Swiftcurrent Creek Home is where the heart lives.

Please allow @Amekaze and @Fang to post first,
it'd be nice if Leaf and Magpie could post first too however I know Magpie is on semi absent leave so in the interest of time they should post asap

Kinda power playing @Leaf and @Magpie and Ame and Fang too please let me know if that's ok. Ferdie just assumed they'd follow his command

Ferdie lead his charges with the help of Ame and Fang down the mountainside, and across the miles of land between the Sunspire and Swiftcurrent Creek, At some parts the travel was slow going until they hit the vale and the land leveled out. Ferdie was ever watchful that Leaf and Magpie did not trip up or disappear on the journey back.

Ferdie had once dared to travel as far as Duck Lake looking for Bazi however she had declined to make contact with him. but this was different, he was heading straight toward Swifturrent Creek toward the beginning and the end of it all. He had not set foot here since and he was not likely to ever do so again after this.
The last time he was here he had been a broken wolf, half the weight he was now and unfit. The months on the mountain showed that those lands were self sufficient so far, his weight was normal if not slightly more then it should be and climbing up and down the mountain side built up his muscles and endurance. Ferdie was more fit now then when he had arrived at Swiftcurrent Creek last winter. He now looked and felt like he was in his prime. The Pelt above the largest scar he had earned during his final moments here, he had painstakingly groomed thinner then the rest of his pelt so that it lay correctly and hid the fact that there was anything there at all.

Ferdie Von Pelt stopped short of the piss marked boarder he did not raise a leg nor did he do anything disrespectful toward Swfitcurrent creek or their land. This fighting was not his intent, but how did that saying go.. oh yes "The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions"

Not far behind him and being flanked by Ame and Fang was Leaf and Magpie. Both Leaf and Magpie were as unharmed as Fox had left them. Though they may have lost a pound in their short forced stay upon The Sunspire's looming peek. Ferdie couldn't bring himself to keep them any longer if they would not eat his attempt at 'saving them' was more harmful then anything.

Ferdie loosed a howl into the pack lands but stayed outside their boarders,

Do not attack unless we are attacked first, I do hope they have open ears today. he spoke to Ame and Fang over his shoulder without taking his eyes of the creek he was nervous about this meeting but his steadfast body language and calm tone would not betray that.

Fang followed diligently, he kept his eyes fixed on the charge of returning the captives unharmed. It was a relatively uneventful trip, scarcely words spoken between the five until they approached the creek. The howl went up and Ferdie made the command to hold back unless they attacked. The halfbreed continued his steps until he was alongside the vain wolf he offered a soft nudge to his alphas shoulder before sitting on his haunches. An attempt to reaffirm his loyalty, He still wasn't comfortable with the situation, but the return of the captive two was certainly an improvement in his mind. Now he sat and waited for these swiftcurrent wolves, completely unsure what to expect anymore. Speech thoughts

yup she'd follow :D

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Their travels passed without fanfare. Her attention stayed partly on Leaf and Magpie at all times, while the other half drifted between Ferdie, Fang, and the landscapes as they moved across it towards the familiar turf of the Creek. She had not come this way in a long time, though. Out of respect for their boundaries, she did not even wander here much past Mount Apikuni. She had no business there, anyway.

Amekaze had nothing to say and knew not what to expect. The instructions were simple and clear. Her reaction would be based on how the Swiftcurrent wolves received them. Since she did know that Fox had not returned to them (last they had heard, the reckless coward..), there was a sliver of hope that they might be met with some sense.. but she was not about to hold her breath for it. Jace's injuries were testament enough. Her guards were up.

They reached their destination and the scent of the Creek practically burned her nose. She hung back a stride length or two from Ferdie as he raised his summons. Then, she watched their captives thoughtfully until someone came to meet them.

Salutations! I'd like to give @Njal @Scimitar and @Razo the opportunity to post after me (and anyone else from Swiftcurrent Creek who would like to, of course). :D

There are days that make your life what it is. They stand out like blood on white linen, bright and ominous and red. Today was one of those days. Today, there was hardly and white left.

The events of the last 24 hours had aged Bazi beyond her 16 months. The fight with Fox had streaked her coat with brown, green, and flecks of rusty red, and the subsequent sprints across Swiftcurrent territory darkened her legs up to the knee. Had she run across water? Bazi could not remember.

