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Daily Wolf Diary

Daily Wolf Diary
Posted 2022-06-18 14:55:13
Making this less as a role play thread and more of a log of what I imagine my lead wolf is thinking while I play. I really just needed a place to write down my thoughts through the day. Others can join in if they'd like a place to document their wolf's thoughts, but honestly I'm not a very active role player.
Chev
#68479

Posted 2022-06-18 18:54:19
The move had been successful, the trek from the mountains to the desert was long and harsh on Sava, but thankfully her pack felt less of the burden than her. It was their first major move, the territory in the mountains wasn't bad per say, but they had outgrown the dens quickly in the past few months and after a few winters Sava was more than ready for a break. The planning had been complicated, she had to send out scouts, go out to the ranges herself, clear out the competition, and still maintain her pack. Organizing hunts, mates, puppy training, and rearing her own pups... she felt spent. But it felt worth it, even though it was spring and the heat was already substantial and they had to travel for larger game, it felt good.

And on top of all of that, Heavy was back! Talon's largest pup from her first litter with Khanai, Heavy had returned after a brief spat between her and her mother, not enough space or food the pup had felt restrained for most of her adolescence. It had been hard when she left, a big show of independence, under mined slightly by the fact that most of her litter mates along with 2 of Tsabata's pups had left with her. The only pups that remained were Icey and Chance; the former had been surprising given how adventurous she was and the latter had shocked no one, Chance was the runt of Talon's 1st litter and was never one to work harder than needed. Currently both had no official roles, just training pups and filling in where needed. But with Heavy back, it felt like a victory, even if the others had stayed away, started packs of their own or joined another.

It made Sava feel a little better after the departure of both of her grown pups A'Kanoe and Kanae; it was getting harder to remember their faces, she had been too young and too naive to keep them, the flaws in her that drove them away had receded slightly, but by the time she'd wised up to go talk to them... there was no trace. She didn't know if they were dead or if she had driven them so far that she couldn't track them, she wasn't sure what was worse. Life had been harder after that, food had been scarce, the hunting party argued more than they hunted, the scouts were gone for so long, she was sure some days that Talon would never return. Slowly, so slowly that she almost didn't notice, the pack started to gain it's footing, she learned who did best alone vs on a team, who was calm enough for the puppies and who was independent enough to be alone for hours or days scouting. She learned who she loved and who she didn't, she had to chase away some  wolves, they were dead weight and she couldn't justify them anymore.

One role that she was surprised by was the breeding male, her first 2 members were Talon and Tsabata both females, and for a long time they had been stagnant, no pups or males in those days. Then Talia pressed her to find another wolf, a male to expand their pack, and Sava had, admittedly, been a little irresponsible when she went out looking for a male, she would've taken any that she'd found- something she now knows is dangerous- made all the worse by being in heat herself and adopting 3 pitiable pups (Skull, Cross, and Bones). It was in this desperate rush that she found Khanai, looking back her pack had gotten lucky, he was a patient and friendly wolf who mixed so well with her pack of 3 that were certainly more romantic than some. She couldn't say she was in love with him, Talon and Tsabata never doubted their love for each other for a moment, but Sava couldn't deny he fit in with them so well that she almost took him forever, but that was a mistake she thankfully avoided. Now she knows she and him weren't forever mates, but he would have a place by her side forever, he stepped up to help with the pups, went on hunts with more aggressive wolves that attacked him (leading to Sava chasing them out), went on scouting missions when Talon was too far along with pups, and finally he came to settle in his final role as herbalist not long after she birthed their twins.

When Heavy and the others had left, she didn't need to ask why, this was after she lost all traces of her twin sons, but even still Sava sought out the eldest of her best friend's litter. At first things were... tense. Heavy had been gone only a few days, the rest of the new adults had been chased off from her by now, she didn't want to start another pack... she didn't know what she wanted except solitude. So when Sava came upon her at the grasslands, Heavy had reacted with a snarl, but Sava was precise in her speech and soon then were laying in the spring grass to talk. Sava knew why she'd left, but she asked anyway, allowed Heavy an opportunity to let out her complaints, no matter how small. There was the anticipated, not enough room, too cold, too little pray, all things Sava had anticipated, but something that struck a chord, there were no opportunities. No chance to grow beyond herself, was Heavy expected to just be a cub her whole life? The training she'd received had been poor, no mentor-ship set up and the puppy lessons were crowded and underwhelming, sure it meant the adults could have enough time to perform other tasks but it left too many pups to effectively teach! Heavy didn't feel prepared for adulthood, she knew little about hunting or other co-operative tasks, evidence by her ribs sticking out, she sheepishly admitted she hadn't really meant to abandon the pack but still she felt pushed too far to return. Sava could understand the pride of a young wolf making a big stand and then having to follow through, it was how she got here with her own pack. But Heavy didn't want to leave, she just wanted to feel important, and although the plans had been laid out far before Heavy ever left, Sava declared to her that she was so moved by Heavy's passion and judgement that she would be relocating the pack to a territory that could support them better. The tail wags and kisses she received made her heart ache for her sons, but Heavy was important too, she looked so much like Talon it hurt like her own pup had left.

The meeting with Heavy had been several days ago, she announced to the pack her decision, she had long discussed it with Talon and Talia, but the rest of the pack could stand to think this was due to Heavy's departure. Sava promised that the pack would be moved soon, but Heavy was hesitant, she decided to wait until the pack was settled before coming back, a stipulation Sava could live with. It had been so hard to leave Heavy there in the grasslands, she slayed a hare for her and left her the carcass and some scavenging tips, the young wolf would start slowly making her way to the desert to meet them.

Now she was hear, the red rand shaken from her fur, keeping sentry over the packs first night in their new home. The rocks felt warm even with the sun long set, Heavy had sprinted into the camp a few hours ago, joyfully yipping and leaping over her family. Talon was singing and crying, even as she nursed her 2nd litter (who were now curiously sniffing this strange new wolf) when her eldest pup would walk by she would nip at her heals, begging for more attention as Heavy tried to visit with everyone.

The air felt light for the first time since her 2nd litter had been born, speaking of which they were hanging back a little from the reunion, they were watching this unfamiliar familiar wolf with a stoicism unlike themselves. Sol, her only daughter, was friendly like her father and it took no time for her to start playing with Heavy. Salt, her eldest son of this litter, was standing as tall as he could as he faced away from the group, hanging on the edge of the camp, almost like he was practicing a sentry post like his mother, so cute! Trinket, the runt of the bunch, was going from wolf to wolf, sniffing around for any toys or snacks to bring to any of the still nursing litters, so much like his father it made Sava's eye feel wet. Hollow and Cod were acting as they typically did, laying in the shadows and sharing words as they watched everyone, orange and yellow eyes darting around being the only movement from them. They were sitting with the base of their tails against each other, of course, and chins rested on their paws, so calm for their age.

Deciding to take stock of all the pups and adolescents, Sava motioned for Lutta, who was watching her intently, to take over her sentry spot. He was a truly stoic, almost pessimistic wolf, and even though he didn't dislike Heavy or Talon he just didn't have the enthusiasm for this event like the others. He was so independent that Sava was surprised when he'd agreed to join her pack, never the less he made an amazing scout and a reliable member. Without preamble he slink over to her, not wanting to draw attention, he likely had been watching her, knowing how emotional his leader could be with pups, he'd been waiting patiently for her to summon him. As he sat to watch the entrance, Sava felt a rush of nostalgia for the early days of her pack and in a moment of romanticism she gave him an owl feather to play with when he grew bored, help keep his mind sharp he would say instead of admitting he liked to play with toys as much as any other wolf. He bumped his muzzle against hers when she dropped it and she felt fondness pressing against her eyes, whether it was from him or herself she didn't know.

