A New Reign: Jabbar Junayd

He watched Exodus run off after a few words as Damean was guided forward. In his opinion, it was about time, but didn't comment as he followed them to their destination. They were the only ones there currently, and he felt a hum of warning. Being as fast as she was, Petra should have been back, unless...

What if she wound up in the middle of whatever it was? He looked down from their vantage point, mind coming to a decision. His voice was clipped as Blade said to Rawbones and anyone else present after the elder finished speaking to Damean, "We need our lead healer in case something close to the worst happens." Up here, the trees couldn't echo the sound and confuse their hearing, so he knew exactly where the source was coming from. With a last glance to Damean, he said, "You will need to be able to trust us and our capabilities in a situation as we you, best sooner than later. Exodus has just as much an emotional stake, if not more than you, and feels just as strong about finding her, and currently is more equipped to help her, knowing some healing. Know she would die to protect her because of all this."

Those were his parting words before giving Rawbones a nod for his wishes of success for Exodus before heading in an easternly direction. Petra's course took her near the source, so he'd have to get close, and he now knew what was currently safely close enough, having spotted the distant mass of brown moving as one. Now into the trees and descending, he had to keep his guard up in case the mass changed direction, as he couldn't yet determine where it was headed. As he ran, he barked out Petra's name, hoping she was just taking cover and was merely blocked off from returning. If she was injured...

Blade saw Bloodeye and heard her say something as he ran by, but ignored it. Anything he might have responded wouldn't be heard, anyways, for she, too, was running in the opposite direction. He continued his trek towards the borders, stilling his movement as the noise was close enough to surround him now. Body tensed as he tried to figure out if it was coming at him or by him. A few seconds later, the noise seemed to not be getting louder, and seemed to be running by him to his right. He cautiously jogged towards it, pausing when he saw too many familiar brown bodies running, moving around the frequent tree. There was no where here to take shelter.

He continued on, eyes scanning for a place one might be able to take cover. For all he knew, though, he might have passed her. Elk alone were dangerous and if she was caught in the middle of this movement. Something else felt wrong, but he couldn't point a paw at what was causing his unease...

Lying curled up in her small shelter, Petra began to shiver as the blood in her pelt cooled and dried. She licked at the wound on her shoulder, willing it to stop bleeding. It had slowed down considerably, but the fresh wound still leaked. The other wounds seemed to have sealed for now, but were delicate and could easily be reopened. Leaving her shoulder alone for a moment, she peeked out from the shelter, wondering if she could see anything through the masses. Small glimpses of the surrounding vegetation was all that she could see. Suddenly the roaring thunder died down and began to fade, leaving her ears ringing. The ground stilled, and she could see out from under the overhang. Some laggers passed by, drumming the ground with their hooves, but the sound was peaceful in comparison with what had passed. The femme opted to remain in her shelter for just a while longer, in case any other stragglers were still to come. She tended to her wound once more, until she felt enough time had passed that she would be safe to come out of hiding.

Cautiously, she crept out of the little nook, her head and body low as she made her way carefully from safety. She wondered where she should go now. I need to get to my supplies in the den, she thought, then glanced around, But I need to see if the pack is okay.. Staggering along, cold and weary, she shook her head. She wasn't sure she would make it even to the dens by herself, nevermind finding the pack and tending to them. Stopping, she let her hip drop, and the rest of her body soon followed. She tilted back her head and let out a feeble howl, but she knew the pack would not hear her over the thunder of the herd. She wondered if she should have just stayed in her protective little nook. She lay there for a few more moments, her nose tilted down and eyelids drooping. She was so tired. But she didn't want to stay out in the open. She forced her eyes open and readied her paws underneath her, pushing herself up. Pain radiated from her wounds now, and she took a deep breath as she turned herself back to where she'd come from. It seemed a longer journey back than what she had traveled, and she had to convince herself to take each new pawstep. At last she saw the little overhang and moved more quickly towards it, knowing she could rest again. She crept back in and curled herself up, tail tucked over her nose. She would just have to wait and hope that the pack was alright, and that somebody would find her..

