Whispering Leaves Pack Lore (DNR)
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Posted 2022-02-06 09:11:13 (edited)
The beginning of Autumn had been good, the changings to ranks bringer her packmates closer together. But now the camp was divided into the sick and the healthy. Dawnshadow sat working at the unofficial divide, sorting through the herbs her scouting son and hunting parties brought back. New member Mountainstream sat beside her, working diligently. Arnicapetal had found the she wolf near Mountain Pond while she was looking for herbs. After hearing the plight of the pack Mountainstream decided to join and help out where she could. Dawnshadow appreciated the she wolf's compassion and hoped she would stay around for a while. The camp was subdued, even the pups in their lessons were quiet. Cloverfield's, Hemlockshade's, and Twilightmeadow's weaned pups were sitting silently, Dawnshadow's recently weaned pups among them. She may have weaned them a bit early, but her pack needed her now. Cypressgrove was still teaching despite having three suckling pups. They were currently in the mossy log with nursing mothers Tumbledrock, Foxgaze, and Moonsong. But one nursing mother was missing, and Dawnshadow's ear twitched as she heard her coughing in the sick bay. Lakeripple had been the first to show signs of sickness but at the beginning everyone thought she was just having a bad pregnancy. But then Nightdance fell sick, and Maplecreek right after. When Springdreams and even Pineconemoss got the illness as well it was decided that a quarantine would be made for the contagious wolves, to try to limit the spread to other packmates. Lakeripple had recently given birth to two little pups, no doubt the result of her lasting sickness, but they had to be taken away for their own safety. Now they were in the mossy log, each nursing she wolf sharing her milk with the pups. Dawnshadow's heart ached at the thought of how loving and caring her packmates were while also thinking of how sad Lakeripple must be to not be able to take care of her babies. But hopefully the sickness will be over soon, and until then Dawnshadow will keep working to help her pack however she can. |
 Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-02-12 07:48:17 (edited)
Dawnshadow stood silently with Tumbledrock and Foxgaze, looking down at Cypressgrove's body. The two hunters had found her early this morning, they had wanted to stretch their legs after weaning their pups. Now they were helping to cover the mentor with dirt to lay her body to rest. Foxgaze was taking it hard since she had been hunting partners with Cypressgrove just this past summer before the she wolf stepped down to be a mentor. Once they finished Tumbledrock placed her body firmly against Foxgaze's and led her away to sit with the waiting pack. Dawnshadow looked to her left and could just make out Acornpatch's grave under the snow. It hurt her to have to do this ceremony again so soon, but knew she had to do it for Cypressgrove and her pack. "We thank you for the life you have given to the pack Cypressgrove. 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 cloudy skies above. A few others joined in the prayer vocally and Dawnshadow waited a few heartbeats for others to finish their silent prayers. She looked to Cypressgrove's recently weaned pups, seeking comfort from Springdreams with her three pups, including one with a mossy pelt. Mushroomfur was also a gentle comfort, her three pups, also including one with a mossy pelt, nuzzled into their packmates. It was several silent moments longer before Maplecreek stepped forward, speaking quietly, "I wish to step down from the Old Growth hunters to be the new mentor". Dawnshadow recalled these had been Cypressgrove's words, and wondered if a new tradition had started in the pack in her memory. "Thank you Maplecreek, you have served your pack well as a hunter and we know you will continue to serve well as our mentor." Dawnshadow said, her words laced with emotion. The familiar exchange was not lost on her pack members, loud congratulations broke the stillness of the air still thick with emotion. Maplecreek smiled as she moved over to Cypressgrove's pups, nuzzling into them. Caught up in the emotion, Dawnshadow continued, "Ferncanyon, would you do me the honor of joining my Old Growth hunters?" The remaining members of the Old Growth hunters nodded their approval, Foxgaze most of all. Ferncanyon looked shocked and pleased as she stepped forward. "Yes Alpha Dawnshadow, thank you so much!" Ferncanyon said happily as