost real. Almost. Not quite, not yet.

A low buzz reached her ear. She hadn’t noticed Koli retreating and turning to Taurus. Now their conversation drifted toward her, lifting her from her reverie. It was no more than a meaningless drone, an incessant buzz with the occasional rise or fall in pitch. The sound came in throbs to her mind, as if each downbeat of blood carried with it the senses of the outer world. Something besides her inner eye. From what she could make out from the dull throbs and waves of sound was that Taurus was basically winning over Koli, convincing him to stay. She frowned internally. She’d be the only one, then. The only one who left, nameless, discreet. Chances were they’d forget her in a month’s time.

There was a small noise suddenly. A whimper, a whine, coming from the deepest crevice of her mind. Epiphany. She enjoyed this, she realized then, this played up emotion. It was nothing more than a fraction of what normal wolves could feel, a small stirring in her heart. But it was there, marginally, but there still. And though she knew she would never be able to formulate real, true, strong emotions, this stirring was exactly what she needed. A thread to sanity, perhaps the last of the strained drawbridge that broke and fell many years earlier. She didn’t want to risk breaking it now, snapping it, sending her body to fall, mangled and torn, into the jagged rocks below.

So. I’ll stay, then. she thought. She felt fibers growing at the thought, reinforcing the thread.

In her thought she hadn’t realized that Taurus had successfully convinced Koli to stay, cutting through the veneer, she supposed. Privately, she thought that he would probably make a good pack leader.
She noted him approaching her, wearing prosthetic charm and armed with it too. At least that’s how she saw it; but then again she saw everyone through their flaws, or else related somehow to herself. Her hard eyes glinted like shards of amber, suddenly acutely aware of the world in vivid detail and color.

“I know Exodus would be very happy if you joined the pack with the knowledge you have. Whatever suits you though, miss…? I never did catch your name, and I don’t think I had ever shared mine. It’s Taurus.” he said, sprinkling his words with a light chuckle. She had to admit he was very convincing; in those few words she had been almost swayed past conviction. An answering smile made its way to her lips and she began to speak.

““Thalia. My name is Thalia. And, as for your proposition, I should have to see. But I don’t think I could leave…at least not now…after what I’ve done.” She moved her head fractionally in the direction of Athabasca.

Thalia knew her answer wasn’t wholly true. It was a partial truth, a fraction of the real picture. But she wanted to keep these wolves…her companions, on their toes. Just in case she should have to leave in the time being.

It didn’t hurt to be hopeful.

ooc: if I ever take that long again just go on without me. D:

[athaza]

A smile traced on his face as Koli ‘threatened’ him. Well, it wasn’t really a threat. He was just informing him about what he’d do if Taurus messed up. It didn’t seem like the whole idea that Koli had more to hide actually clicked in the young wolf’s mind. No matter. “Of course. I never go back on my word.” he said, his tone serious. He’d continue to act like hiding these intrusions upon the land was important, just to make the other male feel like he was in control. Having power played so well with the mind of wolves. Power controlled all their actions and emotions. It was like the invisible puppeteer of everyone’s lives. Taurus wouldn’t say he was excluded from the whole, as his decisions revolved around power, but he felt more mindful of what he did. He used power to play to his advantages. For example when Exodus returned he’d be a little bit more submissive. Enough for the Alpha to feel comfortable, but not so much that he looked like some petty pup that needed to be guided. Giving Exodus power would one day make him overconfident and put his guard down. That’s when Taurus would strike. Some parts of him were kind and gentle, but the race for control overrides those emotions. When he wanted control or wanted anything, he felt no regret stabbing some else in the back to get it. Many would say it was un-noble and malicious. Who ever said he was a nice guy?