With the entrance covered Sava walked along the camp, Heavy was play fighting with Hoot and Pulse, probably regretting the decision to let them team up on her, the two boys were impulsive and in tune with no one but each other and the wind. Watching from the side, as usual, was Pounce, an observant female who was almost an exact copy of her mother Pouch, though she hadn't inherited the same aggression and chaos that her litter mates Pulse and Hoot had. Indeed her name was very atypical of her actual personality, she took after her father and his cooperativeness more so than his appearance, as Sava walked by she wagged her tail and did a little wiggle in place to show her agreeableness. Sava nodded back to her and continued on, behind her the play fight raged on, Pouch was instructing her boys, thankfully her advice wasn't to aggressive, or self Sava would have to take care of that.

Next was a group of mostly adults observing the play, but far enough away that they could converse, Kahnai was in the center telling a story about his final herb foraging in the mountains, listening intently was Badger, Kite, and Bones, 3 males whose roles as pupsitters typically limited their adventures to lessons and play fighting. Listening a little less intently was Skull (Cross's new mate and father to her litter) and Rott (Kite's mate and currently pregnant with him), they were also pupsitters but the journey had been exciting enough for the new father and soon to be mother that it was all they could do to keep their eyes open. Sava tutted quietly at them, nudging Rott to lay down and rest before turning to Skull and suggesting he find his mate and decide on a bed for tonight. Twin yawns and squinting eyes was all she got in response, with a laugh she moved to the next group.

All her hunters were gathered in a tight circle, when Roma glanced towards her she nodded, not needing to engage, just check in. The group were sharing words of past hunts, future plans, and what new prey to expect. Starke and Tarka seemed optimistic (a main reason she had them in this group), but Wakabe seemed a little more serious, which was unusual for him, Roma nudged him and that seemed to be the end. She would have to watch the group closely in the coming days, but she trusted them to come to her with their concerns. For now she would let it be.

The fight between Heavy and the terror twins had ended, no victor was declared unsurprisingly, and she trotted past Sava to visit with the next group. Ah! It was Talon and Tsabata resting in a circle with their pups between them, those two were never far from each other and it was easier to think of their current litters as one super litter, 9 puppies with the help of the sitters they had a good balance. The mates had gone into heat together, bred with Khanai together, and given birth within hours of each other, it was almost scary. It looks like Heavy was getting acquainted with her newest little sibling, Icey was there excitedly introducing each pup as the mothers dozed off, the puppies not far behind.

Sava didn't stop with that group for very long, it was chaotic enough without her and the puppies didn't need to be disturbed more than they already have. As the leader slowly made her way past them she could hear Icey telling Heavy who was who.

(That one is Setter! And that one that looks like Khanai was Shep! Thrush and Leafy were the two suckling on each others paws! The twins there are List and Wist! They also look a lot like Khanai! That grumpy looking one was Crypt! And Whelp was the only one with blue eyes! Can you believe? And finally the one with yellow eyes almost like our leader is Hide!)

Passing by Bexar and Cross, Sava had to  pause, this was Cross' 1st litter and the youngest of the whole pack (until Rott pops at least) Bexar was the most skilled pupsitter of the pack and sometimes took on an almost herbalist role with some of the pups. Watching closely to make sure nothing concerning was happening, neither adult noticed her, they were to busy licking the puppies faces and oh! Their eyes were opening for the 1st time, such a relief and a blessing, Sava started to call for Skull to see his pups but it looks like Bones had already fetched him. Bexar stepped away to let Skull in close, he stood beside Sava as Skull, Cross and Bones all licked the pups and cooed quietly over them. The male beside her chuckled and murmured something about how close those 3 had always been, Sava leaned against him and sighed. He was right, even when it was just her, Talon, and Tsabata who adopted the pups from different backgrounds, all of them pitiful though, Skull had been chased off before he was weaned by his father. Cross had run away when she was promised as a mate to an adult from another pack, she had been only 4 months old when Talon had found her, days away from starvation. The final pup they got was Bones, her pack was small and when the mom was injured and could only carry one pup home.... well Bones was the youngest of 5, the bodies of her other 3 siblings that her mom couldn't take were the only thing keeping her warmth in the snow. Sava had searched for days alone to find her pack, they couldn't keep her, they were struggling themselves and already had 2 pups they'd took in. Not to mention she was in heat and still needing a male per Talia's urging and didn't have enough in her to care for another pup. When Bones' original pack refused to take her back (Why would they want the runt?) she had lunged with rage, she didn't win that fight but as she trudged home she vowed to never tell the pup of her packs cruelty. Funnily enough on the bloody walk back, she'd found Khanai and took him home, he'd caught a stout and brought it home without question. Moving off of Bexar she nudged him away, let the trio have this moment for themselves, the pack could celebrate tomorrow.

Feeling the long day in her limbs, Sava pushed a little further to finish her rounds, a loud snore from Chance (that lazy runt) pulled a tired chuckle from her. Surrounding him was a mix match of pups and adolescents, all sleeping the journey off now rather than stay up. Laying with her head on Chance's chest was Ashen, she had been exceptionally energetic today, and beside her was Shadow, one of Rotts teens and just as lazy as Chance, with a snore to match, she was barely visible as she was easily the darkest pack member. Amber and Bent, also teens from Rott's first litter, were laying just out of reach of Chance's paws, hopefully this would prevent any kicks through the night but hard to say, Amber had one eye open a bit as she watch Sava, always so alert. Sava dipped her head and gave the adolescent's ear a tug, a small warning to go back to sleep and keep her suspicions to a minimum. A loud snore from Shadow made both of them jump, Amber grumbled at her sibling then settled again, a soft snore left her and Sava had to sigh.

Towards the back of the camp sat the final 2 pack mates, funnily enough they were also the most recent recruits. Strain was an anxious adult male that Sava could see potential in, he kept his worries to himself and projected a stoic front, but she could see the use in his hypersensitivities. Soon after him joining she made him a pup sitter, the combination of always having to be engaged with an activity, being praised for seeing potential injuries a mile away, and having a big support group of other pup sitters to help him made him easily become an excellent sitter, second only to Bexar at this point and he'd been here a few weeks. Sava had been very vocal of how proud she was of him and certainly the way he squirmed under her gaze as she praised him in front of the whole pack hadn't dissuaded her fondness for him. The pup beside him was Hyena, she had come from The Enclave, an adoption center of sorts run by kind bears who rehomed abandoned puppies. She was an old looking merle pup with an even odder name that she had vehemently refused to change (which was unprompted since Sava hadn't wanted a new name) but the pup's gumption had endeared her to the leader. Taking her home she was immediately adopted by Kite and Rott, something that surprised the pack as Rott was in heat and planning to have her first litter with Kite.

Nevertheless the awkward little pup had quickly wormed her way into the heart of the pack. Which is why the scene before Sava was so odd, Hyena wasn't one to shy away from a play fight or a good story circle, she never missed an opportunity to glean some bits of wisdom from the hunters sharing circle, nor did she sit away from a cuddle pile when the day had finally caught up with her no matter how loud the snores were. So to see her sitting with Strain in the shadows far from the others was... worrisome. Though Strain was a trusted pack member and had easily earned Sava's fondness, she doesn't hesitate to stare him down, ears back and eyes squinting.

