Lone Star Mountain When choices end, you must defend

@Ruenna @Siqsa @Alessia @Constantine

They all managed to find each other somewhere along the mountain pass that lead from the plateau to the other side of the mountains--all except for Liri and Corvus. Kavik wanted to continue searching for his lost mate, but he needed to make sure everyone else was safe as well, so he pushed away his despair and worked on trying to find a safe place for them to rest.

The peak they were now making their way across was barren and freezing, and the frigid wind was chipping away at his resolve with each step he took through the deep snow. Occasionally, he would cast a worried glance behind him to make sure everyone was still upright and following him. He wasn't sure how much farther they could all travel, especially in these conditions, but for now, he would keep moving. There had to be some kind of shelter here somewhere.

Maybe the universe felt bad for his devastated pack, because he soon found the opening to a small cave hidden in the side of the mountain. He turned to the group and motioned towards the mountain shelter. Let's rest here for a little bit. He knew they all needed it, and it would be a little warmer in there since they would be protected from the wind. He turned back around and walked into the cave, turning around at the entrance to inspect everyone as the came in. Once they were all settled, he would sit outside the cave opening and keep watch while they rested.

She's alive, despite the odds and despite herself — and unfortunately, she owes this to Kavik. The situation is too familiar for her liking, even with the small differences along the way, and she can't help but wonder if he's due to disappear sometime soon. Still, she follows him, albeit grudgingly; she has little choice anyway, wounded as she is. She will attempt to repay her debt, at least, as she'd done before — and then she will leave.
That they've run into more of the pack along the way has settled her nerves somewhat, though she dislikes that the pretty former beta must see her in such a state. Still, it's better than being alone with a man — even one that has proven fairly benign so far. He must desire something of her, she reasons, or he would not have bothered with her, and she is far from eager to learn what it is. So she keeps her distance, trailing at the back of the group as they travel and avoiding eye contact with anyone. She's one of the last to enter the cave, settling uneasily onto her haunches with a wince and a sigh. There's a heavy melancholy settling in her chest, though she does her best to swallow the feeling. She doesn't know what she's doing here with these strangers, wounded and displaced — but as little as she belongs in this scene, there's nowhere else in the world for her to go.

Saying @Aria is with him/his scouting buddy. Sorrynotsorry, Magdalyn.

They were further than he would have liked, but it was the shadowrunner that pushed them forward. He had swept Aria to his side and departed the lands, notifying @Soltero to keep an eye on things, as well as @Akatosh and Akavir—both boys now grown to a point they could assist with border marking. Talos was still withdrawn from him, simmering in her anger, and while the Alpha kept close eye on her to ensure her safety, he allowed her space for now.

He was silent as he strode across the mountainside. His gaze would catch toward the direction of the sea every so often, and his jaw would clench. If Viinturuth and Durnehviir had not been gone without direction, he would have said to hell with it and moved his pack and children to where his heart lay. But he could not bring himself to—not when either of them could come home, to the land they had everyone waiting for them.

Or, at least, Durnehviir had her children, given she had left him.

His form was near predatory as he briskly stalked the mountain. There had been another shift in the Mayfair wolf—the Constantine that had lost everything resurfacing, revealing once more the colder side of the wraith. He had allowed his guard to drop, but no more.

Every so often he would allow his gaze to study his companion. “We’ll turn back soon,” he rumbled, still not quite sure what it was he hoped to find along the quiet mountains, beside the pale face of his missing son.

It was then he slowed, hearing the rumbling words of another male in their vicinity. He felt his lips curl up as an automatic response, a frown pulling at his stormy features.

So right now Kavik is being pped in the Yule thread as well as Constantine I think? So Rue/Constantine/Kavik would technically be familiar with one another, am I correct on that? Also, what are Alessia's injuries?

