Swiftcurrent Creek cancel out the darkness

For @Arlette and @Arric

The pheasant swung from his jaws—his stride purposeful. When he came to the den Arric and Arlette kept for their family, he found most of them outside—the sun still basking high in the sky, though as afternoon lingered, it would begin to dip lower… and with it, the temperature. The snow would come soon—the timing of so much could never have been poorer.

Bribing the attention of the kids with the prey bird, he nudged it toward them. “Practice your cleaning skills, yeah? Make sure you save some of those feathers for your mom,” he offered, a small grin pressing to the corner of his lips.

With that, he moved closer to the Beta pair, a nod given that they should move a bit away from the more youthful ears of the pack—there were things to discuss.

Large head lifted from paws as he turned to look over Akavir. He visited often, but he usually didn't come with a whole damn bird. Arric was immediately on edge, but he tried hard not to show it.

Instead he got to his feet and ambled closer to the leader if the pack. Blue eyes taking in the kids and his buddy. Then he waited quietly for Arlette. But kept a watchful eye on the kids. So they'd share and also not run as soon as their parents were occupied.

Arlette watched as Akavir came towards them. She instantly noticed the tension of her mate and frowned. She thought it was rather sweet of him to join them and bring a gift. However, Arric knew Akavir much better. Hello Akavir, she greeted when he came closer with a nod. She glanced towards the kids, they were having a squabble of course, however she also wanted them to solve their own conflicts.

Thanks for the pheasant, smart move, she complimented him with a soft smile. I guess there are pressing matters we need to discuss?

Tags only for reference

Arlette earned a small smile—usually, he would return with a sardonic but chipper remark, but for now, he felt the pang of guilt and uncertainty pull at him instead. Shifting his weight, he gave a light shake of his muzzle—“Always is, isn’t there?”

Maybe one day, the three could have a conversation that did not foster fear, anger or woe within it. Now was not likely that time.

“There’s a lot. I’m leaving soon with @Eivor of Kvarsheim to scout out the trip around the valley, to the desert, and then to Akashingo to get a better idea of what to look out for and the time it will take. Before I come home, I need to go to the Moonwolves and collect Mae. And ask them about the coastal pack… I also believe @Frederick is actively seeking his brother and will be one of the first after us to take this trip and broaden his reach in that sense, also.”

His features were grim at the mention of them. But even more…

“@Morwenna is currently scouting out the caribou hunting pack that seems to have waltz into the valley. There’s suspicion they’ve been killing… a lot of them, though I’m not sure that’s much to be concerned about. I get the impression they’ll be leaving when the herd does…”

A shrug—his eyes gazing over his two comrades, wondering their thoughts on this. “But… timing is shit. A lone female came to our borders recently with her four pups—I haven’t offered her home yet, but told her she could unofficially stay… It seems there’s a very good chance the pups are @Viinturuth’s…” He paused, bracing himself for the fury of a certain crimson-eyed Beta before him. “Or mine.”

It was a grave day indeed if Arlette didn't get a more happy response. Arric readied himself for some bad news.

Arric felt an age old twinge of irritation that Akavir was leaving a-fucking-gain but he tried to keep it under wraps. It was for good reasons or at least important ones.

Arric took a breath.Don't ask me why, but I don't trust that she wolf. and that's all he'd say because he had no good reason. He just didn't like her. Do they seem dangerous or just hunters?

Arric felt himself fighting a laugh turning it into a cough. He pointedly ignored his wife's gaze. The jokes god the jokes. Keeping it in the family. Sharing was caring. Incest is the best.

 He was dying, thought for sure his rib was gonna break from trying hard not to laugh.

Arlette could only nod gravely. Though, she did feel that times had been quieter lately. It had been welcomed by her. She remembered a time at the Saints that there was always a war or always packs out to kill them. It was actually nice to just experience normalcy for once. But there seemed to be something afoot and they should respond. Arlette glanced at Akavir. It sounded like he had a lot on his place. The desert, moon wolves, the coast. You might be away a long time, she realized. But at least he was not going at this alone. She wouldn't mind to hold down the fort. She glanced at Arric. Was he needed in all this?

Though, she couldn't think long about that because she was absolutely baffled by her mate's response about Morwenna. You don't like her? Why?, Arlette asked with surprise and slight disbelieve on her face. She knew she just asked him why, while he said he didn't know. But she couldn't help her. She had bonded a little with the female and was now doubting herself instantly. Had she been played by Morwenna? Or was Arric just ... Arric? He did seem to dislike most females that spend some time with Akavir. He was protective of his friends.

She was still coming to terms with that when another bomb dropped. You WHAT?!, she snapped. Her red eyes instantly firing at the alpha. She scowled. This (excuse the pun) FUCKING male was infuriating sometimes. Her head whirled when she heard the wheezing of her mate trying to hold his laughter. Her teeth snapped closed in the air next to Arric's face. It was not a laughing matter. All this drama with Eshe because this man didn't want children, to then fuck a random girl in heat and not expect consequences?! AND NOT TO MENTION, Vinn in all this too. Her head turned to Akavir in warning if he so much as tried to laugh about her snapping at Arric when she would snap her teeth at him too.

She gathered herself and inhaled. I can't say I approve, she spoke a little coolly, also mindful that the children were somewhat close. And what is your plan with them exactly?, she asked. Because this also gives consequences to the pups we already have, she pointed out. Primarily their own pups she was worried about. They were soon to be adolescents so you could say they were becoming more self sufficient, but they were also more demanding in meat. Arlette wanted to rub her face. Why couldn't he keep it in his pants?!