Bloodmoon Summit

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The call of an owl startles you awake.

The Conifers are dark tonight, you can hardly see your own muzzle ahead of you. Above you, thick, oily clouds blot out the moon, the only source of light other than the measly fireflies. Your fur fluffs out against the cold breeze in a weak attempt to warm your shivering figure. Something is off about these woods. You had been walking for hours, yet the forest seemed to stretch on forever, so you decided that saving whatever energy you had left would be better.

A twig snaps somewhere beyond your line of sight, something is watching you. The snap sounded almost purposeful, as if to warn you about its approach. The clouds break apart just enough to illuminate the smallest bit of whatever is around you. Your eyes dart around, using their newly found ability.

There is something standing at the tree line. Your heart stops, you can feel its eyes examining you. The hunger for warmth leaves you as adrenaline takes over, yet you can't move. Though, you notice a tail wagging. Is it friendly? No, it couldn't be. Yet, it looks almost excited to see you. The figure trots up and lays down in front of you, nose to nose. He's grinning, his teeth glinting in the moonlight.

"How did you get here? We never see new faces around here." He asks, quivering with excitement. You explain your situation, he tilts his head,
"Well, that sounds rough, how about I take you to my pack, you can stay as long as you like. I'll put in a good word for you," He winked, "Sorry, I'm Snowflakes in Wind. Or Snow, if you want." You tell him your name and agree to go with him, hesitantly albeit, but anything is better than this.

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As you two are walking through the dreary woodland, you come across a wall of large, tangling brambles, decorated with seemingly sun-bleached bones, feathers, and even a couple pelts. Snow ducks underneath the brambles through a small dug-out area. You follow. The brambles tug at your pelt, yet you push through, you swear you could feel a second pair of eyes watching you.

As soon as you enter, you're greeted by a tall, lanky wolf. His black pelt blends into the newly darkened sky, the only parts visible is his white muzzle and chest and his gleaming yellow eyes that shimmer with interest, or is it curiosity? You assume he's the leader. His head is held high, his shoulders squared, yet he ducks down to your eye level. He bows his head briefly before speaking,

"Greetings. I've heard you're lost?" You nod, "I sympathize with you, I've been lost in these woods before, many years ago. You can stay here until you get your bearings. I'm Igneous." You tell him your name and utter a 'thank you' as he is about to leave, but Igneous quickly looks over his shoulder, you see a slight glint of sorrow in his sharp eyes, it catches you off guard,

"Don't be running around outside after dark. I'd hate to see another wolf lost to this horrible place." He walks on. You stand there, a chill creeping up your spine as Igneous walks away, his head still stooped. Snow walks up beside you, nudging your shoulder as he tries to lighten the mood.

"Ignore him, he's just trying to scare you. Come on, we'll get you situated. The pups will love having somebody new around." As Snow turns away, you see his smile falter. The one twitch of a muscle unraveling his attempt to comfort you. The only bit of security and safety you felt gone in an instant.

What have you walked into?

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Igneous, Drawn by me, 11/06/22

Welcome to Bloodmoon Summit, Traveler. Rest up, stay as long as you'd like.