her old hunting partners circled her. Dawnshadow noted how Hemlockshade lingered and knew it must be hard for her to lose her friend. The two were very close in age and were inseparable, very similar to Sunsetbreeze and Horizonshine, but Dawnshadow felt it was much more of a sisterly connection. It was odd to see the two get along so well only because they looked so different from each other, but family is more than blood. As Ferncanyon joined the Old Growth hunters Dawnshadow looked to her camp guards to determine who should be the next hunter. Seeing how selfishly Mushroomfur had taken care of her packmates pups while taking care of her own made the choice easy. "Mushroomfur, would you do me the honor of joining my New Growth hunters?" Dawnshadow asked. Mushroomfur looked up from the pups, surprise and delight in her eyes. "Thank you Alpha Dawnshadow, I would be honored." Mushroomfur said sweetly as her pack cheered for her. Even the pups got in on the action though they were probably just caught up in the excitement. "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 winter sky. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-02-18 08:23:38 (edited)
"Well my mom is an Old Growth hunter, so I want to play as that!" one of Ferncanyon's pups quipped, her sister nodding along. "I want to play as a Camp Guard like my mom!" one of Sunsetbreeze's pups added, her three sister yipping excitedly. "We want to be New Growth hunters like our moms!" Moonsong's and Mushroomfur's weaned pups barked together. "Yay, more hunters!" one of Lakeripple weaned pups said while another added, "They're better than Camp Guards!" Horizonshine's lone female snapped, "No they are not!" Her brothers nodded, backing her up. "Are too!" the pups of the pack hunters mocked. Larchriver's four pups jumped on the nearest hunter pups while snarling, "Are not!" Then the other pups joined in and the camp descended into chaos. Dawnshadow, Pineconemoss, and Foxgaze were quick to make their escape before Maplecreek called for reinforcements. The trio were heading out to scout together, like they did when the pack was new. Thankfully they slipped into the woods without detection. They mostly traveled in silence, enjoying each other's company and taking in the natural beauty around them. Occasionally a memory was shared of the time before when Foxgaze was still a scout. Dawnshadow took a moment to admire how much her packmate has grown into herself. She was without a doubt the strongest hunter in the pack, and Dawnshadow appreciated how much Foxgaze gave to her pack. She had found her just a few months after starting the Whispering Leaves Pack, another young wolf looking for a new family. Foxgaze chose them that day and has been an important part of the pack ever since. Eventually they came to rest on and outcrop of rocks on the way into the mountains that overlooked a large part of their territory. Dawnshadow laid down to soak in the warmth, not as young as she used to be but feeling youthful with her mate and friend. Pineconemoss laid beside her, pushing his back against her, just to feel her touch. Foxgaze sat next to her, looking out over the land that is their home, contentment on her face. They rested there for as long as they could, at peace. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-02-25 08:37:26 (edited)
Bearspirit walked through the Dreamlands, kicking up lunar dust with each paw step. He took a deep breath, enjoying the cool crisp air of the night, grateful to be out of camp. There was so many pups underfoot right now, he needed a break to get some peace and quiet. Springdreams, Ferncanyon, Sunsetbreeze, Horizonshine and Larchriver's pups had all weaned and were running amok. On top of that Maplecreek, Juniperberry, Redwoodcone, and Arnicapetal had all recently given birth. 'Nightdance will be joining them soon.' he thought of his mate with her swollen belly. He was constantly amazed by the resiliency of the she wolves and how they could tolerate being confined to camp with needy mouths and trampling paws. A lunar hummingbird flickering past distracted him from his thoughts. He watched it as it met up with another and they performed a sweet dance together before settling down on their nest. Bearspirit thought to his parents who were currently being isolated due to having fleas. 