Mid-run, she had sent her own howl into the air, summoning all and any that weren't looking for Fox. If Ferdie was here, it was to negotiate, but this time Bazi did not wish to do so alone. Njal and Scimitar were no doubt at her heels, but she was too exhausted to confirm it.

When she arrived in front of Ferdie, he was flanked by Amekaze and the strange 'half-dog' that she had encountered in the swamp. Fang had not heeded her words, then, and was now adding whatever strength and skills he possessed to the Sunspire lot. It took Bazi several moments to realise that the alpha and his cronies came bearing gifts. Leaf and Magpie, unharmed if a little skinny, lurked behind the envoy of Sunspire wolves. Bazi's bright, blue eyes scanned each of the three faces in front of her. Fang first, then Amekaze - and Ferdie, last of all. She lingered her, staring hard into the eyes of her once den-mate. Whatever madness had caused Fox to drive him from the Creek was no longer there, but Bazi did not trust for one second that it wasn't lurking beneath the thin sheet of pepper-grey iris.

She stood stock-still and silent, waiting for the Swiftcurrent wolves to assemble behind her.

As much as he attempted to push himself to keep up with Bazi, the girl moved with flight he could not match even uninjured. Instead, he rounded up behind her, his eyes straying back to where he believed Njal would follow as well. Pulling up just shy of her side, the dark agouti male regarded those before them, his eyes fixating upon Ferdie first -- the silver male had never been welcoming to his presence when he had first joined the Creek, and given the tales he had heard, Scimitar had never been sorry to see him go. Now he led the ragtag team of Sunspire wolves -- if Jace was the best fit to be their Beta, Scimitar could hardly place any other worth on the members below him.

His gaze flickered from the few before him, falling upon Leaf and Magpie. His eyes lingered upon the youthful dark girl, his features softening with worry before he stiffened, noting how thin the girls had become. He did not attempt to soothe the ache in his shoulders -- especially the one that had been gouged rather deeply by Jace in their fight before. Instead he waited with agitated silence, his paws digging to the earth as he restrained from wording how he really felt about this entire situation.

Or even better.. showing them.

Sorry y'all. I'll only be able to manage to squeeze in this post!
Feel free to skip me for the rest of the thread.

Even though they were finally returning home, Leaf felt a heavy weight in her heart. Something was not right about the situation, but she could not pinpoint what. The flurry of activity at The Sunspire had been of little interest to her, and she had retreated to the company of her own mind as they decided what to do with her and Magpie. They were but a small part of something much bigger, and even the little red captive's ego-centrism was not great enough to deny this. So when Bazi appeared without Fox, Leaf finally perked up interest. Turning to glance at Magpie, she gave a quizzical look before stifling a whine. Yes, maybe Fox was still recovering from her injury from Ferdie. That must have been it. But even the way the former Beta held herself seemed different. Sucking in a deep breath, a few of her ribs showing, she decided to remain silent. There was already so much noise.

Shadow appeared next to Scimitar, he had attempted to catch up with both of them after he had heard the Bazi's howl. But they were both fast, especially Bazi. He was sure that other Swiftcurrent Creek wolves would arrive soon, especially the former Beta, Njal. He smelled Njal's scent on both of their coats, quite recently in fact.

Shadow's silver gaze drifted from the Sunspire wolves to Leaf and Magpie. His eyes narrowed as he remembered his conversation with Leaf about the Sunspire attacking. Apparently they had taken Leaf and Magpie hostage instead. His gaze landed on the young dark girl, worry etched into his eyes.

Shadow waited, his muscles tensed as if ready for a fight, which he indeed was. His claws dug into the earth, wishing they were instead pinning an enemy wolf down. But he stayed silent.

Another urgent summons rang in the air, and Tuwawi knew she must attend. After tucking the Svejarn pups in the back of the den, surrounded by a bed of moss, she mother did a lap around her burrow, to scout for danger, before kicking off in the direction of their beta. She was swift on her feet, and rushed through Swiftcurrent's open expanse with a fire in her chest.

