Redhawk Caldera I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too

It was getting late. The family had supped and it was time to start settling down for the night. The July air was breathless. While the other members of her family seemed to be made drowsy by the warm, still air, it made Wildfire restless. She paced around the rendezvous site, slipping in and out of the trees and mostly sticking to the edges of the clearing. It felt like the world was holding its breath. It was getting eerier by the second, especially because the young Naturalist knew some of the signs of an impending storm. But she had weathered storms before, so why fret about this one?

No matter how much she tried to reassure herself, Wildfire simply couldn't bite back the sense of cold dread in the pit of her stomach. Finally, she trotted back to the center of the clearing, where Peregrine, @Fox, @Nightjar, @Raven and @Pantaleimon (and occasionally others) slept on a nightly basis. Her amber eyes glowed in the gloomy air as she fidgeted and announced in a small voice, "Something's wrong."

Fox had noticed it too, though she brushed it off. Storms were common. Nothing to be afraid of, right? The alpha did her best to calm her nerves, trying to assume that everything was fine. But when little Dhole spoke up, Fox knew it wasn't just her. "I know," she replied, brow furrowed. "What is it?" Fox asked Wildfire, though anybody within earshot was more than welcome to answer. She didn't like this one bit—being out of the loop—and she feared the worst. Then again, she wasn't even sure what the "worst" was. This was unlike anything she had ever experienced.

She paced around nervously, unable to contain it now that Dhole had voiced her concern. Sure, her mini-me was still technically a youth, but Fox knew she'd been paying attention to the weather, the sky, and everything that went with it. If she was afraid, Fox was willing to believe her. "More importantly," she added, "What do we do?"

Meanwhile, Peregrine sensed nothing amiss, aside from the grumble in his belly that meant a large bowel movement was brewing. When Wildfire's worried face popped into view, he was sprawled on the cool summer grass, one leg hiked in the air in case he needed to pass gas. His daughter's announcement caused him to flip suddenly onto his belly, loosing a rather ratchet fart. He would have laughed but Wildfire sounded genuinely concerned and, it seemed, his mate shared in it too.

Now his stomach started to hurt as he felt anxiety twisting his gut. Peregrine opened his mouth to repeat Fox's question but before Wildfire even answered, he saw her warm golden eyes lift to the sky. He followed her gaze, his brow furrowing. It was getting dark fast but he attributed that to the time of day, nothing more. But the more he stared, the more unsettled he felt. There was a quality to the darkness that didn't match the calm of night. There was also a familiar electricity in the air, now that he was paying attention, and if he stared off into the distance, the clouds were moving fast.

"Big storm?" he guessed, looking at Fox briefly before his dusky jade eyes settled on Wildfire. She was young but, as an aspiring Naturalist, she was perhaps the most qualified meteorologist in the group. "We can take shelters in the trees... or maybe underground, if it's gonna be particularly bad?" he thought out loud, gaze once more flicking to the Alpha female's face.

*keeps things moving...* :)

Her parents appeared to take her seriously. Fox didn't seem to know what it was it or what to do about it, though Peregrine followed up her questions by suggesting it was a storm. Wildfire nodded. Big was an understatement, she felt sure of it. This storm was going to be epic, and not in a good way. Her amber eyes lifted to the sky. The swirling clouds filled her with trepidation and the electricity in the air caused the red fur along her spine to stand on end.

She hadn't thought of going underground (she was only marginally aware of the caldera's cave system), though the moment her father mentioned it, Wildfire quickly said, "Yes, underground. It's gonna be bad, dud, really bad." She shifted her weight from foot to foot, ears sliding backward somewhat. "Should we go get Aunt Finley and Uncle Elwood? And Elwood Jr?" And what about the others? Wildfire's fur began to prickle with apprehension as much as static.

Making some assumptions and using a little powerplay; please PM me if it needs to be changed! :) Just wanted to jump in on the action!

It was almost as if Wildfire had summoned the Beta pair with her thoughts; Elwood stepped into the clearing just as their names passed her lips, with @Finley at his shoulder. She held @Elwood Jr securely in her mouth, and -- as usual -- the quiet and compliant pup did not protest. He was surely being assaulted with a variety of stimuli, but he did little more than wriggle his little nose and blink his big eyes at his surroundings.

