.where the yellow brick road took a different turn. [Main Bo

Jaded

Jaded stopped tuggin on the rancid bear's paw and dropped her mouthfull. She laughed at Crow. "Would you rather I chomped on you?" she asked smartly and wagged her tail before concealing her emotions behind lock and key. She had to watch herself better. Crow should have never noticed her tension. It was one of the things she prided herself on was keeping everyone guessing what her thoughts and feelings were. Damean threw that all out of whack. She picked up the paw and pulled in tandum with Crow. Throwing her weight they were moving it slowly. Inches at a time. It was a big ghastly thing...disgusting. Jaded didn't even know how they could reproduce smelling that bad. They must think it's attractive and she snorted laughter at the thought.

Once the bears head and feet were hanging over the rest followed without too much effort. The body fell into the hole with a heavy thud. Jaded spit the hair from her mouth and shook her tawny coat. She felt like she needed a bath after that. "Ugh!" she said. "Filthy things. Better get it covered before nightfall. They eat their own dead if they find them. We don't need to attract any more." Nightfall was coming fast upon them. She looked over to Rawbones and saw that Petra hadn't attended him yet. "I will be right back to help Crow." Jaded said to the white male and then padded over to Rawbones and the snowy colored newcomer. "Rawbones." she said, her voice friendly like always but also held an authority to it. She was alphess..he had to obey, she had to start acting more like one. "Dearest we have to have Petra look at you. You are bleeding all over my sand." she said hoping the bit of humor would help Rawbones settle himself. She wagged her plume and gave Petra a glance to come over.

Rawbones shrugged as no answer was given, and he gave himself a good shake, droplets of blood flying out in all directions. Having calmed considerably by now, he noticed the extent of his wounds. He frowned slightly, wondering how much blood he'd lost. It was then that he noticed how light-headed he was, so he sat himself down. Suddenly Jaded was near him and his breath caught in his throat for a moment. Then he smiled lightly and patted the ground with his tail to her to show he was more in his right mind than not. He hoped he hadn't frightened her or angered her with his actions earlier. He did not often get that way, but when the fight was on he just couldn't help it, and he'd been that way ever since he'd gotten sick as a yearling.

Her attempt to bring humour to the conversation worked, and he gave a light chuckle. "I apologize, Jaded," he said with narrowed silver eyes, "I will try my best to clean up when I am well again." He knew his wounds were not mortal, although they were pretty serious for bleeding, and the pain was more evident now. He winced with the pain he felt, though he tried to cover it with a grunt and lick of his lips. He lay down on his side as he saw Jade call Petra over with a look. This would probably be easiest for her to see the wounds on his chest and do something about them.

Petra was watching from the edge of her den, waiting for someone to give her a sign that Rawbones was treatable. His wounds were the worst, and he needed to be seen to as soon as possible, but she did not want to risk angering him further. However, when she saw that Jaded was near him, and she gave her a look to come on over, she realized it was safe now. She rushed back into her den under the huge boulder and wrapped her remaining cobwebs up in her tail, as well as grabbing a few meager supplies to treat and prevent infection. She could smell that hideous behemoth from hear, and knew that its claws and teeth were likely covered in filth; that could easily cause infection in Rawbones' gashes.

With supplies gathered, she ran out of the den and rushed over to where Rawbones lay on his side. He seemed to already be familiar with the procedures, and exposed his wounds to her without her asking. Nodding her head, she peeled the cobwebs from the hairs on her curled tail, and immediately set them against his wounds. Stopping the bleeding, which was minimal by now anyways, was most important, to ensure his survival. The cobwebs reddened, but soon they dried and the wounds began to scab as she prepared a mixture for his wounds on a big leaf. Once she felt that the cuts had stopped bleeding enough, she lifted away the soiled webs and set to work applying the healing agents.

"Alright, show me your other wounds," she demanded in a serious tone. She cocked a brow to him when he gave her a look like he didn't need help with any other wounds, but she knew different. Even small, those cuts could easily become infected from that filthy creature. He was a scavenger, covered in crow-food and you could smell it. "I need to see them all or you're going to get infected," she stated, and Rawbones carefully rolled over, not wanting to smudge away the herbs she'd already applied. Smiling, she sniffed at his pelt. He certainly could use a wash, she noted. But that was not her concern. She nosed out several cuts on his shoulders and licked them clean, spitting out blood and saliva that tasted quite unpleasant. Once satisfied, she spread the mixture of her herbs as evenly as she could before she was all out.