Others were already gathered. Bazi, hopelessly rough and disheveled, had her place at the point of their formation, with a wounded Scimitar one one side, flanked by Shadow. Her gaze lifted, and saw Ferdie von Pelt standing at the cusp of there borders, pack mates and captives in tow. She recognized Amekaze, but the reedy bespeckeled wolf was an unknown.

Slowing to a lofty trot, Tuwawi moved to Bazi's open side, her vermilion shoulder brushing against the superior's dirtied flank. Her sharpened platinum gaze moved between their neighbors and their own languidly, surveying the situation with a calculating eye. The Swiftcurrent wolves were visibly tense, and the red woman could not help but wonder if their ranks would break. Unaware of the scuffle between Fox and Bazi, she turned back to their rivals and waiting for the first wolf to speak.

Edited because I didn't see Bazi's reply to my other thread. Derpin' the timelines.

He had not been far from Tuwawi when the summons rang out; the core of the territory had beckoned him away from his responsibilities for a brief moment, but when the strangers called upon the borders, he was swift to answer. Though he was loathe to leave the children unattended, the warden felt compelled to show his face; they would not be too far from the brood, in case something did happen. He made good time, with Bazi and Scimitar slipping ahead of him easily - but Njal had made a brief detour when he saw the flash of red that was his wife, and was keen on being by her side. The swift steps of Tuwawi were met by the thunderous applause of his own - and they made good time, arriving together, just after a few of the other pack mates did. Tuwawi slipped ahead of him to show her support along Bazi's side, and Njal did the same just opposite: passing by Scimitar who appeared injured, and sidling up alongside a youth he did not know (Shadow).

Njal's gaze drifted across the group that had assembled upon their doorstep. As his attention drifted across each wolf, his golden eyes landed upon Ferdie's face with a sombre scowl. He could not resist the natural impulse to size up the other wolf, and due to this the warden's fur spiked along his spine. A single ear was directed towards Bazi for any words she may wish to speak - and a part of him hoped she would tell them to attack - but there was silence all around. A tense silence which did note bode well at all.

Bazi's howl travelled through the creek like a siren, there was trouble to attend to and Galileo was reluctant to help. He arrived at the scene a few minutes after the Creek's happy parents. The presence of both seemed strange to him, for a second he wondered who was acting as pup-sitter while they were here.

However the thoughs quickly faded from his mind as his eyes reached a very familiar face among the crowd of Sunspire wolves. Leaf! His gaze rested on her for a while, a mixture of happiness and worry swirled in the center of his amber colored orbs. He took a deep breath and looked at the other prisoner, Magpie, a child! Instintively his fur bristled a little though he did his best to remain calm and listen to the kidnappers as well as Bazi's commands.

He hoped with all his heart that the meeting between Sunspire and Creek wolves didn't turn violent, the last thing either pack needed was injured or, god forbid, dead members.

Edited for the million and a half typo's I did tweak my post a little no more tweaking

Ferdie Von Pelt winced inwardly as he looked upon Bazi but he did not speak until the others arrived, he was not looking to do battle, far from it.
Bazi's posture and the heavy weight upon her to young shoulders did not elude his notice, her youth stripped of her far to soon by the burden of leadership. Now if only she could come out better then Fox had. She might start by actually listening, but so far that had not been the case with Bazi either.
This thought saddened him, he still held the father-like feelings toward her, though muted, his heart still longed for her, his loyalty not easily broken. In fact so hard to break it was not harm he wanted to befall upon Fox but reason.

Ferdie kept his gaze upon Bazi and did not spare a glance to Njal whom not longer held himself like a beta but put himself beside Bazi anyway. Ferdie's hackles did not raise he did not try to look bigger, he did not step any closer. Fleetingly he wondered if Swiftcurrent creeks pups had arrived or had something happened to them if both parents were here...

Ferdie did not offer excuses or his reasons for keeping Magpie and Leaf though if the pups were not still living he had all the more reason to have tried to 'protect' Magpie in his own way.
His voice still held it's slight canadian accent even after all this time in the teekon wilds. It came out more today as he projected his voice for all to hear. He didn't start with the accusation that he plotted the whole way here Hi guys I'm just returning the wolves Fox left behind after her last dalliance at our boarders he remained diplomatic hard as it was
I needed to bring back Leaf and Magpie, they are not eating and I fear for them. I do not wish harm upon them, any of you or any of us.