Elwood's brow was deeply furrowed as he moved briskly towards Peregrine, Fox, and the firebirds. Electricity veritably crackled in the air around them, and the sky seemed to grow progressively darker with each step he took. A sharp wind roused his hackles, and concern held them at attention. "This doesn't seem good," he said, yellow eyes flashing in the eerie half-light. "Do we have a plan?" He had been quick to gather his family once they realized that this wasn't just an ordinary summer storm. He could tell by Fox's and Peregrine's expressions that they agreed, and he was glad that he had taken action when he did.

i probably won't post with Eljay in here, but feel free to pp him being an obedient little blob :D

Pantaleimon had been out hunting when she noticed the first grey clouds in the distance. She wasn't scared of rain, so she had not given it much thought; not until the darkness intensified and winds started to pull at her fur, stronger than naturally. She hadn't caught anything yet, but decided to make her way back to the rendezvous site anyway, just in case.

Upon reaching the clearing, Pan was glad to find most of the wolves she held dear there. A quick nip to Perry's muzzle was given before she turned to look at the others. Elwood and Finley arrival on site and Pan looked questioningly at her leaders: what are we going to do? she asked silently, awaiting command and ready to move wherever they would lead.

Fox had little choice but to accept their suggestions. She had never sensed this before, and the unknown was more terrifying than anything. Elwood, Finley, and Eljay arrived next, asking about the plan. This was quickly followed by the arrival of Pan. Fox glanced nervously to the both of them, the pit of her stomach writhing. "I don't care where we go," Fox said, "as long as it's safe." How were they supposed to know what was safe, though? Instinct was the only thing to really guide them, considering none of them had been through this before, as far as she knew. Fox was at a loss, and she stuck close to her family.

He had no reason to question Wildfire's prediction and, anyhow, better safe than sorry. Peregrine opened his mouth to issue more decisive instructions when the Blackthorns and Pan both arrived on the scene. A relieved breath gusted from his muzzle. He shot Elwood, Finley and their mini-me a quick smile, then nudged his lover's cheek.

"We're going to head underground," the Alpha male announced. "Follow me," were the next words out of his mouth. There was no time to waste. "Kids, stick close," he said to Nightjar, Wildfire and Raven in particular. He slipped to Fox's side, then with Pan on the other and the rest of the group just behind him, he began to trot downhill, toward one of many accesses to the caldera's network of underground caverns.

En route, the Alpha tipped his muzzle toward the darkling sky and howled, "We're taking cover underground! Come to us or seek shelter of your own!" Of course, Peregrine hoped the rest of the pack would magically show up to join the party, yet he knew it was unlikely. Unfortunately, there was no time to go find all of them and drag them underground.

He spotted an outcropping and led the others toward. Beneath it, there was a smell crevice that led beneath the earth. Hopefully the caldera itself could shield them from the brunt of the storm. "After you," he said to Fox, Pan and the pups. "I'm not asking, I'm telling," he said when he noticed the reluctant expression on his son's face. "Go." He would wait here until everyone was safely inside, then bring up the rear.

Her parents were taking her very seriously, which Wildfire appreciated. Her father took charge of the situation even as the Beta pair and their young son appeared, soon after followed by Pan. Instinctively, she moved closer to her godparents. "It's okay, Elwood Jr," she murmured, even though the pup didn't look too distressed. He was probably the chillest wolf Wildfire knew.

Soon, they were on the move, tearing down the hillside in search of a cave. Wildfire obediently moved to trot just behind her father when commanded, bumping shoulders with her brother and sister. Nightjar looked dubious about their plan of action and Raven just looked scared. "We'll be safe underground, I think," Wildfire murmured to both of them, hoping to convince Nightjar and soothe Raven. But she didn't sound very convincing, even to herself.

When Peregrine located the entrance to a subterranean passageway beneath a rocky overhang, Wildfire quickly slunk forward and moved inside. Gloomy, damp air greeted her. Having no particular fear of close quarters, she prowled deeper into the bowels of the caldera. A short tunnel gave way to a larger chamber, which was very dimly lit. She pressed against one of the walls to move out of the way, then hunkered down to await the arrival of her comrades as they prepared to wait out the fearsome storm.

Pantaleimon arrived soon after the Blackthorn family; Elwood was glad to see that another packmate had reacted the same way he had. His first thought had been to find Fox and Peregrine, both because they were his leaders and because he felt a sense of strength in numbers. He flashed a small, tight-lipped smile at Wildfire as she quietly reassured Elwood Jr, who didn't seem to be aware that the pack was in crisis. He then shifted his gaze nervously between the adults of the group as Fox explained that she just wanted to relocate somewhere safe, and Peregrine decided that they would go underground.