Strain reacts quickly, his nervousness causing little twitches as he lip licks and shifts from a loafed position to laying more on his side. He lets out a small whimper to appease her, unsure of what brought this on, she keeps her neck stiff and huffs. Not wanting to break the tension, Strain looks away.

"What are you two doing?" Sava's question is towards Hyena, the pup has taken a submissive pose as well, though it's much wigglier and puppy like, lip licking and wagging her tucked tail. Save growls to prompt an answer as the pup tries to wiggle closer to the adults.

"He's scared," She yips, Sava shushes her with another growl, no doubt that if they were any closer to the others this interaction would be noticed. Thankfully the nearest group is a bunch of sleeping lazy adolescents.... and Chance. Hyena answers again softer. "He's scared, he spent the whole journey worrying about the Cross' pups and Rott being so pregnant."
Chev
#68479

Posted 2022-06-18 19:50:09
Hyena boldly jumps closer to the male, he doesn't flinch which is admirable, she stands over him almost like she was dominating him. Sava is keen enough to know that this display is more for the leader than him, but she allows it, puppies often posture like this with each other and Sava feels almost warm that the pup would feel confident enough to defend a pack mate from the leader. Hyena isn't as well versed in social cues to know that Strain isn't in any real trouble, just that his actions need explanation.... and to reiterate that a new wolf such as himself shouldn't behave untoward to a pup. Sava bucks her head, he should stand, the pup doesn't let him up at first and he gives a small growl warning, Sava allows it with a nod.

When the pup still doesn't let him up, pinning his shoulder with her whole weight, granted Strain isn't trying with all his might to avoid hurting the pup and angering his leader, so Sava decides to intervene. She gives a growl then shoves the pup aside, not hard enough to even knock her to the ground, but certainly enough to make her message clear. Hyena is bold once again as she stands tall facing Sava, Strain has risen now and licks under his leaders muzzle, an ask to be calm with him and the pup. Mostly the pup. Sava lets him stand at her shoulder to face the pup, his head slightly lower but his posture still tall. With the assurance that Strain and Sava won't fight, the pup begins to wiggle and squirm her way to her leader. Save of course allows it, accepting the apology kisses from both of them.

"Now," Sava's voice is deep with exhaustion and over use from the day. "I will speak to you pup, then Strain. How did you become alone away from the group?" Hyena stops wiggling but still wags her tail, her paws twitching with adrenaline.

"He was alone, I came to ask him why." She started. "He didn't want to tell me," She shoots him a glare, Sava clacks her teeth to get her attention. "So I guessed, I guessed a few things until I guessed about the puppies and he got antsy like he was bit by a snake." Sava nods, cutting the pup off from going further, no doubt to try to speak for him, but it's not necessary. Sava is both relieved and proud, she's glad that an adult member wasn't unloading his worries onto a pup much to young to worry like this and proud that Hyena took it upon herself to console a pack mate. "Please, Can I-" the pup cuts herself off, watxhing Sava for permission. She allows it with another nod. "Please don't chase him off, I just wanted to help."

Ah.

So that's why the cub was acting to dramatically, Hyena had only been with the pack for a few weeks and before the Enclave Sava isn't sure of all the details, but the bear care takers there assured her that no pup abandoned is from a safe and secure pack. Sava tuts to the pup and Strain beside her whines, he must understand even more than the leader how she must feel, Sava nuzzled against the pup and allows her even closer, practically underneath the two adults. After a few minutes of snuggling and kisses, she nudges the tired pup towards snoring pile, when she hesitates Sava tugs on her fur gently.

"Go on, go sleep, no one is in trouble," She bumps her again. "I have to check and secure the pack, anything unusual has to be investigated. Thank you for checking on him, but in the future you should get me or another adult, pups don't need to be doing grown wolf's work." Hyena yawns and nods, she sneaks in another kiss before slinking over to Chance's group, her steps slow and heavy. When her soft sleep sounds start up Sava turns to Strain.

"Speak."

Her stare is still hard, but she is certainly calmed after cuddling with the pup, not so worried about a newer adult with a new pup alone away from the pack.

"I worry," Strain starts, glancing to her before going on. "I worried a lot during the trip, about the puppies and Rott and you and everyone." He sighs hard, stirring up dust.

"Yes?"

"The worry hasn't gone away, even though we're here and everyone's ok, I still have the worry and I didn't want to worry anyone else. So I stayed back, but Hyena, she's very smart so she came over and whittled me down until she got it right. I felt a little exposed honestly" He laughs softly, laying down now and watching the camp with soft eyes.

"It's my job to worry with you all," Sava begins gently. "If someone needs helps, no matter what it is, it's my job to step in. That includes your worries, they are very real and a part of you and more importantly a part of this pack. That means if your worry doesn't go away when it should, you have to ask for help. I don't like finding out that one of my best pup sitters is getting emotional assistance from a pup. Understood?" She is crouched over him now, right in his ear, he squirms in place until she stands again. Though she's unsure if his discomfort is from her authoritative tone or being praised as a sitter, either thought makes her feel another rush of fondness for him and her pack.

"Understood," He says into his paws, she almost laughs at how demure he sounds. "Thank you, I will do as you say." Now that statement gives her a rush of authority in her chest, what every wolf leader whats to hear, her especially.

"I'll have to give that pup some responsibility when she gets older, can't have her trying to usurp me or leave to start her own pack." Sava laughs again, it's a little louder, Chance stops snoring to turn over.

"Never!" Strain stands and bumps his shoulder into her hip. "She thinks you hung the moon in the sky, I'd never let her see you as an adversary." Sava grits her teeth to hold back a laugh, a few more minutes of swaying and conversing she orders him to rest, he stumbles over his feet to obey her. It's a good thing he's not a hunter, she thinks.

Her walk back to Lutta is much faster, every group has bedded down, all pups and teens are asleep. A few wolves are paired up and chatting, but she gives a brief order to sleep and she's rewarded with yawns and sleepy smiles. Heavy has settled down oddly enough with Pouch and her cubs.... huh, that's an unusual mix. The terror twins are flanking her and Pounce is curled tightly against Pouch. Well, it's good everyone is getting along and resting.

Lutta is sitting in the same spot, the feather she gave him between his paws, crumbled up and barely identifiable. She lets out a huff and nudges him, he hums back and stays in place. She gives another huff and a stronger push, still he doesn't move.

"Go rest," She says.

"No, I'll keep post. You've done more to earn a rest than anyone else."

"I don't like disobedience," Sava warns, but it's not firm, she feels almost like a puppy, trying to get her way... it's nice, almost.

"You don't like mindless idiots," He leans against her, if it were anyone else (or in front of anyone else) she'd snap at him and display her authority. "You can give the order, but you'll appreciate my momentary insubordination in the morning when you have to lead as all over again." And this is why she can't snap at him, this isn't a test against her leadership, he wants her be better leader for tomorrow. She huffs, not ready to give in, though with the older male she tends to fold pretty quick, though Khanai and Tsabata are the oldest they can't reason their way around her quite like Lutta.

"I expect the lands bellow us to be fully scouted and ready for me within 5 days." She orders, hoping he won't call out her change of subject.

"Understood, Leader. I will do as you say."

Oh, he knows the way to her good side, she wiggles a little in place at that, he of course doesn't budge or react even when she sneaks in a few licks to the top of his snout. Typically a stoic wolf like him wouldn't be so calm and content with such an overt display of affection, but Sava's his leader and no one is around to witness them give in to the other.

