Whispering Leaves Pack Lore (DNR)
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Posted 2021-12-07 15:42:13 (edited)
The pack stood silently around the new grave, the only sound the chirping of birds welcoming the new spring. The snow had finally started to melt, so the pack was able to avoid the wet patches as they held silent vigil for Auburnspark. The old she wolf had passed the day before and they had buried her near Yarrowears, his grave still covered with a residual patch of snow. Throughout the day yesterday and during the night each pack member came to spend time with their departed member, sharing happy memories and well wishes. The only one to remain the entire time was Dawnshadow, as was her duty to her befallen packmate. The young leader never moved from her spot once she took it, the snow had melted away around her from her body heat. She was exhausted now, but didn't show it, and had stood up straighter as the rest of the pack had gathered this morning to say a final goodbye. Dawnshadow took a few more moments of silence, remembering the very last moons of the old she wolf's life. How she had had her final liter but still treated every wolf like her own pup. How she had sat with her here just this winter, burying Yarrowears body. 'She knew she would be next.' that last thought rose the leader to her feet. "We thank you for the life you have given to the pack Auburnspark. We honor you this morning by continuing on while missing you walking beside us. May our ancestors light your path. May you find good hunting, soft bedding, and laughter from loved ones. This I wish for you always," Dawnshadow prayed, raising her eyes from the burial mound up to the skies above. A few others joined in the prayer vocally and Dawnshadow waited a few heartbeats for others to finish their silent prayers. When she turned her attention on her pack she was surprised to see a distinct separation. Rowanberry, Smallvine, Brookfeather, Autumnsky, Coyotechaser, Aspenridge, and Yellowleaf stood on the opposite side of the small clearing. The rest of her pack stood near her while Riverstone, Cedarflame, and Firepelt seemed to hesitate between. Realization sank in, and Dawnshadow could feel the weight of the entire forest on her shoulders. Defeated, Dawnshadow looked to Rowanberry as she stepped forward, malice sparkling in her eyes. Dawnshadow thought to the daughter she abandoned back at camp, Arnicapetal and Heatherpelt there now with their pups. She thought of Riverstone then, still looking undecided in the middle. 'Does she hesitate because of her pups?' the young leader thought, wondering what delayed the other two. She looked at the others standing beside Rowanberry but most looked away and no one said a word. Dawnshadow bowed her head and she could hear Rowanberry scoff before trotting away, the others shortly following suit. A deep darkness swallowed Dawnshadow then and it felt like she was drowning. She didn't know what to do so she remained sitting, as she had done for the past day. Staring at her paws, at the earth beneath them, she wondered when everything had gone wrong. 'Maybe I'm not fit to be a leader,' was her single thought. She was faintly aware of her family moving close to her, but their words seemed muted and far away. Bearheart, Dawnshadow's adolescent son, was the one to take charge. He knew his father and older brothers had important work to do to keep the pack running, so he made it his responsibility to take care of his mother. He nudged his mother to her paws and guided her back to camp. He nodded as Twilightmeadow and Hemlockshade said they would start going out on hunting patrols, promising to let Dawnshadow know. Even though his mother was right next to him it felt like she was miles away. When they finally got into the quiet of her den he tried to make the bedding as comfortable as possible before helping her lay down. Dawnshadow curled up facing the wall, a faraway look in her eyes. Bearheart watched her, for a moment feeling the weight that she was carrying. With silent determination he curled up next to her, promising to stay by her side until she was well. As she had always done for her packmates.
It had been a good spring, many pups were born and hunting had been plentiful. Twilightmeadow had five new pups to look after and Hemlockshade had four. Thankfully Arnicapetal's pups had weaned so she had time to look after newest hunter Tumbledrock who picked up mange while hunting. Foxgaze had even stepped down as scout to be a hunter, their small team really benefited from her strength. Young Moonsong has since taken over the position. Young mother Riverstone and heavily pregnant Cedarflame have stepped down as hunter to be pupsitters, saying they will leave the pack once their pups wean. Firepelt was torn as well, he wanted to leave but felt guilty since he was lead hunter and the remaining wolves were so young and inexperienced. Dawnshadow had watched all this from her den, her son Bearheart always by her side. He would encourage her to get out to get food or water or go make dirt, but Dawnshadow would never linger out of her den for long. Despite the plentifulness of the season the young leader was looking quite thin, refusing to eat until the rest of her pack had full bellies. One would think it would be easier to feed a smaller pack but with most of the experienced hunters gone the young paws were trying their best but still learning the right techniques. Bearheart would leave his mother for only a few moments to address the pack's problems and answer questions. Some would say that he was well on his way to being a fine leader, but after seeing the toll the role had taken on his mother that was the last position Bearheart wanted. It had been like any other night, Bearheart was resting in his mother's den with half an ear on her in case she needed something. But the day had been long and stressful, so Bearheart fell into a deeper sleep than he intended. When he awoke he did so with a start, looking around the den, his restful sleep blearing his eyes. Soft light was trickling into the den. 'Is it dawn already?' he thought groggily. 'Why was the light blue?' he thought, stiffly getting to his paws, 'And where's mother?'. He was halfway through a yawn before that thought registered. "Dawnshadow?" he called out, a bit too loudly. He quickly scrambled out of the den and into the night outside. Blue and green lights were dancing across the sky and fear struck him, wondering if these were the mysterious lights he had been told about as a pup. Fear for his mother pushed him forward and he quickly chased after her scent trail. Dawnshadow had been awoken by the lights and felt a passion that she had not felt in a while. She had looked to her son and seeing that he was deeply asleep decided to let him rest. 