Night-Walker

[Unalaq]

Unalaq was restless since Sparrow's departure. What was taking his pack members so long to return? He looked up at the rising moon and sat down. Did he call out to them? Perhaps he should just go to them . . . No! He knew Larka would call out for his help if she needed it, and Heron was plenty capable of kicking butt and taking names if she had to. He grunted, scouting out a familiar trail he had gotten used to taking. It wasn't far from the dens, but far enough away he wouldn't be seen. He clambered up onto a high point that overlooked the quiet Moorland and sat. His land. This was his.

He looked toward the Mountains and wondered how the lonely Sun Crest fae was faring, if she had any new members yet. It seemed a pity to have live there all by herself. Perhaps they would meet soon, perhaps they could hunt Mountain Goat. He smiled . . . yes . . . he missed the taste of Mountain Goat. A gentle swell of wind brushed against him and took in its scent, anxious to find even the slight hint of his two fae's. He should sleep; he had kept watch over the Den site for most of the night now, letting Keris sleep. He pointed his nose to the sky, taking in the sight of the stars and blinked, as though searching for an answer to all his questions.

He turned to look over his shoulder, the earth shifting slightly beneath his worn paws. He should get back he knew, just in case they arrived and he was no where in sight. He knew they could follow his scent but he preferred it if they kept out of this "secret" place of his, not that he would chastise them, but it had become something of a special thinking area, a calm place.

As he debated, he watched with flickering eyes as a herd of deer rose in the Moor. Something had spooked them and he went on the alert but calmed quickly; it was just a fox. A fox and nothing more.

[Kerisis]

Keris woke several hours later from a restless sleep, disturbed still by Sparrow’s words. Home? She knew where he belonged, or had once belonged . . . He sighed, waking up, surprised at how dark it had gotten. Groggily, he stumbled to his paws and shook himself off, yawning widely before looking around. The Alpha was supposed to have waken him hours ago so he could keep watch for the two pack members that obviously still hadn’t arrived yet. But that wasn’t all that worried him, though . . .

“Alpha Unalaq?” he spoke to the empty air, cautiously making his way through the dark den site, sniffing the air. No reply came. “Larka? Heron?”

A slight wind ruffled his fur but otherwise the forest was quiet . . . not to mention kind of creepy. He sniffed through all the dens but each one was empty. He looked around himself in a dazed state, partly wondering if he was still dreaming. Should he call out? Why wasn’t anyone here yet? Well, it wasn’t like he could leave the area unguarded; his job was to keep watch for now. Now clearly uneasy, he sat, his attention focused to everything around him. He was tense and uncertain.

He definitely did not like being alone one bit . . .

OOC: meh sorry for blahness

[Heron]

Heron sighed in relief as the Den site slowly came into view. The trip had taken much longer than expected with Vithali in tow... Most of the night. And through it all the little fae had not stopped talking. Not for a single second. Or if she had quit talking the endless prattle had carried on in Herons head, echoing inside what should not have been an empty space. Heron had initially responded to Vithali's stories, laughing and telling her own. After the first leg of the trip however, Heron had stopped responding, thinking that, perhaps, her responses were keeping the female going... Encouraging her ramble if you would.

The Den was a welcome sight.

A huge yawn escaped Heron's body, both loud and obnoxious. She cast an apologetic glance to Larka. Heron had been trying heroically to suppress her yawns, knowing that the blasted things seemed to be contagious. But they just kept coming. Each time a yawn bloomed in her throat Heron would take a great gulp of air and hold her breath, eyes watering from the pressure in her chest. She needed to be alert and ready on a night like this...

Especially with the now active Heus.

From the beginnings of Vithali's story Heron had gathered one, solid fact. The Heus were alive in the area, and they were aggressive. The little wolf had been attacked by a male Heus, who was soon supported by another female. Blood Fang was back in business. What worried Heron the most is that they had known nothing of the packs presence... What were they up to? Before her failed execution and before the last war the Heus had never been completely discreet. They had never been gone from her packs radar. Had Miss Rahi known that the Heus were alive an kicking?