Inside a growl interrupted his thoughts as he watched Koli slip away into the distance. Something inside him was slightly worried of his intentions as he left the area without even a good by or saying he’d return. The only logical reason he would have left was to find a different pack or to look at all his options. Idiot. He didn’t understand that once you left the pack, even for a nice vacation, it would be harder to get back in. Exodus wouldn’t be as kind to him as he would have if he stayed. Plus, returning to visit Athabasca would be a lot more difficult. He himself didn’t want to lose such a valuable member. If Koli returned to sweep her off her feet and to another terrain, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill him. He had not interest in love right now, that wasn’t his intentions. He simply didn’t want his members running off because some love induced fantasy of being together forever.

Coming back to the present he turned his head to the two females, features now showing his anger towards the male that abruptly left. He tried to remain kind and positive to their eyes, and not look like some killer that wanted desperately to drag the black male back. Brown eyes first went to Athabasca seeing sudden fear within her eyes. “Hey, it’s alright. We’re still here.” he said warmly with a grin, moving towards her and nudging her with his snout to prove of his existence. “You really should sleep. I still want to move you out of this mine later so you need to gather your strength.” Maybe they could go to a different part of the territory and meet Exodus there. He would agree with Taurus that this wasn’t exactly the ideal place to stay for a short while. Right now the mine appeared so unpredictable.

Moving his gaze back towards the white female he was happy to finally acquire he name. “Alright, I’m sure Exodus will let you stay as long as you need in order to make a decision. And you have done a very fine job. I could barely recognize any of those plants you used. Don’t be surprised if I recommend you to fill the Shaman position for the pack. Not to add any pressure or anything! Just to keep the Alpha’s mind open about what position to give you if you do decide to join.” He hoped his flattering of her deeds and this thought of a nice position would open her mind up more and more. Unlike Koli she’d be much harder to dissect and figure out what she liked and disliked. Koli was simple. Thalia appeared to be a little bit more complex. He could sense she was hiding things about herself, maybe even acting as he was, but he could never know for sure until he opened her up more and saw what made her tick.

(( Taurus is going to pop out really quick to greet someone on Acerbus terrain, so ahh...
Everything has been moving slow so if someone posts before he gets back say he heard the howl, said he'd brb, and dashed off ))

[koli]

As the white she wolf grinned, Koli felt his heart warm instantly. Maybe kindness truely did have more of an effect on wolves. He'd always been taught by his father that fear held athority, and that fear earned you respect. Yet Koli was beginning to question it. This returned smile made him feel a whole lot better then his anger towards others had.

Reasurred by Tarus' words, Koli looked over at Athabasca and watched as she started to fall asleep. Sitting down he watched her for a moment. Who would have known that a wolf like her would have trapped his heart like she had. It made him wonder slightly, was this what had happened to his parents? Or had his father just taken her. Koli hoped not, he loved his mother too much to think that it might have been the case. And anyway, his father might have been cruel, but from what he knew, his father had always been gentle to his mother. Almost like she calmed his soul.... maybe that was why he was worse when she died... there was no one to stop him.

But then... where had his father's cruelty come from? His father Nakatu had often said his father had been tough... so was it a long legacy of cruelty and failure? Had his father himself sworn not to be the same? If so... did that mean Koli was destined to fail. or had his father enjoyed his teachings and had wanted to embrace it himself. Either way made Koli feel unsettled... what would happen if he stayed here? What would happen if he had pups with Athabasca [assuming he'd be allowed.] Would he be as cruel as his father? Would he be able to help it? Or would he be stronger then his instincts.

Whining at the thought, Koli got up and padded away, without any word to the others. He only just managed to here the white she wolf's name as he exited. He couldn't allow his anger...his curse to effect this pack. Not without first having a deep thought about his options. What if this Exodus had his own pups? Would the darkness inside Koli make him turn his teeth on them? If Exodus asked them to be watched and trained by the pack.... could Koli fight against his destiny and show kindess. Or would his mind fall to the furthest reaches of hell? This realisation troubled the young black wolf. What would he do? What could he do? Maybe it was best for him to stay a loner...a kerl. That way he brought no harm to others.