Ferdie motioned for Leaf and Magpie to rejoin their pack, He carefully backed up, placing himself behind Leaf and Magpie in case they did not step forward quickly enough. He did not turn or give his side or rump to the Swiftcurrent Wolves in front of him. He did not trust he could walk away in one piece today. He nodded at Ame and Fang to do the same.

His own words rang in his head from the exchange with Njal upon the first invasion onto the mountain no swiftcurrent wolf had ever bothered to travel to before, "We will be staying on the mountain top FAR from Swiftcurrent creek and you would do well to turn back home and leave us in peace if you expect us to do the same." Though other words also came forth the plea had been clear so he asked again; this time placing it before Bazi in hopes some wolf could and possibly would listen.
Because even though The swiftcurrent creek wolves had come over and over again, Ferdie's pack had only defended. Ferdie's pack had not retaliated in kind before the taking of the captives which to be fair were on his pack land to start with it wasn't as if he had come down and stolen them.....

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(Mwahaha to those who know of a plot that was tinkered with)
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Ferdie Von Pelt chose to keep his words short and sweet, for to many words in the past had been lost on Fox and he did not want to risk it. I wish only for peace, that is all I wanted since the very last time my paws touched this ground. It what I asked for when Njal came to us and it is all I ask for now. Ferdie inclined his head to Bazi his gaze not having left her even when he had backed up, but his gaze was also not challenging as hers had been. His plea fell from his lips again
Leave us alone and we leave you alone. A clear cut boundary. No exceptions. Ferdie held himself still then, bracing for an attack; They no longer had anything with them to stop the Swiftcurrent creek wolves from rending their life from their bodies.

Ferdie wanted to verbally claim that The Sunspire wolves had not come to Swiftcurrent creeks boarders wanted to claim the 'war' was truly one-sided but now he knew that to be a lie. Jace had taken it upon himself to break rank and to come here of his own accord. What was worse, Jace fought back on their boarders, this had angered Ferdie enough that Jace was not here and if Ferdie had to tie Jace to a tree, Jace would not come back, for any reason.
Not as a member of his pack anyway. That thought speared Ferdie's heart deep, sacrifice Jace for the safety of the pack if it came down to it, could he?

The swiftcurrent wolves moved in quickly. Bazi at the lead, and he couldn't help but notice she seemed, older, since the last time he met her. The rest of the pack arriving and quickly outnumbering the three from the spire. It was becoming increasingly uncomfortable sitting on the border of both peace and packland without shuffling about. He was nervous, he was not a fighter, and he didn't think he had any right or need to fight. Ferdies words came across clear the condescending scoff that followed last time his alpha claimed "no harm" was non-existent in this situation, instead he simply let the male speak as the captives were returned. Matching the alpha he also moved back, slowly. His golden eyes resumed moving from one wolf, to the next as they stood stoically judging each other. His attention returned to Bazi, last time they'd met she had listened to the irritated loner he was at the time, he assumed she'd listen now. He hoped. Speech thoughts

I wanted Danica here but feel free to skip. Driving home from Cali tonight so won't be able to post too quickly (it's been rough keeping up with only mobile this past week lmao)

With her limp Danica figured she would be the last to arrive. She wasn't sure how much help she would be in her current state but an extra body couldn't hurt. Besides that, Bazi had called, and Danica wouldn't ignore that for anything. It was hard to believe the white fem was practically Alpha with Fox missing. Danica trusted her with the role, however.

She arrived in time to hear Ferdie's words but remained silent. She did doubt his motives but knew speaking out now would be not only unwise but disrespectful of Bazi. The former had never stopped her before so it was the latter that did the trick. Instead she would wait for a sign from their current leader.

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Swiftcurrent wolves soon gathered. Bazi first, all dirtied and run ragged, and a handful of others she could still call by name. Scimitar, Njal, and Tuwawi both were a few noteworthy faces. The trespassing female was not here, yet, and Amekaze remained vaguely aware of the aches and bruises she had left her with. Nevertheless, several here would recognize her, as well, even though her time here had been fleeting. But as she had heard, Fox was not among them. This was for the best.

All was silent but decidedly tense. Soon they were outnumbered. Defensively her furs shifted upward just some, yet she made no noise. The moments to follow were sure to be interesting.