Sighing, she sat back. "That is all I have left, but it should do," she was only trying to sound hopeful. It would be better if she had more supplies to work with so she could apply more later, but there was little she could do about that. She had to check every nook of the territory to see if there was anything still alive. She knew there might be some horsetail in the heavily treed areas near the river, but they were likely to be shriveling by now. She doubted any flowers still bloomed; they were probably all black by now. Little else would survive into the cold season, and she had to collect all that was available. "Tomorrow, make sure you find clear water and rinse all of your wounds extremely well," she directed, "A moving river would be better than the stale water of a lake."

Then she looked to Jaded. "I am very low on supplies," she said, her heart beating nervously; she knew it would be her fault if anything happened to any of her packmates due to her failure to stock up for winter. "I need to see what is left on the lands," she said, dipping her head curteously, "It is of dire importance, so anyone else with wounds must wait." She didn't think there were any more wounds between the wolves, but she would be back to take a look if there were. Turning away, she darted into the woods. She could not waste any time.

Jaded

Jaded smiled at the elderly wolf and gave a chuckle. "No worries Rawbones. Just see to it that you heal up properly. Never know when I am going to need you to take care of a bear for us." She said and gave the grizzled old male a friendly lick on the forehead. Jaded was glad to see that Petra had come up right away. The alphess stood and watched as Petra examined Rawbones wounds and cocked her head hoping the news would be good. The news was bearable but infection was something to worry about. "Don't worry Petra. We shall make sure he gets taken care of ...if I have to drag him there by his tail he will have a bath tomorrow." She smiled and winked an emerald eye. Then Petra's voice took on a more serious note.

Healers supplies were something that no pack wanted to run out of. Her brow furrowed with worry and she nodded. "Petra this is of a serious nature." Jaded looked up and took account of who was there. She padded over into the center of the group and gave several sharp barks to gain attention. "We have a dire situation my friends. Petra's supplies are low. We need help gathering herbs and whatnot . Eris and Blade. Go with Petra and help her start looking please." Jaded said and thought ..Damean where the hell are you. "Petra you are in charge of the search after Crow and I are done here we will come to aid." Jaded looked to the new fem and added. "If you would like to help your help would be most welcome."

Jaded then padded back over to where Crow was and started shoveling dirt back over the rancid bear carcass. Jaded wondered if Damean loved her at all or if he kept toying with her so she could watch over the pack while he was away. She sighed heavily. Why didn't he tell her?

Rawbones didn't move as he was treated, and moved carefully once Petra had finished so he did not disturb her work. He sat up, looking to Jaded as she smiled and chuckled. He was shocked by her show of affection, and took it the wrong way, shivering slightly. He didn't know how to respond; should he return her gesture? But he did nothing except sit in uncertain silence, watching her from the corner of his eye. He dared to look upon her again as she spoke to Petra about his bathing tomorrow. Though he was not too keen on hygiene as of late because of his travels, he would not object to a bath, though he had to laugh at Jade's words. Then she winked, and did it to him again. The worst part, he realized at that moment, was that she did not know what she was doing to him. He was always drawn to those he could not have, or so it seemed since Katell's disappearance. Every proceeding female was just out of reach, yet they showed him affection in ways that tore at his heart and made him gravitate towards them.

He could not pursue Jaded, even though he had already gained her friendship. She would never view him as anything but an elder, anyways, not an equal who could bring joy into her life the way a loving partner could. Besides, this was Damean's mate, and she seemed unconditionally loyal to him, despite his constant disappearances. Damean was his friend, and he could not forget that either. He could not take his Alpha's mate, no matter how he wanted companionship, and to continue his bloodline. Yet his eyes did not wander from her as she set about business that was of more importance; Petra's healing supplies, or lack of. He knew he would not be a part of the search, for he was in poor shape, and was expected to rest. So he did the next best thing, and that was watching the pack at work, though his eyes more frequently fluttered back to her. He dearly wished to be of some use, but tempers would only flare at him if he were to make his injuries worse, or get in the way. Sighing, he stayed put, becoming a statue in the background.