And yet... leaving meant leaving Athabasca forever. And Koli doubted he could come visit her whenever he felt like it. He'd probably be run out, teeth snapping at his ankles and legs. And it wasn't like he could ask Athabasca to abandon all hopes of joining a pack, just to wonder with him with no place to call their own. That would be cruel, and it was no life for a wolf with injuries. Howling in anger, he fell to the ground and put his paw over his eyes. What was he meant to do? He could not leave, and he was too afraid of himself to stay. He was ruined... broken, and all because of his father.

Hearing a howl in the distance, Koli's ears pricked up. The wolves were speaking of a new land, unclaimed... new. Raising his head he sniffed the air. Could it really be true? Was this an answer for him? Maybe... he could claim the land, mark it with his scent... then bring Athabasca there... they could stand side by side, ruling over a pack. And they could have pups... and through Atabasca's care.... he'd learn to be gentle.

But was that really what he wanted? Was it what she wanted? What if she refused his love? She had licked his muzzle, but that was probably to get rid of the blood. Who after all, could love a wolf surrounded in shadows? And even if she did love him... who was to say she'd leave Salen to join a pack with him? Snarling at his confusion, Koli sprinted off. He had to try, just to prove to himself and to his father that he was his own wolf... if he had to fight, he'd fight. And if he lost he'd return without a second word. But he had to know what the outcome could be. He just had to.

[abyss]

Hearing the voices in the tunnel a ways away from her, Abyss gradually trotted up towards her packmates. She had disappeared quite some time ago to take a nap; perhaps it was time to reappear and see what needed to be done. The group came into view just as an unfamiliar wolf, the wolf that she had earlier deemed "an intruder," was leaving the dens. She snorted rudely and approached the group. I wouldn't abandon this place in my life depended on it, she thought with a huff. The others did not notice her approaching, so she simply sat a little ways off and leaned against the wall of the mine. She had never been one for socialization.

In fact, all Abyss really needed right now was food. It had been weeks since she had seen anything to eat; it was ripping her gut apart slowly. The thinning pelt on her back looked quite sickly as well. Without proper nourishment soon, it was likely that she would die. As soon as this thought rushed through her mind, Abby felt her legs give out as she toppled over onto the ground, striking yet another rogue stone and slashing into the weak skin beneath her pelt. Blood rushed to the surface, staining the fur and further weakening her body. She whined quietly. I don't accept charity work, she thought weakly, glancing over at the others.

However, this thought was quickly lost. Abby's head drooped quickly; blood loss from the simplest wound was knocking her unconscious quickly. There wasn't much left in her body, as nature had weakened her so much. Just... stay... awake... The femme fought drooping eyelids before the world blacked out on her. Her head cascaded to the ground, slamming against the stony wall that she had leaned on only minutes before...

((OOC: Sorry for the weak post... x.x))

[silver]

From within the den, not many sounds were made. Exodus half wondered if a living soul still lived here. Without warning, a dull thud resounded from some where inside the mine. Scowling, Exodus paused and stiffed the air thinking it might have been some intruder making a ruckus. There were no… wait! There we unfamiliar scents. Curling his lip and giving a not so nice snarl, Exodus proceeded with a speed that was faster than his average slow and steady one. Arriving in the main area where three figured formed the shapes of two lying wolves and one sitting; Exodus swung his head angrily to the white femme who was the only one he did not recognize. Where was the brute whose scent seemed to surround Athabasca. “Who are—“ Before the brute could finish his sentence, he noticed that the other femme, Abyss, did not seem to be very healthy. Forgetting temporarily about Thalia, Exodus padded silently over to Abyss and nudged her ever so gently with her nose. “What happened here?” He asked in a gruff voice. It was a good thing Rayne was on her way. She would be able to assist Abyss if it were a serious condition. From the looks of things, one of the problems was malnourishment. Scowling, Exodus backed away and was momentarily lost in thought.

