{The IC} Nowhere to Run {Is up!}

[Fireleap]

(( Click here for the OOC (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3421) ))

Wolf's winter. A wolf's winter is what most folks nowadays called a certain winter season that is colder, cooler, icier, and more winter-y than any other normal winter season. A wolf's winter often means even less prey, even less shelter and much more blizzards and snow storms. Luckily, it only happens once every five years, or so. When humans were around, a wolf's winter didn't mean a lot to them. But they're gone now. Wolves have taken their place. And for a wolf, a wolf's winter means starvation, frost, and even death, itself.

Wolf's winter... Those two words echoed in Bane's mind. The last time he had witnessed a wolf's winter, it had already been ending. He had been born in the midst of a wolf's winter. Wolves often called that bad luck. He never really knew what they had meant. After all, he was now the young and charming (or so he thought) Alpha of his pack. He was a well-respected fair and just leader. He was surrounded by friends and family, almost all the time. No one was really out to kill him. At least, not him specifically.

That just so happened to remind him, why he was sitting at the peak of the hill, that sat on the border of his pack's territory, staring at the path ahead of him, thinking about wolf winters. The Shadowers were out to get him... No, they were out to get them all. 'Them' would be all the wolves who still remained un-controlled by the dark shadowers, who still continued to use their powers only for good... who still wanted to survive. However, surviving was not an option in the Shadowers' book. It was either join them or die. And that was why Bane sat atop the hill, on the border of his pack's territory, staring emptily at the path ahead of him. He was leading his pack away, from their fate. To the Place of the Spirits. Shadowers and shadow creatures had been chasing them all over their own territory. But there wasn't anywhere left to hide. All they could do was run.

And that was why Bane was thinking of wolf's winter. This winter season will be a wolf's winter.. and they would have to travel in the midst of it. He had not reminded his pack of the wolf's winter yet. After all, it might not even happen, just like it didn't, fifteen years before he had been born. It was no use scaring the wolves for no confirmed reason, was it? Bane's ears twitched, in uncertainty. There was no need for them to know... Not yet, anyway. He turned his head to glance at his pack, waiting behind him. They were still chattering worriedly, still fretting over the recent events and they were also wondering what the journey ahead of them would be like.

Bane wondered if any of them had considered the fact that they might not make it. His paw trembling, he took a small step forward. Their territory ended on this hill. Once he passed the oh-so-familiar border marker, that boulder over there, he would no longer be on familiar ground. And once he had passed the border, he would have given the starting signal for his wolves and the journey would begin. His paw hesitated, in mid-air, as he wondered whether he should take this next step. It wasn't as though he was nervous or worried. It was more.. like he was distracted.

Silverglade watched him, carefully. She was not taking part in the pack's nervous and worried chatter. She preferred pondering over why her leader looked so worried. Her eyes sparkled with curiousity and she sniffed the air. Bane had a tendency to smell differently, for the many emotion he felt. Nervousness, worry and grief caused him to sweat almost unendingly, where as brief dislike and being uncomfortable made him sweat just a tad. He often shivered when unhappy or unsettled and he gave off a warm aura when he was pleased, happy or satisfied. But now, he had no particularly strange scent. Silverglade refrained from saying 'curiouser and curiouser'.

Her mind screamed for her to turn away, before Bane caught her staring at him, but her tummy gave an uncomfortably 'gurgle'. She was worried for her leader, but right now, there wasn't nothing she could do for him. So she turned away. Just as she turned away, Bane cleared his throat. Silence. "Let's go." He said it, softly and gently, unlike the usual firm tone of voice he used for his pack. Even so, those two words had been what every one had been waiting for. It echoed across the clearing. They were going to leave their home, all that they've ever known, now.

And they were going to flee... for their lives.

[Higurashi]

Arlio had been sleeping peacefully on the ground, taking care of a couple of the younger pups. They followed him around alot of the time. Being the Alpha's older brother did have its perks he supposed. Of course, he had never wanted the position of Alpha. He DID care for the other of his clan, but leading them in the right direction would have been to tough for him. His brother had always had a charisma about him, and a natural leading talent. Now, Arlio felt that Bane was once again doing the right thing. He was taking them away from a massive danger and Arlio knew it. Bane had always been so easy to read. Now, he called the order to move on. Arlio sighed and got up from the snow. He noticed that a mothers pup had just died nearby from the cold. There was no sobbing. It happened all the time during a Wolf's winter. Arlio picked up his two charges and let them ride on his back. He started walking over behind Bane, waiting for him to start.

[spirits breath]

Quar, moving snow back and forth creating a large divet in the snow itself. He watched Silverglade by his father. At his spot with no doubt, but he looked at her. Her pretty legs, going up to her hips and both sides of her was her fur. She always seemed like a warm summer day to him even when it was cold.