Petra had drifted back off to sleep again, and was startled when a voice suddenly called to her. She shivered as she lifted her head, her normally vibrant green eyes looking dull. She smiled as she saw who was there. "Thank goodness you're here," she said quietly. She was about to rise up to meet him when she got a double-look at the male standing outside her hiding place - it was not Blade, after all. Blinking quietly for a moment, she wasn't sure what to do or say. Now that her eyes had cleared a bit, she realized with dismay that this stranger resembled Blade quite a bit, but was much larger than him, and she felt very alone and vulnerable. However, she had heard him ask if she needed help - certainly he wasn't here to hurt her, was he? Drawing herself up into a seated position, she looked him over again, tilting her head. "I-I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else," she said shyly, feeling somewhat foolish. She didn'tk now whether or not she should trust this wolf, but did she really have any other choice right now? She could never defend herself against him, so she needed to believe in him.

"Who are you?" she asked, "You haven't been here before, have you?" She was somewhat curious about him, as his resemblence to her mate was so striking. But more than anything, she just wanted to get to safety, and be reunited with the pack. Then perhaps she could get in some rest, and fill her belly again. She dearly hoped that everyone else was safe and uninjured. "Maybe you can help me walk back to the dens," she suggested, standing up on tired limbs, "It's not far from here. The pack should be sheltering there." Though he looked like the wolf she loved and she felt inclined to trust him, she didn't want him to know that the pack was hiding far from here. Maybe someone else had heard her and would come help, so she wouldn't be left alone with this brute.

She wasn't one to make the first move, plus she was still rather wary of him, and wasn't sure what his intentions were. Who was he, and why had he come here? She didn't know whether Blade had any family in the lands of FnI, and if he did, he hadn't mentioned them to her. Her tail hanging low, she waited to hear what he would say, if anything, and maybe reveal who he was and where he'd come from.

The small hybrid heard him speak, unbothered by her mistake. But it seemed he was about to say something, then disregarded it. Unconsciously, she lifted a paw, feeling even more uncertain about him. Why had he chosen to omit something from his words? Ears folded back, but she still caught his name - Niveus Vigilo. "And I am Petra," she said, nearly forgetting her manners, "I'm glad to meet you." Then he confirmed what she was thinking, that he resembled Blade. So, this was Blade's half-brother? "He goes by Blade," she said, wondering why his own half-brother didn't know. It must have been a nickname he'd taken on after coming to FnI. A shiver ran through her again, but this time it was not from the cold; though the brothers looked the same, and seemed to have the same cool, patient attitude, there seemed to be a shadow between them. Why would Blade hide his identity from family? Nervousness clutched her belly, but she couldn't let it show. However, she stuttered as she spoke, her voice quiet and thin. "I guess you've come here to find him," she spoke, not looking at his eyes, "It won't be long now."

She glanced to him, but hadn't noticed his own nervousness. That was one thing she wasn't adept at spotting - she was so nervous herself that she felt weaker than everyone, and to her it was like everyone around her was confident. Nobody could feel her feelings of smallness and insignificance. His voice broke the silence again, and she forced herself to look up at him. He moved himself closer to her, and all she could do was take a deep breath as he said he didn't want to press his luck. Was Blade going to be displeased seeing Niveus here? She hoped that she wouldn't see him angry. She couldn't imagine what that would be like - what if he was upset seeing his brother lead her back to them? She shook her head, trying to rid herself of any nervous thoughts, but she knew this would seem a long walk. "This way," she said, feeling her pelt mesh with his as she leaned into him, warmth flooding her cold hide. She tilted her body slightly so she could give direction. Oh please, somebody find us! she thought, yet she knew in the back of her mind they were all at Shadow Mountain. She was really lucky that Niveus had found her.

Niveus was quite surprised by his kin's choice of name, who was by no means a fighter. Why such a name as Blade? He continued to notice her quiet, shy demeanor, wondering if it indeed had been a good idea to withhold his earlier words. It probably was for now, and he'd probably get time later... with luck. He didn't know enough about his half bother to know if she suited him or he, her. It'd been far too long, and he'd meet him soon enough. Even if Niveus didn't stick around, he had no doubts his scent would be remembered and would be chased after if only for answers. If he knew one thing, it was that Blade was more impulsive than the rest of the family, if one could believe that.