Rue was completely and utterly confused, and quite exhausted physically and emotionally. She couldn't piece together where Liri and Corvus could have gone, if not the mountain pass the Plateau wolves had just scouted. Perhaps if she was rested and fed and had all of her wits about her, the answer would be more obvious. Or at least their next step might be.  

Rue directed her attention forward as Kavik spoke, and she was overwhelmingly relieved to see that they had made it to shelter. Rue turned to usher Alessia and @Siqsa into the cave, and her brow tightened in worry as she saw Alessia struggling forward. She touched her nose to the woman's shoulder in encouragement, for that was all she could do for the new recruit without herbs or other medical supplies. That, and provide her with a safe place to rest.

Rue's chest trembled as she sureyed the scraggly remains of her once-proud pack, not for the first time pushing down the building emotional tsunami that threatened to swallow her. Her honey eyes landed on Kavik, who was holding it together despite the fact that his mate was missing and sick. If he could get through this, she could too. It appeared that he was not intending to join them inside, which was understandable despite the concern it raised. Rue was about to tell him goodnight when she scented others nearby. 

"Swiftcurrent?" she questioned, voice raised slightly to address the unseen others as well as alert Kavik to their presence, if he hadn't already scented them himself. "It is us. Blacktail Deer Plateau." Rue might have said more, if she had the brainpower left to form the level of coherent speech required to represent their group before another pack. Hopefully Kavik could take it from here.

thanks so much I lost this tag XD 

While they traveled, Siq tried to keep quiet and not bother the others. It wasn’t hard, as much as he liked silence, but him trying to understand what type of mess they were in meant asking questions. He was irritated the coyotes and foxes had done this to them, but they had to do what they had to do. Making their way out of what was once their home, something they had worked hard to build up and a place he had worked hard to understand, they traveled a ways to find a newer spot to settle. Turns out it wasn’t just another spot... but others were here. This was their here, and already Siqsa was braced to defend. But Ruenna asked for him and another girl he hadn’t yet met to hideaway in a cave. 

Well fuck that.

He plopped in the front of the cave entrance, big heavy ass not going anywhere. If he were gonna be a part of this group, he’d either protect them all, and know what all was going down, or he’d dip. He couldn’t balls up to leave, because, well, he felt weird about Ruenna. She was, kinda, kinda nice. And she helped him not die. She hadn’t given up on him, and neither had Kavik, even when he was going through his own troubles. They both helped him, and he felt weird about them both. Now whoever this new girl was, he’d have to make sure she wasn’t a spy for the coyotes, feigning her hurt and trying to downfall em again-  but she didn’t bother him too much. 

Regardless, he’d sit in front of this cave, and watch this meeting take place, both guarding the hurt potential-spy and being within easy lope distance to help his two packmates should anything go down.

aria pressed beside constantine, for warmth and for reassurance. neither did she know what they were doing out here, but something seemed to fester in the murkwater man's soul, and aria wished she could calm it. they split rarely, traveling together and keeping their silent vigil for whatever reason seemed fit. aria was glad for their time alone traveling -- even under the circumstances -- no one here could chastise her for having a friend. she preferred it to the judging gazes she felt she received back home. who knew if anyone actually felt ill of poor aria january, or if it was all in her pretty little head. 

she nodded as constantine mentioned they'd turn back soon. she wasn't sure what it was that would warrant they turn around. had he given up? she wasn't sure what he had even given up on. all the same, there was no sign of his son. or the dragoness, for that matter. with her disappearance, aria had to admit she felt a bit lighter. though the way it made constantine feel made her wish the dragoness had never left. it pained her to see him distraught like this-- constantine deserved better.

she spotted the lone group of wolves, pressing close to the man she travelled with. who were they? and then they answered, without her even asking aloud. she pulled apart from constantine, standing a bit behind him. he was in charge, she was no one here. her pale gaze scanned all the wolves present, hardened and stiff, on edge. though her tail waved affably.