He got up, a indent in the snow of a shifty tail and where his rump was for who knows how long. His pads sunk into the ground slightly as he trecked up a small hill. the packs alpha, and his father sat in the same location casting the same shadow. Silverglade nearby. He could swea his cheeks were visibly red outside of his fur, and the story his tail gave would hint to her on by now. But he was always heppy to see her.

Quar started to run at her, about ready to playfully bumb into her and play around, only to skid to a stop, rolling into the snow in front of him. His dad called the pack to get ready to go on a journey. Find a better land, with more places to play as it pertained to him. Even though he was a bit older for those things, but it was still fun.

His mind started to wander. Imagining him as the alpha, silverglade by his side. wind comming and pushing his fur majestically. As well as the thought of him walking though the pack, and yet not be like his father. He would have a higher level of respect. Mabie make treaties with some of the things after the pack so they wouldn't have to go on a journey when it gets to the winter season.

As Silverglade began to walk away, he quickly pushed himself up off the snow, and shook most of it off. He moved his legs quickly as he tried to catch up to her, but wasn't sure what was on her mind. His body now in close priximity of her, within a few yards and closing. "Silver! Silverglade, Missed you, we could have had a bit more fun before we have to get going. We still have time, you and me. Get a last look of here. I don't think we will be able to see this place again."

[Yoruyonaka]

Darkness. That's what Blair Rhona felt. Trees in the utter darkness. Wind whistling around them. Darkness. Shadows whispered around. They moved. They ripped the earth with their dark claws. Leaving nothing. Nothing. Blair knew this was one of her moon dreams, but...the feeling was horrid. Eyes formed at the forest's edge. Shining eyes. And...

Blair shuddered awake. Sneezing, she lifted her tired body from the earth. Pups were running around. Many of the pack were already waking up and moving to Bane. Waiting for the final orders that would lead them on. Her blue eyes looked over at the nearby trees. There was darkness, even in the light. The wind picked up around her slightly, circling slightly around her. Blair shook her head and walked over to Bane and the others. Her eyes wandered, looking for Skoll, who she had thought of more kindly than anyone. The wind blew gently around her with her emotions.

The sun shone down on the pack's territory. Bane stood staring over the hill, thinking most likely. Silverglade was standing next to him eagerly and Quar ran up to her. Blair continued to walk to the Alpha when he spoke with kindness, saying it was time to go. Time to leave this place. The shadowers would come, he knew this. Her moon dreams provided some service as well, but Blair knew his wise mind could sense the pack's need to move. The fiendish creatures haunted many of her moon dreams. Sometimes they would over take her and she would faint on the spot. Even before the moon rose. Practice allowed her to protect herself. It was difficult, but Blair managed.

She came forward to Bane. "I have had another moon dream," Blair said looking up to Bane. "The trees over there are darkened."

Her eyes glanced back at the trees. She wasn't afraid though. That emotion has long vanished since the time of her brother's death. Her white coat shimmered in the sunlight. The moon mark on her thigh was a nice blue in the light.

"I am worried," Blair spoke again. "How soon until we move?"

[Higurashi]

Arlio walked over and sat down next to Bane. He waited for him to start the Great walk. He noticed Quar try to 'accidentaly' bump into Silverstream but come to a stop. He also listened to the Dreamer's talk about shadows. He shook his head. He had never believed in the dreamer and never would. He didn't have anything against the girl, it was just that he didn't believe in her so called Moon Dreams. Arlio simply believed that she used it to get into the pack. Which she of course didn't need now, but she needed to keep up the act.

The two pups on Arlio's back slide down and go over to their mother's Arlio smiled at their excitement. It was probably better to leave them to their joy of adventure while they lasted. They would most likely not live through this journey. It was sad, but it was a fact. Pups simply weren't strong enough to last in this cold. Only the moon knows how his brother had been born in it.

[bluemoon]

Hearing Bane's call, Maya lifted her head from her paws. She rose slowly and shook herself, ridding her coat of the snow that had gathered there. Pointing her ebony nose to the sky, she sniffed the chill air for danger, a low growl building in her throat. 'Shadowers.' She thought, catching their distant scent.

Eager to get moving, she started walking quickly to the border of their territory, avoiding the path taken by the others. She paused by the dead pup, shoving her nose against it's cold form. She pushed against it several times, finally moving it beside a bush. She dug a small hole, her front feet driving up snow and the hard ground beneath. Rolling the pup inside, she used her rear legs to shovel the snow over the still form. Satisfied, she sniffed the ground, and moved closer to the others.