Sava settles down on the rock, it's not as warm as before, Lutta finally moves, scooching over to give her his warmed up spot. She shuffles into the spot and curls up, she glances up at him and he lets out a heavy sigh.

"I know, I'll wake you if theres trouble and I'll wake you when the sun is risen."
Chev
#68479

Posted 2022-06-19 14:08:33
Today has been... challenging.

The morning started easy enough, Lutta had nudged her awake when the sunrise ended and Sava had started her morning rounds. Checking on all the pups and teens, then the mothers, and finally the rest of the pack. Everyone was either already awake or starting to stir, ready for their instructions. Cross, Talon, and Tsabata's litters were all still nursing, so most important for them was to stay rested and hydrated after yesterday's journey, the pup sitters would assist them as needed and care for the weaned pups as well. She left Bexar in charge of who would be watching which pups and when.

Lutta was sent to rest for a while before his next scouting mission, he would be sent to the marsh lands below the desert, but he had kept watch all night so it would have to wait till after noon. Cross had been a scout prior to her pregancy, but was still out of commission since her litter wasn't weaned yet, so Heavy would be taking on the role. That was the first snag of the day.

Heavy was still asleep with Pouch's litter when Sava stood over her, stiff with anger, she lunged for the sleeping wolf and grabbed her by the scruff. The younger wolf yelped and twisted under her, but the grip wasn't hard enough to hurt, only to scare. Talon came rushing over and Pouch shoved her pups out of the way, Sava released Heavy to meet Talon's gaze and the mother stopped, head low. Sava waited for her to sniff, then she climbed off of Heavy, who was still curled up whimpering, Talon didn't move closer to comfort her.

"You're pregnant." Sava growled, a small crowd had gathered during the display and now each awake pack member darted a little closer to confirm. Chance was still sleeping further away with Rott's eldest litter and Hyena, but the rest were awake and watching. The hunter's waited at the entrance of camp, while the pup sitters kept the puppies out of the way.

"I was in heat after I left," Heavy said.

"You dare to tell me how my pack was over grown for our den and not enough food," Sava started, voice rumbling deep in her chest. "Then you sneak into mypack carrying pups from a male I don't know and don't even have the pride to tell me?" Pack mates are murmuring, Tsabata joins standing next to Talon, staring harder than Sava would normally allow but the leader's eyes were trained on Heavy.

"I didn't know what to do! It happened after we talked and I wasn't even sure when I arrived. I didn't know." Heavy rolled onto her back, she was still young enough that the puppy-like movements could still sway an elder wolf.

"Who was it?"

"A male from a pack in the forest, his name was Autumn and he wanted me to join the pack, but we had talked already and my mind was clearer after and I said no." Heavy flinches and wiggles a little more. "I was scared and I made a rash decision."

"Sava," Khanai calls, the group makes room for him to join the front. He doesn't say anymore, but she understands.

"Up child," The leader tells her. "I will make arraignments for your litter, but know that this will mean you won't have as many liberties until they are weaned. I expect you to remain in the camp until then, the sitters will bring you food, you will not assist in training for now." Heavy licks her leader's muzzle, curling up to her chest and letting out relieved whimpers.

"Thank you, Leader." The young wolf says and glances at Khanai and her mother before pressing even closer to Sava. "I'm sorry, I know I was supposed to work as a scout in Cross' place. Please tell me if I can help and I will do as you say." Sava sighs heavily, it's so early for this type of headache.

"Go to your mothers, I will sort this out." She bumps her muzzle against Heavy's rump to move her along, the younger wolf trots to Talon and Tsabata quickly and they take her back to begin making a nest. "Disperse." She tells the crowd and they do, chatting amongst each other or waiting for their orders. She begins to make her way through again.

The hunting party is eager to begin a new hunt, though their enthusiasm is curbed a little when she sends them further north to the prairie, but they can't argue, the spring prey in the prairie will be bountiful. Where in the desert the prey is still growing, they should peak in the fall and winter, the opposite of their old home.Their orders are to begin in the prairie and in the prey is smaller, store it for the day and continue unto the grasslands for some larger kills, then collect the 1st kills and return home. Sava sends them off without preamble, they could celebrate when they return, as long as they returned with food. She decided to send a few apprentices to watch and learn, Shadow, Bent and Amber were all good candidates.

Khanai is waiting for her, she licks his muzzle once, as a thank you for keeping her calm. The move had been so stressful then to find out the Heavy was pregnant, throwing a twist in her plans for the next few months. But he was right to step in, that's why she was so fond of him and his patience. Not to mention she felt the painful memory of a similar fight she'd had with Talon when she'd returned with Khanai. She had been so rushed and pressured, not to mention injured and in heat, that she made a decision that she was too young to make. It had been fine after a while, Khanai had proven to be one of the best decisions she'd ever made, but at the start it wasn't so obvious and she'd struggled to maintain authority over her diminutive pack back then. Too young and stretched too thin, they had made great strides since the early days of her leadership.

The herbalist licks her back and she closes her eyes with a hum, he'd likely helped save her friendship with Talon as well, who wouldn't have liked it if Sava had gone too far and cast out her eldest child while she was barely returned. After a moment or two of swaying together, she just relaxing into him, there was a cough behind them. Ah, her pups were up and ready for their training today. She decided to assign Sol to Khanai and assist him with foraging for herbs, when that was complete he could take Hollow and have the boy help with some medicine making, the others she'd either send with a scout or have them help the sitters. Khanai nuzzles with her only daughter for a moment before leaving, seems he was just as affected by the commotion as Sava was.

It was still too early for Lutta to be sent out, but she really needed to make a decision about who her 2nd scout would be. Cross, Talon, Tsabata, and Rott were all out of the question, all of them either nursing or pregnant. Her hunting party couldn't be alter now, they were already gone and none of them would do well on their own. Khanai was far to essential as an healer to be reassigned. Chance and Icey were possible candidates, but they were still very young, only a little over a year old each and neither had done well during their scouting training as teens. Sava sighed and rested her chin on her paws, perhaps one of the sitters could be arranged for a short time.

Not Bexar, he was the head of the sitters and she couldn't lose him, perhaps Badger, though she knew he'd be loathed to leave his chosen brother's side. Pouch had been a scout when she first joined, before her litter, but ever since her pup Anchor had died- following her aunt on a mission then suffering a horrendous death at the maws of coyotes- she'd been reluctant to be away from them and Sava wasn't sure she could order the mother to relive such a memory. Sava felt for Pouch, though the female didn't like such displays of affection, the mother was still grieving and there were still nights Sava found her sleepless watching over her litter, she never let them sleep apart and was aggressive about teaching them how to fight. No not Pouch.

And not Bones either, though her pup, Ashen, was weaned she was still a very key part of Skull and Cross' relationship. While Skull was away for hunting trips, Bones kept Cross and her litter safe and pup sat for her frequently. It was like if Talon and Tsabata loved Khanai as much as they loved each other, it was a little odd to have a trio like this, but Talia had mentioned it being possible. Not to mention Bones wasn't very good on her own anyways.

Sava growled with frustration and began to dig in the hard dirt outside the camp, she needed to pick another scout and soon! She had to send 2 out a day if they were to have enough hunting spaces and supplies, it was important for the packs next few months. Plus she couldn't begin her own patrols until she'd decided, one had to go out now if they wanted to go to the far north and report back to her by evening.

