The Forest of Nazradil

He laughed "Ok your turn to run!" He said getting up and tapping her snout with his paw. "To late!" He dashed off back to the pack unaware he was almost in the other packs territory when he was tackled. He didn't bother trying to keep it down because he had encountered them before and they seemed nice enough. He never thought they would ever be at war. He easily evaded her this time and he darted off to the river just south from where his pack normally camped. He wanted to show her the river which was surprisingly warm all year round. He jumped into it and splashed a little. "This is where me and-" he cut himself off remembering that Redbird told him to keep it secret. "I used to play here with a friend."
 
She could smell it in the air, the familiar scent of one of her own pack approaching it's way towards her shrouded body. Comfortable with it, the shards of wood were shaken from her thick coat and she came out from the dip under the trees hollow to greet the wolf. However, there was a twist of events completely when she picked up on the scent of the other one - unfamiliar, not of her own. Her head lowered and a snarl ripped its way through her throat. She let it out loudly so that a wolf would hear it miles away. Lilith known for her over-extended snarls and growls, rather than her instinctive howls - would be recognised under any wolfs ears. It was almost that of a lions roar tainting the air before its bloodthirsty kill. The unfamiliar scent started to get too close, and then backed away completely.. Perhaps his ears picked up on the sound of her roar, however she could still smell the seemingly shell shocked familiar of her own, and wandered from the boarders of her tribe to find her.

The drew much attention to herself from her pack - so many heads turned around in the ceremony they almost retaliated to it as a warning growl. However, they knew that Lilith had her moments and brushed this off. Although, the growl was loud enough to wake even the deceased alpha from his grave. She heard whispers that his body was moving when her roar was heard. Although this was from the harsh earthquake like vibrations which her vocal chords had made. Now she had begun bounding towards the scent.. Heads would roll if they came into contact with her own.
 
An awkward fog of separation settled in around Redbird's mind as she looked around the crowd. Their pack wasn't large, and every face was familiar to her in one way or another. Onyx was right, she had to at least try to follow her Father's footsteps and do what was right for her family. She moved throught the wolves in a slow saunter, yipping and bowing her head to those who gave their condolences in form of muffled whines and saddened half-howls.

Redbird moved throught the ranks until she reached the very back, lifting her jowles when she realized who had been missing.

"Where is Caleb?" The female spun in a circle, wondering why of all people, Caleb would be the one to skip out on her Father's feuneral. None of the other wolves around her said anything, until a skinny mite bitten male looked towards the woods and whined. "That fool..." Redbird instantly turned on her paws and found her Mother, narrowing her bright eyes as she watched Moonpaw turn her face away from her approuching pup; perhaps she saw too much of Ambertalon in her right now to bare it.

"Caleb is missing..." She said nonchalantly, trying not to worry anyone else who may have been listening. I need Onyx and Axel to come with me to search for him. Suddenly, a haunting roar struck the air, sending chills down Redbirds spine and into her sleek red tail. "Watch the pack..."

Moonpaws emotions were empty, faded grey ears tilting up to catch the sound and drooping again as she nodded. "yes..."
 
"Sounds like a pretty good idea," Axel said, getting to his feet. He shhok his fur free for movement.
 
Onyx lay a little way off from the pack, his chin resting on his paws and his sandy tail batting slowly from side to side. Though he had moved off to be alone, he stayed close enough to the pack to keep an eye on the happenings, as he always did. He caught a glimpse of the look on Redbird's face as she approached her mother and it worried him deeply, instantly regretting having moved so far away, since he couldn't hear what she said.

He had just gotten to his feet and begun to move closer to the pack to find out what was wrong when a familiar sound rent the air. A sound that chilled Onyx to his core. Lilith. He now abandoned his casual walk and bounded toward the young leader. He shot a brief, knowing look at Moonpaw before turning to Redbird, "What's going on?" There was a concerned tone in his growl but it was also firm and almost authoritative; the 'outcast' aura he usually maintained was nowhere to be seen now. Something had kicked in, inside Onyx. He wasn't sure what had sparked it, whether it was Ambertalon's passing, the look on Redbird's face, the sound of Lilith's growl, or a combination of everything but he suddenly had an overwhelming sense of responsibility for the pack, and especially for Redbird.
 
Redbirds gaze quickly moved to the trotting Onyx, growling low in her throat and bending her front paws with the urgency to take off running. Her tail lowered with her nervouness, showing weakness in her time of panic.

"Caleb isn't here... you heard that sound..." She whined at Onyx, looking at his familiar maw. "That's Lillith's warning. I don't want to imagine what she will do if she thinks he's malicious..."
 