As soon as he got some answers, he would head out alone and try to take down some kind of game. At this point, anything would do. Perhaps Rayne would be so kind enough as to share her ferret with either Abyss or Athabasca. Padding away from Abyss’ side, the black alpha came to check upon Athabasca. Doing the same to Abyss, Exodus very gently nudged her with his snout and looked her over. “Hmm, you’ve seem to have gotten yourself in a nasty predicament, Athabasca.” He said thought his tone was not harsh. Eyeing Thalia once more, Exodus gave her a quick scan and deemed that she was not a threat. Obviously from her position, she had been here for a while now. “If you will excuse me, I will go bring back whatever game I can. I shan’t be long. I hope you’ll still be here when I return.” The rough lyrics that flowed from his throat made it clear he wanted to talk to Thalia and that it was in her best interest not to move from the general area. Exodus needed to know what all had happened here. Maybe she would know. As a back up story to confirm the happenings, Exodus would be asking Taurus just as soon as the white brute returned from his trip down to the woods to speak with the unfamiliar male. Sighing, Exodus muttered to himself as he left the mines. “There needs to be a position Taurus can have that’s higher than a Beta.” As if a suddenly, quite funny thought occurred to him, Exodus snorted. “Maybe he should be the Alpha female. No doubt that would go over well with him.”

With nothing more to say, Exodus exited the mines to find some game.

---

Slowly, Exodus drug his prize elk through the mine and back into the area where everyone was. Where was Rayne? Maybe she was out gathering herbs or something. Once he had it where he wanted it, the brute sat down and panted. This whole adventure had taken a good toll on the poor brute. It had been a while since he had slept as well as eaten not to mention had a drink of water. It was amazing he was even still as functional as he was. Giving a coarse grunt, Exodus ripped off a nice hunk from the elk’s flank and trotted over to Abyss. Laying it down, he left it for her to eat if and when she wakes. Returning to the meat, he did the same thing to Athabasca. For the third time, Exodus returned to the animal. Pausing to look over at Thalia, Exodus ripped off a piece. Stepping toward her, the brute studied her for a moment before laying the meat near her paws. “Here.” He muttered and returned to the meat.

This time, Exodus actually got something for himself. It was a medium sized hunk that would satisfy his belly for now. The elk wasn’t meant for an actual meal but rather just as a filler to get by with. Taking it over to a spot where he could lay in peace, Exodus looked over at Thalia once more. “Welcome to my pack. My name is Exodus and I am alpha of the land of Acerbus. What happened to them and what business do you have here, femme?” He asked casually as if they were talking about the weather. While he waited for her to finish her meat and answer, Exodus ate his own meat and sighed blissfully. It had been a while and he had greatly missed the taste of fresh meant. Even the scent alone was enough to fill his belly.

[rayne]

Rayne watched as Exodus sprinted ahead of her. Things must be awful, she thought quickening her pace. The ferret bobbed up and down in her maw sending its warm scent through her nose. She wouldn't dare eat it knowing that the situation inside the cave must be a serious one. Upon reaching the opening Rayne watched as Exodus eyed the three figures. They were all femmes. Suddenly the tangy smell of blood seeped into Rayne's nostrils. One of the wolves were hurt.

Making her way into the cave Exodus had run past her. Rayne knew he must be looking for food since these poor things looked starved. Eying the wolves Rayne already knew which one was hurt. It was a femme, lying near one of the cavern walls. She had a horrible gash and her body seemed as if it lay still. Yet the stones within the cave seemed to tell Rayne that this fae was alive. Dropping her ferret Rayne approached the wolf. She began to sniff Abyss making sure there were no other cuts besides the one she saw on her side.

Placing her tongue to the gash she gently began to was it. Her tongue gently removed the dirt and excess blood. Once it looked clean Rayne decided to rush and fetch the fae some water. She looked parched and starved and seeing how she was Rayne knew Abyss did not have the strength to gulp down any food without a liquid.