'At least they have each other.' he thought before his guilt set in once again. He should be there helping to run the pack while his parents are incapacitated. Bearspirit knew the time was fast approaching that a new leader would need to be chosen, and he knew everyone expected it to be him, but he didn't want it. He loved being out in the world and exploring new things, following where his paws take him. He loved being in the strange world with beautiful flora, curious glittering fauna, strange eyes staring at him from the shadows, and-'Wait, what?!' Bearspirit thought as he turned back around to look into the mysterious eyes. A handsome male wolf stepped out from the treeline, his deep voice warm, "Hello Bearspirit, I am Smoke Dancing Through Sky." Bearspirit was stunned but could see why the wolf had his name, his eyes moved as if they were filled with smoke. Tantalizing, yet dangerous, Bearspirit was pulled in. "Greetings..." Bearspirit began, still unsure, "How do you know my name?" Bearspirit forced himself to sit so he wouldn't inch any closer to the hypnotizing stranger. "I have a message for you, I was unable to reach Springdreams." Smoke Dancing Through Sky said, smiling as he sat across from Bearspirit. Bearspirit said, "Yes, she's quite busy at camp at the moment. What message do you have for me?" At that the shadows around them seemed to grow larger and the lunar dust sparkled brighter. An intense blue glow overtook the face of the stranger as he prepared to speak. "When the moon turns blue, a marked pup shall begin an age of tranquility and an era of honor." Bearspirit was trapped in the stranger's eyes and saw visions of a blue moon glimmering on a body of water. He felt a warm presence beside him, and three smaller ones, but his eyes were trapped on the moon, like they were trapped in the stranger's eyes. But he was not afraid, a deep peace overcame him and he knew this was simply meant to be. Smoke Dancing Through Sky continued, "Would you please lead me to your camp? I have a few things to discuss with Springdreams." Still lost in his vision Bearspirit merely nodded before leading the way back home. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-03-02 08:40:19 (edited)
'The moon sure is bright tonight.' Dawnshadow thought as she padded into camp, a squirrel hanging from her jaws. Sisters Cloverfield and Twilightmeadow had recently given birth and nursing Hemlockshade had asked Dawnshadow to fetch them their favorite treat to share. As Dawnshadow passed Arnicapetal teaching her newly weaned pups about herbs she saw the herbalist smiling at her, knowing where she was going with the treat. Arnicapetal had given birth to Twilightmeadow, the first pup to be born with a strange pelt in the pack. She had later adopted Cloverfield after her mother had rejected her for a similar afflicition, and the two siblings quickly bonded. Dawnshadow wagged her tail at her herbalist as she passed and promptly made her way into the large mossy log that housed the pups and nursing mothers. The old downed redwood log provided ample space for everyone, but the taller pack members would need to duck to walk around inside. This was no problem for Juniperberry's and Redwoodcone's weaned pups, who were jumping around playfully. Maplecreek had successfully gotten her own pups down before turning to try and wrangle the others. Dawnshadow chuckled as she laid the squirrel down between the two strange pelted sisters. "Thank you Dawnshadow!" Twilightmeadow said cheerfully, setting about dividing up the squirrel. Cloverfield looked up from licking a pup and barked out a thanks as well before helping her sister. A grateful look passed between Hemlockshade and Dawnshadow before the leader turned to head out of the den. "Oh, Dawnshadow?" Maplecreek called out, "Did you see Nightdance coming back to camp? She left to make dirt quite some time ago." Dawnshadow paused, trying to recall if she even recently smelled the she wolf nearby. "No, I'll go find her." Dawnshadow offered, quickly slipping out of the den. Her son's mate was close to whelping, she needed to stay close to camp. Just then Ferncanyon came bursting through the undergrowth, a wild look in her eyes. Dawnshadow was already racing to meet her when Ferncanyon spotted her leader and ran up to her. "Night...dance..." Ferncanyon said, breathless, "at the....other pond!" The she wolf was swaying on her paws from running so hard. Arnicapetal was already up and moving, gathering herbs. "Ferncanyon stay with my pups, I'll check you out after," Arnicapetal began issuing orders, "Dawnshadow go find her now, she shouldn't be alone at this time of night. I'll catch up." The herbalist quickly ran to her den, getting the last of her supplies. Dawnshadow didn't wait, knowing how dangerous it would be for Nightdance