She stopped beside Silverglade, nuzzling her sister with her cold nose. She lightly put her mouth on the young ones neck, teasing the fur with her teeth. Glancing at their leader, she gave Silverglade another nudge.

"Stop bothering Bane little one." She chastised.

[StormWolf]

There was a rustle in the foliage outside the borders of the pack's territory. Something emerging from that darkness. Fur black as midnight draped and pulled tightly over rolling muscle. Pale white scars leaving stretches of thin hairlessness.

The Beta Hunter, Skoll, had returned from his patrol out in the forest, a couple new gashes on his side. In his powerful jaws, Skoll pulled an elk as if it weighed less than half of what it did. His one yellow eye scanning the faces of his packmates. Maya and Blair, Bane and the pups that seemed to gravitate towards him. Skoll's eyes narrowed as he studied Bane. The Alpha was getting soft, getting weak. His time was wearing down.

With a snarl, Skoll dropped the elk onto the snowy ground, paying no mind to the wounds that matted his fur. He left the elk there for those who wished to eat. He hadn't any appetite for now. He simply watched Maya and Blair with some warmth in his eye and a small smile tugging his lips. Still, even seeing such beautiful creatures, he was laced with sadness. At some point, he would have to make a choice.

[StormWolf]

-deleted double-post-

[Mr.Natas]

As the call to get going was call, Fel was right there in front next to Bane, not that he was noticed. Fel was ready to move, ready to flee, not that he really cared ether way. The plan itself had problems. First, where is the pack going? No one knew or asked, all they cared about is leaving, at least from what Fel heard no one had a clue, then again no one told him much. He thought back to a few hours ago when he just found out that they where leaving today. Second, why leave anyway? The whole idea seemed a little weird. 'Let's leave into the forest and get attacked by shadowers.' Yeah right this is going to work out fine, but it didn't really mattered staying had problems too.

He looked around and saw that the pack, if really could call it that, was slowing coming. A odd thought crossed Fel's mind. If the shadowers attack and we survive this journey Bane's leadership might come into question. That would be bad because Skoll, in all of his macho-ness, would take control and then we really wouldn't survive. Not that a full on attack wouldn't be brave and would quicken the inevitable, but Fel valued his life even if no one else did.

Right then, of course, Skoll come out of the fray with a full elk. He was battered, blood, a complete mess and Skoll was hurt too. Not that Skoll cared, he was way to 'courages' to mind the little things like pain and injures. For half a second, Fel wonder if he was as big a Skoll what he do, but the thought cleared out of his mind. Fel couldn't be anyone else to he just went with the flow and didn't ever think about that again.

[RisingPhoenix]

The elder's beautiful and colorful fur rippled in the breeze that softly touched nearly every wolf in the pack. His eyes were closed but he was well aware of everything that was happening around him. Softly he reminisced on the things of the past and how stern he had been when his mate had died. The beautiful Lilliana, Bane's mother and a mother figure to many had died or rather been murdered by a shadower. The Elder sighed heavily remembering the events as if they had just happened yesterday. He had fought valiantly, killing many of the shadowers, he was like a blur of motion as he took down one after the other, at that time he was the Alpha and Bane was a mere pup, but the Elder had proved himself over and over as to why he was the Alpha.

Opening his eyes after hearing his son, the current Alpha, initiate that it was time to get moving, he rose slowly till he was standing up fully. He was the Elder of this pack now, overseeing things to make sure it was run correctly but never overstepping his son, the Alpha. He had relinquished his title to the strongest of his sons at the time and it just so happened to be Bane in his eyes but Kamatayan knew it wouldn't be long before Bane's brothers would step up and be known.

Sighing softly, he trotted slowly towards the front of the pack having seen Skoll deliver a freshly caught elk. The elder walked passed the elk and passed Skoll and soon stood beside his son just in time to hear Blair finish speaking.

"Are you sure about this my son?," He said softly as he looked at Blair and Bane and simply nodded to show that he noticed Blair.

"There is no need to worry Blair," The Elder spoke calmly and peaceably.

[Lacantherope769]

Ahn arose from his position, small layers of snow falling off his fur. Shaking a few times, the Wolf just padded forward at the sound of Bane's Initiation. His mind blanked as he listened to the sounds of the forest, the pack, and the beating of his heart. A small pain flared in his chest, causing his eyes to twitch for a moment, but not enough to be noticed... His heart already ached for his home.

Snow crunched under his paws, but the cold no longer phased him as he grew numb to the world as he stared ahead, past Bane, and past reality. His eyes were up, and the pack grew distant as his senses heard nothing but distant cries from birds. Being the next best hunter, compared to Skoll, Ahn was certain nothing would surprise them. Though his mind was blank like the snow, and his eyes alert, Ahn still managed to overhear some of the pack whisper; "Its like he's gone, not there" "Hush, Ahn's done enough for us, why listen to us bicker?" Then the voices were gone as the Hunters ears focused on the world outside the pack.