Ame glanced coolly towards their captives, then back around to the others as they postured before them, certainly sizing them all up carefully and picking out who they each might pounce on first if it came to it. Ferdie spoke, relinquishing the girls smoothly and explaining what he wanted: leave us alone and we will do the same, as the Sunspire had done (for the most part, barring Jace's doings which she did believe was somewhat warranted at this point honestly).

Amekaze agreed silently but made no motions, just stood stark still and vigilant, although a spark of interest was had when she spied Danica limping onto the scene. From there, she was watching everyone.. or attempting to, in order to spot the first signal that they were going to leap to violence in response, or that this did not appease them in whatever way. Much of this weighed on Bazi's response, and for that, she waited.

Wolves swarmed around Bazi until Swiftcurrent Creek outnumbered the Sunspire by more than two to one - and that did not account for the wolves that were elsewhere, waiting behind the wall of bristling bodies. She felt Scimitar and Tuwawi on either side of her, tense with anticipation and burning with loyalty to their home and all that sheltered within it. Njal appeared within moments, as did Galileo and Shadow - two wolves whose duty to the pack during this trying time she would not forget. This was a show of strength - not buzzing around at the foot of the mountain like a starved flea. Despite her disdain for Fox's methods, she missed the fiery little alpha in that moment. She would have liked this.

Though, given her inability to wait out a tense moment, the encounter might have deteriorated into a battle long before Danica had the opportunity to join them.

There was no trace of Jace's claims in what Ferdie demanded. In fact, he 'demanded' nothing at all in exchange for the captives - except peace, which Fox's departure would guarantee. At least for the moment. Jace had been right about one thing: though the Sunspire's alpha was a soft, sweet wolf, there was no guaranteeing his subordinates would be, nor that they would stay their natural urges just because he said so. The dark Beta certainly hadn't, and when eventually a buzzing fly made it down from the Sunspire to worry about Swiftcurrent's borders - and it would happen, one day - the peace that Ferdie von Pelt traded for now might no longer be valid.

But now was not the time. Bazi had no urge to fight. She knew, and Ferdie knew, that the outcome of such a clash would not end well for either of their families, though an established pack of fifteen was more likely to emerge victorious against an infant pack of nine. With probability firmly on her side, why squander even a fraction of a happy, thriving pack to prove a point? A less burdened Bazi might have contested this decision, but as things were, she was beyond exhaustion. Fox was gone, her body was bruised, and she would have to gather the pack in the morning to hash out a plan for their future - and she would rather that be with Leaf and Magpie than without them.

"Leave us alone and we leave you alone. A clear cut boundary. No exceptions," Ferdie finished, backing up and lowering his head.

Bazi only nodded in response - a slow, firm yes to those terms. She did not air the pack's dirty laundry, nor attempt to tack specifics onto Ferdie's request. What this co-habitation really meant, long-term, was something she would discuss with her fellows when the new day dawned.

Swiftcurrent Creek responded with an impressive force -- Tuwawi slid up beside Bazi, while Shadow and Njal took stride beside him. Galileo was upon the scene as well, and with one quick look about him, Scimitar determined they far outnumbered the wolves Ferdie had brought.. which seemed foolish at first, it simply demonstrated that the silver male was not looking for battle.

With the demands made, the agouti wolf's eyes slid over Leaf and Magpie, noting the thinness was due to their own decision to withhold food, it seemed. He withheld a snort as Fedie mentioned he intended them no harm and had to return them for their lack of nourishment -- had he not intended harm, he would have not held a child and possibly one of the world's tiniest she-wolves. No -- hypocritical words spewed from his muzzle -- his desire for peace after he and Jace had nearly shred one another to pieces, or after he had taken tow of Swiftcurrent's more helpless members and held them against their will.

What a martyr, returning them home because he couldn't 't force them to eat.

But it was not worth the potential risk to the pack members, and primarily to leaf, Magpie and Njal's litter to even question this.. or act upon the tension that strung the air. Bazi gave a simple nod, and in turn, he remained silent, his eyes fixated upon the two that flanked Ferdie, lest they give any indication they meant ill-will to their captives.