Petra vaguely heard Jaded's words, and looked back over her shoulder. Blade and Eris were to help her. She padded back a few steps, and shouted. "Check the meadows, check the riverbanks," she commanded, "Bring back any flowers, bring anything but grass. Take leaves from bushes and trees, bark, anything... if you find cobweb, wrap it with your tail. I will sort through it all later, I just need whatever anyone can collect." Finished with her orders, she turned tail and dashed into the woods.

Her mind whirled as she ran, and her nose was set to work scenting out anything that she could. As she suspected, there were still standing horsetails near the water, but many of them were wilting. She plucked the few that would still be useful and turned to keep going. More lined the water's edge, and she plucked them all. When her jaws were too full to continue, she rushed back to her den. She crawled inside and quickly stacked the horsetail in a pile. She could organize everything later.

Running out again, her paws carried her to the meadow. She searched vigilantly with her nose to the ground, tail in the air, but she came upon nothing. Just blackened flower petals, that would sooner cause infection than heal it. Grunting with frustration, feeling like she might break out in tears, she ran on. The trees would always bear their bark for use, and for that she was glad. She found willow and oak and ash, and tore strips of bark from single trees, leaving the rest to heal and continue growing for future use. At least if she did not have her usual herbs, she could use alternatives. She just hoped they would be as useful as the ones she really needed.

She ran back again, tiring by now but knowing that she needed to keep going. She felt she just could not punish herself enough through her mind; at least if her body was sore she would feel as though she had suffered for her ignorance. She just couldn't have passed up her time with Blade, though, and it seemed worth it. She wasn't sure how worth it that would all seem if somebody died because of her. Especially him. She nearly cried out at the thought. If he died because she could not save him, she would never forgive herself. Shaking her head, she plodded on, not even paying attention to anyone else.

He had just finished covering their winter stock when Jaded spoke up to everyone again. Turning back, Blade kicked a bit more debris into the hole, just to ensure that the scent of the dead meat wouldn't stray far and attract more large predators. Shaking any dirt off his coat, he looked around whiel lsitening to Petra's own words about searching for anything.

Not feeling any fatigue yet, he felt like he could continue pushing himself; it'd probably do him good so that he didn't lose the endurance enhancements wolves obtained from traveling for a long period of time. He walked towards the trees, quickly blending in with them and his eyes lightly scanned cracks and narrow holes for cobwebs. This was a slightly longer direction to the meadows and the river side, but he was moving swiftly, his eyes having long since honed into taking in details to the point where he didn't have to slow down much to notice things.

He noticed a deep crevice in one of the smaller boulders that occasionally littered the area and approached it. He glared at the spider near the opening and swept it away from the hole, careful not to kill it. Although not scared of the little creatures, he'd heard some of them who were able to come in contact with the skin under the wolf's fur get bit and kill the wolf. Then again, it was rare that such things happen, or so others told him. He picked up the webs with his tail, trusting them to stay on with minimal assistance and took off, at a slightly slower pace, picking up random plants as he went.

After arriving in the meadow and picking some plants, he noticed Petra, empty-jawed. Blade's eyed narrowed in mild concern, but wasn't sure if he should comment, in fear of making her more fantic and working her up to the point of exhaustion. He misplaced his footing while in thought, but quickly caught himself, wincing as his ribs complained. At least he knew they were just really bruised now; a crack would probably have hurt much more.

Soon, he turned back to deposit his load at the den with the pile of other plants, and turned back to head out again. He wondered if anything useful was in the forests, and decided to look for more webs.

Jaded

Jaded turned to Crows compliment and smiled. "Thank you Crow." she said with a wag of her tail. Words of encouragement were most welcome right now. Jaded then went to check on Rawbones bleeding. "You sure you are alright?" she asked her green eyes showing concern. "I want you to take it easy now.." She looked at Rawbones sternly. "..I mean it. We need you healthy with winter coming." She said and wagged her tail then she heard Crow's voice. "Another? Very well Crow I will finish up here." she said "Go and Thank you." Her voice softened on the "Thank you." she was so grateful for the pack she had. Giving Rawbones another smile she went back to the bear and finished the task. Ugh it's smell was putrid but soon the dirt filled over and the scent wasn't too bad. She sat down on top of the mound when it was done. "Whew." she said thankfull that the work was over. "I need a bath seriously." She said to no one in particular and chuckled to herself.

She was trying to keep herself in good spirits when all she wanted to do was bite something ...mainly Damean's ass. She sighed softly and her tail hung low for a split second before raising to her rank. She would be meeting another new comer soon, she had to look the part.