Onyx stiffened at the sound of Redbird's whimpers. Why was he feeling so protective of her? He decided it must be because of his previous closeness with Ambertalon and thought about Red's words... Caleb? Caleb! Not Callum! He got a flash in his mind of the young wolf frolicking in the brush, and the other chasing him.

"I saw him earlier, playing in the bushes over there." He signalled the spot with a flick of his head, "Don't worry too much, even Lilith wouldn't initiate something on a day like this. Unless..." Onyx tried to recall exactly what he'd seen, but couldn't place the other youngling, as much as he focussed. Unlike his ability for names, he always remembered faces. "He was with another I didn't recognise, though I didn't think much of it at the time. I think I know what general direction they--" He stopped mid-sentence and his eyes widened as he realised: "They were headed towards Bloodcall territory." He didn't wait to say anything else before he set off sprinting towards the wood; he assumed he didn't need to.
 
After sounding her snarling roar out loud her muzzle came close to the ground, he had crossed too far over the line. The thought of him interacting with the she wolf in her pack was the only thing on her mind. The usual red tint in her iris almost glowed with a bloodthirsty intent on being rid of this other wolf - especially today. She took a step up from the ditch which the tree hollow was soundly rooted into. The snow beneath her paws silent, as the stealthy padding was light as a feather. Although, from her burly size it would be expected for there to be quite a thud even when she was walking so carefully, almost creeping. However, this was not the case, not yet anyway.. She was exceptionally huge for a female wolf, in comparison to the males she could be mistaken for one herself. The rich black fur just made her appear more like a grizzly bear, or another carnivore which they'd yet to set eyes upon. After taking her intimidatingly slow few steps her body raised on its hind legs like that of a tiger protecting her cubs - and she now let out her howl. This was to give warning to her own, standing along with the other packs wolf.

Her walk grew faster, along with the air escaping her nostrils, she began to run. The beating of her paws against the cold surface of the ground was like that of a marching drum, the bass was in rhythmic motion with her growl, and slamming through the wind her fur took the beating of the now white blizzard which against her eyes was like razor blades. Running through a rush of adrenalin and rage she followed the scent onwards, her lengthy growl still ripping and tearing its way through her canine vocal chords. Every so often a bark escaping her mouth, and saliva like acidic drops splaying outwards and with its heat melting the snowflakes that lay on the first sheet of the white blanket. Stopping momentarily after glancing side to side and finally catching the sound of the wind whistling in the trees she turned to where the scent had started to fade into closer range.. She was at the tip of the triangle of the two packs, the top where the two met, and could still smell her own. She circled the area, at a steady walking pace now, however her growl still coursing through the air echoing in the vast opening. She was in an area where she was visible from all corners, but that didn't give her an ounce of concern.

Slowly her head turned around and eyes, narrowed, followed her glance. Coursing the patterns on the bark of the trees and then the inches of snow which were building up against her feet, she circled the area. Like a lion in the middle of a gladiators ring. Her pack had not followed her, she didn't indulge in the funeral service, or really include herself in their affairs anyway, so this suited her. They also knew that she was more than capable of handling herself.. If there was trouble, she would deal with it in their ways. Now in a full hunting mode, all of her senses were heightened.. She would locate her prey and the outcome wasn't going to be taken lightly.
 
Laura snapped into alert from Lilith's calls. Especially from the second. Laura tilted her head at Caleb. "Do you heard that sound? Sound's like Lilith, from the Bloodcall tribe. I think she's going to strike war on the pack.. Why don't you run back, I'll try to talk her down." Her voice was a whisper, and rushed in fear for herself. Then she turned and ran towards where Lilith was coming from.

As she got closer, and out of Caleb's sight but into Lilith's, she whimpered softly and her tail went between her legs. She laid down, and rolled over onto her back, exposing her stomach- showing submission to Lilith. Her ears also folded back, down against her head. She was gonna get today. Especially today. Why did she have to do it today? Ugh. She was stupid. Now she was in trouble, and blah. She closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the worst.
 
Caleb looked at her confused "War... why?" He said just a tad louder than how she was speaking then she said she would go talk her down... why was she going to do it? The alphas should meet up to discus it not someone low ranked... "But, your low ranked like me. We can't do it, we should go back to-" She had already started to run in the direction of Lilith, "-Redbird and her two friends..." He looked down at her feet and turned... he had never been out here before and was lost, hopelessly lost. He started to walk in the direction he thought was home but ended up to be heading to the far side of Bloodcall's territory. His tail wagged and his ears were up listening to the sounds... he didn't think Laura, his new friend whom he thought was in his pack, was in any danger at all. He didn't know Lilith to be vicious... another mistake.
 
Redbird took after Onyx without a seconds hesitation. The glimmering red strands in her coat were luminescent under the high moon, making her glow with a regal beauty. The new Alpha's feet carried her swiftly, catching up to the mature member and turning her head to talk to him.