Racing out of the mine Rayne sniffed the air. Quickly she scented a small puddle. Reaching the puddle she found some moss on a tree and dipped it into the water allowing it to suck up as much water as it could carry. With the moss ball full Rayne picked it up with her maw and raced back into the cave. Reaching Abyss once again, Rayne placed the moss ball by her maw. Grabbing the ferret Rayne chewed up little chunks and placed it in the femmes mouth, pushing them to the back of her throat. Grabbing the moss ball Rayne squeezed all of the water out and gently closed Abyss's maw. Lifting up the fae's head by placing her own under, Rayne made sure as much food and water could make it down her throat. Placing Abyss's head down, Rayne opened up her maw and scooped out any chunks that did not make it down so that the fae could not choke on them.

Sniffing the Abyss once again Rayne swore she heard a small whine. With a quick smile Rayne repeated the process until she was sure she heard a beating heart, and regular slow breaths. With the femme alive Rayne knew she would need to fetch some herbs to build her strength and to protect the gash from infection. Turning to leave Rayne looked at the other wolves and smiled. "Don't worry Exodus will be back soon, and I'll try and get enough herbs for everyone."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Agrimony, Ivy, and White Poppy." the Arctic femme said as she placed all of the herbs in front of her. "That's good enough for now." Reaching down she delicately placed them in her maw. Quickly she raced through the forest she had once been in. Sniffing the air as she approached the cave it seemed as if Exodus had come back, and he had brought food. Running Rayne entered into the cave and saw how everyone had a piece of meat. Turning her head Rayne grinned at Exodus and made her way over to Abyss. Placing the herbs down she first began to chew the Ivy. Once it was done she rubbed it around and slightly on the wound to numb any pain. Then taking the Agrimony she crushed it into a paste and spread it onto the wound. Then taking the White Poppy she slowly chewed it and made sure to not intake any of its juices. Placing the pulp on the Abyss's tongue Rayne slowly eased it into her maw and down her throat with the last bit of water that remained in the moss ball.

Rayne leaving Abyss's side for only a moment placed some White Poppy in front of the other wolves and said, "Eat this. It will ease your minds, you all look very weary and tired." Giving the others one last look Rayne turned away and back to the injured femme. She placed her pelt to hers making sure that she was warm. Glancing over to Exodus she wondered if he had thought she was doing the right thing. Grinning slightly at the black brute, Rayne turned her head away and focused on the femme.

Patience, the rocks spoke. This fae will stir in time.

[rainstar]

A patch of white caught the blue eyes of the panicked femme and she swung her head wearily around. There was Taurus and Thalia, and luckily, no one had noticed her howl.
"Am I that weak that no one can hear me?" Athabasca scoffed to herself as her ears flattened against the black fur of her head in slight embarassment.

Her ears suddenly perked as a small pained noise emitted from somewhere nearby, and she turned her head again to see its origins. Abyss, the sassy black dame from a fews days prior, was leaning heavily against the wall of the cave. Her eyes were glazed over and she panted heavily as blood dripped from her side onto the dusty earth. Athabasca watched with silent concern as the dame's legs gave way beneath her and she slid to the ground like a broken, crumpled toy. Her head met with the wall and let out a slight whimper.
"Eat something." Athabasca barked emotionlessly, referring to the deer corpses that were huddled in the corner of the cave. The meat wasdried now and flies clung o it for their very lives, but it was still edible. If you were careful what you ate of it. "If you don't mind it's starting to rot, that is.." she finished with a sigh as she lay her head on her paws and closed her eyes. Not my problem. Not my dang problem. I've got too many problems of my own, it seems.