Another cough behind, though this one was shakier, maybe because she'd managed to make a sizeable hole by now with her frustrations. Strain was behind her, wagging his tail and watching her with bright eyes.

"Bexar is in charge of your assignments for today," She dismissed him, turning back to dig her thoughts and anger away.

"I can be your scout," He offered, moving closer, his tail still wagging. "Heavy can help with pup sitting and Bexar wouldn't mind covering my pups until she's up to speed."

"You asked Bexar this?" Sava asked slowly, he shook his head so hard he almost fell over.

"No! Of course not leader!" He was wiggling now with nerves, though at his age it was as endearing as when Heavy had done it. Still, Sava was a sucker for a submissive pack mate, she allowed him to wiggle closer. "I just can assume that he would be ok with it, he used to tell me about how he was Heavy's sitter all the time. I would be shocked if he didn't want her to be his assistant again." She hummed.

"You want to be a scout?" She was careful how she spoke now, he wasn't the steadiest of wolves and she didn't want to push him and make a decision that could cost him his life. "You don't like sitting?"

"I love the pups!" He closed his eyes and yawned widely, she could feel his fondness from here. "But I know that the others won't want to do it or it wouldn't be safe for them. I don't have to go, but if it means helping my leader and the pack, well it wouldn't be bad."

"I'm not sure it'd be a good fit for you."

"Until a few weeks ago I was basically a full time scout without the pack." He laughed, though it was a little shaky. "It was nerve wracking and I was scared a lot, but now that I know I have a den to come home too and help if I need it. It's not so scary."

"I remember when I found you, you were missing hair from stress and so jumpy. I hadn't even planned on taking you home, but something about you..." She trails off with a hum, he shifts in place, probably nervous from her vague praise. "Alright, I'll send you out, for today you'll just do a brief patrol of the desert, then when the sun is past the peak, come home and I'll have you go with Lutta to the swamps below us for a bit of practice. Tomorrow you'll go north, it should've been today, but we can wait. I want you to go past the taiga lands and begin in the tundra, it will take you almost the full day, but it's important. After tomorrow I'll send you to do some re-scouting. Understood?" He springs up at her words and dances in place a little, turning to play bow at her as she laughs.

"Yes leader! I'm very excited I can do this for the pack." She bows back and they spend a few minutes tussling in the dirt, she pins him after sometime then sends him off for his first scout mission.

It's mid morning and she has thankfully solved the first challenge of the day, unfortunately as she explores the forest to the north of the prairies- perhaps looking for this wolf Autumn that Heavy had met, perhaps not- Sava comes face to face with her next challenge of the day.

Tricky the wolf was in front of her.
Chev
#68479

Posted 2022-06-19 17:32:52
When Sava first came to these lands as a young adult she'd met Talia, the matronly black wolf that became Sava's mentor in those early days. Talia helped her decide on a den, recruit Talon, teach her how to lead hunting and scouting parties, and showed her the importance of a breeding male and later herbalism. The most important lesson Sava had to learn wasn't taught to her by Talia, no she had to learn it from Palme.

Palme was brought into the pack sometime after Khanai and Lutta had joined, with the exception of the stoic male the entirety of  the pack was romantic and friendly wolves. Sava had made a grave mistake bringing Palme into the bunch, it blindsided her in the end just how malicious Palme was, she had been so subtle. At first, Sava was to busy as a new leader expanding her pack to notice the female's toxicity, but when she began to influence other wolves to violence- granted some like her sisters Weruva and Pouch were already prone to aggression- against fellow pack members, Sava had to step up.

The young leader had tried to be strategic, she removed the sisters from the hunting party and gave them separate roles, Weruva would be a pup sitter and Palme would scout. Things seemed to calm down for a while, the new hunting party was completing kills and no longer in fighting, Weruva seemed to do well with the pups and Palme was an effective scout, but the leader didn't see the cracks that had formed weren't that easy to repair. She gave an inch and Palme took a mile.

Palme was pleased to be on den rest with her sister during her pregnancy, the two were behaving for the most part, but when they requested that Pouch be placed as a sitter as well Sava had to deny the request. The pack needed a scout while Palme was resting and Pouch had been a good fit for the time, not to mention she'd been excited to scout for the pack. The two sisters had been irate that they couldn't be on den rest together, Pouch- the youngest of the 3- had an argument with them over it which Palme blamed on Sava.

Things didn't boil over until after Palme's litter was weaned, she was put back as a scout, much to her chagrin and Pouch was pregnant and kept in the den for rest. Weruva didn't seem to latch onto her sister like she had with Palme, Pouch relied more on Rott or Bexar for help with her cubs. Out of the blue, Weruva was pup sitting one of the little ones. Sava was relieved the sisters had reconciled, but it was soon a nightmare. Sava's pack would never be the same and the next events would cement her leadership for the rest of their lives.

The morning Weruva had taken Anchor to the edge of camp, told the still nursing pup that her Auntie Palme was waiting for her, pointed her towards the south of the territory and told her to hurry so she wouldn't be left behind. It was training, the adult had said, following a scent trail. The pup was a nervous one but she did as she was told and toddled off in that direction, trying to catch Palme's scent. That evening Weruva said she couldn't find the pup, that she'd turn her back for only a minute and Anchor was gone.

The search party was Lutta, Talon, Starke, and Khanai, led by Sava, pieces of the body were found at the edge of the mountains and some further south in the prairie. Anchor's remains reeked of coyotes, but they were cold and the coyote stink was stale, this wasn't a fresh kill. It was Lutta who pointed out the scents of Palme and Weruva both under and over the scents of the coyotes, they had been at the scene before the kill and after. No one tried to stop her as the leader raced back to camp, ordering them to gather the remains and bury the pup.

The den had one main entrance, but Sava knew of a few tight squeezes she could use to enter without announcement, she rolled in an old kill to disguise herself and waited. It there, squeezed between the rocks that she heard them, Weruva and Palme talking to their sister. Pouch was pacing and had left her pups with Bexar so they wouldn't see her fear, her sisters stood on either side of her and laughed.

(You wanna rethink not joining us against Sava?)

Pouch had dropped down and cried, asking Palme if she had actually done it, when Sava sprung upon them, having heard enough. Weruva ran, fleeing from the territory, but Sava knew, just like Pouch knew, that Palme had been the master mind. The two fought, Pouch crying and howling in the back ground, the pack gathered to watch the frenzy, mystified. The search party had returned, Khanai explained to the pack over the sounds of the growls and fighting, while Lutta and Talon left to catch the running Weruva.

It wasn't either female's first fight, but Sava was the leader, everyday she was training and improving, she had a Palme's back leg in her mouth when she crunched down. The sound echoed as did the wolf's screams of pain and pleas for release. Sava, with a gash leaking from her forehead into one eye, over took her, Palme bit at what little of her chest she could reach. The leader reached down and had Palme by the throat, Bexar and the other sitters had tried to shove all the puppies into the den at the first sight of blood. As Palme screams for mercy turn to gurgles turn to silence, Sava's mouth filled with blood, her jaw ached but she didn't release until there was nothing left of Palme.

When she dropped the body to the rocky floor, she met Tricky's gaze, the pup had slipped between legs to watch the fight and her mother's death. She was the middle child of Palme and Khanai, a sociable pup that took more after Khanai personality wise. Bexar shoved her back in the den and began to console the pups crying, they could smell what happened, but Tricky had seen it. The rest of the night Sava and Pouch Kept vigil, Anchor had been buried a few yards from the entrance, the mother had asked to see the body, Khanai gently told her she shouldn't have to see it and she sobbed some more.