Rawbones was very aware of Jaded as she hovered nearby, tending to the pack's needs, ever worrying about everyone, even him. He smirked as he heard her fussing over him, and he nodded his head to her with a few quick wags of his tail. "Petra did everything she could for me," he assured Jaded, having been treated by the femme already once before, long before Jade's arrival, "Don't wory, I promise I won't move or do anything stupid. And I will get better, I assure you." He needn't mention that he was an immortal being in the disguise of a very mortal, aging wolf. She would probably look at him funny; in fact, he was sure if he told anybody that, they would lock him in a den for crazies. He didn't need that, now did he? No, he would just keep the secret to himself, and let everybody wonder how he ever made it through all that he did. They would never see the truth, but that didn't matter - he knew, and would live, he was sure of it.

All too soon her attentions were stolen, and he let out a light breath of a sigh as she gave him one last smile and set off on another task. He sent her off with a smile of his own, though he wished he could be near to aid her, should she need it. He wished he could be of help to anyone at the moment, but he was bound to the earth for rest and healing. Sighing again, he watched Crow take off as he went to go greet a newcomer, and he wondered with great curiousity what sort of creature roamed their territory. It would be refreshing to see a new face, and perhaps add something to spice up the atmosphere a little. Groaning impatiently, he lay where he was in wait to see what new being would come amongst them.

Petra was returning to her den yet again with little to show but a few maybe-useful scraps of herb. She saw with mild relief that at least a small pile had accumulated, though she knew she would need to sort through it immediately. She went into her den and quickly dispersed her things into neat, tidy piles, then went to the pile outside her den. She sorted through it, pulling out a few useful stalks and leaves, glad she would have a selection in case one item worked better over the other. Not every wolf's blood worked in the same way, and needed a different remedy to cure infection and sickness. Carrying off the useful bits, she tidied everything and came back outside to see if anyone else would be coming back with more. She had checked many of the places where she had found herbs before, and could do nothing more but wait to see what anyone else had managed to collect.

Once more, he was carrying another load of random plants that looked like they could be used for healing, or just any plant that looked interesting. He wasn't a healer, but he knew a fair amount of poisonous plants to avoid based on experience, and he was quick to learn from each mistake, especially when he'd live dalone for so long.

Unfortunately, this same trait, which would normally be considered good, was also causing him to tred lightly when it came to his new-found relationship with Petra. He wasn't very observant when it came to his own actions, but he was smart enough to know that one false move on his part would cause him to distance himself... for good. Blade never made the same mistake twice, even if the situation itself wasn't a mistake in the first palce. For him, though, it was a good sign to be showing caution, considering how he is slightly on the reckless side.

He came back, seeing Petra had already returned and was waiting for more of the pack to return with, hopefully, usable herbs. Blade set the plants down in front of her, avoiding any existing piles nearby, and said, "I know I shouldn't over-exhert myself, but you shouldn't stress too much, either. It won't do us any good if you collapse from it; you're the best healer in the pack." He offered a rare, soft smile before asking, "So i guess this means you already tended to Rawbones?"

Petra looked to Blade as he returned, setting down a pile of different plants. Just one look and she began to sort in her mind which would be useful and which would not. "Thank you, Blade," she said softly, brushing his cheek with her muzzle gently before bending down to the pile and beginning to sort through it. She looked up only when he spoke again, and she nodded her head. "You're right," she said, then gave him a firm look, "Lie down and take a breather. I'll finish what I'm doing here and make a small poultice to patch you up." After she was finished with her duties, she intended to take a big rest as well. She could worry about eating and other things later on. Then Jaded approached, asking how things were going. Honestly, the hunt had gone better than she had hoped for, and she was about to reply when Eris showed up with an impressive bundle.

Leafy green orbs widened, and a wide smile spread across her face. With a vigorous nod, she parted her jaws to express her gratitude, "This is very helpful, thank you so much," she said, dipping her head. There were a great number of useful herbs within Eris' pile, and she was surprised by the accuracy which Eris had chosen her plants. She must have some knowledge to be able to bring back a horde of useful things like this. Looking back to Jade, Petra wagged her tail. "It's going much better than expected," she said, then frowned as she noticed the Alphaess gazing off, not really paying attention. It was almost as if she'd forgotten where she was in the midst of all her stressful thoughts. A loud huff was heard, and an apology followed. Petra shook her head; she could see very clearly that Jaded was stressed, though she may not know the root of the very problem. Damean certainly had something to do with it; after all, how long had he been gone?