Anyway, it was something to report to Alpha Unalaq.

"Well, little Missy. It be lookin' like we're home!" Heron smiled weakly down at Vithali, gesturing her head to wards the den site. From where they were Heron could see Kerisis, but no Unalaq. "Now you just watch your step Missy, and do'na go chargin' ahead, yah hear?" She didn't want Vithali alone with Kerisis..

[Larka]

Larka trudged along behind Heron, her ears swiveled backwards to hear Vithali. It's not like she really wanted to hear the she wolfs constant chatter, she hadn't stopped since they first started. But she had to make sure the pregnant fae was still there. She heard Keris' call and her eyes quickly found the Omega male.

"Here Keris. We're here...we have a new pack mate." she called back, her voice showing how exausted she was. There had been a lot going on that day. She trotted up to Heron, getting very close to her packmate.

"Stay with Vithali and Keris. I don't trust him enough to leave him alone with a pregnant fae yet. I'm going to find Unalaq." she said quietly to her before veering away from them and following Unalaq's scent trail.

Larka trotted up behind Unalaq her Ice blue eyes glittering playfully. If he'd been facing her, he'd have spotted the white fae instantly, her fur making her stand out among the growing darkness.

"Hey! This is my thinking spot! I clamied it, Unalaq, gawsh!" she growled, only a few inches behind the Alpha. It was true though, her scent was all over this place. Playfulness dotted her familiar growl. She was happy to be alone with him though becasue he didn't quite feel the same way yet she tried not to feel that way.

[Vithali]

Vithali kept pace well, as well as she could anyway. It was more of a waddle actually, the gentle sway of her body causing her to sidestep several times in order to keep her balance. The pups seemed to have grown used to her quick little stride and she supposed they fell asleep, as there had been very little movement in the past several minutes now. Well, at least they got to sleep. Not that it mattered, as Vithali was wide awake, ready to see her new home, even though right now it seemed everything was shrouded in darkness. And so, she kept close to Heron as Larka led them, trying her best to keep quiet as Larka had said but . . . it just . . . was so hard!

When they finally stopped, Vithali breathed a gentle sigh, her large paws aching slightly but she wagged her tail regardless, glancing around the area, taking it all in. She sniffed the air, the scent of wolves thick as flies here. She perked up as another wolf appeared ahead of her, watching as Larka left them. She stared at the empty space for a while, blinked and then yawned widely. She didn’t realize how tired she was! With an awkward thump, she sat down and looked around anxiously.

“It’s really closed in here!” she said, gawking at all the dark, silent trees. “And really far from . . . anything! Wait, aren’t you guys called Amber Moor? Shouldn’t you live on the Moorland?”

Then she spotted Keris and she perked her ears, tired eyes still somehow bright. “Oh, hello! I’m Vithali! What’s your name?”

She wagged her tail and then yawned against, her mouth gaping wide. She couldn’t wait till the day time when she could scout around and get to know her new home better! Especially with her pups; running through the woods with little furballs at her heels . . . She grinned lopsidedly at the thought of it when a new, tugging thought struck her.

I’ll need to make a den!

The thought was so instant, so intrusive, so . . . distinct, that a new anxiety came upon her. It couldn’t be here, where the other dens were, it had to be private, a place where she could give birth in her own sanctuary until she allowed her new fellow pack mates to meet her young. She would have to do that soon, her instincts told her. Then she could call Crispin and he could help hunt . . . the females in her pack would understand it. She didn’t want to drive them all away so quick but . . .

Suddenly she snapped back to attention.

Focus, Vithali, focus!

Unable to hold it back, she yawned again, resting her head against Heron’s shoulder rather unexpectedly, mumbling nonsense as her mind struggled to stay awake.

[Unalaq]

Unalaq kept his nose pointed to the sky, knowing he should head back soon, he sighed and lowered his head. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to take everything in. Sounds, sights, smell . . . He opened his eyes and stepped back onto the rocks that brought him up here. It was time to trade off with Keris; he couldn’t wait for the two faes forever after all and they could take care of each other quite well, of that he was certain. If they still hadn’t come by morning, he would go out and look for them.

