Bearclaw Valley But don’t you know that only fools are satisfied

Freezing fog had settled in overnight, coating the trees with a dusting of silver. Beneath a hot and copper sky, the land shimmered as dawn broke. Ameline, awakened by cramps, had gone out to scout the meadow and by the time she returned to the borders, the pain subsided. 

There, on crude and crooked spikes, were three heads, grimacing though they too were coated in a sparkling veil of frost. Beyond them, over the distant wall of the valley, the sun began to peek. Ameline squinted past the macabre outpost, and sniffed. Deep within her belly, she felt the snaking movements of new life; on their behalf, blood had been spilled, but they would be worth it.

The token for Hedguard was a porcupine skull- something she had sourced months ago, but the process of refining such a thing was a skill Ameline had yet to develop, especially when the skull had been harvested from a live creature, not scavenged. 

She belted out the news for the pack to hear; @Tvar was promoted to Hedguard, having fulfilled her request and proved his mettle in numerous battles. Now, she hoped, they might all enjoy some hard-won peace. 

She moved forward into the peachy light, setting a course for the densite the man shared with Towhee Jr, in hopes of catching him before he went about his daily business.

tvar had risen early, already moving through the valley when he first heard the tolling sound of ameline's call. he paused mid-step, blue-green eyes flickering quietly, flitting about his surroundings in the morning light. there, a renewed sense of self brought on by a rise in position.

he huffed, shaking out his coat before continuing on. the title meant little in comparison to the work itself—he would’ve done it regardless. still, there was pride in it. not for the rank, but for proving that he was capable. worthy of the trust placed in him.

his path naturally veered toward his den so that he might check in on his wife, if she were even home, but before he could reach it, he caught ameline’s scent drawing closer. operating under the assumption she came for him, he adjusts course, meeting her halfway—a warm smile coming to his dark mask when the regina comes into light.

he dips his head to her. regina, a familiarity in his voice.