[StormWolf]

Skoll's golden eye watched the Elder as he passed. The Beta Hunter had respect for the greying old wolf, but he did not like being looked down upon, and he got that very feeling from the Elder, as well as several other wolves in the pack.

"Running... Always running..." Skoll grumbled as he pulled the elk to the others in the pack, massed around their "fearless leader".

"That is what happens when you run, Bane." Skoll said in a low masculine rumble. "This elk ran as hard as it could for as long as it could, but it was run down and killed all the same. That is the fate of prey. If we just keep running, we will die." Skoll let his gaze bore into those that surrounded Bane, before drilling into Bane himself. With a growl, Skoll turned and stalked off to where his mother was staying. If they were truly going to leave, he would have to convince his mother to move.

She was once a lively young female, but after Kaine.... She was a shell of her former self. The sight of her brought back memories that made Skoll want to howl and empty his stomach and hunt Kaine to the end of all things.

Three days without sleep for Skoll...

[Yoruyonaka]

Warmth seemed to form when Skoll appeared with an elk. However, it vanished slightly to see he was wounded. Not critically, but the cuts on his face produced blood. Arlio gave her unhappy vibes. He never liked Blair since she joined the pack. She shook her head and looked on to the elder. He told her not to worry, which gave her a slight feeling of comfort. The elder was one of the few to be kind to Blair. After all, most of the wolves didn't trust her even after the seasons she's spent with them. It felt strange to Blair. She's worked hard to earn their trust, but still has the feeling of an outcast.

Skoll didn't want to keep running away. Blair turned her blue eyes on him. She agreed that like prey, they would die from the continuous run, but there was the problem of not being to handle the Shadowers on their own. After growling, Skoll walked off in the direction of his mother. Blair glanced down at the ground. Her white furred paws almost invisible in the snow.

"Bane, and Elder, we must consider if we should continue to run," Blair said turning her head to the forest. "Although many don't believe in my Moon dreams something is coming, and fast. You say not to worry, Elder, but forgive me when I say there is a time and place for worrying. I believe that is now."

The wind blew her hair gently. Blair nodded to Bane and the Elder and walked away. She walked towards Skoll, thinking he might need help with his mother. What else could she do? Skoll could help her calm her worried senses like no one else could.

[Fireleap]

Silverglade twitched, a surge of slight frustration flowing through her as she pulled away, reddening. How dare Maya nuzzle her in front of Quar?! "I wasn't gonna bother him." She told her sister. How she hated it when her sister knew exactly what she, Silverglade, had felt like doing. "I was just looking at him, wondering what he was thinking." The young wolf Brave added, emptily. She tilted her tan-brown head to the side, with a sly grin resting on her lips. "I also wonder what made you reject him, Maya." She said, cheekily.

"Quar!" The young wolf quickly turned, as to avoid whatever reaction her sister had planned, towards Quar. "Hi! I don't know, somehow, I feel like we'll see this place again.. Someday. Maybe when we've long finished our training. Maybe when we win this war." She said, mysteriously. "Of course, this is all my speculation. Shall we say goodbye to that clump of trees that always used to scare us when we were pups? I was thinking of sticking my tongue at it, one last time." She asked, pointing at the patch of trees that Blair had just called 'dark'. "Fel, wanna come!" Silverglade turned her head to look at the other young Wolf Brave.

Bane continued to stare emptily, at the path. It was almost as though he didn't notice the wolves clustered around him. After a few moments of silence, he closed his eyes and inhaled. As he exhaled, he opened his eyes again and turned his shaggy head towards Blair. "Thank you for informing me. We will leave sooner, then. In a few minutes. I notice some wolves are still getting ready." He was thinking, rather worriedly, about Skoll's mother, and those who had recently lost family members or friends to the cold and the recent visits of a few Shadow creatures. "We must live to fight another day." He replied Kamatayan. "I am sure. I believe in Blair's dreams, but I also believe that unless one of you think we can face the Shadower wolves and win, right here, right now, we will not survive here." With that, he walked past the border. "Let's go!" He repeated, voice echoing all over the woods and territory he used to know so well. "It is time to leave." This time, his old Alpha voice was back, strong and filled with determination.

[Higurashi]

I notice Blair giving me a glare. I grimace and get up from where I'm sitting again once Bane has called the order to move. I think back to when Blair and her brother had just arrived in the pack...