She was wordlessly gesturing him through body language. Something he was good at, since it was a gift all decent warriors had, but he was also instinctive enough to react in synch, as if she was verbally giving him direction. He was a very tactile wolf, his sense of touch being one of his better senses. His sense of smell had suffered, which stimulated the heightening of the seemingly less important of senses. There normally wasn't much difference in losing a few miles of smell for a pure fighter, but his original rank had been a guardian. Not that he still needed the extra distance, since there were frequently closer wolves trying to sneak in. Noticing the far away scents and deciding which would get to the lands first had been the scouts' job.

Dang. Now he realized what had been missing. Blade had been within his detecting distance, and why would he be traveling away instead of towards them? He didn't know where his half brother was, and that unnerved him.


"Slowly step away, Vee. Don't waste this warning," Blade's voice boomed around the trees, creating just enough an echoing effect that Niveus wouldn't know where he was. He'd covered his scent with enough of the land to at least confuse his half brother and his inferior sense of smell. Perhaps Petra would know his location, but Niveus definitely wouldn't. He was still west of them, but he was silently moving around behind them to their other side.

This was one good thing about being darker in pelt than his kin. It was far easier for him to stay hidden in the shadows and trees. He kept moving, saying, "You should have died. I know you were there when that pack invaded." Although unseen, his orange orbs blazed with fury, a fire burning in them.


Niveus almost jumped where he stood when he heard that voice, speaking in a deceivingly calm manner. That's how he knew he was angry beyond words, just like that day... It was much too calm compared to the other's normal tone. His ears pinned back, anxiousness mixed with bad memories, knowing that anger was directed at him. He slightly turned to whisper to Petra, "I'm sorry you wound up in the middle of this... He won't attack me for a while if you're beside me. Please, try to calm him down. I need to explain what he doesn't know. I owe it to him. That's part of why I'm here."

Petra was glad for the silence that ensued, but she had to lean on him heavily to keep herself steady. The thought of it had made her uncomfortable, but now that they were moving it wasn't so bad. Just knowing she was getting closer to the pack, and to Blade, kept her motivated to limp at this brute's side. Trudging along with her nose pointed down, she hadn't even bothered to scent the air, assuming that none of the pack would actually be nearby. Blade's voice suddenly boomed from the woods surrounding them, startling her, and she felt her heart jump as Niveus starled as well. Her heart raced with relief and happiness, but she was also anxious. What was going to happen here? Though she wished to dash away from Niveus' side and press herself into Blade, she could hear the seething undertones in his voice, and knew that his half-brother was in trouble. But did he deserve it? It was impossible for her to know. His words confirmed with her that she may be his only hope to explain himself or get a word in with Blade without serious consequence. Feeling torn, she glanced from Niveus to the wilderness, pinpointing Blade's location, though he was on the move.

Finally, she called out, her voice somewhat stronger than earlier. "Blade! Niveus found me and has helped me get this far. I'd still be alone and cold if not for him." Her leafy green orbs searched desperately through the undergrowth, hoping to see his familiar face. Her legs trembled and she leaned back into Niv. Would Blade see how he had helped her? Would he give the brute a chance? "Please come out so we can talk," she requested softly, ears flicking back. She felt so out of place, not knowing what had happened between these two hessians in the past that filled Blade with such anger. She hoped he would not blame her for trying to keep the peace, even though it seemed he would much rather tear his half-brother a new pelt.

He slowed his slow circling, stopping closer to Niveus, in mid calculation of the best angle to attack without hurting Petra. He wasn't so far gone as to forget her presence. Never. All he could see was that she wasn't moving as normal, and didn't know whose fault it was. Caught up in the elk, or Niveus himself? He knew the other was muscular and Petra normally would prefer to avoid trouble if possible. He noticed Petra tracking him, Niveus whispering something inaudible. His mate then spoke up... in his half brother's behalf? His claws dug into the earth, although he'd rather it into the warm flesh of his target. Coming out would give his position away to Niveus, but... He stepped away from his cover, slowly walking so he could stop in front of the pair. His orbs trained on Niv's, softening when they briefly turned away to look directly at Petra, but still held a cautious look in his eye, as if convincing himself he could interfere if anymore harm were to come to her. Was she well enough to move alone to his side? He'd feel more comfortable.