'He deserves it after having to take care of me,' she thought, the darkness threatening to cloud in again before she felt the pull of the lights. Amazed at their beauty she followed them where they seemed to lead her until she reached a small clearing. She wondered briefly if she could feel the intentions of these lights since she had chased after those mysterious lights for days all those moons ago. But before she was left alone with her thought for too long a beautiful she wolf appeared from the tree line. Her pelt was a bright blue like the early moon and her eyes reflected the lights above. "Am I dead?" Dawnshadow asked once the beautiful wolf was in range, but she just responded with a warm laugh. "No Alpha Dawnshadow, you are about to begin your new life," the she wolf came to a stop in front of the young leader, smiling warmly, "My name is Springdreams and I have a message for you". "A message? For me?" Dawnshadow was struck, how could anyone have a message for her? She had been such a poor leader recently. Maybe it was a punishment? But the gentle she wolf in front of her didn't seem to be a harbinger of ill will. "It is time for new hope, wolves will be coming soon to join your pack. They will help you grow strong, back to how you were before," Springdreams said, eyes shining. Dawnshadow turned sour at this, "More wolves? Why? So they can turn their backs on us too? Because of our strange pelts?". Dawnshadow spoke for more than herself, thinking of her mate, young mother Twilightmeadow, and young pup Cloverfield. Twilightmeadow stepped forward, understanding flashing in her eyes, "A new moon is rising Alpha Dawnshadow, will you heed the call?". At that moment Dawnshadow was filled with so much hope that her worries vanished, she smiled for the first time in a long time. "Dawnshadow?!" Bearheart called as he rushed into the clearing. Upon seeing his mother the adolescent ran up to her, tail wagging. He stopped short upon seeing the newcomer, his tail going still. "Son, come here and meet Springdreams. We're going to have even more packmates soon." Dawnshadow said happily to Bearheart. The young wolf was taken aback by his mother's newfound happiness but relief at her change outweighed his nervousness. "Hello young Bearheat," Springdreams greeted as he padded closer, "You have a great destiny ahead of you as well.". Bearheart was confused at the she wolf's words but was still focused on how happy his mother looked. Surely this would be a good thing? Springdreams had been right, over the coming days several new wolves had joined their pack. Maplecreek and Ferncanyon had come as hunters, Cypressgrove had come as a mentor, and Horizonshine had come as a young adolescent eager to learn the ways of the pack. None of them batted an eye at the strange pelts of their new packmates, much to the disdain of Riverstone and Cedarflame. They were all so eager to help and bond with their new family, even Dawnshadow was often out of her den now, getting strong again. Firepelt agreed to help the newcomers learn the trails of the woods and then he would leave to find a new pack. Everything seemed to finally be going so well for the Whispering Leaves pack, but Bearheart couldn't help but noticed the way Springdreams kept a close eye on him. Lakeripple seemed to notice as well and made a point of spending more time with Bearheart. He enjoyed that part at least. |
 Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2021-12-14 13:02:12 (edited)
It was a beautiful summer day. The sun was shinning, but it was not too warm. The pack had full bellies and happy tails. In the secluded clearing, flowers brightened shadowed corners and birdsong filled the air. Everyone was milling around, whispering excitedly, while Dawnshadow sat in the center. 'Today is the perfect day,' she thought to herself, a large smile on her face. At the beginning of summer her pups had finally reached adulthood. Bearheart, Chickadeewing, and Chipmunkbite embraced their new roles as camp guards, just like their older brothers. Elkantler had his father's spirit though and decided to go out on his own to start his own pack. It had been tough seeing him go, he was the first of her children to leave, but she knew it was what was best for him. Riverstone and Cedarflame had stuck to their word and left as soon as their puppies were able to travel. Firepelt still lingered to help the new hunters, but Dawnshadow knew he would soon be on his way as well. Dawnshadow heard Mushroomfur's laughter, the newest scout, and turned to see Moonsong beside her who has decided to become a hunter. Heatherpelt was nearby watching Dawnshadow's newest pups, five of them in total. The young leader smiled at her young babies, hoping one day they too will experience all the joys life has to offer. Twilightmeadow and Foxgaze were the first to spot the approaching wolves, sitting separate from the pack since they had influenza. The murmurs slowly quieted as Pineconemoss and Bearheart approached the gathered pack. Dawnshadow's heart swelled as she saw her mate escorting her young son. Though she and Pineconemoss did not have an audience when they declared their pairbond to each other it was still one of the happiest moments of her life. And now she got to do it for her son with the pack she had built together with her mate. Pineconemoss's eyes seemed to reflect all the same emotions she was feeling as he finally led their son in front of her and lovingly rubbed his head against hers. Dawnshadow found herself watching him go as he took his seat within the circle of the pack and had to physically draw herself back to the moment. Bearheart was fidgeting nervously beside her, switching between trying to look at his mother and leader while also sneaking glances in the direction he had come. Dawnshadow chuckled softly but they didn't have to wait long as awed whispers began from their packmates, signaling the arrival of Lakeripple and Arnicapetal. Bearheart whipped around then and Dawnshadow could see the look of joy on his face. Lakeripple shyly approached and briefly touched noses to Bearheart before sitting next to him. Arnicapetal settled nearby, dropping a package from her mouth to hold it with her paws. Dawnshadow looked around at her pack before beginning, "I, Alpha Dawnshadow, of the Whispering Leaves Pack, call upon our ancestors to look down on these two wolves. They wish to perform a pairbond to signal their love, and I commend them to you as mates for hereafter". She paused, letting the tension build, knowing every wolf here was caught up in the moment. Bearheart and Lakeripple were staring deeply into each other's eyes like they were the only ones around. Dawnshadow smiled before continuing, "Bearheart, do you fully wish to enter this pairbond? And will you freely share your mind, body, and spirit with Lakeripple?". Bearheart, breathless, answered, "Yes, I do". Dawnshadow turned to the fox colored she wolf, "Lakeripple, do you fully wish to enter this pairbond? And will you freely share your mind, body, and spirit with Bearheart?". Lakeripple whispered, "Yes, I do". The two young wolves shared a quiet giggle as Arnicapetal stepped forward and Dawnshadow continued, "Then by the blessing of our ancestors I declare you to be pairbonded in the eyes of the Whispering Leaves Pack. Share this elk heart to seal your bond". Arnicapetal unwrapped the heart from the large leaf it was wrapped in, Bearheart and Pineconemoss had killed the elk this morning. The new couple bent down gingerly and took a bite of the heart together before sitting up and smiling at each other. The pack broke out into a celebratory howl, with Dawnshadow and Pineconemoss howling the loudest.