"What a fool! What was he thinking just going off with a random female!" Redbird really didn't want an answer to that. Either he was just that careless, or he was mating. She shook her head and focused. "How did he not recognize the scent of a Bloodcall over the scent of our own?!" She had so many questions that she could have forced in Onyx's direction but she refrained. Instead, she put her energy into her legs; pushing herself even harder to move as quickly as possible.

Within moments, they were deep into the forest, following a shadowy scent to what only seemed to lead them in circles.

"Dammit Caleb!" She growled angrily into the empty forest air.
 
Lilith's head turned around to the sound coming from behind her, the slow crinkle of snow under pressure of the wolf coming into view. Her body twisted and looked over towards her with a rumbling growl steady in her chest. Bringing her feet up off the ground, and her muzzle low against the snow with an intimidating glance. She approached the submissive pup and brought either of her paws aside of her rolled over body, the growl still in her throat, and now bearing her canines down to the pup beneath her feet she barked into her face and snarled too. Her voice ran telepathically through the pups head. "How dare you interact with them! Why were you not paying your respects!?" She snarled further into the terrified awaiting pup.. Then lifted up her head, her growl and barks came quiet when looking to her.

Her next move was unexpected, she took a few moments to look at the younger wolf and exhaled from her nose, almost with a sigh. She then affectionately pressed her muzzle into the young ones side and licked her cheek lightly walking back from her.. "Go home.. Now." Looking back at her with a stern glance. Laura always got herself in to trouble, this time Lilith over looked it, and let it slide.. She treat the younger pup almost like one of her own. That's right, Lilith had pups - only unlike most mothers she left them to fend for themselves at very young ages - they would become strong this way, strong like her..

Instantly hearing a snap of a twig from the bush her head spun around and she started to growl in the direction of Caleb..
 
"I..." Laura refrained from saying anything that would in the end get her in trouble. "Thank you." She rolled back onto her stomach and got up, bowing her head solemnly. She then turned and hiked it back to the pack as quick as she could, getting away from Lilith, and Caleb, and what was soon to come because of her own actions. She dashed back.

Once she got back, panting a bit, she saw that they were pretty much done. She stayed in the back, not wanting to attract attention to herself. She watch quietly as it finished, and as the new leader walked to think. She looked around, but caught no sight of her mother. This would happen every so often- the pack got used to it. Her mother would leave for weeks at a time, to run off and do something unknown to the pack, generally excusing it with an excuse such as, "I thought my mate was back." Laura sighed softly and walked around stopping in between two trees staring out at the darkening sky.
 
Axel's night-sharpened eyes took in the surrounding area, his silence, of course, unnoticed as the trio kept the hunt for their pack mate. The silver wolf raised his snout into the air, trying his best to pick through the scents. If it was something he prided himself on, it was hunting through the night for specific prey. IF it were a group of jackrabbits, he went after a specific one. Tonight, it was a wolf by the name of Caleb that was smothered in a whirlpool of his personal scent, the tribe aroma and that of Bloodcall.

Slowly, he circled around the spot his leader and Onyx occupied.

With a snort and a huff, his tail swung limply in the night air, displaying his thoughtful state.

Putting most of his effort into sensory memory, he recalled the echo of the snarl that had alerted them to the possible demise of a pack mate. He paced in a circle, listening.

Thinking.

Remembering.

After what seemed like too long, when Redbird growled her frustrations, he finally deciphered a direction.

"I've got a bit of a lead," he huffed softly, looking into the distance of the dense forest. "That sound had come from the direction of the other tribe's border. If he'd gone after some random she-wolf then she must have lured him that way. After all, Caleb can't resist good fun and games. That is, if my observation skills hadn't failed me."

He cast a glance at Redbird and then at Onyx before turning to face his intended path.
 
Caleb now slowed to walk with his tail between his legs and his ears folded back. The more he walked the less he knew the area; he knew this was one of the places Redbird never let him to go. He let out a soft whimper and continued to walk looking around at all the trees, each one seeming to look down at him, surrounding him, threatening him. The branches loomed over him like they would grab him, he started to run again, powered purely by fear now. He didn't run with a swift light motion that left no prints behind like usual, he hit the ground hard not worrying about someone tracking him, he needed to get away from the tree's, he wanted to get to an opening... at least until it was day.

It was just what he asked for, an opening in the tree's ahead of him. He jumped over a bush and into the small opening where no tree's had grown. He was safe for now... so he thought... and he lay down with his head on his paws and waited for day.
 
Onyx's eyes were fixed straight ahead but he kept Redbird in his peripheral view as he spoke, "Your guess is as good as mine there, Red. As for knowing she wasn't one of us, I suppose he's too young and inexperienced to distinguish the difference. He's never really had the need to, after all." He noticed she was gradually slowing as they got deeper into the forest and looked to be getting a little confused, he could barely find a scent himself. They came to a halt in a small clearing and tried to decide exactly which way they needed to be going. Onyx never had been much of a tracker; good enough to get by but not a specialist.