"Talk." Younger of the two or not, he was in control, being on familiar land. He was very angry at the wolf before his eyes, but it wasn't just him. Who else had survived if this easy to spot, muscular wolf had? He noticed how much he'd grown still since they parted, so it was clear who was physically stronger. It had been more clear cut who'd win in a real fight, given no rules, but now... he didn't know. He was slightly more in the disadvantage now that he was visible.


Niveus shifted his weight as Blade came out into the open, eyes dilated as he noticed how close the other was. How much longer until he'd have attacked had Petra not say anything? He muttered a quick, "Thank you," as Blade came to a stop in front of them, as alert as the wolf probably could be without being obvious. Niv knew what signs to look for, though. They were frequently seen back home. Looking between Petra and Blade, he guessed she knew very little. Even if it looked like he was stalling, this was a good time as any for Blade's mate... and Blade himself to learn the truth... from the beginning.

"It was a bad season when your mother had you. You might have forgotten, but despite how strong the other pups had been, they died in that very first winter when the snow was the worst it'd ever been. Father wanted to throw you out then and there despite having no other legit heirs." Seeing Blade's pointed look, he replied, "My mother passed before his rule. He did try to elevate me to replace you, but... you know, I'm all muscle. By then I was already training. I did what I could without overstepping my limits to simply keep you alive, Blade."

Looking at Petra, he said, mostly for her benefit, "The next few moons are things he already knows. He was the runt just because of the pack's harsh standards. Darker pelt colors and a build like his were bad for the pack in a snowy mountain for battle reasons, mostly. Growing up, his developing intellect and darkness made him threatening to Father and our pure pack for me to protect him between my duties guarding the pack." He barked out a short, harsh laugh, "Any pure pack wasn't really pure. We just weren't as far gone as the others. In fact, we were just about the purest pack in the region because we only started wars and had absolute, unwavering rules. Just living in constant snow freezes the hearts of the best of wolves. A location true to cultivate pure darkness and madness with one small mistake. The rare, warm newcomer would be as such originally, but they quickly harden... if they survived long enough. There were many packs, always trying to overtake others, but they had been decreasing suddenly until only the strongest packs survived. Does everything make sense so far?"

He couldn't help but quickly glance back to Blade, who had taken a step forward. He stood his ground, body calm, familiar with this deliberate action neither could ever be able to forget. Blade was still ready to revoke the offer of time and was quietly testing him before deciding to do so... like the pack used to do. It was clear to him Blade was barely restraining himself, probably for Petra's sake. He wouldn't blame her for leaving his side, although he couldn't tell if Blade would keep his implied word to listen. Niv would be coming to the important part, and this background was the minimal information that was important for both of them to be aware of before the main details.

Petra let loose a deep sigh when Blade came into the open, not even realizing she'd been holding her breath. His eyes had a hard and wary look in them as he stared Niveus down. They softened somewhat as he looked to her, but there was still a quality in his eyes that she did not wish to see. Yet, she knew it was the nature of these wolves, and she could not stop the hatred that lingered deep within the soul of every inhabitant of Jabbar. He gave but a singular verbal command to his half-brother, demanding him to start talking. Just after, she heard Niv whisper thanks to her, and she dipped her maw, unable to say anything. At last, the explaining began. It seemed it would be a long story; there was no quick fix here with a simple apology. Her ears then perked in interest. She had never learned of Blade's past before, and had only known him for the wolf that he was in Jabbar. She had admired and trusted him since the first time she'd met him all those moons ago, when her stepfather had escorted her during her first heat. Never had she regreted pursuing him, even though at times she'd had her doubts, and it had even been painful sometimes.

But she didn't know any other side of him, and no details about his past life until he'd come here. This would be interesting indeed, although she did not suspect she would find out anything unsettling about him. As Niv focused on her, giving her some details about their birth pack, she nodded to him, listening carefully. She understood, although there were so many questions buzzing through her mind, and it made her wonder what it would be like to be born elsewhere, leaving it all behind yet having regrets and resentment about the past. She'd been born here, and had hardly traveled elsewhere. She'd only been to Muerta and to Midnight, and didn't even know where the other territories were. Petra did not step away from Niveus, too engrossed in his storytelling to remember how tense the situation really was. She was too curious, to know what had happened, which would possibly decide the outcome of what would happen here.