It's a darned cold night for mid summer. I think as I wander around, away from the pack. Bane wasn't the alpha at that time... our father was. The Alpha had ordered the youger braves to go out alone to find prey. A couple had joined together but I had chosen to stay alone as per the assignment. I hide behind a tree as a small herd of elk passes by. I then see my target, near the back of the herd. It was an elderly elk, but he still had a good amount of meat on him. His age made the meat more tender than the young bucks... The elders would appreciate that. I jump out from behind the tree, land on the hapless elk's back, and snap his neck quickly. The other elk bolt and I'm caught in a maze of startled antlers. I run from the sharp things as fast as I can. I eventually stop.... but here a faint whimpering... I look around for the sound and come upon a female olf yearling... fast asleep. I walk over and sniff her... She certainly isn't from around here. I'm about to leave when I get tackled by what happened to be Blair's brother... I never learned his name properly. We fought for awhile before I managed to get across that I wasn't there to hurt them. Afterwards I asked them to follow me. They did. I went back, grabbed my catch and headed back to camp..

[bluemoon]

Before Maya had a chance to respond to Silverglade the young brave was off running towards Quar to play. She put her head down and shook it slowly, pondering on the foolishness of youth. Silverglade's question still lingered in her head and she glanced in the direction of Bane. 'Why did I reject him?' She wondered. There had been so many reasons then, but they all seemed foolish now. She had wanted her freedom...wanted to roam and hunt...not be burdened by raising a family of her own. Now, she only longed for the safety of her family-- her mother and siblings. Once they were safe, she could think about settling down and raising pups. She knew Bane would make a good mate. He was an alpha, and he was strong and brave.

Seeing the others begin to move forward out of the territory, Maya turned back to watch Skoll and Blair help his mother to her feet. She knew Skoll also had eyes for her... as well as Blair...it was evident in the way he was always watching them. Blair shared his feelings, but Maya remained cool and distant. She had never considered her feelings for him. He was a free spirit, like her, and death always seemed to trail behind him. A dangerous mix of daring and adventure.

Staring in their direction, she noticed the carcass of the elk lying on the frozen ground. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation of a meal before the long journey. She slowly advanced to the body, not wanting to overstep her position in the pack by eating first. Seeing that none of the others wolves appeared hungry, she positioned herself before it and tore into its soft belly with her teeth. Turning her head from side to side she ripped through the tough skin and drove her nose into the still warm interior. She sought out the rich organs first, tearing into them greedily. Eating until her belly was full, she backed away from the elk, drawing her tongue along her muzzle to lap up the remaining blood. Satisfied, she turned to join the pack that had advanced some distance ahead of her.

[Mr.Natas]

Blair, Kamatayan, and Bane where talking about if they should leave or not. Was this plan still in question? Skoll's rise to alpha was even more likely if so. Fel thought about this as Skoll criticized the plan, comparing use like the elk he killed but apparently no one was going to eat, not even Skoll who went off to whatever he does. Blair started talking about her 'Moon Dreams,' say that we should go with caution. This statement was not really needed, Fel considered, the pack is going outside of their territory where they will most likely be attacked. No we should just go backward with the pups in front. Is not that Fel disliked Blair, or in that case liked Blair, its just all her 'My Moon Dream said this,' or 'We can't my Moon Dream said that,' got annoying and her 'predictions' where a bit obvious at times.

Silverglade was talking to her friend about a feeling she had. "Fel, wanna come!" She asked noticing him. "Well, if your so sure that you are come back some day, there is no real point in saying goodbye." Fel pointed out yawning. "On the other hand we could all be slaughter on the expedition, but if that is the case we should say goodbye to each other not some trees that don't care ether way. So, goodbye Silverglade thou I do hope you don't get yourself killed, and goodbye to you too Quar."

[RisingPhoenix]

It seemed as if there were nowhere to run, but the Elder knew differently. It was true, what Skoll had said, if they continued running it would lead to more deaths. The Shadower Wolves were treating them like cattle or perhaps like the very elk that Skoll had drug in, it's neck having been clinched in the very jaws of Skoll. Kamatayan did not show any sign of worry his expression was very calm and somewhat regal as he stood there looking over the pack that he so loved.

When Skoll walked off and Blair walked off, the Elder simply shook his head, Skoll was next to become Alpha should something happen to Bane but the Elder wondered if Skoll was ready for such a job and more so if Bane were even ready for such responsibility. Closing his eyes, he let the wind play it's melodic note before reopening his eyes and staring at all within the pack.

"This is not a time for fear, this is not a time for cowardliness, THIS is a time to gather your strengths, and to hold your head up high, it's not a time to quit but rather a time to begin. Once we cross this line, no more will we be within our home but within a land, strange to most of us but common to the rest. We have within us a gift that mother nature has blessed us with. I do believe it's time for you all to utilize those gifts and should be face the Shadower Wolves, by gosh we will show them that we are not the pack to be messed with, to be doubted but rather the pack to be FEARED."