Dawnshadow ducked just in time as a pup leaped right over her head. She shook her tail loose as another one tried to clamp on tight. With an exasperated gaze she tried looking for Pineconemoss but saw he was unable to assist as he was currently completly buried in puppies. The pair had volunteered, along with all the camp guards, to try and teach some lessons today but it had quickly fallen into chaos. There was simply too many small paws for the pack to handle, especially with no mentor. Twilightmedow's and Hemlockshade's recently weaned pups were the true source of the disobedience, but the younger pups quickly joined in which left the adults quickly outnumbered. Tumbledrock, Cypressgrove, and Foxgaze had all given birth to three pups each while Moonsong had had four. It was no wonder Firepelt had chosen this time to take his leave of the pack, there was simply no space in the mossy log so some pups had taken to sleeping in the holly bush with the hunters! Moonsong was out of breath, "So class...for hunting rabbits...what is the first step?" She spoke in between trying to paw the puppies into a sitting position to no avail. "First we jump on them!" one little pup cried out excitedly before leaping on her littermate, quickly sending all the pups back into chaos again. Pineconemoss slumped on his side, giving up the the tiny puppy bites. Dawnshadow was about to join her mate and give up on the fruitless mission when Cloverfield, Arnicapetal's adopted daughter, hurriedly approached the group. Now an adolescent she easily dodged the attacking puppies to reach her leader. "Dawnshadow, come quick!" she panted, "Mushroomfur and Springdreams are fighting!" Without waiting for an answer the young clover pelted she wolf turned and ran back the way she had come but Dawnshadow was quick on her trail. It wasn't long before they reached a clearing near the camp where the two she wolves stood facing each other. Both were out of breath but Mushroomfur looked noticeable more agitated. After a quick inspection it appeared that Springdreams had suffered the brunt of the damage while Mushroomfur looked to just be wounded from Springdreams defending herself. Dawnshadow could smell that Foxgaze had been here as well, she must have been mentoring Cloverfield and left to fetch Arnicapetal. Dawnshadow stepped forward, "Mushroomfur, enough." Her tone was stern but the gray she wolf did not take her enraged gaze off the lunar pelted she wolf. Springdreams swiveled her ears around to acknowledge her leader but didn't take her eyes off her angry packmate in case she lunged again. Cloverfield peered from behind Dawnshadow, nerves pricking her pelt. "She's speaking lies! Snake tongue!" Mushroomfur snarled, lost in her rage she leaped again at Springdreams. But the wise shewolf was ready this time and easily dodged out the way. Before Mushroomfur had a chance to try again Dawnshadow was on her, pinning her to the ground. The golden leader did not let up until the gray she wolf submitted. By then Arnicapetal had arrived with Foxgaze and Springdreams was quickly seen to. Dawnshadow backed off to allow Foxgaze to escort the sullen Mushroomfur back to camp. Cloverfield stayed to help her mother treat Springdreams and Dawnshadow took a few moments to recollect herself. As the small party passed their leader on their way to camp Springdreams stopped and looked at Dawnshadow. "I only spoke of what was to come." she said simply before following Arnicapetal and Cloverfield back to camp. Dawnshadow sat with her thoughts for a few moments longer, trying to process what had just occurred, when the sound of escaping puppies stole her attention and she returned to her earlier duties. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2021-12-20 07:58:49 (edited)
Chickadeewing, Hollowfang, Burrowclaw, and Heatherpelt stood before their pack leader, her newly weaned pups scampering around her. The four had already said their goodbyes to the rest of the pack and Dawnshadow was the last to see them off. Tears in her eyes, she forced a smile as she watched her grown children turn away from their home pack for the last time. She sat there, watching them fade away into the trees, not even stirring as her mate came to sit with her. "Will it ever get easier?" he asked gently, pawing a rambunctious pup away from his grieving mate. She leaned her shoulder against him, their green fur intermingling. They were silent for a few heartbeats longer until a loud cry startled them. Dawnshadow hurried into camp where Tumbledrock's newly weaned pups scattered from peering into the nursery. "That snake tongue cursed me! No! My beautiful boy!" Mushroomfur could be heard from inside but before Dawnshadow could enter Arnicapetal started issuing commands. "There is too many bodies in here! Ladies, can we give Mushroomfur some space please?" the medicine wolf sounded strained and Dawnshadow could only imagine the golden she wolf trying to maneuver around excited puppies. Sunsetbreeze was the first out with her three closely followed by Ferncanyon with her four and the rest of the pack's young pups. Chipmunkbite and Lakeripple had heard the commotion and were leading the young mothers to Dawnshadow's family den where her daughter's four pups and daughter in law's three pups waited patiently. 'How are we going to feed all these mouths?' Dawnshadow thought to herself, giving Arnicapetal more time to try and settle Mushroomfur before she intervened. Dawnshadow could hear four new pups squirming at the gray she wolf's belly. She could only guess that one had been born with a strange pelt as was becoming common in her pack. With a quick glance around she noted that Springdreams was nowhere to be found, which was probably for the best. She did see the newest camp guard Horizonshine approaching her though, with a strange wolf in tow. "I found her at the border." the light colored she wolf said before stepping aside to let the newcomer approach. The new wolf was an old dark pelted female with kind eyes. "Hello Alpha Dawnshadow, I am Acornpatch." the old she wolf seemed unbothered by the commotion coming from the nursery, and was instead more interested in the mass of pups running around. "Are you in need of a mentor?" Dawnshadow had never heard sweeter words than at that moment and gently guided the new wolf to meet everyone else. Mushroomfur could be settled later.