Nodding, he continued, voice less cautious and more confident, knowing he'd be heard out, "No one knew how the packs had been disappearing. We just knew there were bodies where packs should have been. Naturally, every time this was noticed, the adjacent packs would start to fight for the territory. Through this-"

"I had my suspicions," Blade interrupted, "It wasn't coincidence. Never were the decimated packs right next to one another, but sometimes close enough for the prideful, stupid packs to simultaneously fight for two places at once, thinning their army and were overtaken. They were playing into the paws of a rouge pack." He nodded at Niveus to continue, not wanting any of these details to have been misunderstood.

"Our pack was higher up from the trouble, so we had the advantage. We also didn't care as much about expansion unless it benefited us." Niveus paused, as if trying to word what was coming next, "I told Father to send his personal guard and master tracker to seek out the pack doing this- we had assumed it was a rouge pack, hidden from sight. I wanted them to take Blade into their pack. I thought it would have been good for him, and he'd be alive and probably much happier. Father would never do that, especially for a wolf he hadn't expressed care about, unless he got something out of it. I had to all but abandon and ignore Blade the following moons to convince Father it was for the pack's benefit. I stated the idea of giving Blade to them in exchange for not putting us in a bad position. I claimed his traits would be something that pack would look for, and thus kept him in the dark this whole time about it for his sake."

His voice naturally lowered as he started speaking about the final piece, "Father agreed... but before he could, Blade had run away, for reasons I didn't know yet. I happened to be on duty, heading towards the next threat as I saw him sneaking out. Instead of holding him back, I kept going, pretending I didn't see him. If he wanted to leave, I wasn't going to stop him. Father didn't care for his disappearance. Days after, the rouge pack struck us directly. I my surprise, Blade himself part of the lead charge, but indirectly fighting. I then figured out he had left to find this pack when the rumors had finally gotten around to everyone and not just the leaders. I took advantage of the confusion and decided to leave. I despised the rules of the lands and wanted to escape that, but I also hadn't wanted to die for failing to run. With the war, I had nothing to lose. I knew I couldn't face Blade without being immediately attacked, so I traveled, following far, far behind him, trying to keep up by following rumors and whispers.

"I got lost a few times, but... I never abandoned you, Blade. Right before you left, Father had mentioned if it wasn't for his position, he'd have gotten you out long ago in a heartbeat. He chose to follow the rules above his family, but would have chosen to get you out with the slightest chance of you finding some happiness rather than leave you miserable all that time. I'm not telling you to not hate him, but... consider that and don't be overly harsh on him." He hoped this wouldn't change Petra's perspective of her mate. He had, after all, joined a pack and participated in killing his former pack... blood family even if they hadn't really been a true family. He decided to spare the details
of what that rouge pack had also done... He knew his half brother would need time to absorb it all, so he looked questioningly towards Petra, silently asking if she had questions. It would be a lot to take in to hear all this for the first time.

He stared at Niveus for a few seconds, as if trying to determine if everything made sense, or he was making things up. He had long enough to draw up a story that was reasonable. But... Niveus had been the only one who would try to play with and stand up for him. Being the older one, though, Niveus was frequently busy, his path as guardian having been chosen. Originally he'd thought Niveus had been like the others and abandoned him, but... This would take some time. He wanted to believe his kin, but there was still too much tension. The most he could currently promise would be to not kill him. He glanced at his mate, curious about her opinion. After all, Niveus had encountered her before he told this story. Her description of Niv's personality and ideas of intentions during first impressions would be useful.

Petra continued to listen, forgetting her pains for the moment, but seating herself as the two half-brothers spoke, Niveus telling his side of the story. He explained more to her, about how he had to do things in such a way as to convince their father that Blade should be traded away, for his own good, not fitting in with his birth pack. Just the thought of having to be so deceptive just in order to follow the feelings in one's heart caused her agony. She could not imagine having to make the choices that he had made, if what he said was true. And what Blade must have felt.. he must have felt abandoned, betrayed, and yet it had all been for his own good. Yet look at how both of them were still pained - Blade was hostile toward Niveus like she had never seen him toward any wolf. And Niveus himself seemed wracked with guilt, having traveled so far just to find his half-brother, to confess and to make amends. She didn't know what to make of all of this. All she could think of was how grateful she was that she'd never had to face such misery in her life, aside from her mother leaving her. But she'd been accepted by others, and it made that pain so insignificant.