So desperately did the black wolf want to leave this place. Days before she had thoughts of joining the pack, but now she wasn't sure. The solitary and quiet wandering she had grown so used to was calling her, calling her back into the trees and away from the other wolves. Then again, she didn't want to be completely alone. Perhaps she'd go and find Koli.
Koli.
Athabasca warmed at the thought of him, though she had only just met him a few days ago. The wolf was kind and caring, and gentle, and very sweet. Indeed she liked him very much, and had begun to grow weary of his absence.
I'll leave and go find him. We'll be friends. And maybe more, someday. But friends for now. First I'll have to tell Taurus I'm-
"Leeeaving.." the word came slurred from her lips as she realized that she wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon. A glaring blue eye darted over to the long scar that ran along her stomach and the matted blood on her leg. However, the gash seemed to have closed up and healing nicely. Her leg didn't hurt as much anymore, and she felt much better. With a swift glance at the other wolves who seemed to be paying no attention, Athabasca rolled over so that her chest was rested on her forearms, her back legs splayed behind her.

This is going to be harder than I thought. Athabasca winced as a jolt of pain shot up her right leg, but grimaced and gritted her teeth bravely. With a grunt, she flexed the muscles in her front legs and chest, pushing her body up so that she now could lock out her elbows. The muscles rippled under her fur, becoming rigid at the shoulders and neck. The black femme brought her legs closer to her body, wincing again with another hot flash of pain.

Almost there... Athabasca curled her left leg under her and thrusted upward, swaying for a moment then falling toward the wall. She caught herself just in time, balancing herself on three legs. The right hind leg dangled limply, her paw barely touching the ground. She was standing! Pain and soreness seared at her every nerve and fatigue gripped the sides of her head, throbbing mercilessly. Athabasca's blue eyes squinted and she took a step forward, cautious of anything and everything at the same time. One wrong move and she could open up her wounds again, possibly crippling her. For life this time.

“Hmm, you’ve seem to have gotten yourself in a nasty predicament, Athabasca.”
The black fae swung her head around to see Exodus, the wolf she had so bitterly told off when they had first met. He was the Salen's alpha.
"Greetings, Exodus." she growled, but not in an unfriendly way. She was dissappointed by the sheer effort it took to walk and talk at the same time. "I'm doing just fine now, I think. I need to talk to you though."

[silver]

Not long after his own arrival, Rayne came padding back in with a maw full of herbs. As he ate, he watched the femme absentmindedly while she worked her healing magic upon Abyss, the not so healthy femme with a nasty attitude. It appeared that the wolf that was able to appear as her surroundings had brought three different kinds of herbs; however, their names were unknown to Exodus. She even applied all three to the injured Abyss. As she worked, Exodus seemed to not be watching really and rather lost in his thoughts, yet he was paying attention to ensure that Rayne did not actually harm the other femme. Though, it was unlikely there was a harmful bone in the celestial soul. It didn’t take Rayne long to finish up her work. She even passed out white poppy among the other wolves. Noting how Rayne never got her share of meat, Exodus heaved his body from the ground and fetched her ferret prize.

Stepping slowly, yet deliberately, Exodus laid the meat before the femme and returned to the elk carcass to get another hunk. Returning to his spot, he looked down at his meat. “Eat, Rayne. Get more meat if you need, though leave some for the others; and good job. ” He said. The ‘good job’ was his approval of her care for Abyss. As he finished off his second chunk, Exodus’ mind really did drift this time. He wondered when Taurus would return so he could talk to the brute and if Abyss would survive. She should seeing as she had some descent care preformed upon her. The scent of Koli wavered into his nose once more and Exodus’ mind turned into that direction. Who was the brute and why was he here? Where was he now? Maybe he’d return and Exodus would have a rather… stern word with him. Hmm, all in good time, Exodus, all in good time.