He turned and nearly fell from the rocky outcropping when he heard Larka’s voice, accompanied by the sudden sight of her. He smiled and heaved a small sigh of relief. He chuckled, very tired, and shook his head.

“Oh, Larka . . . You gave me quite the scare there.” He carefully made his way down towards her, body swaying with fatigue. She was tired too, he could tell. He gently licked the top of her maw in greeting, nudging her for playful antics. It was good to see her happy. “I trust everything went well? I grew worried when you and Heron were away for so long. But come, back to the dens first so we can sit. Besides, I need to hear Heron speak of the experience; I wanted this to be a sort of test for her, understand.”

He yawned and shook himself before wiping a paw across his eyes, cleaning them of sleep. When he was done, he smiled and led the way back, forcing his eyes to stay open, making himself at least appear alert.

“Sparrow was no problem, if you were curious. She left as soon as she came, thankfully with few words. She was heading west. I trust she won’t be back any time soon.”

He turned the corner then, emerging from the trees with his head held high, tail swinging slowly in a happy, sedated motion as he looked upon Heron and an awake Keris. He smiled at them both and then licked the top of Heron’s maw, a gesture that showed his happiness of her safe return. It was then he noticed the little female by her side and cocked his head to the side as if to say, “Who is this?” but he kept his words to himself for the moment. She was small, this female, and at first, he mistake her for a pup, perhaps a yearling. But she was mature, he soon noted and not only mature, but expecting pups. Her small stature, combined with her round belly long hair gave her quite the charming looking. He couldn’t help but have one word come to mind when he saw her.

Cute.

But with nothing more than a nod, he refocused his attention back onto Heron, who also seemed to be lacking sleep. His grin turned lopsided at the thought of sleep . . . With a nod to Heron, he took a step back, his full attention on her.

“Alright, Heron.” He smiled proudly. “Report.”

[Kerisis]

Keris turned abruptly, ears pricking at the sound of Larka’s voice. His tail swung hard back and forth as he loped up to greet them both, bowing his legs so that his chest nearly touched the ground. He whimpered in excitement until Larka went off to find Unalaq and he stood back, keeping his distance from Heron, wagging his tail regardless. He was just glad that they were back. That was when he spotted the little female by Heron and smiled widely when she spoke to him. She had a very . . . happy air about her. He lightly tipped his head.

“Name’s Kerisis, miss! I hope you’ll be staying; you seem like a nice, young fae!” he said, giving her a wink.

They lapsed into silence then and the fae rested her head against Heron’s shoulder. He could see they were tired, but he was well rested – too well rested. The Alpha shouldn’t have let him sleep as long as he had. Oh well, he would take over watch while the rest of them slept. He was no longer tired after all . . . Finally the silence was broken as Unalaq and Larka appeared. Keris bowed kindly and stepped back, allowing the Alpha space as he approached Heron, head and tail high. Keris listened interestedly, wondering what he would hear from the journey the two of them had taken. He could have swore there were two voices, yet only one wolf seemed to have followed them back . . . Interesting.

[Heron]

Heron settled her rump wearily on the damp grass. She closed her eyes, inhaling the welcome scents of spring. She never realized how dearly she missed the warm seasons until they returned. The sights and the smells were enough to warm the cockles of her warrior heart. The spring had always been the happiest time for her. Training, playing, spying, and living. It seemed to her that the spring brought out the best in every living thing. Perhaps even the Heus. They didn't attack in the spring, hardly any way...

Alright, Heron. Report.

Heron snapped to attention, having momentarily dozed off as she waited for her Alphas return... Slipping slowly into the dangerous scape of dreamland. She hardly dreamed anymore... If she did they were sad dreams, filled with what she had known and loved. Every hair on her body stood at attention, surprised by the Alphas approach. She was getting to comfortable... She was slacking off on her attention, putting herself in a dangerous position. Her job was to protect fiercely the ones she loved... That was always her job.