Bearheart awoke suddenly in his family's den. Lakeripple laid beside him, their newly weaned pups cuddled up in the slight chill of the coming winter. All was silent, so what had awoken him? He looked around his resting family before noticing a strange colored light coming from the entrance of the den. It wasn't dawn and yet somehow, familiar? Curiosity pushed him quietly to his paws and out of the den. He did not notice his mother watching him through half-closed eyes, a smile on her face. Bearheart stepped out into the cold Autumn night and saw dancing blue and green lights above. A memory tickled his brain of a similar phenomenon earlier in the year when he was still an adolescent. It was when Springdreams had come to the pack with the prophecy and all those new wolves had joined. "Are you ready to fulfil your destiny Bearheart?" a soft voice called from behind him and Bearheart whipped around. He was shocked to see Springdreams standing there, as if his memory had brought her into existance. It was odder still to see the purple she wolf since she had just given birth but Bearheart could smell camp guard Moonsong in the mossy log with her, Foxgaze's, and Cypressgrove's newly weaned pups as well as Springdreams's newest four. "Nightdance is waiting for us." Springdreams said gently before turning to lead the way off into the woods. "Wait, who-" Bearheart began to ask who this Nightdance was but he was stunned into silence as they passed new camp guard Redwoodcone on duty and she didn't even acknowledge their presence. It was like she couldn't even see them. 'What is going on?' Bearheart thought to himself as he followed after Springdreams. It didn't feel like the pair had been walking long but the foliage around them got less and less familiar. At one point Bearheart thought he saw a deer mouse run by, with actual antlers! "Uhh Springdreams? Can you tell me what's going on?" Bearheart asked, his gaze continually sweeping through the area. "All will be revealed shortly, Nightdance is just up ahead." Springdreams said simply and didn't offer anything more for the rest of their walk. Bearheart kept quiet, trying to take everything in and prepare for what was to come. They finally reached a small clearing with white flowers and another strange pelted wolf sat in the center. She seemed friendly with a big smile on her face but her eyes were quite strange, as if they were filled with moonlight. "Greetings Springdreams, Bearheart. Are you ready to begin your journey?" Nightdance said happily, the blue and green lights overhead seemed to be dancing on her pelt as well. Bearheart looked to Springdreams for direction but the she wolf just stood aside to let the young male go first. Bearheart approached the new wolf, a little embarrassed at not knowing what was going on, and said softly "Hi." He was answered only by a soft giggle from the new she wolf. Nightdance gently pushed Bearheart down into a laying position where she had been sitting. He could feel the moon basking his muzzle in its blue light. Suddenly tired, he closed his eyes, began to doze off, and felt his body slowly relaxing. He started to feel as though he was falling down, losing his grasp on gravity with the ground crumbling away beneath his body. With a startled gasp, he opened his eyes, looking at everything around him. He felt hazy, and everything appeared to be covered in blue fog, glowing lights, and dissolving darkness. 'Am I dreaming? What is this mystical world?' Bearheart thought as he looked around and saw the white flowers had turned a glowing blue. Nightdance and Springdreams were standing over him, smiling gently, "Come on then, there's lots for you to see". Bearheart stared incredulously at the two she wolves for a few heartbeats before sighing heavily. He rose to his paws without complaint and followed after them, learning all about the Dreamlands and what his duty was to be as ambassador. Throughout the coming nights he would return to learn more of the land and make alliances with the creatures that live there. He would bring back strange items and toys for the pups. Dawnshadow and Pineconemoss couldn't be more proud of their son but Lakeripple was a different story. Each time Bearheart went to the Dreamlands he came back with more and more lunar dust covering his fur until one night he was completely covered. He changed his name to Bearspirit to honor his bond to the Dreamlands. Lakeripple couldn't take it anymore and broke their pair bond. Devastated, Bearspirit continued to spend more time in the Dreamlands during the night and out scouting with his father during the day. He is rarely seen at camp anymore but Dawnshadow always waits up for him to return home. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2021-12-26 07:32:16 (edited)