Athabasca replied and Exodus turned his silver piercing gaze upon her. His first meeting with her had not been forgotten, though, for now forgiven. “Oh yes, I can see you are fine. The way you wobble on three legs, ready to collapse at any second just screams fine.” The brute fired back in his rough voice; however, it was not in a harsh tone. More of a tone that warned Athabasca to lay down and finish her healing in peace not pain. “If the matter is not private, then speak, Athabasca. Have you decided whether or not you officially wished to join this pack? If you chose wisely, then know that your wounds shall be taken care of until they’ve properly been healed. So long as you sit still and let them.” He warned again. “After that, you would still be a member of the pack and still have the pack’s care. A loner’s life is not easy. Make sure you place faith in the best decision.” The alpha said. It was not a threat. It merely told the femme that she should think of the future and not only the present. Both would affect her life.

[abyss]

Abyss lay motionless, her eyes shut and blood still sticky on her side. The less she moved, the better she felt. She could hear voices swimming in her ears; after a few moments, she could decipher what sounded like Exodus's voice. Great. I'm attracting lots of attention, she thought bitterly, straining to open her eyes and lift her head slightly to examine the situation. An unfamiliar femme sat beside her, spreading a bunch of nasty-looking saps on her side. She resisted the urge to growl at her merely because this was a femme that Exodus must have trusted enough to allow her into the dens. She was riled up by some other wolf sitting so close to her. Just move away, she thought, staring intently at the femme as her head dropped back to the den floor.

As the femme starting chewing things up, Abyss eyed her warily. She sputtered and coughed as the femme shoved something down her throat. This generated a growl and snarl from the black mackenzie valley femme. She couldn't quite move away because her body was so weak, but boy was she irritated! She would have to get over those feelings eventually if she would ever settle in as a member of the pack, though. It's not my fault that I never learned... Never had the chance to learn. She stared blankly at the wall with a dazed look in her eyes.

Abyss shuddered at the back of the stainless steel cage, her orbs soaked in fear and distrust. These men in white coats... Why did they do all those things? "I want my momma," she whimpered quietly, but who was she calling for? She had never known her mother... Never known any life other than this cage. It was as close to a home as she could think of. This was a terrible life, she knew for certain. Why did all these things happen to her and the others around her? She had tried to talk with the others on occasion, but all they did was shoot her dirty looks, snarl, and growl at her. It wasn't her fault that she was young and rambunctious...

The femme sighed heavily, her eyes flicking back and forth to the blurry figures around her. She was exhausted; she wouldn't be able to stay awake much longer. Staring at the femme beside her a bit loger, an unfriendly look faded momentarily before coming back full blast. Have to get used to it eventually, she reminded herself, but today she didn't feel like adjusting. With an angry glare at the femme, Abyss slid her eyes shut once more and drifted off into a restless, unhappy sleep.

[rayne]

Sensing some irritated vibes from the femme Rayne was sitting so close to, the Arctic fae decided to move. Rayne did not want to make her feel uncomfortable especially the way she looked and felt at the moment. Sighing she sat a few inches away from Abyss and smiled as Exodus approached her. He laid some food in front of her and urged her to eat, but not too much. Watching as the black brute made his way over to his spot Rayne waited till he sat down then quickly said, "Thank you."

Tearing off a thin piece of meat Rayne began to chew it swallowing it slowly, as if to not loose the taste. Glancing up Rayne thanked the spirits for her meal and continued to eat. Her brown eyes then began to look around the cave. She wondered if this was where the pack lived, if it was it seemed like a good decision. The shelter looked safe, but Rayne had a funny feeling that the wolves did not create it.

Rayne's wandering eyes then rested on the fae who now spoke to Exodus. Rayne had given her herbs to ease her mind, but the last thing this fae wanted to do was relax. At least that's what Rayne thought. Looking at Athabasca Rayne detected the smell of a wound. Oh how stupid am i, she cursed herself. I was to busy with the other femme that i did not realize that this one was wounded as well.

Pushing the meat to her side Rayne was about to stand when Exodus spoke to Athabasca. He repeated what Rayne had sniffed out, the large wound on her leg. Rayne was then going to apologize when the alpha continued on. He questioned the femme if she truly decided to join the pack, if so then she could be healed. This puzzled Rayne. She thought that Athabasca was already part of the pack, and Rayne had no understanding why she couldn't heal her.