The air was rapt with silence, save for a few shifting their weight. In all, seven wolves had arrived to represent Swiftcurrent, boldly positioned besides their leader. However, most of their ranks were visibly rough around the edges; even Danica kept a slight limp. Tuwawi's gaze shifted solemnly between the parties with a cool demeanor. Unlike Njal or Scimitar, she wasn't interested in fighting - mostly out of self-preservation; and it was a relief when Bazi kept her head, agreeing to Ferdie's simple terms with a firm nod of her slender face. The two youths positioned behind the Sunspire wolves were invited forth, and soon the prisoner exchange would put their hostage situation to an end.

The whole point of Fox's constant badgering had been to drive the mountain wolves away from the valley's fertile lands and protect the borders. Tuwawi could only hope that her successor would learn from mistakes made and keep a keener eye to the future. Yet one could never give a good prediction of what was to be, and one could only connect the dots after the fact. All in all, it would be good to have the two females returned... regroup the pack... and decide what to do later about Sunspire's looming presence. Though her loyalty was firmly planted in Swiftcurrent, Tuwawi couldn't help feel a wave of apathy wash over her, passion fading for this creek-side home and the tribulations it mustered. For the time being, she remained silent and ever-watchful.

Ferdie did not wait long before he spoke, and it seemed that most of the words were directed at Bazi. He paid little attention to the horde that soon rose up before him. Njal barely paid attention to what the other wolf was saying, preferring instead to keep an ear trained for any orders from his young leader while his gaze traveled carefully across the enemies at the door. He sized them up in silence. As much as he wished to force these strangers away, he knew his place. The situation with Leaf and Magpie had been briefly explained, and now all they had to do was wait for an outcome. Bazi did not grant the fool from the mountain a single word, which prompted Njal to give her a curious sweep of attention - but then he saw the nod of her head, the agreement, and returned his scrutiny to the cluster of wolves that stood before them.

Galileo did not bother to look at their adversary's faces, he only had eyes for Leaf and Magpie. While both of them looked free of wounds, he worried when he saw the imp's pretuberant ribs poking out her her flanks. He then shifted his gaze to Ferdie, though he didn't know him he could tell he was well respected by his subordinates, all of them lined up ready to spring at his command.

Just like us, he thought turning his ears when the so-respected Alpha spoke. His words sounded sincere in the old man's opinion, he may be an enemy but he had a heart. He was returning the starving girls in exchange for something that should've been given to him in the first place. Galileo's eyes fixed on Bazi now, it was up to her now that Fox was out of the picture. Thankfully for the sake of both packs the young girl made use of her better judgement and quickly agreed to his demand.

I know Leaf gave permission to be skipped I think we all skipped Shadow if so I'm sorry Shadow

Fade Ferdie unless someone moves to attack

Less words and more listening was done this day, perhaps this bode well for the future. The fact almost the whole of swiftcurrent creek heard and understood the exchange, made Ferdie Von Pelt more at ease with it. Now everyone knew the new rules and would hopefully respect the uneasy truce.

However in his haste and perhaps due slightly in part to due to nervousness of seeing Bazi for the first time since... He had left a huge hole that could bite him in the face later. He mentally bit himself in the ass; He would just have to make sure none of his wolves crossed the 'boundary' first.

His a nod to his pack mates, keeping them close, he turned swiftly on heel and departed back the way they came, he had a new law to lay down. A law that would have very dire consequences if it was broken. What would become of Leaf and Jace made Ferdie's heart very heavy. For now there truly was a Romeo and Juliet.

insert fade here, assuming none attack.

The white female nodded stiffly, shifting his view to his own leader it seemed less words were happening then expected. Things might return to a sense of normality for the most part. Magpie and Leaf were now safely back in their own family, Ferdie was turning to leave. Fang's golden eyes glanced to each of the swiftcurrent members in turn, falling on Bazi for a moment longer. An amused smile spread across his features before he turned to follow his leader. He couldn't help but wonder, things didn't pan out how he expected and now he was left with a litany of questions, he might seek out one of these members to figure it out, for now he was thinking the various questions he would soon be bothering Ferdie with. At least that was all behind them, so to speak, Speech thoughts

i know danica posted ahead of me last round but i want to go ahead and make my exit post since i don't know if i will have any time to reply tomorrow -- leaving to go camping for a few days! and there's no point to hold it up just to wait on me to leave <___>

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Nothing else was said and still she watched. While Bazi held the majority of the cards that would determine the outcome, she was busy watching all the other Swiftcurrent wolves most of all -- noticing how pleased they all seemed here with each other around and the stench of their borderlands so present. Honestly, she did not find all of them to be here entirely necessary, not when anything except for staring was being done by the bulk of them. With only the three of them from the Sunspire here and their presence announced plainly, it ought to be obvious that they were not looking to stir up violence.