"Aye Alpha Unalaq. The terrain was smooth goin'... Damp from the spring thaw but pretty much unchanged from what we saw last. It was a lon' hard run, and I am think'n I found Miss Larka's greatest strength... Shes a fast little bugger if'n I ever met one!" Heron grinned at Larka, joking with her superior. "We came tah the strangers, made a less than graceful entrance. When we first was there there were two wolves, male an' female. Soon after they were joined by a third wolf, this one male as well. An' sir... They were Sasriel. All 'cept little Miss here." Heron gently nudged the shoulder of Vithali with her shoulder. The coming of the Sariel was a great sign... Perhaps there was a war that could be stopped before it began.

"They tol' us a story of woe, Vithali here to heavy tah make the trip up the mountains, an' in the firs' place not allowed there very lon' any way... The two Sasriel were brothers, or kin o' some kind Crispin (who's alias appears to be Crispy) and a saucy fellow by the name of Soliel... Picked up something 'bou a third brother... I think they said the poor fellows name was Chic... Or Chicken, but I hope I was hearin' things again... They did'na tell us much more, but that they was headin' home. From her own mouth it seems that Vithali was attacked an' these brothers rescued her... From Heus. Two attacked her on ol' Heus pack lands. There was two, but its probly a safe bet to assume theres more on their way. Sah!" Heron ended her report with a proud salute, snapping her head sharply to wards the ground and looking at Unalaq.

She hoped to God that there weren't more Heus. They were the best fighters. She remembered watching her pack brothers and sisters going down in waves, unable to stop the Heus. They were huge, and strong. Vicious fighters that fought to the end. Perhaps all that won the Outlanders victory in the end was their ability to think, and to act as one... The Heus Alphas had been rather stupid and dull, unable to adapt to the Outlands fighting style...

Heron could not hope for that luck twice.

[Larka]

Larka wagged her tail as Unalaq spun to see her. Her eyes sparkled playfully. "You don't have to worry about us, Unalaq. We can hold our own." she replied, licking the top of his muzzle in a happy greeting too.

The white fae trotted carefully next to him towards the densite. She sat and waited Until after Heron gave her report, her Ice Blue optics drifting towards Keris. The Omega looked fine with Vithali's arival, but she still didn't trust him fully.

Larka snapped herself back into attention as Heron finished. Her eyes still sparkled with playfullness. "Why thank you, Heron. I've always had a thing for running. It's the closest thing to flying a regular wolf like I can get." she sighed, looking up at the moon.

She resisted the urge to lay her head on Unalaq's shoulder, it was very tempting and very hard to resist, but she was managing....kinda.

"Oh, Heron, you forgot to tell Unalaq that Vithali's expecting pups. You also left out the fact that Crispin,e's the father of Vithali's pups, will be visiting as much as possiable until the pups are born. If he's not here when and/or after she's had her pups, I will be enjoying a nice run to Sun Crest to fetch him." she told Unalaq with Shining eyes.

Larka looked at Vithali and smiled. "You look tired...let's get you inside the den so you can sleep, hm?" she said, walking over to Vithali and standing on her otherside. She gently nudged the pregnat fae, trying to get her to go towards the shared den.

[Vithali]

Vithali looked up as the Alpha approached and became stiff and alert. Her large ears pricked forward and she gave her best grin as he smiled down at her. She wagged her tail slowly as Heron spoke, “reporting.” Would she get to do that? Go and report and . . . she winced as a solid kick was delivered to her stomach. Well, perhaps she should focus on being a mother first. As Heron spoke about the Heus, Vithali swallowed at the memory. The fangs . . . the savage snarling face . . . She shuddered.

She looked up and smiled again when Larka spoke of her pregnancy and hoped that the Alpha would accept her, despite the fact that she would soon be adding more members soon . . . She wondered how many she’d have? She had to giggle though.

“I’ve an awfully big belly silly!” she said, wide eyes on Larka. She giggled. “I don’t think much needed to be said! Will I get to hunt? Or scout? I like moving. And I can follow instructions! Honest I can! Sometimes I think I talk too much though . . . My last pack didn’t like that to well. Except for Ash; he taught a whole bunch of good things like . . . uhm . . .” she yawned widely and shook herself. “Like patience . . . and . . . patience . . .”