The Elder let out a powerful howl as the snow around him lifted and swirled around him. His eyes shimmered and sparkled before he turned and walked beside his son.

[spirits breath]

Quar looked, eyes a bit wide in wonder as Maya seemed to let go of Silverglade. His head cocked to the side, ears perked up. Why? He felt his legs stir involuntarily as they shifted. He took a few steps forwards, cautious as she had a grin on her face. She is going to get me, I just know it" Quar walk casually along to her, turning ot face the same direction as her.

Silverglade looked at him, shocked if anything at his presense. Along with her sister who definitly had a plan to get Silverglade with Quar along side her. He took a few steps, a wide smile on his face, along his unusually warm cheeks. He moved reletively close to her. As she spoke about going back to go see the trees that always scared them, just to give a last farewell to them, he snickered. "I can definitly go for giving a last farewell to those trees. They have been creeping me out every night since we first met."

Together, the two began their walk to the trees. Quar's pads made several small indents with the several other indents fom the pack. A large depression of the noticible trail was always there, despite the new layer of snow. He saw the trees. Odd that in the day time they were normal, but at night it felt as if they grew eyes, teeth, and used their branches to drag in prey. Thats how they grew so tall. As they approached, he nuzzled Silverglades side, and in more of a buncing trot, he made an arc in front of her. A bit of excitedness wavered with him." Silverglade! How about we, after we stick our tounges at them, want to carve our names into them? I am carving mine, and I can try to bring up those blue flowers that seem to bring good memories to us for a bit. If you are in the mood for it, I have more than enough energy for it."

He looked up at where Fel was. He saw his tail comming in and out of veiw, and saw Fels large mouth agape as she visibly yawned. She said something about saying goodbye to eachother above the trees. Then she went on about them possibly being slaughtered. He turned in a small circle. He almost had to shout above his own normal talking, even though he wasn't a loud normal talker, but loud enough to shout so Fel could ealily hear. "Fel, we can't be killed! We have Bane and Skoll with us. How can we possibly die with them on our side?"

While he stopped, his head dropped a little. Thinking of the situation. they were two wolves. Even they couldn't help it if they were attacked by a group of at least ten in the middle of the night. He had to shake his head, trying to shake the mental image of silverglade dieing next to him, asking for help even though they both knew nothing could be done. Shaking his head didn't do much, except speed it along. Quar opened his mouth again and deliberatly brought his leg up to his mouth and bit onto it hard enough to yelp in pain. Only then did the scene end in his head as it went to why he just bit himself. He then turned back to Silverglade. "Sorry about that. Just... it is what Fel said. It just... it's nothing."

[Fireleap]

(( Sorry for the shortness, I have a mini-headache right now. ))

Bane cleared his throat. "We are going, and that is that." He said, firmly, eyes growing narrow. "Now, if we could please have some order. If every one could form a bit of a line, two to four in each row. Preferably the elders and pups.. " He nodded at Kamatayan, Skoll's mother, and one of the currently with-pups female wolves. ".. could be in the middle? It'll be safest there. Skoll, could you please remain at the end, and watch out for those back there?" Bane's tone was firm, but kindly and filled with encouragement. It was, after all, no use sounding discouraged in front of those who least needed it. They were going to flee. He wasn't sure where to, but if it was a safe place, where his beloved pack could recover, and possibly, strike back. "Living to fight another day.." He muttered.

Silverglade refrained from sticking her tongue out at Fel. She had to save that for the trees. "What a spoilsport.." She said, unhappily, to Quar. "But yes, that's a great idea! My claws are a bit dull, so perhaps sharpening them first would be a better idea. Let's just be careful, okay?" She said, as Quar nuzzled her lightly. "They still scare me a little." She admitted, after a few moments of thought. "Let's go!" She began to run off, laughing happily, tail wagging cheekily at Quar. As she arrived in the clearing in front of the trees, she glanced back at her pack. Bane was beginning to arrange some sort of caravan-line. Unless she was quick about this, she and Quar would end up at the back of the caravan, where it was more dangerous. "Hurry up, Quar. I don't want to be stuck at the end!" She ended, mischievously poking out her pink tongue at the first tree she sighted.

[StormWolf]

Skoll muttered pleas and encouragement to his overly aloof mother, the poor female stuck in a kind of shock after hear heart was dashed to oblivion and cast to the four winds. She remained where she sat, refusing to budge.

"Please, mother... Please. You are all I have left..." he said softly, using his muzzle to try and push her along. "Please... don't damn us both. If you die, I'll follow shortly after, I am sure of that..." with those words, and those few silent tears, Skoll's mother rose and moved to her place.