right now. The golden leader took off in the direction Ferncanyon had arrived. When Dawnshadow found Nightdance the she wolf had managed to dig a little hollow on the shore. Bearspirit was with her, he was just returning from a scouting mission when he wanted to get a drink before returning to camp. Thankfully he had arrived just as Ferncanyon had left for help, so Nightdance had been protected all along. As Dawnshadow approached the first pup was coming, so she assisted. Thankfully both of the she wolves had done this before, so it was second nature to them. Bearspirit on the other hand was a bit queasy and gave the she wolves plenty of space. It wasn't long before Arnicapetal arrived to take over and soon there were three new pups in this world. "They're beautiful, you did so good." Bearspirit cooed to his mate, laying beside her and sharing licks. Arnicapetal was cleaning up and Dawnshadow was giving the young couple space. The leader was captivated by the bright moon over the pond, it was a shade of blue and made the water this beautifully rich dark blue. "Look at the blue moon," Dawnshadow said softly, directing her words at Arnicapetal. But when she turned to look to see if her herbalist had heard her it was her son who was looking. He rose to his paws, despite Nightdance's questioning whine, his eyes locked on the moon over the pond. "When the moon turns blue, a marked pup shall begin an age of tranquility and an era of honor." Bearspirit said just under his breath. All the adults on the shore froze, feeling the tension in the air. Dawnshadow looked to her grandpups and gasped at the sight. As they were drying one pup has a lunar dust pattern on her that was glowing in the blue light. As all eyes locked on the pup a jay called from a nearby tree, a pretty sound against the soothing slapping of the waves. "Jay at Sapphire Pond." Nightdance named her daughter, sealing her destiny. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-03-08 08:50:36 (edited)
Dawnshadow lay in her family's den, a large dwelling dug under the roots of an old redwood tree. Four new pups were nursing from her, the largest male accidentally dislodging his runt sister. As the little she wolf whined Jay at Sapphire Pond peaked out from her nest nearby and quickly hopped over to help her kin reattach. Dawnshadow thumped her tail lightly as the recently weaned she wolf quelled her new pup's cries. Dawnshadow was pleased to see Jay take more of an interest in her packmates every day. They had yet to tell her of the prophecy, not wanting to sway her a certain way, and all informed adults were content to wait and see how she developed on her own. Tiny pawsteps approached the den, and Hemlockshade's weaned pups poked their heads in, "Jay, do you want to come play with us?" Jay at Sapphire Pond looked to her grandmother, "Can I go play?". Twilightmeadow's and Cloverfield's weaned pups could be heard playing just outside. Dawnshadow smiled at her, "Of course. But stay out of the mossy log!" Her ending statement probably went unheard as the group of pups stormed off. The leader shook her head, hoping that Moonsong was getting some rest. The she wolf had had a hard delivery and Arnicapetal was worried about her runt. 'Come to think of it, most of us had runts these litters. We'll have to make sure we stay well fed this winter.' Dawnshadow thought to herself, thinking of Tumbledrock, Mountainstream, and Foxgaze as well. "I don't want to hear it!" a shrill bark came from the center of camp. Dawnshadow wiggled so she could get a better view from her nest. It looked like Lakeripple was trying to get away from Springdreams, but what could they be arguing about? She noted her son, Bearspirit, was returning from scouting but hung back by the treeline. He and Lakeripple used to be mates long ago, but the fox colored she wolf rejected him as he became the ambassador for the Dreamlands and his pelt changed color. In her haste to get away, Lakeripple didn't notice as the groups of pups ran right in front of her path. She ended up tripping over Jay at Sapphire Pond and they both fell to the ground. "Stay out of my way!" Lakeripple snarled at the pup with more hostility than was necessary. Bearspirit began making his way to his daughter but Springdreams was faster. "The prophecy-" Springdreams began, putting herself between Lakeripple and Jay. But the fox colored she wolf would not hear it and lunged at her packmate. Bearspirit reached his daughter just in time to pull her out of the way of the tussling she wolves before jumping in. He had to physically restrain Lakeripple before she stopped stuggling. "Get off me!" she snarled as she pulled away from him, fury in her eyes as she stared at him hard. She gave one last look to his daughter before huffing and trotting off into the woods. Bearspirit exchanged a glance with Springdreams as Arnicapetal trotted over with supplies. Jay at Sapphire Pond stood with the other pups, keeping a brave face despite trembling slightly. Dawnshadow sighed, hoping the young pup wouldn't face too many more troubles in her life. But knowing she would, and Dawnshadow herself would be the one to prepare her for them. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-03-14 08:08:12 (edited)