Khanai and Bexar were in charge of comforting the pups, Rott and Wakabe took Palme's body to the higher slopes, there was no dirt and she would not be buried. Laid out on the rocks far from the pack, her remains left for the world to take, Sava would come back for her skull in a few weeks. Lutta and Talon returned empty handed and angry, Weruva was never seen again.

The vigil was silent, Sava and Pouch didn't speak, but she cried softly into her leader's chest, it was the softest she's ever seen the sarcastic wolf and when she began grooming her sister's blood from her leaders fur, Sava howled. She held it until her chest hurt, the rest of the pack joined in, but she was the final note, she had to be. Pouch didn't howl, just kept grooming her leader, a pledge of her fealty.

Months later, when Heavy left and many teens followed her, Sava was unsurprised that Tricky was amongst them, all of Palme's litter had left of course. Not all of the new adults left because of her execution, but Sava never sought any, besides Heavy, out to ask.

Now Tricky was before her, stinking of fear, loneliness, and lacking a scent of a pack.

The young female had been crying, which is how Sava found her, and after some tension and posturing, they were able to talk. Tricky had been alone since she'd left, she and her brother Seethe had not followed Heavy but instead went off together, eventually he decided to start his own pack and met a young female, Sharp. Unfortunately that female didn't like Tricky, Sharp and Seethe were both on the more aggressive side of the temperament scale, while Tricky was extremely sociable. She had already been butting heads with her brother during this time, then add in Sharp and it was 2 against 1. So she decided to split, it was hard and she wasn't used to being alone, but there was some relief in the isolation.

Sava nodded along patiently, just as she had with Heavy, but Tricky didn't complain about the pack or her leadership skills, no matter that she had every right. No she assured Sava that she left because she didn't want her brother alone, then when she left him, she felt to afraid to return the Sava and the pack. So she meandered around, trying to make herself available for other packs, then she thought she'd gotten lucky, she had gone into her first heat. Sava felt her heart sink, she knew this story, this tragedy. As expected Tricky rushed into a relationship with a handsome and distinct looking young male named Acai from a pack in the mountains, they'd spent several days together, she'd expected to be invited back to his pack. Then he told her that he wasn't the leader of his pack like he'd claimed, and on top of that the leader was unfriendly and chased her away. She'd returned a few times, her heat over and she was sure she was pregnant, hoping to convince the pack to allow her with her mate, Acai didn't return her affections becoming very aloof and admitted that he wouldn't take her as a mate even if his leader allowed her into the pack.

Obviously heart broken and alone, Tricky fled, she had been looking for an old, empty den to use for her birth when Sava stumbled upon her. She insisted that she didn't want to come back, the mountain dens were too small and there was already so much struggle, she would birth and wean her pups here and try her best to maintain the litter until they were old enough to travel, then she would continue looking for a pack. Sava told her about the pack's new home, how big and warm it was, how she'd recruited more hunters and had so many pup sitters and teens willing to pitch in. She told her about Heavy returning, and how Icey and Chance were still home enjoying Talon and Tsabata's newest litter.

She spoke about Heavy's own pregnancy to a wolf named Autumn and how she'd also been afraid and alone, scared in her heat and making mistakes. Sava spoke of how the present reflects the past, her own rush decisions in those early days, in her first heat, of how she misses her first sons so much, but she has a new litter. Rott is pregnant again, due any day now, Cross and Skull's litter opened their eyes yesterday, Bone had a pup named Ashen, Rott and Kite were mates now and had adopted a pup from The Enclave name Hyena even though she was pregnant she still wanted to care for the odd looking pup. Tricky cried as her old leader spoke, Sava ushered her under her chest and hummed, resting her chin on the young wolf's head she began to rock them side to side. Together they sway for so long the sun was behind the trees when Tricky's sobs finally quieted and Sava opened her eyes to the pregnant wolf crouching down. Ah.

Tricky licked Sava muzzle and wiggled, moving side to side again, her tail sweeping against the forest floor and she yipped. Sava laughed, these barely adult wolves sure were using their old puppy charms on her, was she so easy to read that they knew her softest spots?

Together they made their way back to the desert camp, Sava stopped to catch small prey for the young adult, she wasn't nearly as skinny as Heavy had been but she was just a little too lean for the leader's comfort. And what was the harm in doting on the almost mother. They talked as they walked, discussing Palme and Weruva, Heavy's absence, the mistakes they all made and the future of the pack.

When they arrived it was early evening, the hunting party had brought back some small kills and even a cow! There was so much to celebrate, the first feast in the new home, Cross' litter opening their eyes, Tricky's return, her and Heavy's pregnancies. It was all so much Sava felt her chest aching so much she had to move her body, her tail wagging non stop as she tuselled with the pups and teens, dragging a cow's leg against 3 puppies she let them win. Strain and Lutta returned from scouting successfully, joining in on the meal and festivities. The desert was pleasantly warm as she stood watch tonight, the sounds of her sleeping pack behind her.

Unfortunately she felt a little sick, probably from eating a carcass on the way home. But even the discomfort in her abdomen couldn't take her joy away. She'd just be sure to visit Khanai and Herbert tomorrow.
Chev
#68479

Posted 2022-06-21 20:09:03
The past week had flown by so fast, that was Sava's first actual thought in the past 8 days.

After returning with Tricky the pack's leader had to buckle down and work hard to keep the group going. First and foremost she sent the hunting team up to the grasslands, the area had farmlands that would be teaming with late spring life and opportunities, along with the seasonal home of some wild horses, who would be spending the warmer months there with their young. Plenty of chances for successful hunts, she ordered that no matter how long it took, spend even a few days up there just gathering as many kills as possible for the flood of new puppies they would be expecting. The pup sitters began training the teens to help take on the up coming load when they became adults, much to the apprentice's chagrin, undoubtedly bored with the least flashy- but easily most important- role the pack could offer.

Scouting missions had gone without issue so far, Lutta had taken over the tundra missions, more suited for the longer days, he returned late after sunset to rest and leave before sunrise, he scavenged and hunted small prey while traveling to avoid putting a burden on the pack. Sava found herself missing him, but made sure to greet him every evening with a joyful howl that the pack would join in on, he would heave a sigh and resign himself to the flashy behavior before resign for a well earned nap. Strain was also very excited when his senior returned, though he showed it in a manner that only occurred between 2 stoic wolves, they would ignore the howling, pressed shoulders to each other, then immediately broke off to their own dens. It was sweet, Sava thought, that the 2 got on so well. Today however Sava decided Lutta would take a break from scouting to do some mentoring with the apprentices, he wasn't thrilled but she promised she would have Bexar as back up if the teens get too excited.

Pup sitting and training had gone well, Talon and Tsabata's litter had been weaned and started accompanying learning hunting basics. Crypt had caught a field mouse with Icey's help and while neither Shep or Thrush caught their prey they did show great comprehension of the lesson taught by Heavy. Sava's own pups were teens and regularly accompanying hunting parties or foraging missions with Kahnai. Rott's newest litter had been born 2 females, she and Kite were so proud and Sava wasn't surprised to see another very dark colored pup, Rott had a tendency to produce pups inspired by the new moon. The almost all black pup was aptly named Crow, she had yellow eyes and a tan nose with a blaze just like her mother. The other pup was a medium gray female named Dove (how sweet matching names!) who had orange eye and a gray nose like her father.