The Beta Hunter reared his head at Blair, his one gold eye looking at her with a cyclone of sadness and wild rage burning in that amber iris. His mouth opened to say something, but no words came out. He simply sighed and stalked off. Slightly favoring the side that had the large gash.

Defend the back? More like stay away so he couldn't share his opinion. Skoll said nothing in affirmation to Bane. He just gave the Alpha a deadly glare, red flickering in those eyes. His body trembled with rage barely contained, but he remained silent. As he walked to the back, he passed Maya, looking her in the eye with that same anger, even if it was subdued. He knew that she had eyes for Bane, even though he runs. With a deep growl, he stalked past her, going a little past the back of the pack, detatching himself from them. He knew their stares. He knew they thought him following the same fate as Kaine. Maybe he was. He felt alone in this pack. He wondered why he stayed.

Skoll shook his head, trying to shake such thoughts from head. Bane wanted Skoll to think like this. Bane wanted Skoll to fall to the Shadowers....

The Beta Hunter pawed at his head, growling. Stop thinking like this! It will only lead to pain. It was the Rage and the bloodloss. It had to be...

[bluemoon]

Seeing Skoll advancing, Maya tracked him, her blue eyes following him as he moved to the rear of the pack. His angry stare caused a low growl to reverberate in her throat. Baring her teeth, she snapped at the air as he walked past. The hair on her back raised and her tail full and bristled, she trailed behind him, head down low. Her ebony paws walked lightly on the surface of the snow, making barely any sound.

Seeing him paw at his head, she moved away from his path, suddenly afraid to face his rage. She would let him fight his inner demons on his own. She instead walked deeper into the trees, taking a path to the side to cut across and scout in the rear. Her senses still tuned to danger, she once again caught the scent of the shadowers. She stopped, a low whine issuing from her throat. Her tail tucked between her legs, she began walking again, keeping to the trees for cover. Putting more distance between herself and the pack, Maya worked her way towards the scent of danger. When she reached the edge of the trees, she stopped, lowering herself to the ground. She dug a small depression in the snow and lay down in it, using her tail to cover her dark body with the concealing snow. With only her head above the ground, Maya watched and waited. If the shadowers came, she would alert the pack, hopefully giving them time to escape.

[Yoruyonaka]

Blair was saddened by Skoll's mother's state. Not only were they leaving the home she had lived in for her entire life, but the place where Skoll's brother had betrayed them. Blair could see the old wolf was in conflict and when she finally moved with the others, it felt like each step was like a heart attack, painful and hard to live through. Blair looked at Skoll once more, he glared at Bane and then at Maya. A war of thoughts mingled in Blair's mind, but she shoved them away and did the right thing. She walked over to Skoll who was now at the back of the pack. If he needed any reassurance, Blair would gladly give it. Her cold gaze fell on Maya for a second then she continued on to Skoll.

Blair looked at the conflicted Skoll pawing at his head. Trying to rid himself of dark thoughts. She felt bad for the beta hunter, but also annoyed that someone she respected was falling into a tornado of self demons.

"Skoll," Blair side softly, "would you like some company on this journey? You seem troubled, it worries me with all that is going on."

Her blue eyes peered at him like the only two sapphires in a mine. Caring and understanding. Looking around him a second, Blair noticed Maya walking off in the trees. Blair's eyes narrowed, but she didn't do anything. The wolf was capable, Blair knew Maya could handle herself in a situation. Blair only hoped that shadowers didn't decide to pop up out of no where. Dropping the dark thoughts, she smiled a fanged grin at Skoll.

"I hope I wont bore you," Blair said with a chuckle. "I am no good with talk about hunting."

[Fireleap]

Bane's paws tingled with excitement and nervousness. Skoll seemed to be a bit upset about something, and he had glared at Bane... not that the Alpha had never noticed his (Skoll's) seemingly-furious hatred of him (Bane) before. He really had no idea why he was disliked so much by the Beta but he still had no regrets about choosing him as his main subordinate... Or did he? Bane bit his lip, in uncertainty but then, cleared his throat again. "We have said our goodbyes, now, we leave." He turned around, taking in the deep scent of unfamiliar territory and began to walk. It would take awhile before they would have completely lost sight of their territory, but unless they began now, they would never be able to leave. His eyes narrowed as he trudged through the snow. The path was long, but they would be following it, with every pawstep taken. "As long as I live, my pack will never be touched by the Shadowers..." He repeated the sentence over and over in his mind...