Still on edge from the fight back on the plateau, the scent only registered as not being from one of his wolves at first. His head whipped to the cave opening as Ruenna spoke. Right, Swiftcurrent Creek. The mild familiarity finally registered and Kavik moved from their temporary shelter to intercept the two wolves, giving Ruenna a nod as he left to signal for her to keep an eye on their tired group while he sorted things out. 

He stopped a short distance from the pair, dipping his inky head in greeting. We're not looking for any trouble here. I simply need a place for what's left of my pack to rest, He said first. He recognized the two from the yule celebration at Elysium, but didn't recall their names as he hadn't really spoken to anyone while he was there, his sick mate dominating his thoughts and making him not very fun to be around. The thought of Liri caused the lump of despair to rise in in throat again, but he swallowed it, focusing all of his energy on keeping everyone safe and making sure he wouldn't need to try and diffuse anything. I'm Kavik, Alph-- he paused, remembering that the plateau was now in shambles. --formerly of Blacktail Deer Plateau, he corrected. Our food stores were decimated by a large family of coyotes; some of our pack members are still unaccounted for and some of the group with me is injured. The bite wound on his cheek throbbed as he spoke, irritated by the frigid wind. Had the two of them been complete strangers, he may have withheld some of their more vulnerable information, but they weren't and although they both seemed wary, neither seemed overly aggressive, so he offered the truth with the hope that they wouldn't cause more trouble for his exhausted group.

feel free to skip & pp alessia unless she's addressed! ❤

The touch to her shoulder is unexpected, but not unwelcome, though the reception would surely be different for another, less attractive wolf. Before she can say anything, something seems to catch Ruenna's attention. Perhaps the scent of strangers in the wind. She settles as she watches her and the other male move toward the entrance of the cave, deciding she's content to stay where she is. The sound of voices does little to change her mind; if trouble should arise, she'd be of little use anyway. Besides, why lift a finger when men like Kavik are around, inserting themselves stubbornly at the center of every situation in some desperate bid to prove their masculinity? Annoying as it is, she's perfectly happy to watch him if it means there's no need for her own involvement.

He felt Aria pull away from him, leaving a certain coldness where her warmth had once been. The shadowrunner allowed his eyes to roam over those present, unreadable in his expression as the stocky wolf then turned his attention to the silver agouti she-wolf that spoke, recognition flickering across him, though only placing her after a few moments of consideration. Ruenna, Soltero’s friend from the gathering Elysium had entertained.

His muzzle dipped to her in recognition, his features relaxing as his tail gave a more neutral sway now. His brows furrowed as one ear tipped to the direction of a dark man, hearing the story quickly assert itself from his lips. “I’m sorry,” he offered, his own eyes darting to Aria before placing back to Kavik. “It’s an unfortunate time of the year to lose ones caches and home. Ruenna is a friend of Swiftcurrent Creek. You can stay with us while you gain your bearings. We could use some healthy wolves for hunting in the meantime.”

The Swiftcurrent Creek wolves appeared, with a dark, stocky man leading and a woman trailing after. Recognition lit in Ruenna's eyes. This was the man who had been with Soltero at Yule. 

Kavik stepped forward to converse with the pair, signaling his desire for Rue to stay back with the others. Rue turned back to her packmates, relieved that their former alpha was still up for stepping up and taking care of things. Rue most decidedly was not. "We met Swiftcurrent Creek at Yule," Rue explained to Siqsa and Alessia in a low, weary voice. "They're.. they're good people." 

Rue's ears swiveled to capture the words that were traded between Kavik and Swiftcurrent Creek. The Swiftcurrent man was quick to offer the displaced wolves a place to stay. She would nod her agreement to Kavik should he turn to her seeking her opinion. Rue looked to Alessia and Siqsa for their reactions. They were no longer a pack, so Rue and Kavik no longer spoke for all of them. They would be free to choose their own courses of action.