This wasn't a problem for Finley or Elwood, and they both moved quickly to follow the others. They had both spent plenty of time beneath the Caldera's surface, and though it was perhaps unnatural for a wolf to enjoy spelunking, Elwood felt no additional fear. Before they slipped into the tunnel, Peregrine loosed a howl for any stragglers, and Elwood added his own voice to the message; he simply emphasized the importance of seeking safety.

Elwood ushered Finley ahead of him -- still, with no protest from Eljay -- and then followed her into the cavern. Peregrine was behind him, and he paused only to throw a glance over his shoulder at the Alpha male before they all started to descend. They soon emerged into a cavern just large enough for the group and Elwood guided his mate and child to a corner, where they curled up and he sat rigidly with his tail wrapped around his paws.

Being a water raised wolf, Pantaleimon felt scared at the thought of going underground. When Peregrine suggested it, fear gripped at her heart; but she knew she had no choice but to go with them. Pan wanted to make sure that the pups and everyone else was safe, and so she would join them and they would be safe.

No more than an obedient nod came from Pan's direction when Perry said they should go underground, despite how fearful she felt for it. "Okay," she agreed half-heartedly, and then looked at the other wolves to see what their thoughts were. Still, it would only be for a little while, and if they would be safe for it, Pantaleimon preferred that to staying out in the heavy weather any day.

The pup did not understand what was wrong, but obedient and silent as usually, he allowed his parents to drag him from his comfortable den and away. With interest, the pup watched the dark clouds ahead, though he did not say or show in any way that he was interested in watching them. He just watched while he was carried further from the safe confines of the den than ever before.

There were many wolves when they arrived, many of which the pup had met at one point or another in his life. Although he understood many words now, and had spoken a few babbly ones, the pup remained silent in this situation, instinctively remaining calm while he was carried by his mother.

Fin would have been perfectly content to stay home with her boys.  She had a very poor concept of danger and so when the call came, she glanced at the sky and proceeded to go back to sleep curled up around her little one.  Fortunately, Elwood was her mate, and he had impeccable sense.  At his urging, she had gathered up Eljay and made the trek to meet up with the others.

Fortunately, her son was just as content being carted around in her teeth as he was to be curled up at her side, sleeping.  Her only qualms with going had been that it would upset her pup, but since he was fine, then so was she.  Obediently, she followed her mate when they decided to relocate underground.  Once inside the cave, Fin settled down in a corner and finally set Eljay down beside her.  She fussed over him for a moment or so before letting him be, her gaze wandering about the group as a wide yawn sent a tremble throughout her entire body.  Boy she was sleepy.  How long did storms last?

Magpie's heart lay in the Naturalist trade, though the demands of Redhawk Caldera had dictate she pursue other skills— still, that did not remove her knowledge or talent. She had been on the edge of the caldera, where the elevation provided an unrivaled view. There was an uncanny stillness and quiet— that had first alerted her to the changing weather. It was never good when the birds went silent, nor when her ultimate nemeses (rabbits) disappeared underground without her provocation.

Sure enough, darkness was gathering in the sky— clouds more threatening than she had ever seen before. Her experiences told her only that it would be a terrible thunderstorm. That seeking cover would be necessary, for lightning was capable of striking anything out in the open... and just as terrible, was capable of burning down entire forests.

She estimated they only had a few hours before the storm would strike, and so she lilted a warning cry over the caldera, and immediately set off to the caldera's main den site to warn her family. Magpie ran as though she were chasing prey, but it would still take her some time to reach the rendezvous site— she would cut it perilously close. When she was perhaps twenty minutes away, sides heaving with exertion, Peregrine's own warning cut through the air. She altered her course towards the hillside.

When the side of the caldera came into view, Magpie's green eyes scanned the hills for signs of movement. Luckily, she caught sight of a tail disappearing beneath an outcropping, and the dark form of Peregrine guarding the entrance. Several minutes later, she arrived— bumping her head beneath the Alpha's muzzle in deference— and disappeared inside, breathless. She took inventory of the pack mates here with her, nodding at each and noting the absences, as she awaited the arrivals of others and worked to catch her breath.

Into the caves they went, one after another, until they were all crammed into the caverns. Fox had never considered herself claustrophobic. In fact, she'd basically spent the first two weeks with the firebirds hunkered down in their den. This was a totally different story, though. As much as she wanted to escape the dark, damp caves below, she knew there was no way she wanted to be out there. Fox wondered if Grimm had heard the call, and whether or not she'd been able to make it somewhere safe. The same went for Magpie, who was also missing from their underground crew. A moment later, however, her half-sister appeared, and Fox was able to at least let that thought rest.