"That's alright Jade," she said, then lowered her voice, "I can tell you are under a fair bit of stress and I'd like to prescribe something. Stay right here." Petra darted quickly into her den, snuffling through her things to find some little seeds wrapped in a dried leaf. Shifting three seeds onto a carrying piece of bark, she went back outside and stood in front of Jade, putting the bark down. "Keep these two seeds under your tongue and go for a slow walk," she suggested, hoping she was not stepping over the line by telling the Alphaess what she should do, "Then get to your favourite resting place and have a sleep. I really think you need it, and I'm sure the pack can handle itself while you rest." The hybrid stood watching the older female, hoping that she would take her advice as a healer and do what was best for herself. Nothing was happening now and she needed to take advantage of the slow period to rest up for whatever lay ahead.

Blade smirked when she told him to lie down and held back a joking, sarcastic remark. Most likely, everyone was tired, and he didn't want anything to come out wrong. Speaking of tired, Jaded was apologizing to Petra by now and heard her response of remedy. He saw Eris and offered both her and Jaded a nod of greeting while he walked a short distance away to lie down, making sure Petra was still within his line of sight, but enough space to allow her quieter converstaions with the wolves who came to her without being overheard. He closed his eyes, but not to fall into sleep. His other senses were alert as he settled down, focusing on his thoughts and senses that alerted him to the noise and movements of the world.

Petra frowned, thoroughly disappointed by Jade's refusal to do as she was told and rest. Her curved tassel sagged and she dipped her head, knowing there was nothing she could do. She could not force someone else to take her advice, especially when the situation was not dire. "Please do consider it later," she pleaded softly. Jaded was their only leader now; both Damean and Akiko had disappeared, and if Jade was out of commission too, there would nobody to give order. The pack seemed to fair quite well on its own, but it seemed to thrive when one leader kept control and led their actions.

Her eyes did not leave Jade, waiting to see what she was up to. At last she gave word that she was going to run the borders... dread crept up Petra's spine and filled her heart. Jaded wasn't giving up on them, was she? It would be a perfect opportunity to slip away without obligation, either to find Damean or do something... stupid. The little healer kept enough faith that their Alphaess was stronger than that, but the pattern of things currently was unnerving. Neither Damean nor Akiko had given much notice as to their leave, and it had been a long time since they'd been seen, not even a message sent their way with good news.

Shaking her head, the hybrid sighed. "If you must, Jade," she said and gave a conclusive dip of the head, "Just be careful." There was nothing more to be said, and so she turned away. Slipping into her den she gathered a couple of herbs and chomped them up into a fine pulp, slathered on top of a leaf. She lifted it out to where Blade was lying, and gently pawed him to let him know she was there. Setting down her things, she gently got to work, nosing out the few cuts upon his body and covering them in the healing substance. There was not much to do, and she was glad for it. It meant he was unlikely to contract any infections; Rawbones was of more concern, but they could only wait and work on his wounds.

Finally finished with her duties, Petra flopped down nearby Blade, shuffling up closer to him and allowing her fur to touch his. It was the first time she'd been so near him since their confessions for each other, and it made her smile to feel his warmth again. It made her feel safe and comfortable. So tired was she, it took mere seconds for her eyes to shut and her mind to doze. Her pounding head found relief and her weary body relaxed as tension flowed from her limbs and into the earth, leaving her cozy and warm.

Rawbones' head was upon his paws, eyelids drooping heavily, but he could not sleep just yet, his mind too occupied by the pack. Besides, he was too much in the open - he would never feel secure enough to sleep out of cover, even amongst packmates. If he had learnt one thing in life, it was that nobody could be trusted, not even those closest to you. Well, not with your lfie, anyways. Secrets and feelings were disposable, humiliation could be overcome. Death and impairment could not. His eyes noticed, of course, where Jaded went and to whom she spoke. She was with Petra, but seemed to have spoken some parting words. She was going somewhere. His auds perked, curious, but even if he knew he could not follow. He grumbled to himself in a cranky manner, realizing that he was starting to get impatient with himself and quite tired.