Her mind began to steadily slow to a dull halt as sleep overwhelmed. She giggled, far to tired to be speaking, much less hold a conversation. She smirked when Larka urged her towards the dens.

“I once went three days without sleep!”

And what an experience that had been . . .

[Unalaq]

Unalaq gave Heron his full attention, alert now that he was getting information. He had grown used to her speech and kept up with her story easily, smirking at the side comments she made about these brothers they had met. Apparently they hadn’t stayed long though, and they mustn’t have seemed a threat. But leaving this little fae? He couldn’t help but find that odd. Sasriels? What species was that? One he had not heard of, but apparently they were strict members of Sun Crest. He eyed the pregnant fae with sympathy. He supposed more questions would be answered in the future. He thought back on Rahiel and smiled. The little fae’s mate would be most welcome here. He narrowed his eyes in concern when she spoke of “Heus”; another species, or pack, he had not heard of, but he remembered Larka talking about them and her obvious anxiety over them. He gazed out the direction they were supposedly located.

Suppose they came onto his packlands? He’d have to investigate, especially if they already attacked the female. He wondered why they would even attack her in the first place. He sighed and nodded when Heron was done.

He looked over as Larka spoke and smiled. So that’s where the fae’s mate was? He would certainly be encouraged to come then! Any member of Sun Crest was a welcome friend.

“Well done Heron! I’m very proud of you. Keep up the good work.” He motioned his head towards the dens. “Now why don’t you let your weary self off your paws, hm? You deserve the rest. And you, Larka, deserve the rest too. You both did outstanding, it was a long journey and you seemed to have handled it well together.”

He approached the small fae before Larka showed Vithali to the dens and looked her over. There would be no physical testing for her, not in this state. He grinned at her, chuckling as her mouth moved a mile a minute. He laughed when she said she had stayed up for 3 days and shook his head.

“I have no doubt you could handle it! But not tonight.” He gently licked the top of her maw in recognition of her new place as an Amber Moor wolf and beamed tiredly. “You are welcome to the pack Vithali. You will be holding the position of a Maiden, given your current state and if you like that of a den site pup sitter, you may keep it. As for now, my first order for you is to follow Larka, sleep well, and there will be no hunting or scouting for you until further notice.”

He winked at her and looked up to Larka.

“And you have better get some sleep yourself, I wont be far behind.” He yawned widely. “It seems like its been a long night for all of us . . . well, almost all of us. But that's my fault.”

He smiled and looked back at Keris.

“Come, let’s get some rest.”

[Kerisis]

Keris watched the exchanged with a grin on his face, wagging his tail back and forth. That was great she was going to stay! He couldn’t wait to see the pups . . . pups were always an exciting addition! He was interested in the report about the Heus however and pricked his ears forward curiously. Well, there was no way they were getting through into this pack, especially not with Vithali and her young here! Their pack was small enough as it is, the last thing they needed was Heus coming to overrun them. Perhaps Sun Crest had a guardian to spare?

Talk of sleep soon reached his ears then and he smiled, fully awake and bright eyed. He stood, wagging his tail.

“Not to worry, My Alpha! I will keep watch and vigil while all of you sleep! I’m plenty rested!” he said dutifully.

He watched as Larka led Vithali to the dens and then looked behind, towards the Mountains. He sighed heavily, thinking about the brutal past they had all faced. He didn’t remember much of his pack, but the emotions were still there. The urge to fight, the comradeship going into battle. He couldn’t correctly conjure up the face of a Heus, but he knew what they were . . . and they were bad news. He sighed and stood, stretched stiff joints before shaking himself off. He had to be fully alert tonight.

Nodding to his packmates, he took off into the trees that surrounded their dens, trotting quietly, eyes reflecting the dim moonlight as he kept his guard up, paws sinking into the earth, nose to the wind. . . Nothing was getting past him tonight.