Fox panted nervously—and would continue to do so throughout the night—unable to break the silence and likely unwilling to do much more than nod or shake her head if anybody asked a question. This whole thing was ridiculous, and she longed to be outside in nice weather. She could only hope that it would be over sooner rather than later.

The pup continued on being carried by its mother, and it watched the other wolves that were gathered with interest. He wondered where they were going; he had never been with all of these wolves together in one space. The fear in their hearts and expressions made the pup feel tense, but it did not express this in any way, remaining quiet and obedient in its mother's jaws.

They eventually moved underground, and as the pup was set down by its mother's side, he remained there, observing the world around him with his big babyblue eyes while suppressing the fear-filled emotions he got from the other wolves' feelings rubbing off on him.

Pantaleimon silently followed as they were lead towards the cave, hoping that everything was going to be okay. She was afraid of what was to come, didn't know if they'd be safe -- and if the lands they inhabited were going to be safe -- but all she could do for now was follow their leaders and trust that everything would be okay. It was out of her own hands.

"Im scared," Pan disclosed to Peregrine alone, a grimace on her face, while they made their way to the caves. Once there, Pan would take some time to settle down, feeling restless, and would find a place somewhere near Peregrine and his family so she would at least not feel so alone.

After everyone was inside, the Alpha did a mental inventory. They were missing Sebastian, Magpie and Njal. And wasn't Grimm back now too? Where on earth were they? Well, he didn't have to wonder long about one of them, at least. Magpie appeared and slipped into the den, bumping his muzzle on the way inside. His tail twitched, glad the yearling had made it here safely.

His jade eyes then cast out across the land as he hoped to spot his three missing comrades. The sky darkened and he noticed a strange green tinge to everything. It unsettled him. Sighing, he withdrew into the cave's mouth. He could hear the muffled commotion of his uneasy pack mates behind him, yet it was too dark to see any of them. He would have to locate his family with his ears and nose.

A voice whispered in his ear. "We'll be all right," Peregrine whispered back, then decided to raise his voice over the muted din and say, "We'll be okay down here, everyone. Just sit tight." He took his own advice then, feeling his way through the darkness. He found Fox and Pan and settled down near them. He smelled his children close by and heard the Betas' soft voices a few feet away.

"Seb, Njal and Grimm didn't show. I hope they're okay out there..." the Alpha male murmured to no one in particular, trying not to panic as the walls of the cave seemed to close in on him. He needed to find a wall to anchor himself. He rose and found one, then settled down again, ears pressing close to his head and chin dropping to the dirty stone floor as the storm picked up speed and ferocity overhead.

Most of the caldera's wolves packed inside the small chamber, even as the light failed and the storm really began to rage. Wildfire's heart fluttered in her chest. She was happy for Raven's presence on her right and Nightjar's on her left. If she squinted, she could just make out her parents' silhouettes a few feet away. She could hear the hushed voices of her other loved ones too. She hoped everyone was down here, though it was hard to tell, especially as the storm grew louder and fiercer.

Over the next few hours, the winds would howl and the ground would shudder, yet they would remain safely tucked away in their hiding place... all because of her. This gave her some small measure of comfort as she tried to sleep. She did manage to doze off for a while, though the chaos awoke her again as a tree fell nearby, causing a clatter just outside the cave and restless, fearful shuffling within the chamber.

"Rave?" Wildfire murmured, half-awake, touching her nose against her sister's neck for reassurance. "NJ?" She realized her brother was no longer right next to her. A spear of panic jolted through her and she rose to her feet. Lightning lit up the chamber for half a second and she swore she saw Nightjar at the rear of the chamber. "Hey..." she whispered, moving toward him, deeper into the darkness.

The group of wolves settled into their temporary home, all finding places where they could attempt to be comfortable for the night. It didn't seem like sleep would be coming easily for any of them -- except maybe Elwood Jr, though the boy seemed to just be taking it all in -- but fatigue would start to pull at their eyelids eventually. Elwood managed to doze for short spurts, though each time he slipped into slumber he was drawn out by a sound from outside -- a falling tree or the incessant drumming of rain.

We're in for a long night, he thought as he eventually curled up next to Finley with Eljay sandwiched between their grey bodies.

Despite how tense all of the fear around him made him feel, the pup was growing tired. When placed between his parents' bodies, it was easy for him to close his eyes and doze off: he was exhausted from this strange journey and from the emotions thrown at him from all directions.

And so the pup looked up at each parent once before leaning his head down into their fur and closing his eyes. With a disgruntled but quiet 'mrr' sound the pup started to drift off to sleep beside his parents, until the next day or until they would start to move again.