Porcupine Ridge Shapeshifter

Envy kept herself busy, always occupied with one thing or another. Slinking through the dense forest of the ridge's slopes, she slipped through fog and snow-slicked rock; a wraith of the mountains. She was bored, truth be told, she'd come to linger near the borders to find something to slake that feeling.

She'd felt strange lately. Restless and itching to crawl out of her own skin.

He'd know those blood-red eyes anywhere.

Envy, he greeted her, a shadow slipping closer as he met her gaze with his. How are you?

No doubt she would have been rattled by the recent changes in rank. But she seemed like one who'd adjust to shifting circumstances, and here she still was—patrolling, ostensibly.

Hex sighed briefly, settling in alongside the woman as he awaited her reply.

Tattered ears pricked, her head turned to spot the slender shadow slipping from the dark wood, a grin of content toying at her jaws.

Heeex.She echoed the same greeting, an impish twist to the cadence of her voice. I've bin' fine. she said with a quick roll of bony shoulders. I'm making sure there's no trouble n' scarin' em' all off. Envy mused, gaze trailing to the valley that bordered the slopes, the winding river below such a small thing from up her. Just as quickly, she brought it back to the seer, silent inquisition in her devouring stare.

Good, Hex remarked, the barest of smirks upon his face as he responded. Otherwise, his mien was impassive, unreadable as he walked with his fellow ridge denizen. He felt her eyes upon her and resisted replying for a while, only opening his mouth after several heartbeats.

Things are changing here, he remarked, jaw clenched. Muskrat is gone. I'd asked Golden Eagle to step in, but. . .

He stopped, and looked Envy up and down. A loyal wolf, having recruited a few to the cause. Strong, wily, confident. He nodded slightly, and drew in a breath.

I think I may want you for Sentinel, Envy, Hex told her. Would you accept, and lead by my side?

Things had definitely changed. Muskrat had disappeared, the peaks of the ridge had fell quiet as of late. She stopped as he stopped, a moment delayed, and scrambled back to close the unintentional distance. Tattered ears perked sharply and her features paled at the question.

Sentinel? Lead?

Was she suited for such things? Could she bear such a title?

She was a healer, and much as her soul ached do wreak atrocity on the earth, ruin it and make it her bitch, she was no martial extraordinaire, and certainly not the picture of a caring, selfless leader. The offer brought a fluster to her cheeks, and a quick beat to her heart. I... Don't know... Muskrat could fight n' I can't—not really. Her tail flicked with uncertainty while she stammered I don't know the first thing about leading others—

Urchin had never held any power. She did not know what to do with it beyond serve her own whims.

Neither did I, when I first came here, Hex replied with a shrug. You'll learn. And as far as the fighting—

He paused, contemplative. His bloodlust, his yearning for raids, had bloomed in the heat of passion between himself and Muskrat. It had waned ever since, and now, he had no desire to stir up trouble.

We don't need to be aggressive, he went on. We'll keep to ourselves—defend and protect our own. Only fight when necessary.

Hex looked her over, searching for an answer in those crimson eyes. Think about it, at least, the Seer murmured. He knew he couldn't do this alone.