Dawnshadow sat at the entrance to Arnicapetal's den, her injured paw held gently off the cold ground. Lakeripple was sat back further in the den, nursing her sore neck. The fox colored female had been overstepping her boundaries lately, and had been mostly forgiven for her behavior during her difficult time. But this morning she had gone too far and Dawnshadow had to remind her of her place in the pack. Dawnshadow was wondering now if she had been too hard on Lakeripple and if her resentment would grow towards her leader. After all, she is the mother of her ex mate. Her reprimand could have been taken as her firmly taking Bearspirit's side. Though Dawnshadow enjoyed all aspects of pack life she preferred not to intervene in the complex social structures unless they were causing chaos for the rest of the pack members. For instance, it was not her business who the father of Springdreams's and Mushroomfur's newly weaned and running wild pups were, but she had an idea. Just as it wasn't her business to see young Horizonshine with her new four pups and older Maplecreek with her four pups give birth at the same time. What had been particularly surprising to the young leader was seeing Acornpatch have a litter of four, due to her age. 'This winter is surely going to be tough,' she thought to herself, watching her pack mingle outside. It wasn't long before she saw her only daughter going from group to group with her weaned pups. Dawnshadow knew deep down what was happening but tried to put away the thought for as long as possible. Of course she had to confront it when Chipmunkbite finally approached her. "Well mother, you knew I had wanted to leave with my brothers but had to wait until these ones were fit to travel." she began, smiling down at her wriggling pups. Dawnshadow blinked back the emotion in her eyes, "Do you know where you're going to meet up with them?" "Yes, and father is going to escort me most of the way. I'm going to miss everyone so much, but especially you!" Chipmunkbite said before rubbing her head against her mother's body like she had done as a pup. It was really hard for Dawnshadow to see her only daughter go but she knew it was for the best. She wanted all her children to live the best life they could, and if that was away from her pack then so be it. After a few more moments of goodbyes Chipmunkbite led her pups away to waiting Pineconemoss. Dawnshadow shared a long look with her mate before he led their daughter into the woods and towards her new life. Dawnshadow resettled against the medicine den's floor and returned her gaze to her busy pack. So was the life of a leader.
The sun was setting, and Bearspirit was getting antsy. He loved his packmates but couldn't linger in camp too long before feeling the call of the woods. It was always stronger during the time the lights dance in the sky and he is able to enter the Dreamlands. But lately even during the day he felt like he was not traveling far enough. His two traveling companions had not been much help lately to answer his questions. Springdreams was nursing an open wound she got during hunting, and Nightdance was nursing her two pups. Bearspirit's hackles rose as he remembered the whispers when Nightdance had given birth, wondering if he was the father. The way Lakeripple had looked at him had broken his heart even more. As the pups are getting older the whispers are less since they look nothing like him but Bearspirit refuses to defend himself. He could hear Redwoodcone trying to settle her four new pups for the night while Cloverfield, the newly grown camp guard, was trying to corral Sunsetbreeze's, Ferncayon's, and Horzionshine's weaned pups. The dark pelted male sighed before rising to his paws, he couldn't wait any longer. He set out northwest from camp, heading deep into the welcoming woods. Bearspirit had traveled most of the night, climbing in elevation, the air getting cooler and moister as he went. There was more clearings and more streams in this part of the woods, and the trees seemed greener for it. It was easier to see the sky overhead, the stars and the dancing lights illuminating his journey. Still he pushed onward, the nagging sensation in his paws refusing to cease until dawn was creeping up the horizon. It was here the trees created this beautiful almost giant den that seemed so welcoming to him, it felt like home. He walked around and could envision where all the different dens would go and where the pups would play. He could smell a water source nearby, which would be perfect to cool off on hot days and retrieve water for sick packmates. This was it, this was what he had been meant to find. Now he just had to convince the pack to move to the Taiga. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-01-01 00:06:55 (edited)
"At least your pups waited this time before coming into the world," Dawnshadow said lightheartedly to her herbalist, Arnicapetal. Arnicapetal gave a light chuckle while Cloverfield laughed warmly nearby. It was nice to see the mother and her adopted daughter caring for their new pups together. The trio were sitting in the center of their new camp, reminiscing about the last time the pack had settled into a new home. Acornpatch's, Maplecreek's, and Nightdance's weaned pups were running around them. The pups had done well on the long journey through the woods to their new home, and Arnicapetal's and Cloverfield's pups had waited to come for a week as the pack settled. Dawnshadow was staying in camp today to relax after working her paws off on the journey and the resettling. Foxgaze was ordering some of the adolescents around as she tried to help the camp guards get the dens settled. Dawnshadow knew the fox colored female should be resting, since the only reason she was in camp was because she got injured hunting. But a quick glance at Arnicapetal showed the herbalist was unconcerned, so Dawnshadow let it go for now. It was really beautiful here, she could see why her son had been called to it. The dark rustling leaves seemed to call to her soul, and she knew that her pack would remain her for generations. What a journey it's been, to start miles away and finally find home through her son's paws.