Dawnshadow walked through the flowering meadow with her young granddaughter. Jay at Sapphire Pond was old enough now to go on excursions with her leader, and Dawnshadow was determined to take her out as often as possible. Especially now that the golden leader was starting to feel her age, it was nearing the time to select her successor. Dawnshadow had to make sure Jay was ready. The duo came to the middle of the meadow and stopped to rest for a bit, taking in the scenery around them. The morning sun was starting to break out from the clouds, birds were singing in the trees, bees buzzing from flower to flower. Jay spoke softly, "It's a lot more peaceful here than camp right now." Dawnshadow chuckled, adjusting her sitting position on the rich earth. She had to agree with her granddaughter, as is the nature of spring the pack was bursting with new life. Lakeripple, Ferncanyon, and Sunsetbreeze had all given birth to two pups each, while Mushroomfur had three and Springdreams had four. As soon as Tumbledrock's pups had weaned she had run off with Ferncanyon to hunt but they both slipped on the still melting ice and were confined to camp once again. They also had Mountainstream's, Foxgaze's, and Moonsong's weaned pups to look after. "This peace is hard won, and it's because of hard work everyday that we are able to keep it." Dawnshadow said, her gaze turning to the clouds above. Jay followed her grandmother's gaze, feeling the weight of the words that had been told. She was beginning to understand just how important her place would be in the pack, and the responsibility that came with it. A movement at the edge of the meadow caught Jay's eye and she looked to see a brass she wolf step from the tree line. Dawnshadow noticed a heartbeat later and the pair watched calmly as the new female approached. She had a beautiful pelt and eyes the depth of a raging storm. She must be only a few moons older than Jay. "Hello, I'm Maple That Sways in Storm." she called from a safe, yet friendly distance away. Dawnshadow gave a sideways glance to Jay, giving her permission to approach, wanting to see what she would do. To her delight the young she wolf got up and walked over to Maple in greeting. "Hi, I'm Jay at Sapphire Pond, and this is Alpha Dawnshadow." Jay said confidently, looking over at her grandmother at the introduction, "Welcome to the Whispering Leaves Pack!" Jay's tail was wagging now, her excitement showing. Maple smiled at the young wolf before looking at Dawnshadow and bowing her head respectfully. Dawnshadow, pleased with the prospected future of her pack, felt her own tail start to wag as well. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-03-20 08:27:57 (edited)
It was a warm summer evening, and the pack was lounging around. Dawnshadow lay lazily near her den, grateful for the sinking sun, and hopefully respite from the hot day. Maple That Sways in Storm passed by, looking half asleep from the heat. She recently grew to adulthood and now is a camp guard. There wasn't much defending to do right now but Dawnshadow was happy to see the youngster's dedication. Mushroomfur, Springdreams, Ferncanyon, Sunsetbreeze, and Horizonshine were all laying together chatting softly. All of their pups had weaned save for Horizonshine with her four who were due to wean soon. They were in the nursery with Larchriver's five and Redwoodcone's four. Maplecreek and Juniperberry were in there pupsitting while nursing their own litters, each having four of their own. But Dawnshadow caught sight of three little ones escaping. Wildfire Through Forest, Maplecreek's daughter, as well as Fox Hiding In Deep Burrow and Song From Morning Warbler, Juniperberry's, were escaping from the overcrowded den. The leader smiled as she watched them totter off to a clearing in camp but a sudden change in the air stole her attention. Dark storm clouds were rolling in, and fast. But