He watched the scene unfold before them, garnets flashing between Kavik and Constantine while Ruenna narrated the entirety of this happening. It was a lot to take in for him, and he couldn’t exactly figure why they had to leave their home just to join another. Sure Winter was hard and all, but they could have made it! He didn’t know anything about this other Alpha, and he couldn’t see himself serving under a completely new man. The Alpha he knew was Kavik...

and if if he wasn’t serving Kavik, he wasn’t serving anyone. However leaving Ruenna was a lot more biting to him than him pulling from the group as it was. He actually was just coming to the realization of him appreciating her so much more than just leaving her. She and Liri had saved his life; even if Liri was nowhere to be found, Ruenna was right here. 

Siqsa was trying to prioritize this mess but only troubled himself more. Knowing he troubled himself made him think he’d be trouble for this new pack. And last thing he wanted to do was make it seem as though he had no discipline, especially when Kavik had given him a path to kindness while Ruenna had given him the strength to walk it. 

But was the kindest thing to do here to leave the ones who taught him such morals?


”Gonna walk-“ the Demon threw to Rue before picking himself up and heading off into the woods. He had a lot to think about...and he didn’t know how much time he had left to do it.

aria remained quiet, she didn't have much to say. if she recognized any of these wolves she was... unsure. but she was fine to do whatever constantine wanted, and he wanted to invite these wolves to stay with them. they could use the members, that was for sure. so she certainly didn't argue.

to no one in particular, but making herself known. "my name is aria, the creeks gamma," she said, giving a polite nod to the wolves around her.

The offer was kind, and Kavik already felt indebted to the other man for just the prospect of a safe place to collect themselves and heal their injuries. That is very kind of you, he replied first. The gamma introduced herself next, and he gave dip of his head in response before shifting his focus back on the creek leader. I think we'll all graciously accept your offer, but I need to check with my wolves first, he added after a second, still unable to stop thinking of them as his. Even when he was alpha, he wasn't one to make decisions for others unless absolutely necessary, so he wouldn't do so now. He turned his inky head back to his group, assuming they heard the exchange, and waited for their acceptance or denial of the offer. It was definitely a preferable alternative to roaming the mountains in the middle of winter, but he wouldn't go unless they went with him. His emerald gaze searched for Siqsa but didn't find him anywhere. It worried him, but he only had the capacity to deal with one problem at a time right now. Once this was settled, he would make sure the man was okay.

Gritting his teeth, Siqsa made his mind up. If Kavik has faith that he could change, even after all that he himself had been through, then he wouldn’t give up on him now. Kavik was willing to subjugate himself into this pack, and while there were other choice that could have been made, this took a lot of strength to. 
Coulda stole children, chased a weaker pack off of their grounds, killed the neighboring Alpha pair- 

but Kavik was going to go a harder and much more pacifist route. And Siq respected it. 

Turning back from the woods, he replanted himself back in the slight cave just as Kavik brought himself back to he and Ruenna. Turning a scarlet glance to the dark wolf who had allowed them to stay here, Siqsa said nothing as he brought his stare back to Kavik. This was all on him. And he was staying if Ruenna was staying.

Permission from Rachel to skip Constatine. I'm thinking we can call this a wrap?

"Sssiq--" Rue hissed after the boy as he stalked off, but her attempt to reign Siqsa back in was cut short as Kavik directed the attention of his little group over to hers. Rue reluctantly pulled her gaze away from the retreating young man, doing her best to replace her look of worry with one of gratitude. 

She nodded her agreement to Kavik. She meant what she had just said-- from what she knew of Soltero and Constantine, they were good people. Surely the rest of the Swiftcurrent wolves would be much the same. The ex-Plateau wolves were all beyond exhausted, hungry, tired, and not to mention.. homeless. They needed somewhere to land and regroup, and this was far and away the best offer they were going to get tonight.

The offer was placed, and in turn, taken. The swarthy wolf did not realize the dynamic change he was bringing home to his pack now, but if he had, he would not have argued they were in dire need of one. 

With a a small nod, the regal began to lead their new comrades home.