Speaking of Rott, her first litter had turn 1 year old yesterday and Sava worried all 3 would leave in the early hours just like past litters, but to her surprise the trio woke her at sunrise and asked to speak with her and their mother. Bent did most of the talking at the beginning, thanking her and Rott for their training and guidance, he said he loved and respected them and the pack too much not to tell his leader that he was leaving and why. Sava's heart sank at that and looked to Rott, she had a bitter sweet look on her face, but said nothing. Bent said that he had ambitions and wanted to leave and start his own pack, like Sava had, and that he would be taking Amber with him, they would be going further north to the taiga lands to settle and establish themselves. Amber started excitedly chattering about how they had visited the area as teens observing a scouting mission and it stuck with them so much.

After many memories shared, advice given, and tears shed, Sava finally turned to Shadow, the female had been laying in the shade comfortable as she watched the exchange in silence. Did she plan on leaving as well? The young wolf barked out a laugh, she had no plans to leave the pack, she wanted to take a role as a sitter, have a few pups, and enjoy life in the desert. Sava almost fell out hearing how candid and lazy she was, but nuzzled the wolf all the same, Shadow added on how she loved Rott and her leader too much to leave, oh how that made her chest feel full.

The pack celebrated the birth of Rott's new litter and the departure of 2 of her elder litter that morning, sending the pair off with some supplies and plenty of well wishes. Ashen and Hyena were now teens and tagged along with Strain as he escorted the new pack to the taiga lands, it would count as their training for the day. The hunting party left after that, taking Sava's litter as well as Pouch's pups with them for the day to learn. It surprised Pouch that she allowed her pups to go, normally she'd rather have them get lessons from sitters or Khanai, but since Heavy and Tricky's return the sarcastic wolf seemed to soften a little.

Khanai had been busy recently; after treating Sava's diarrhea, Tarka suffered from a near fatal heatstroke while hunting and the team had to send him home early assisted by some apprentices to the herbalist's cave, and now he was making a flea remedy for Pouch (probably why she was ok with her pups going on a hunting trip to avoid giving them the parasites) who was forced to quarantine outside of camp to avoid giving it to anyone else. Hopefully that would be the last of the illnesses for a while.

All in all, Sava felt good about the state of the pack, she was going on solo missions, gathering and hunting along the way, she was also engaging with other wolves, mostly territory disputes with loners trying to encroach on their space or kills, but she was having some positive conversations with a few packs through out the area. A few were established enough to offer things for her or other friendly leaders that passed by, some modest kills, herbs, or other supplies, nothing was ever asked in exchange but Sava would try to leave something new or needed that her pack could spare, typically aloe or some other herb that was hard to find outside the desert. Her efforts were rewarded with advice and local knowledge, as well as getting to travel through the lands without any head butting, it was pleasant.

Soon Tricky and Heavy would give birth,  not to mention Shadow had already said she was attempting to get pregnant, but Sava wasn't worried, she felt that the efforts made by herself and her pack this past week would more than pay off. They would be ready for the new litters and hopefully be able to stay in the desert for a few more seasons before they would inevitably have to move, such was life for an ambitious leader.
Chev
#68479

Posted 2022-06-22 20:03:33
Today was a day for changes and training, Sava had to make some tough decisions with the hunting party, Roma had come to her with concerns, he wasn't old at all but he had begun feeling his age and the long missions were hard on his joints. After having him checked out by the herbalists, who confirmed that he had early arthritis and that it would be best for him to semi-retire. Sava decided to make him the dedicated mentor for the younger pups in training, it would be a good boost to their survival chances and Roma would still be able to contribute to the pack without risking his health.

Next on the change block was Tarka, Sava had to remove him from hunting, he's finishing rate had gone down significantly in the past few weeks and every time she tried to investigate he'd just placate her with optimistic buzzwords. So until he could either tell her what was wrong or improved his strength stat, she had to move him to the pup sitters, he had taken the news well and was still as positive as ever about his new role.

On top of that Sava now had to move Lutta again, he needed to replace Skull's position as a chaser, the young male was removed from the team when his mates Cross and Bones had requested it following a mild injury, now that he was recovered he was scouting the local areas for supplies. Lutta hadn't been thrilled, he wasn't a team player but her had the best agility and speed stats of the pack, so when she'd asked he had begrudgingly accepted.

To cover Tarka's role as finisher, Sava had chosen Cross, the female was hesitant considering her mate's recent injury, but the leader had made it clear that with her strength and high training marks as an adolescent the pack didn't really have a choice aside from her. Sava made sure to layer in some heavy praise, her strength stat was equal to Tarka's (her senior need she be reminded) yet she was younger and still green, she would easily exceed him before the year was done. It had taken some reassurance before she could leave the young adult with the confidence that she could do this.

Now to cover the role of stalker, Sava went with 1 of her first recruits to the pack, Tsabata, the female had come forward offering to step in Roma's place. She had become quiet matronly in the past month, so it was a bit surprising she wanted to do such an intensive role, but Sava was grateful none the less. With all roles filled Sava felt confident the revised hunting party would succeed.

After spending a day making so many tough decisions, Sava took over one of the puppy lessons, she and Lutta taught separate groups on working together, while Pouch and Shadow taught a third group on hiding and stalking. In Sava's lesson, Olive and Luxe learned how strategy can be useful when hunting in a group and trying to chase a big prey animal that Sava pretended to be. With group coordination and a perfectly timed call, Luxe was able to tackle the pretend-elk to the ground.

Lutta's lesson was a little rougher, but still successful, Keen and Crypt both knew that their teamwork would fail, so Lutta paired them together. It started with snarling and growling but Lutta's gaze expressed more than any scolding would do. In the end the 2 were able to cooperate enough to complete a fake hunt.

Pouch took the lead on her and Shadow's combined lesson, the older wolf was very serious as they explained that even the best hiding spot won't save your life if you reveal yourself too soon. Thrush and Whelp learned how to limit body movement and noise in dangerous situations, while Shadow attempted to find them. The pups managed to hide for the entire allotted time, making even Pouch very proud.

After the lengthy lessons, Sava felt a little better, but her worries about the hunting party returned eventually so she decided to go to the prairie lands for her solo mission and observe them. To her gleeful surprise, the team greeted her with a fresh killed possum! Cross was so happy, she'd tried to give Sava all the details of the hunt, but she was pulled away by the stoic Lutta to start another one. Sava was sure to give him a pinch on his rump before she left, a playful reminder to behave.

By the time she's finished her mission and heading back to the camp, the party has made 3 more successful kills, Sava helps escort them back to camp where they celebrate the birth of Tricky's litter that occurred while she was gone. Everything went smoothly and the new mother had even picked out some unique names for her unique pups. The eldest is a male named Plum, who is a mostly red-purple colors with lighter merle patches. The 2nd is a russet colored male named Goji, he has more merle patches that make him look a bit more grey than red and bright blue claws... apparently inherited from his father Acai. The next is a female who has an equal mix of red, blue-grey, and white-tan merle patches, she also has bright blue claws and all four paws are a dark red color. The youngest is a runt male named Fig, his also a merle coated pup though where his siblings had dark red or medium brown muzzles and bellies he had a much lighter look to him, and once more he had bright blue claws. Fig had a striking face, most of it was light tan or blue-grey but the fur around his eyes were a dark henna red and he had distinct brow markings that were a much lighter blue-grey that the rest of his fur. Tricky was lovingly licking the faces of her.... interesting litter.