She was only somewhat surprised to hear the next part, that Blade had left on his own account, and not long after, returned with the band of rogues in order to destroy his birth pack. She looked to him. Could he really be blamed? His own father chose power over family. Niveus had remained silent about his intentions. If one went unloved for so long, wasn't it natural for hate to fill that void? She couldn't comprehend what Niveus said about their father, what he said just before Blade's departure... if not for his position he would have cared for him, made sure that he was happy. But his actions had clearly proven that to him the allure of power was more compelling than that of love for his family. Those actions were the only thing that mattered. She lowered her eyes, her thoughts milling over all of this, until silence engulfed them. When she looked back up again, they were both looking at her, as though waiting on her.

She blinked, shifting uncomfortably. What was she supposed to say? Just from hearing the story, anger had built within her as she wondered how anyone who cared about someone else could just abandon them, and choose something so lonely and untangible as power over family. Yes, her own parents and siblings were gone, but at least her mother hadn't selfishly dragged her along in a loveless void, in some gross attempt to pretend she still cared. If her mother didn't care enough to stay around when she and her brother had gotten sick, then she was glad her bearer was gone, and that she had instead been raised by wolves who loved her. To be strung along by callous wolves whose eyes were filled with nothing but greed... what a terrible existence. She would rather die alone, than be forced to live amongs those who hated her. "Your father sounds like an awful, selfish wolf," she stated, suddenly overcome with anger, "What use is it to say you care about someone, but you'd only show them you love them if it were convenient?"

She had stood back up again, and looked away from Niveus as she struggled over to Blade. She was not comfortable with her anger, but when it came to him, she couldn't help but to feel furious, knowing that his own father had behaved in such a way to him. It just wasn't right. Silence surrounded them all again, and she looked back over her shoulder toward Niveus. She knew he hadn't been in power back then, he must have done his best, or at least he did the best at what he thought was the only possibility. It was too bad that things had turned out the way they had. She had nothing else to say, still too overwhelmed by the reality of what was Blade's past, and by his half-brother's appearance and all the emotions it drew out.

Niveus would have been stupid not to hear the anger in Petra's voice, and she didn't voice anger often. Blade had an idea of both sides now, thanks to his mate. Hearing it from an outsider's view justified his own anger, but at the same time, he knew how life was there.

He watched her stand, and he quickly moved to meet her half way to help support her. She needed to get to her den to heal and rest. "Let's get to your den. Once the elk pass, the others will come." He started to walk towards the dens, making sure to stick to Petra's speed. Nothing was said to his kin, but the other would have the sense to follow, in fear of getting caught alone by the pack. Damean was going to have a field day with all the newcomers...

He said, words aimed towards the one behind them, "You know I'll never forgive him... but I understand. That's the only thing I can say. I forget you were only a yearling, but I'm still mad at you." Knowing what Niveus was going to say, he continued, "Figure it out yourself, and it'll be fine." He didn't turn back, not wanting to change his mind. They both needed to get past this, and that wasn't going to happen if one of them was still caught up in the past. Blade had moved on, but more of the story just now. Niveus didn't seem to have at all. There might still be tension between them, though, even if he does figure it out.

He wordlessly watched Petra, a no longer needed safety, move to her mate. He'd have helped, but he feared his presence was somewhat unwelcome, and Blade seemed to have it under control. They started to continue towards the dens, and he followed at a further distance, cautious after Petra's outburst. There was nothing more dangerous than a normally quiet wolf angered to the point of letting it show. He knew that from experience. Blade spoke to him, and... it was a start, at least. The problem was that he wasn't as smart as Blade was, and he wasn't sure if he could figure out why his half brother was still angry. All he was good for was fighting... they both knew that.

Petra's mind and emotions were in turmoil as she turned over the ideas in her mind again and again, trying to make sense of what she'd heard, yet she couldn't. The roar of thoughts and questions in her mind was nearly deafening, but she found instant silence and relief as Blade came to meet her. He supported her weakened frame, and warmth washed through her pelt at his touch. He could lend her more strength than any other could have hoped to offer. His voice was even more compelling, and she nodded her head as he told her they'd get back to the den. Though her body was still fatigued, she felt more driven to keep moving, to get back to safety. She felt like she could focus now, instead of dwelling on everything she'd heard. As they lumbered along at her slow, limping pace, she heard Blade speak further to his half-brother, yet it was not nearly so hostile as it had been before. It was more... well, within his normal range. He wasn't seething with hatred like he had been moments ago. He was giving Niveus a chance in his own way.