Rising to his paws, he took a few slow steps in the direction of a comfy den he knew of. His den, of course, and that of his first love, Katell. He would not forget her name nor her face, nor the feelings he had shared with her, but he had put it far behind him. She was never coming back, she was probably dead and he would never see her again, simple as that. He did not even utter a sigh this time. Padding away, he entered the confines of his den under a small outcrop, creeping down the tunnel and into the spacious den area. Curling up, he tucked his paws under his body and swept his tail over his nose. At last, in the dark, he could let himself succumb to the comforts of sleep. And yet, he lay awake, thoughts interrupting his rest. He thoughts of a specific wolfess, and what must be going through her mind, or who.

Damean. Where was the bastard? Rawbones dug his nails into the sod. The King was a friend of his, but he felt a little bit of resentment toward him now. His behaviour was no better than Shadow's now; in fact, he might as well be her male counterpart what with his unannounced disappearances and laying with whomever he pleased even though he'd confessed his love for Jaded, and made her his mate. His brow furrowed as he remembered Azazeal, Sabre and Envy. All toyed with by the ex-Alphaess. He shook his head. But Damean had seemed like such a promising leader; why would he mess things up like this and leave everyone, including his love, hanging? Jaded must certainly be discouraged. The grizzled brute wished to be by her side... permanently. But she was madly in love with their Alpha. What if their Alpha should never come back, though?

Who would replace him if he refused to show his face again? Would Jaded still cling to the rank of Alphaess, or had she taken it merely as Damean's mate? And what of Akiko? Dear Akiko... she had been the Betess of this pack before even he himself had come. Yet where was she now? Also abandoning her position. His eyes flicked wide for a moment. Was Akiko having some sort of affair with Damean? The thought seemed improbable; Akiko was a temptress, but she was the dangerous kind, not the good kind. He couldn't picture her putting off her duties for some secret romance. But the two were always gone at the same time, leaving Jaded to lead them in their absence, to hold all the stress they didn't want. It just couldn't be though. Oh Damean, where are you, boy? he wondered. Rawbones wasn't going to sit idly if the King didn't show himself soon. He did not particularly enjoy the thoughts of taking what was Damean's, but the brute did have everything he wanted, and he'd basically left it unprotected.

He growled and lay back, trying to calm himself. He needed to rest, or he would be unable to do anything at all. Sighing, he closed his eyes tight, and as soon as he let the thoughts go, his mind was clear enough to recognize the exhaustion and he let sleep take hold.

Jaded

Jaded nodded to Petra. "I assure you Petra..I shall take your medicine later." Her emerald eyes scanned the pack. "I just need a clear head to think." she said and flicked her tail. She smiled at Petra. "And I am remarking the borders." She said her tail held high as alphess. With those words she turned and trotted off giving Blade and Rawbones each a parting nod and vanished into the trees.

Anger consumed her then as soon as she was away from pack eyes. Her lip lifted in a silent snarl and she broke into a lope. How dare he....she thought and then her mind flitted to Akiko as well. She slowed at the thought and swallowed. They had left almost at the same time? Were they together? Her heart ached and she snarled. It didn't take her long to make it to the scent markers. She held her nose to them to see if Damean's scent was fresh but it wasn't. She added her own to the mix and pressed onward seeking any signs of the alpha male or the beta. Again she growled.

Jaded felt she was being toyed with and was not happy. Why would he profess his love for her and then vanish without a word....why? She found another marker...still no fresh scent...and added her own. She wondered if his black hide was laying on some hunters floor or if he was having a tryst with the queen of Muerta again or worse...her sister their own Beta. Her thoughts whirled in her head as she made the front circut.

She made her way up to a high point to look across the land with her sparkling emeralds. Her and Damean's land...she licked her lips and sighed. When he returned he would not find a happy alphess...no not at all. She would have a piece of his hide. Turning she flicked her tail in annoyance, no longer would she be timid about her rank either. Eris was a concern..her condecending tone and the like was disrespectful and Jaded wouldn't tolerate it.

Her pillars, quick and silent on the sands, soon brought her home again. A whole new look of determination on her bodice. She walked silently in and looked around. She hoped her pack members would be fast to mend. She shook her coat and looked over where Blade and Petra lay jealous of their bond but happy for them as well. Her emerald gaze fell upon the sleeping Rawbones as well and she smiled...brave old bru. Then her eyes seemed to go inward for a moment and she shook the thought away...padding over to where Petra left the seeds she lapped them up and held them under her tongue like Petra had told her. She then trotted over to Damean's rock and lept upon it. Laying down, resting her head on her paws she drifted.