After completely her rounds and leading a joyful group howl, Sava settled down to rest and keep watch, Strain had decided to sleep beside her tonight, offering to take a sentry shift at some point tonight. She sighed happily and watching the stars as he began to softly snore beside her.
Chev
#68479

Posted 2022-06-26 15:16:51
Sava's heart is broken, her pack lost 2 pups in the past week.

Crypt and Shep left the camp early one day and came across a rattlesnake, she hadn't had the chance to teach them about snakes and why they should be avoided. Unaware of what that rattling noise was... Until it was too late. The bodies were found near a rattlesnake den. Her hurt didn't go away, not after the burial, not after their mother, Tsabata, led the mourning howl, not when Lutta approached his leader with a pair bonding proposal. She accepted and her next heat resulted in a pregnancy, but she was still hurting.

She didn't mean to visit The Enclave, just passing through and she decided to tell the care takers about the tragedy and burial, the bears were so kind, stroking the lead wolf's fur and wrapping her in their warm arms. Sava felt like a pup again with her mother, she almost envied the pups that lived here. When she voiced that thought she was met with sad crooning.

If only the pups they cared for had a pack that mourned their lost young.

Her heart wrenched, that was true, the pups left here were often from haunting backgrounds. Some were abandoned from cruel packs, some were survivors of disasters that took their family from them, others wandered in seeking shelter from abuse.

So of course Sava had to visit the little ones, the bears tried to warn her that she was grieving and didn't have to adopt any pups, but it felt only right to see. Lillemor, the matriarch, brought out Seeker a brown merle female with one white eye and one black eye, she was sprited and adventurous, so Sava took her. When the pup asked if she would consider taking her littermate, Sava asked to see him. Jackel was a peachy colored male with ebony eyes and an aloof stance, he had some black ticking on his saddle area, so Sava took him. Before leaving, Sava decided... since there were 5 pair bonds (including herself and Lutta) that could adopt pups, why only leave with 2 pups?

So she asked Lillemor to bring out 3 more, an alert white and grey female aptly named Snowy, a friendly amber colored female named Star, and the final pupwas brought out after a warning from the bear mother. She was a... unique pup, she came from unknown origins and displayed some Cnitharian qualities, unusual blue-green spots and her fur seemed to have a veil like appearance. She was named Cnitharia and she seemed like a neutral and well mannered pup, her stoic face not betraying any emotions.

When she returned to the pack with a gaggle of pups, Tsabata almost fell from the rock she was watching from, the poor puppies surrounded and thoroughly sniffed over as their new pack mates made themselves acquainted. Over the new few days the pups were divided between parents for adoption, Wakabe and Pouch took Seeker (Who was promptly thrown into battle with her new siblings), Jackal went to Cross and Skull (a good fit for the aloof pup), Star went to Kite and Rott (they immediately settled down for the evening), Snowy went to Tsabata and Talon (it was cute seeing the mothers take so quickly to their new daughter), and the unusual Cnitharia was taken in by Lutta and Sava (both Lutta and Cnith are so stoic it took Sava several minutes to figure out if they liked the arrangement or not).

Training continued as before, catching the new enclave pups up to speed wasn't hard, after a few solo lessons they were able to join the others. It was difficult to keep track of so many pup's lessons, but luckily Sava had made of habit of keeping detailed records. The most recent logs of the training are as follows:   

Roma stuffed herbs into his mouth and chewed them into a paste. He spit the wad into a paw and dabbed it onto a leaf, showing Hide the proper technique. List was in charge of describing everything she saw today while out exploring with Strain, down to the last detail. She struggled more than she expected, not realizing just how hard it was to rely upon her memory. Sava gave Wist and Whelp a series of tasks that could be completed only through cooperation. It was hard, but they got it done! Shadow explained how important it is not only to hide out of sight, but also out of scent range. Concealing scent is much more difficult than finding a good hiding spot, but it could be the difference between life and death. Chance taught the class about wind direction and scents that can reveal your position if the threat is downwind. Turns out Mask is the best at hiding if she just rolls in the dirt first! Mask felt that she was almost ready to try a real hunt and begged Roma to let her. He listened and explained that no matter how talented a pup may be, everyone had to train until they were old enough to move on. Sava had Star and Snowy take turns leading each other down a path with their eyes closed. Teamwork comes from trust, and Star and Snowy had to trust each other to work as a team! Olive waited patiently for the right moment while observing a mouse, and she caught it in one smooth movement. With her skills improving that quickly, Roma could already see Olive's future as a mighty hunter. Hide attempted to stalk Icey but got caught every time. Is Icey a superwolf or what? Jackel attempted to stalk Chance but got caught every time. Is Chance a superwolf or what? A cluster of rodent burrows was a great practice zone for today's class. Keen was able to stalk a mouse or two, but instead of killing it, Bones instructed him to let it go after presenting it. Today, Strain invented several poses and expressions and Leafy had to guess what they meant. She struggled on some of them, but by the end she had gotten better and Strain was impressed with how quickly she learned. Wist leapt powerfully at Roma and went for the thick fur under his neck. Roma was faster and swatted Wist away, growling that going for the underside of the neck is only for killing, not for play. Today the lesson included effective snarling, biting at the air with extra loose saliva, and pretend-biting each other's faces while making as many awkward gurgling noises as possible. Apparently this really makes other animals tremble in fear! Today the lesson included effective snarling, biting at the air with extra loose saliva, and pretend-biting each other's faces while making as many awkward gurgling noises as possible. Apparently this really makes other animals tremble in fear! Mask learned how to efficiently and quietly put paws in specific spots in every possible terrain, including water, without making a sound. Rott was impressed, and praised her for her success. Bexar explained the secrets of body language today. Snowy became more aware of even tiny signs and gestures, which will help to build healthy relationships in the future. Tarka suffered the consequences of his own idea for jaw muscle training. For about half of the class, Jackel pulled on his tail as they couldn't find any good branches to practice on. Finally, after many trials and failed attempts that made other pups burst with laughter, Leafy let out a proper, long howl! Still somewhat high-pitched, but it couldn't be mistaken for anything else other than a growing, strong wolf. Bexar introduced a wary Cnitharia to Herbert. He explained that Herbert is an expert on where to gather herbs, and can also trade herbs for others that you need. Wist focused on Badger as he explained how deadly things like hooves could be if he didn't pay attention to them when taking down prey. Badger had Wist practice dodging between the legs as he bit the carcass.  Dove's brow furrowed in concentration as she worked on guessing which herbs placed before her were poisonous and which were not. Roma watched with interest.


It was intensive but necessary, Summer had flown by and Fall had the lands in it's clutch, Heavy had given birth (Funnily enough she named them Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter- the originality not present in her post birth mind) and Sava was pregnant with her 3rd litter (her first with Lutta ). The new hunting party was very successful and Sava hoped they could continue to sustain the pack through winter, though it was too soon to tell. Another plan the leader had was to visit other packs and see what their charity hoards could offer, hopefully a few kills from them could supplement her pack as they continued to grow. She felt bad, taking from them, but she would try her hardest to offer supplies or herbs in exchange that would ease her guilt.

Aside from a few times, the pack had managed to avoid any major illness or injury (RIP to Tsabata's ears after her mite treatment, so gunky) and Khanai was making a small stockpile of commonly needed medicines and burying them for future use. After treat Tsabata, the hunting party took off for the grasslands, they had been hunting critter and small trails in the desert but this evening would be a good time to go after a large trail in the hills. As they left, so did the scouts for the second time that day (sans apprentices) Strain would be re-scouting the evergreen forest and Skull would re-scout the taiga lands.
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