Silverglade clawed in the final 'e' to her name and looked up, worriedly. Bane had already disappeared from sight, having crossed over the hill, but she could still see the line of wolves formed. It wasn't very long, though. She would have to hurry. Or well, Quar would have to hurry. She poked him, several times, quickly, on his neck. "Hurry up, slowpoke. You done? Quar ought to have taken less time than it took to claw in Silverglade!" She said, impatiently. "I do NOT want to be left behind and if I am, I will have you to blame." With that, she began to race after her fellow packmates, leaping over the bigger lumps of snow. "Race you!"

[Mr.Natas]

"Finally." Fel whispered as the pack moved. Though Bane's idea that a row of two was going to work was hilarious. If anything they where easier targets then again, this way more could flee if the shadowers attacked. Fel wonder if Bane was thinking this. He wonder if Skoll was think this was well. He turned to look at the lines and there Skoll was with his mother. Fel smiled at himself. Everyone has a breaking point, Fel considered that fact. Skoll's mother was going to die if the shadowers attack. Then Skoll would blame Bane. Fel would have to defined Bane's actions, some what, out of not exactly liking Skoll. Skoll would win if there was a duel. Fel wondered if he would be exiled. Better the dieing painfully.

Fel looked around for his younger sister. She was no where to be seen. That was bad, she really shouldn't go say goodbye to a tree, or what ever she wanted to do. That reminder him the Quar was with her. Fel though to himself, What would Maya do if Sliverglade and Quar die before we go out of eyesight with the territory? Who would she get mad at? Everyone maybe. It would reveal itself in time, he figured. He sighed and kept moving with the rest of the pack.

[bluemoon]

It wasn't long before Maya saw a dark shape appear at the top of the hill she had been watching. The Shadower scent was strong on him. He was a handsome wolf--his fur glossy grey with a hint of white at the temples and lower back. His eyes glowed a fiery red. He lifted his snout and howled a low plaintive cry. His scent reeked strongly of musk. Maya growled low in her throat. He was alone.

Lifting herself from her hiding place, she crawled on her belly closer to the clearing. Tensing her rear legs, she prepared to leap onto the lone wolf's back. As he neared, she sprang from her place in the trees, landing squarely on him. The two wolves rolled in the snow, fighting for dominance, teeth snapping at the air, growls low in their throats. Maya felt his teeth sink deep into her right rear leg, flesh tearing. Howling in pain, she pulled away. Standing on three legs, she faced him, teeth bared in a grimace of pain. His snout only inches from hers, dripped red blood. His yellow teeth were bared more in a grin.

Maya leaped at him again, going for his throat. Her teeth closed only on fur. Driving herself forward again, she lunged, her teeth closing on his forelimb. She clamped her jaws tightly, hearing an audible snap. The male wolf fell forward and Maya released his leg. As he began to rise, she grasped his jaws tightly in hers. He fought fiercely to free himself from her grip. Without planning to, Maya sent a wave of energy into him. His renewed energy frightened her and another wave left her body--going into his. The uncontrolled bursts of energy racked his body until he lay still. Maya felt a sharp pain reverberate through her spine as his heart burst in his chest.

Pulling away, Maya felt a cold sensation creep up her body, starting in her paws. Cold, she shivered, expecting death to follow. Instead she began to feel invigorated..alive. Had she a pool to see her reflection in, she would of seen her eyes glow red for just a moment in time.

Turning from the body of the fallen wolf, Maya made her way back to the pack. A steady trail of blood followed her path, dripping from her injured leg. She barely noticed the pain. She made slow progress on only three legs. Her head down, she howled low, growling and biting at the air. Her blue eyes focused on a phantom ghost.

[Fireleap]

Upon glancing back, Bane gave a start. Maya! was being screamed all over in his mind. For a three brief seconds, his will power broke down and he considered canceling his whole escape plan, just to have revenge on their attackers. He almost collapsed onto the cold, snow-covered ground. His legs shaking, he called out, voice shaky but strong. "We must move, quickly, but carefully! They are already on our trail." He wondered whether making every one run was a good idea.. Especially with Maya injured. He closed his eyes, and inhaled.. then exhaled. His fur almost seemed to be tingling with frustration. "This is going all wrong.. Of course I made the wrong decision... Now, I can't undo it." He muttered, to himself. Now, his whole pack would think him to be heartless, making them move when they couldn't, though needed to. With that, he rushed to the back of the line. "Skoll, you lead the pack. Go north. I'll help Maya and tend to the end of the line."

Silverglade gave a whimper and rushed over to her sister's side. "Maya!" She nuzzled the older she-wolf, comfortingly. "What happened?! Here, let me help you, lean on me, if you want, you could walk faster, that way." She continued to nuzzle her sister. "When we stop to make camp temporarily, I'll see to your leg. Don't worry, you'll be fine." In truth, Silverglade was more worried than her sister probably was. The Shadowers were drawing close. They had to get out of here.

With that, the pack began to move away from their territory.