Then he saw Axel raise his head, snout up high and he seemed to be pretty confident, so Onyx took the brief respite as a chance to try and calm Redbird a little. He approached her slowly and sat beside her, "As much trouble as Caleb's naivety could get him into, it also makes him little threat to anybody. She may be ruthless but Lilith wouldn't attack without reason. We just need to find him and bring him home, he'll be fine." He fixed Redbird's gaze to let her know he was serious and wasn't just saying words to make her feel better.
 
Redbird turned her peerless eyes to solemnly look Onyx in his maw, mouth moving as if she wanted to whine but simply couldn't. How could Caleb do this at her Father's funeral of all times? She just didn't understand. He called her Red, like he had done so many times when she was growing up. Of course Caleb wouldn't have known how to distinguish the scent of another pack, he never listened to anyone long enough to retain any information. He liked to play, not to listen. Redbird huffed, perking her ears to catch Axel's conclusion.


"Lillith lost her leader, she's completely unpredictable now. Let's go then. I don't want to waist any time. Who knows what might happen." Redbird took a quick inhale of night's air, releasing a melodic howl into the forest in order to hopefully call back Caleb from the direction Axel had noted.
 
Onyx stayed silent at Redbird's comment about Lilith being unpredictable. He knew all too well what she could do when she lost it. The scar on his chest, though barely noticeable behind his fur and always kept hidden when in human form, still twinged every once in a while; a painful reminder of a previous life.

As Redbird's howl echoed through the wood, Onyx got back to his feet, listening intently for any response. After a few moments of silence he turned and now addressed Axel, "Lets move on, but more slowly: we're approaching Bloodcall territory and don't want to give any impression of a threat. Lead the way." He knew it wasn't his place to make orders but felt as the most experienced member of the company, especially when it came to matters regarding Lilith, that he should take control of the situation for now.
 
After hearing the bramble snap a way away under his foot, her head turned around along with her body, and she began prowling towards the direction she heard it from. Her growl a low rumble in her chest. The opening was a wide circle, shadowed by the tallest of thin tree's, thin, like giant birds legs. Her body paced, and chest rose and fell gently. Her pace steadied to a light run keeping her body low and under the shadows, when she escaped the vast opening. She left behind the pits where her paw prints had been, and the rustled snow from Laura's body still holding mark too. There was a point in the woods well known as a symbol of the Bloodcall territory. The wolves of her pack named it 'The Field of Thorns' countless thorny vines interweaving each other around the walls of the old ruins within the territory perimeters of the wolf pack.

She stopped to look at them, and her body settled down to a walk when circling around to find an opening in order to go further forward, in the scent of the other wolf. The interruption brought frustration to her mind and she let out another growl and loud heavy snarl. Her ears flicking up to the sound of Redbirds howl, her canine brow furrowed, and she didn't take any more time to think. She recklessly threw her body into the harsh thorns and she bounded forward through the scratches and tears of the thorns against her fur, not yelping or whining to the harsh stabbing pains recieved every so often. Fortunately she went through a point with few thorns, but they were still there none the less. Most of her bodily structure being muscular though, it didn't phase her appetite for finding the other wolf.

When leaving the thick vast opening of vines she began now really running, her heavy body taking its long lengthy strides to the bush beside the wolf, gripping its root in her teeth and wrenching it chaotically from the ground, it wasn't a clean move, but enough to lift the bush for the wolf to be in view. She moved her muzzle into his face and snarled at him.
 
Axel nodded and took off at a light lope, heeding his packmate's warning to take it slow. Being fairly new to the tribe didn't give him much insight on whatever may have transpired between the two. He knew Onyx was an Omega but he also knew the aura of a hardened wolf. He trusted the other wolf's judgment just about as much as he trusted Redbird's. He kept his mind focused on the memory of the eerie call of Lilith, changing course whenever the terrain dictated such action.

Caleb's scent, an odor that had stuck to Axel's memory due to his survivor's reflex, had more or less followed the same path, although they had merged and separated at different points. Moving further into the dense arbor, a third scent licked at his nose. It intermingled with Caleb's and direction had become a bit clearer than before.

He had followed the scent right to the border of Bloodcall's territory. He paused, a third scent assaulting his senses. Of course, Caleb and his friend passed through here, but a lingering scent tickled his senses.

"Am I right in guessing that this third party wolf is Lilith?" he asked, looking over his shoulder at the other two. "Because if it is," he took the time to listen and sniff. "Her scent and Caleb's are pretty close to mingling beyond this point..."
 
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