"Seek out the larch by the river." That message kept ringing in Dawnshadow's ears as she padded through her new territory. She knew the different paths pretty well by now and could see that the trails were beginning to form where her packmates constantly stepped. Springdreams had had another one of her visions, and gave the strange message before needing to lay down to rest. With Pineconemoss and Bearspirit both out scouting, Dawnshadow had decided to take Redwoodcone with her on the mission. Her pups had just weaned and the camp guard was eager to get out to learn the territory better. It was just the two of them because most of her pack was still busy settling in and making sure they had enough food for all the hungry bellies. Hemlockshade and Twilightmeadow were busy with their new pups, and Nightdance was in the medicine den with the flu, so it was good Arnicapetal's pups had weaned because she had her paws full again. It wasn't long before the two she wolves reached the further away pond. They still hadn't gotten around to naming the notable locations yet but this pond has a river that runs from the mountains that feeds it. It was at the mouth of the river where a large larch tree stands, and where Dawnshadow imagined Springdreams wants them to go. The pond is smaller than the one closer to camp, so it wasn't hard to spot the yellow larch tree and follow the beacon. As they approached Dawnshadow signaled Redwoodcone to slow down, being extra alert and ready for anything. But all they found was a young she wolf close to Redwoodcone's age curled up at the base of the larch tree. Dawnshadow stopped a few steps away and called out, "Hello, I am Alpha Dawnshadow". The young wolf jumped at Dawnshadow's voice and scared gray eyes met hers. Dawnshadow paused as she took in the young wolf's markings, similar to her wolves that traveled to the Dreamlands. "What business do you have in the Whispering Leaves Pack territory? Are you an ambassador from the Dreamlands?" Dawnshadow continued gently, softening her stance. The young she wolf looked confused at Dawnshadow's words and kept looking back and forth between her and Redwoodcone, "I'm-I'm sorry but I don't know what you're saying. I just woke up here and then you two came along. I'm not sure what's going on." Dawnshadow mulled over the she wolf's words but signaled Redwoodcone she could relax. The red pelted she wolf approached the newcomer with a friendly wag and sat next to her, smiling happily. "I'm Redwoodcone. What's your name?" Redwoodcone asked softly as Dawnshadow decided what to do next. "I...I don't know..." the young she wolf looked distressed before looking up at the big tree she was sitting next to, "What do you call this?" "That's a larch tree, and that's a river." Redwoodcone offered, gesturing towards the body of water. The young she wolf seemed to mull over this before eventually saying, "I'd like to be Larchriver." Redwoodcone was going on about how that was a good name when a theory struck Dawnshadow. She remembered all those pups that had gone missing so many moons ago, Larchriver would be the right age. Could the young she wolf have accidentally wandered into the Dreamlands while chasing after the mysterious lights? It would explain why she didn't know what anything was called here. 'But why would she not remember her time in the Dreamlands?' she thought to herself. But there would be time to answer that later. "Come on Larchriver, let's go home," Dawnshadow said, smiling gently at the young she wolf. "Home." Larchriver whispered, trying the word out on her tongue. Redwoodcone helped Larchriver to her paws and the trio made their journey back to the pack. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-01-10 15:02:03 (edited)
"Okay pups, remember no pushing! Everyone gets to go at their own pace!" Acornpatch called out over the frenzy. With the warm weather it was decided that the pups would be taught how to swim today. It was not going well. Dawnshadow was trying to help manage the chaos but she had had a difficult birth and had limited mobility. Pineconemoss was trying to wrangle their four new pups but he had an open wound from a scouting accident and wasn't much help. Tumbledrock was trying to manage her three, Moonsong her three, Cypressgrove her four, and Foxgaze her three. Hemlockshade, Twilightmeadow, and Cloverfield were there to assist but their weaned pups were running wild and splashing everyone. Even injured Springdreams and Nightdance had been called in for reinforcements under the lie that the water would help their injuries. Acornpatch eventually had to take the older pups to the other side of Mountain Pond after an unfortunate collide that left Tumbledrock's young pup inconsolable. After the older pups and their mothers left there was more peace for the ones with little legs and the injured adults. Dawnshadow enjoyed the sun warming her pelt and the joyful noises of the young pups playing in the shallows. She smiled as she saw her packmates around her, lightly dosing while keeping one eye on their babies. This was the life she had dream so many moons ago, and it was finally coming true. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-01-14 07:34:44 (edited)
"Mushroomfur, are you sure you should be joining us today?" Cypressgrove said gently, focusing on where she was putting her paws and not the gray she wolf next to her. Mushroomfur replied indignantly, "You're not asking the same of Lakeripple!" At her name the fox colored she wolf flicked her tail irritably but said nothing. Dawnshadow suppressed a sigh. It was late afternoon and the group of she wolves had decided to go a little ways from camp to try to find some food since the hunting parties had yet to return. Mushroomfur and Lakeripple had nursing pups waiting for them back at camp, but Mushroomfur had given birth more recently. Cypressgrove said nothing and tried to keep focus on her footing but shortly slipped and landed on her side. Tumbledrock trotted over to the mentor and helped her back to her paws. "Those darn pups are going to be the end of me!" Cypressgrove muttered as she leaned on Tumbledrock to get her balance back. Dawnshadow had been noticing how the mentor was beginning to slow. After a particularly tough day with the pack's pups, she had tried to play with her own weaned pups and hurt her leg. "Come on, we have hungry mouths to feed." Tumbledrock said, meeting Dawnshadows eyes. Dawnshadow knew they were both thinking of their own recently weaned pups and how hungry their little bellies were all the time. "The five of us should be able to catch something or I'm a mouse," Dawnshadow joked, casually stretching an old injury that was acting up. She hoped no one would notice. "Lakeripple, would you take the lead please?" Lakeripple seemed surprised to be chosen for the honor and looked like she was about to say something. Instead she merely nodded her head and lead the group off deeper into the woods. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-01-19 07:33:08 (edited)