Glad for the quiet and the end of such fury and confusion, she marched on as best she could. She kept her eyes to the ground, watching every change in the terra so she wouldn't trip and cause furter delays. And she knew getting back up from a fall would be excrutiating in both effort and time. She did not wish to be out and about any longer, so the sooner they got back, the better. At last the dens could be seen. Things did not look exactly as they had been; landmarks had been trampled, and it looked as though several den entrances had collapsed. An elk seemed to have caught its leg in one of the den holes, tripped and fallen with perhaps a broken leg, only to be trampled by its own herd. She could hear its low moans of pain and misery, and for a moment felt pity for the broken, abandoned creature. But then something more pressing drew her attention; the scent of a pack member. Hadn't all the wolves headed for Shadow Mountain?

Tilting her nose to the air, she breathed more deeply, bringing the scent into her memory. Although it was not totally familiar to her, she knew after a process of elimination who the scent belonged to. "Echo!" she called out, glancing briefly to Blade before stepping away from him, limping harshly. Concern for the youngster, regardless of the incidents that had happened with her, flooded the Healer. There shouldn't be anyone here, not yet. Petra glanced back to her mate. "Echo's scent is here... why is she alone?" she asked, her voice betraying her worry, "We must find her." Her nose turned back to the winds, hoping to catch a more obvious whiff, but the scent was muted, as though the youth were hiding. Fear and hope flared within Petra's mind; maybe Echo was safely hiding, and just needed to be prompted out by her packmates. But mabye she was as still as stone somewhere close... She tried to shake that from her mind, but she couldn't help it. Not only that, but she felt helpless and weak, unable to do anything to truly help. She hoped that Blade and Niveus would be able to find her, and she prayed to Fenrir that the young fae was safe...

The site was a mess, and the pack would be busy for a while. He felt Petra move away, worried about Echo's scent nearby. His mate called out, and moments later, he heard a somewhat muffled and faint response. It was difficult to hear, but... what did she mean? He looked around, wondering how long it had been since the stampede ran by. Minutes, or moments ago? Stampedes weren't always in a straight line, but he didn't hear hooves...

Turning to Petra and glancing at Niveus from the corner of his eye, he said, "Petra, stay here and rest." As he focused on his kin, he stated, "You're useless in this search. Dig out dens that are salvageable. Ask Petra which ones are most important."

He moved in the direction he heard the voice, and shouted back, "I only hear you, Echo. What could put me in danger by finding you?" Was his hearing disabled? That shouldn't be right. He'd heard her voice, although faintly. Was Echo hurt and hearing things, or did she happen to be close enough to the stampede that her hearing was affected by such loud sounds? Still, he'd wait for a response before moving. Protecting the next generation of wolves was priority, but if Echo wanted to be treated as an adult, he'd do so... to a point. He was never one to coddle anyone, but if there really was no danger, he'd return her to be checked over by Petra. Where was Exodus, though? Hadn't she left to look for her adopted daughter?

He heard her bark, and orange orbs swiftly looked in her direction as she approached. So no Exodus after all. Echo questioned about the pack, and he was about to shrug it off in favor of walking, but considering all that happened and that she barely knew him... No point in inadvertently scaring her, "Shadow Mountains, or on their way back. I was looking for Petra, and she noticed you were nearby upon reaching the den site." Taking note of her slumped form, he added, "Not bad for your age. Remember dens of earth can collapse under weight and there are things even elk will go around." He wasn't criticizing, but since it hadn't been the best place to hide, he had to offer some constructive feedback instead of coddling with excessive and useless praise. Despite not being impressed, he had complimented her quick thinking.

"Come. We wait for the others with Petra." He turned to walk towards their destination, saying, "Look forward, not down. You don't know the lands well. Talk to Exodus and Damean when you see them; they were worried. ...You reacted well, but lacked discipline to remain calm and think things through in crisis. Damean, as well."