Yet Rayne knew better than to cross Exodus. She had seen the better side of him without knowing, and so she wanted to keep it that way. Settling down Rayne turned her attention away from Athabasca and focussed on Thalia, the other fae.

[rainstar]

As Exodus whipped his head around to face her, Athabasca straightened her posture and looked him in the eye, showing him that she was not as weak as he thought her to be.
“Oh yes, I can see you are fine. The way you wobble on three legs, ready to collapse at any second just screams fine.”

At this remark, the black femme's eyes narrowed and a snarl erupted from her chest like a tumble of boulders on a high cliff. It was true that she was wounded and in a bad condition, but that in no way reflected what she was able to, or what she was going to do.

"I've been through worse." Athabasca growled to him, holding back an even sharper retort with some difficulty. Exodus, she thought, had probably never faced as much pain and hardship as she had. Had he been abandoned as a pup in the dead of winter? Had his entire pack, family and friends alike, been slaughtered by a deadly disease? Had he been captured by the humans and tortured, imprisoned, and left for dead? Athabasca doubted that he had, and turned her head away in disgust.

"I'm not staying here." she said quietly, without turning to face the Alpha. "If I die out there, it's not your problem. If I stay, I'm only going to cause problems. I am a problem. So I'll just take this weight off your back and leave."
Athabasca turned away, her bristling black fur slowly coming to a rest on her neck and shoulders. Without saying any goodbyes, she limped slowly and painfully toward the entrance of the cavern, into the sunlight, and away from the Kiaou mines.

ooc: She's going to go find Koli. byeee~ :)

[athaza]

Returning to the dens the white male stood for a moment, panting heavily to catch his breath. Running all day was taking a toll on him. The male was a strong and well built, but this dashing back and forth was making his muscles sore. As the scent of blood reached his nose he realized something else. He hadn’t eaten all day… Eyes drifted around the dens looking for where the scent was coming from, only to find a deer cadaver lying on the ground. Deep inside he wanted to give into his gluttony, but he knew he’d make a scene. When he ate, he wasn’t the most gentleman like. That’s why he hadn’t eaten when Athabasca was here, after all.

Athabasca. Brown eyes darted around the room swiftly jumping from one wolf to another. A deep growl suddenly sounded from deep inside him as he realized her absence. He didn’t even have to ask; he knew where that bitch ran off too. His lip twitched slightly as he tried to hide his anger from everyone else. Why had he let that whelp come to the Salen? Why hadn’t he just gone with his instincts and tore him into shreds? Now instead of gaining a member, he had lost one that had appeared to be so faithful before hand. It had been foolish for him to leave here to greet the other male. The second he left the mine was the second he lost control of those within it. Without him to persuade her, Athabasca had no reason to stay. She just loved that bastard so much that she thought running off with him would make the perfect life. His cold heart would only be happy to find their loner corpses rotting on the ground…

Shaking his head he took a few steps towards the Alpha. Cooling his nerves he greeted the male with a respectful nod and a small grin. He wouldn’t hide that he was upset about the female leaving, but he wouldn’t be, on the outside, overdramatic. “Exodus, it’s nice to see you have returned,” he said kindly, his eyes showing some humor on his timing. The male appeared to have arrived at the highlight of the day. Fresh injuries, malnourishment. Everything an Alpha would want right? He could only wish it wouldn’t cost him his head and the Alpha would see a silver lining in the situation. In Taurus’s opinion he had done an okay job. If there had been a better-formed pack, he could have done twice as well. “I hope your trip was blissful and you weren’t confronted by too many obstacles.” That was another thing the two of them had to talk about. The black male hadn’t mentioned one word about his departure. All he really did was pass his power to Taurus, give him a warning, and leave like he was taking a long siesta.