The warmth of the bodies inside the mossy log seemed to drive all thoughts of the snowstorm raging outside away. And everyone's focus was on the new life coming into the world. It was a good thing Lakeripple, Moonsong, and Foxgaze had all weaned their pups because there was barely any room in here now. Springdreams had the oldest pups, but it seemed she was often plagued by visions now and needed the most help caring for them. Even now, Dawnshadow noted, the strange pelted she wolf was laying with her eyes closed and twitching violently every now and then. Larchriver had been the next, her first litter. She was often glued to her three pups, telling them stories about the world around them since she was still learning about it too. Then there was Ferncanyon, she had ended up having a runt but it was well before the first snow so there was good hope for him. She tried not to baby him to make him feel different from his siblings but Dawnshadow saw her giving him extra milk sometimes. Last but not least was Horizonshine with her five, including one with a mossy pelt. Dawnshadow had thought Springdreams was having visions over that but the she wolf hadn't said much when the little pup was born. Now Horizonshine was sitting next to Sunsetbreeze, encouraging her friend to keep pushing. That was why Dawnshadow had been called by Arnicapetal, Sunsetbreeze had had a difficult pregnancy and the herbalist didn't expect the delivery to go well, especially in this storm. Nightdance was running back and forth for Arnicapetal, bringing supplies and water. Dawnshadow was proud of her packmate for stepping up and also knew she was relaying the information to the rest of the pack waiting in their dens. "You're doing so great Sunsetbreeze, just a little more!" Horizonshine encouraged to her friend, resting their heads together. The two were often inseperable and had been ever since Sunsetbreeze had joined the pack as an adolescent the third summer. They even looked similar, with Horizonshine having a slightly lighter pelt. Dawnshadow had often wondered why the two never pairbonded but that is their truth to be told. Sunsetbreeze already had three pups suckling at her belly but Arnicapetal said there was at least one more. It was obvious Sunsetbreeze was exhausted and seemed about to give up when she suddenly let out a loud grunt and out came a little green pup. Arnicapetal set about freeing it from the sack and warming it up. "A mossy one! Now we each have one!" Horizonshine said happily, licking her friend's face. Dawnshadow looked to see if Springdreams had anything to say to that but she had gone strangely still with her eyes still shut. Dawnshadow watched Arnicapetal expectantly, wondering if Sunsetbreeze's birth had gone alright after all. After finishing up the pup and nudging him to a teat Arnicapetal pressed on Sunsetbreeze's lower stomach. The warm pelted female did not move, it looked like she was about to fall asleep. Arnicapetal sighed and went over to the herb pile Nightdance had brought her and shuffled through it. Once she retrieved some herbs she went over to Sunsetbreeze, stuffed it in her mouth, and held her jaw shut before she could spit it out. "Swallow, there's one more." was all Arnicapetal said before returning to Sunsetbreeze's flank. Horizonshine began quietly encouraging her friend again but Dawnshadow didn't think the she wolf had it in her. Just then the leader could feel eyes burning into her and turned to see Springdreams sitting up rigidly, her eyes locked on Dawnshadow's. Before Dawnshadow could ask Springdreams what was wrong the sound of a pup being born stole her attention. It was suddenly deathly silent and Dawnshadow moved to get a better view. The last pup was the tiniest one she had ever seen, even Horizonshine was at a loss for words. The tension in the air had compelled Sunsetbreeze to use the last of her energy to look at her pup. She let out a soft cry and fell to her side, crying softly before exhaustion over took her. Arnicapetal worked hard to get the little male breathing but the best she could get him to make was tiny squeaks. Everyone was silent in the den, and still feeling Springdreams's stare, Dawnshadow turned to look into her knowing gaze. There was nothing they could do. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-01-25 10:43:03 (edited)
The pack was still recovering from the loss of Sunsetbreeze's pup, the little runt didn't even make it through the night. Her and Horizonshine's mossy pups had bonded quickly, much like their mothers, and had big dreams of exploring the world together. Their enthusiasm had kept Sunsetbreeze's spirits up but Dawnshadow knew the pack was ready to celebrate something and forget the hardships of winter. Today she was ready to give them that. Once again she stood in the center of a secluded clearing, though this time it was a new forest. Patches of wildflowers dotted the landscape and birds sung sweetly overhead. It had been a year since she last performed this ritual and my how much her pack has changed. Sunsetbreeze and Horizonshine sat together with Mushroomfur, Ferncanyon, and Larchriver nearby; their weaned pups running around excitedly at being outside of camp. Acornpatch with her almost weaned pups (including one with a mossy pelt), was trying to help Maplecreek and Redwoodcone with their pups. Dawnshadow saw Springdreams's weaned pups and Arnicapetal's young pups in the mix too and watched them try to stand on their hind paws to look for their mothers. She also noted that the mentor was looking pretty tired and worn out. Dawnshadow had been surprised that Acornpatch had been able to have a litter so late in life, and was wondering if it had taken too much out of the beloved she wolf. Everyone was here, well except for Lakeripple who understandably had asked Dawnshadow that morning if she could be excused to go hunting instead. A pang of sympathy tore through the alpha for the broken hearted she wolf, but such is life. The pack grew silent as Springdreams led the procession into the peaceful clearing. Every day it seemed that new lunar essence appeared on her coat and with it she was gaining respect amongst her packmates as being wise in otherworldly things. All eyes were on Pineconemoss and Bearspirit as they approached the gathered pack. Pineconemoss looked at his mate lovingly as he led their son in front of her and gently rubbed his head against hers. Dawnshadow smiled at his retreating back as he took his seat within the circle of the pack before drawing herself back to the moment. Bearspirit was much more confident this time, love in his eyes as he smiled at his mother