He juggled his quiet nature with a young wolf's need for things to be explained. This was about as concise as he assumed he could be while being understood. There was nothing he could do to help them think before acting, but at the very least, she'd be aware of the exact problem. If she had thought through, she'd have known she'd be safe with just about any of the pack, even the ones who lingered. Any of the adults would have taken note of her and made sure she remained safe if need be. Still, he understood panic, and she was still young and had time to grow. There was nothing to be mad at her about as long as she was able to see this, and everything else as a learning opportunity.

Petra perked her ears as she heard a voice cut through the relative silence. It was Echo! The fae seemed confused, but Petra couldn't blame her; not long ago, she'd been in the same position. The thundering of hooves while trapped in a tiny cave was quite overwhelming, sending wave after wave of roaring noise into sensitive ears. It took a while for the silence to become apparent, and fear could play all sorts of tricks on the mind. Relief flooded her as Blade went forward to find out where she was, leaving her sink to the ground and rest. At least Echo was okay. Then she turned to Niveus, as Blade had asked him to recover any dens that were still salvageable. She could see that some had crumbled, but most would be easy to restore. However, she was worried about her own den, not because it was her own, but because within it held all of her precious herbs. Without moving, she quietly said, "We need to see if my den is still intact." Taking in a breath, she continued, "It's just over there," she said, pointing with her tail to a shadowed area amongst the thick trees at the edge of the den site, "There is an opening under a large boulder. All of my herbs and remedies are in there." She hoped that he would find it for her, and most of all she hoped that it was all in good shape.

Curiousity tugged at her, and she turned back to where she'd seen her mate go. He hadn't gone far, and he could see now that Echo had come out of hiding, and was approaching Blade with a guilt-ridden posture. She wondered how Blade would deal with the young wolfess. Words were exchanged that she couldn't catch from here, but she was certain that her mate would have only useful things to say. She didn't see him as one who would scornfully criticize someone without giving them something to think about. Even so, she knew she needn't bother with what was being said. The young fae was safe, and that was all that really mattered. And Echo would soon see that everything was alright, and she didn't have to feel so bad.

Petra hoped Niveus would find good news as he searched around the dens. She turned away from him as she noticed Echo and Blade come back over where she was. The young femme seemed to be looking at her, interest gleaming in her eyes. She wondered if Echo was thinking of something to say, but before she could greet the younger, words met her auds. Surprised, but somewhat pleased, Petra smiled. No one had ever really shown an interest in what she did, and the wolves she'd learned from were now long gone. "Yes, of course," she said, wishing she could get up and show Echo to her den right away, but her limbs were weary and she ached all over from exhaustion and cold. Then an idea flashed in her mind. "Echo, if you're really interested, I can be your first patient," she suggested, hoping the fae would agree. She could start showing her some of the remedies used for open wounds and weakness.

She tilted her head, wondering how keen Echo would be. Though only moments had passed, the more Petra thought about it, the more thrilled she became. Healing was her true calling; it challenged her mentally, and it fulfilled a part of her that she could not get from anything else. Her need to care for others, and to be needed. Her knowledge and skill also held a special place in her heart, for she had been taught by one of the wolves in a large family that had adopted her all those years ago, before their disappearance. She'd been just a yearling then, but she wouldn't forget how they'd taken her in. Shaking her head to clear her mind of the cluttering memories, she focused on Echo, her tail thumping the ground lightly. She wasn't going to start giving orders if the fae wasn't really into it, so she waited quietly, hoping Echo would give an indication of what she'd like to do.

Petra gave a nod, glad to hear that she was ready to start right away. "Alright," she began, "My den is just over there." She pointed with her tail to the shadowy clump of trees where her den was nestled under the boulder. Niveus might already be on his way over there, but maybe he hadn't found it yet. "There's a large boulder, and a tunnel underneath," she stated, "Please go inside and collect anything you can, bring it out here. I'll show you what we can use. I haven't been able to check my stores in some time, so I'm not sure what I've got left.." She felt foolish admitting that bit, since it was her job to ensure there were enough supplies to treat her packmates. And now that winter was here, they weren't likely to find anything extra. However, it had also been a while since she'd had to treat anyone, so there were probably a lot of leftover herbs.