Hearing movement, Blade opened his eyes and saw Jaded's nod, and he nodded in turn, mildly wondering where she was going, but wasn't going to worry too much about it, that is, unless she didn't come back. Closing his eyes again, he wasn't sure how much time passed until he felt someone pawing him, and realized it was Petra. Opening one eye, he noticed her applying the medication before, she, too decided to settle down for a bit.

Closing his eye again, he felt her shifting closer to him until their coats touched. He noticed that her breathing quickly evened out, although he wasn't skilled enough to know if she was sleeping or not. Nevertheless, he shifted himself even closer, careful not to make any sudden movements that would wake her up. He wasn't sure what caused this reaction, but he felt like it was right. He felt quite protective, and let himself relax. his mind drifting to a light state of sleep, as it had always done.

He'd wake up the moment someone got too close or if someone was staring at him with an intent to kill. Somehow those stares seemed... louder, more intense. It was hard to understand who wouldn't, but he guessed living in a pack their whole lives could make one's sensed completely dulled to that. The only instinct in his mind at the moment, though, was to wake up if anyone was going to bring harm to Petra, who he wholeheartedly felt was worth every ounce of his strength, and more, to protect.

Jaded

She had felt the med's take effect and soon she dozed then drifted into a deeper sleep. She slept deeply for a while and then her emerald eyes flitted open. She sighed and yawned then got up and stretched and stood on Damean's rock. She looked at her pack members. Yes..they were her pack members. She was Alphess and whether they liked it or not. Her emeralds flicked to Blade and Petra. She smiled and was happy for them but it was a reminder for what was missing in her life. Her love, her mate, Damean.

Jumping down from the rock she sighed and cast a glance over to Rawbones. The grizzled male was resting. Good...she thought and paused to scratch behind an ear. She wondered where Crow had gotten off to? Her emerald eyes scanned the treeline and looked for Eris as well.

Rawbones opened his eyes groggily, laying still for several moments before releasing a tired yawn and stretching his paws out. A stinging sensation ran through him as the scabs on his chest were pulled and ripped slightly. It was followed by a throbbing ache, and a small trickle of blood. It stopped within a few moments though, and he had nothing to worry about. Heaving himself to his paws, he stretched out each limb seperately as he made his way towards the den's entrance. With the stiffness gone, he plunged into the daylight, squinting his eyes against the brightness of it. At last his eyes adjusted, and he scanned the area to see the few wolves he had seen before going to rest. Petra and Blade were snoozing lightly together, but Jaded was already up, sitting atop Damean's usual rock. Currently, her emerald pools were looking off toward the treeline; Rawbones wondered what ran through her mind as she did so. There were so many possiblities he didn't dig into it, though he figured she was most likely on the lookout for their King.

Giving himself a mighty shake to relieve himself of the dust and debris of the den, he padded over toward Jade, his tail raising as he neared her, swaying gently in greeting. "Good day, Jaded," he called over to her, trotting over until he stood just beneath the rock she was upon. He invited himself up, knowing he might spark a little suspicion or annoyance, but he felt in good humour today, and he hoped she wouldn't mind. Besides, he didn't intend to stay up there for long. "It's a fairly nice day for this season, isn't it?" he asked, his tone light and unserious, "I don't think I'll have a bath today." With that said he turned and gave her a mischevious, toothy grin, his brow raised to see what she would say or do. Petra had ordered him to bathe after he rested, and Jaded had assured them both that he would be dragged to the water so he could wash if need be. He intended to go either way so he wouldn't become infected, but he figured it would be nice to have some company, and what better way to have her come along? And he would love to see what reaction she might have. She always managed to make him smile.


Petra woke feeling rejuvinated, like the sleep had taken away all of her problems. And it seemed that it had. The threats were gone, the pack had a nice supply of food for the winter, and she, as their Healer, had a fair supply of herbs to get them through the season. The wounds had been tended to and everything looked well. Leafy green pools wandered over to her mate, and she smiled when she saw him. No doubt he would rise soon, for he did not seem the type to be out of consciousness for long. She leaned over and gently licked his cheek, but she did not move from her spot. She was comfortable, and there was nothing that needed urgent attendance right now. She did wonder where the rest of their packmates were, though, especially Crow. He'd gone off quite some time ago to meet a newcomer, and he didn't seem to have returned just yet.