these weren't ordinary storm clouds. They looked to be straight out of the Dreamlands and a quick look to Springdreams confirmed her suspicions. The older she wolf looked worried, which was uncharacteristic of her. This caused Dawnshadow's chest to seize with panic. As she was about to issue an order for her packmates to return to their dens a deafening clap of thunder sounded overhead and rain pelted down. Her packmates were quick to get up and seek shelter at this but Dawnshadow was frozen. The rain was a bright blue! As she was looking around at the strange rain she saw her granddaughter step out of her den. Jay at Sapphire Pond was the only calm within the storm. Remembering the pups in the clearing she turned to look for them as more thunder pounded overhead. Two of the pups were almost back to the nursery but little Fox Hiding in Deep Burrow was huddled down in fear. Sunsetbreeze went to go grab the pup but Foxgaze, returning from a hunt, was faster. But not fast enough. Dawnshadow could do nothing as she watched the angry clouds up above open up and send down a charging bolt towards the pup. Foxgaze had managed to pick her up in her jaws but Sunsetbreeze used her momentum to shove the pair out of the way. Sunsetbreeze took the full hit from the lightning. Horizonshine's scream could just be heard over the thunder. Jay and Dawnshadow rushed over the Sunsetbreeze, the leader feeling her age when her granddaughter almost beat her. Dawnshadow held Horizonshine back as Jay stood over her fallen packmate, nudging her gently. "You're fine, I promise you're fine. Just stand up and see." Jay was encouraging Sunsetbreeze. Dawnshadow thought it was all for naught but miraculously Sunsetbreeze shakily stood up. The she wolf was completely fine, albeit a new bright blue marking on her pelt. Dawnshadow had to steady Horizonshine as she swayed on her paws. "Look." Jay said cheerfully, her voice easier to hear as the thunder moved on. Where the strange rain touched their strange blue markings they glowed brightly. Sunsetbreeze, in shock, watched as her markings shone in the storm before Horizonshine almost knocked her to the ground out of joy. Dawnshadow stood there as Springdreams came to stand next to her, both staring at Jay as the young wolf watched the happy couple reunite. 'What does this mean for our pack?' Dawnshadow thought warily. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-03-27 08:58:06 (edited)
Lunar event. Fox Hiding in Deep Burrow feels the Lunar Essence rushing through her body! Tumbledrock feels the Lunar Essence rushing through her body! She got an open wound while hunting but recovered quickly. Jay at Sapphire Pond grew to adulthood. She gave birth to three males. (Lake That Laps at Shore) Arnicapetal gave birth to two females and one male. One of her puppies got an injury. Her pups weaned. Maplecreek's pups weaned (Wildfire Through Forest). She wandered off to find a quiet place to pass on. She will be remembered fondly. Springdreams is the new mentor. Hemlockshade joined the Old Growth hunters. Sunsetbreeze joined the New Growth hunters. Nightdance gave birth to six puppies! One large female, four females, and one runt male. Maple That Sways in Storm gave birth to three females and one male. Cloverfield gave birth to one female and two males. Hemlockshade gave birth to one large female, one female, and one runt male. She got an open wound while hunting but recovered quickly. Twilightmeadow gave birth to two females and one male. (Shadow Over Clover Patch) Larchriver's pups weaned. Juniperberry's pups weaned. (Fox Hiding in Deep Burrow, Song From Morning Warbler) Redwoodcone's pups weaned. Dawnshadow picked up ear mites while exploring but recovered quickly. Foxgaze picked up mange while hunting but recovered quickly. Lakeripple picked up ticks while hunting but recovered quickly. Pineconemoss picked up fleas while scouting but recovered quickly. |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |
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Posted 2022-04-01 08:21:22 (edited)
Nightdance's pups weaned. She picked up ticks while hunting but recovered quickly. Maple That Sways in Storm's pups weaned. Dawnshadow gave birth to one female and three males. (Dawn Rising Over Hill) Cloverfield's pups weaned. Tumbledrock gave birth to two females and one male. Hemlockshade's pups weaned. Wildfire Through Forest became an adolescent. Mountainstream gave birth to one female and three males. Twilightmeadow's pups weaned. (Shadow Over Clover Patch) |
Ursa | Offline Until 12th #50472 |