and waited patiently for Nightdance to proceed into the North Clearing. Arnicapetal led the way and settled nearby with the package in her jaws. Nightdance stepped up to Bearspirit and touched noses to him, the pair sharing a giggle. Dawnshadow looked around at her pack once more before beginning, "I, Alpha Dawnshadow, of the Whispering Leaves Pack, call upon our ancestors to look down on these two wolves. They wish to perform a pairbond to signal their love, and I commend them to you as mates for hereafter". She paused, letting the tension build, knowing every wolf here was caught up in the moment. Bearspirit and Nightdance were watching their leader, their tails intertwined. Dawnshadow smiled before continuing, "Bearspirit, do you fully wish to enter this pairbond? And will you freely share your mind, body, and spirit with Nightdance?". Bearspirit answered confidently, "Yes, I do". Dawnshadow turned to the night colored she wolf, "Nightdance, do you fully wish to enter this pairbond? And will you freely share your mind, body, and spirit with Bearspirit?". Nightdance smiled, "Yes, I do". As Arnicapetal stepped forward, Dawnshadow continued, "Then by the blessing of our ancestors I declare you to be pairbonded in the eyes of the Whispering Leaves Pack. Share this elk heart to seal your bond". Arnicapetal unwrapped the heart from the large leaf it was wrapped in, Bearspirit and Pineconemoss had killed the elk this morning. The new couple bent down gingerly and took a bite of the heart together before sitting up and smiling at each other. The pack broke out into a celebratory howl, with Dawnshadow and Pineconemoss howling the loudest once again. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-01-31 07:30:16 (edited)
"I'm sorry to wake you at this time Dawnshadow, but it's really important." Moonsong apologized again as she led her leader towards the pond closest to camp. The leader grunted her acknowledgement once again but was half asleep still and instead was focusing on possible names for this pond. It was the only landmark left to be named, and many had their own names for it but most knew it as 'the pond close to camp'. Moonsong led them along the shore of the pond, and as the moonlight touched her fur Dawnshadow noticed lunar essence within the strands and was about to ask the she wolf if she had been visiting the Dreamlands too when something else caught her eye. The moonlight was reflecting down onto a dark shape near the water, and it wasn't long before Dawnshadow realized it was Acornpatch. "It looks like she got thirsty and came down for a drink but then got tired and laid down and...never got back up. I'm sorry Dawnshadow! I would have brought her water had I known!" Moonsong cried, her tail tucked between her legs. "You know Acornpatch hated wolves looking after her, at least she got to be independent one last time." Dawnshadow said sullenly as she looked down at her packmate. She had assigned the camp guards to keep an eye on the aging mentor but Acornpatch had refused help most of the time. Her pride was too strong, and she will always be admired for that. "It's almost dawn, get a couple camp guards to come help take her to the South Clearing. Then get the rest of the pack gathered for their goodbyes." Dawnshadow said gently as Moonsong nodded rapidly and took off. The golden leader sighed, suddenly feeling her age. She hadn't lost a packmate in many moons and all the memories were coming back. Especially the last time she buried a packmate and most of her pack had abandoned her, she had fallen into a deep depression and her son had had to take over for her. She would not let that happen this time, in honor of Acornpatch's pride Dawnshadow would remain strong for the Whispering Leaves Pack. The sun was well into rising by the time Acornpatch had been buried and the pack had been gathered. Newest member Juniperberry had been a big help, and Dawnshadow knew she was trying to prove her worth as a camp guard. Nightdance with her oldest pups was trying to help manage Maplecreek's, Redwoodcone's, and Arnicapetal's weaned ones. Cloverfield, Hemlockshade, and Twilightmeadow were trying to pitch in while also looking after their nursing pups. 'We're going to need a new mentor,' Dawnshadow thought as she waited for everyone to quiet down. "We thank you for the life you have given to the pack Acornpatch. We honor you this morning by continuing on while missing you walking beside us. May our ancestors light your path. May you find good hunting, soft bedding, and laughter from loved ones. This I wish for you always," Dawnshadow prayed, raising her eyes from the burial mound up to the skies above. A few others joined in the prayer vocally and Dawnshadow waited a few heartbeats for others to finish their silent prayers. Cypressgrove stepped forward then, "I wish to step down from the Old Growth hunters to be the new mentor". This was met by a few whispers but Dawnshadow was not surprised. She had noticed the age creeping into the opal colored she wolf and saw how she was preferring to stay behind to tell the pups stories more and more. "Thank you Cypressgrove, you have served your pack well as a hunter and we know you will continue to serve well as our mentor." Dawnshadow said sincerely. Several warm wishes followed Cypressgrove as she nodded goodbye to her hunting party and moved to go help contain the puppies. Dawnshadow took this time to look over the wolves in her New Growth hunting party, deciding which one had proven themself best to deserve the honor of joining the Old Growth hunters. "Lakeripple," she began, pausing at the shocked murmurs, "would you do me the honor of joining my Old Growth hunters?" Lakeripple herself looked surprised but at the encouragement from her former hunting party she stepped forward. "I would be honored, thank you Alpha Dawnshadow." Lakeripple said, with only a slight glance towards Nightdance. Bearspirit shuffled nervously but Nightdance kept her expression neutral. Yes, the two would be hunting partners now but Dawnshadow hoped this would bring more peace rather than discourse. But she would have to keep a close eye on them. Barks of congratulations filled the air, and Dawnshadow waited for them to quiet down before continuing. "Moonsong," Dawnshadow said as the white she wolf almost fell over, "would you do me the honor of joining my New Growth hunters?" Moonsong stood with her mouth open as the other camp guards jumped around her excitedly. "Y-yes! Thank you so much Alpha Dawnshadow!" Moonsong cried happily, her tail wagging fiercely. More barks of congratulations filled the air, until Dawnshadow continued. "May we honor our fallen packmate by continuing on!" she howled, echoed by the rest of her pack before they all shared their howls to the morning sky. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