Anyway, an affirmative was given and then Ferdie took his leave. Fang followed and Amekaze moved to trail after them last. Despite their agreement, she still did not like her back to all the Creek wolves and kept her ears angled their way until their trio was a good distance away.

I was waiting for the remaining SC-ers to post, but in the interest of wrapping this up, I am going to post again. :) I'm happy to keep posting for those of you in SC who want a third post. Keeping references to Leaf and Magpie super-vague as I don't want to powerplay them.

Bazi held her breath. Not a word escaped the gathering of Swiftcurrent wolves, and she was infinitely grateful for their restraint. Ferdie did not speak again, nor did his cohorts - the captives were returned the Creek and the Sunspire wolves turned to leave. No words, no room for misinterpretation. Fox would have approved of that aspect of the encounter, at least, though she would certainly have grieved the loss of an opportunity to grind the mountain-dwelling creature into dust. With a 2:1 advantage, she may very well have won that fight.

When the group was out of ear shot, Bazi turned to face the assembled wolves. She had a blank, glassy-eyed look on her dirt-streaked face, and her voice was hollow when she spoke. "Fox is gone," she said, glancing between Njal and Scimitar, willing them not to divulge the details of what had gone on. "She isn't coming back. We will meet again in a couple of days, all of us. Until then, stay close to home - and far away from the Sunspire."

There was no mention of the fact that Fox's departure made Bazi the Creek's leader by default. Tuwawi and Njal might contest that, especially the former, whose patience with yearlings was at breaking point. Right now, they needed to recover.

Shadow tilted his head remembering the young small red wolf who had been the Alpha of his pack. She was gone? He stared curiously at the white furred wolf noticing her blank glassy-eyed look and her dirt streaked face cleary, her voice hollow. He decided not to question Bazi for now, they all needed to recover from this shock.

Stay close to home, Shadow wondered if he would be able to do that. The urge to explore was stronger than ever, tugging at his guts. His paws itching to move, but he would try to do his best to stay. Staying far away from The Sunspire would be easy enough, he never wanted to go there anyways.

The silver wolf dipped his head.

Though tense, the exchange went off without a hitch and Ferdie von Pelt's band of wolves turned 'round to head back to Sunspire's keep. The Swiftcurrent assemblage was silent and still, like petrified gargoyles watching their rivals until they could not be seen, heard, or smelled. Eventually, the stagnant air broke and taught muscles unwound. The worst was over. With Magpie and Leaf's returned, Sunspire no longer held the upper to blackmail or contort how they saw fit. However, Fox was still missing... or at least that was what Tuwawi thought until Bazi delivered the announcement.

'Fox is gone. She isn't coming back. We will meet again in a couple of days, all of us. Until then, stay close to home - and far away from the Sunspire,' she informed the band. Gone? Tuwawi thought, Or dead? the way Bazi phrased 'she won't be coming back' suggested the latter. What were the circumstances of their alpha's departure? Was she hurt? Driven off by Ferdie? Didn't feel like coming back to the creek? Questions reeled through the ember's mind, but he jaw only clenched as expression became stony. Dark lips upturned into a stiff frown, dotted brows pinched in solemn thought. It was difficult news to digest.

However, despite their urgency, now wasn't a time for questions... and Tuwawi knew that.

Her storm-colored eyes grazed over the others in their group, from Shadow, to Galileo, Danica, Scimitar, to Njal. She shared a look of discontent with her mate until her gaze finally came to rest on Bazi's disheveled figure. Her red ears rolled forward in a questioning way, a visage of concern painting the Sveijarn's face. Did Bazi need help? Want help? Their usually pristine beta looked tired and worn, earth and twigs ensnared in her lustrous pelt. Tuwawi took a tentative step towards her, body language offering help.