Swiftcurrent Creek pack activity · spring festival

A call to gather ushered Swiftcurrent's crew from their hideaways into the heart of the alpine glen. Tuwawi, who had been dozing in a half-sleep outside the Sveijarn home, rose to heed her alpha's word, but it was not without a tempestuous conscious. Her husband still required ample rest as his body worked tirelessly to heal his physical wounds, and the thought of a meeting so soon worried her. Despite this, the red woman managed to rouse Njal from slumber and lull him out into the sun. They walked slowly besides one another in silence towards the meeting point, yet something small in Njal did not sit well with his wife. A certain, indescribable detachment she could not name. Hopefully, it would resolve itself in time, just as the bloody scab on his crown would fade. Until then, she could only offer a soft touch to encourage his movements, and hasten their travel.

They arrived at the circle in good time, Fox seated in the center with a pleasant air about her; however, it was not shared. A pall had been cast over the pack in the wake of the lion's attack, and many felt the weight of physical and mental distress upon themselves. Tuwawi was no exception in the case. Even though she had not been marred be the cougar's touch, the thought of her pack mate's injuries burdened her, and the fatigue she felt from tending to Njal was cumbersome. Her posture was indifferent and aloof as the couple broke the treeline to join their ilk, ruddy tail draped between her hocks with a placid uncertainty. Her gaze first met Haunter's, and for a brief moment they shared a knowing look. A small exhale of air hissed between Tuwawi's fangs as her eyes traveled over Jinx and Fox, nearly opposite in energy, to finally settle upon a new recruit to the creek. He appeared to be a brawny man overflowing with bliss, buzzing from his first pack meeting. A pang of dark envy struck the Epsilon... why couldn't it have been him to feel the cougar's teeth?

All in all, the happy gathering felt premature. Following Njal's example, Tuwawi offered Fox a fond, albeit half-hearted, greeting; nibbling at the ruff beyond her cheek. She then returned to her place amongst the formation, sat besides Njal. As he sighed, she pressed into him to help soothe his troubled mind, a small pillar of wild fire, robust in stance. Her eyes, usually a dark stormy hue, appeared chilled like thin ice, accompanied expression stern and pensive. She said nothing, but the gentle tilt of her pointed ears meant she was listening.

A young blade of verdant grass caught Tuwawi's eye — Spring was here to stay, and for the first time, in a long time, Swiftcurrent might share the weather's warmth to welcome the new season of plenty. It cause the ember's mind to flutter around different possibilities... specifically remembering the conversation with her spouse about their future in the creek, and the potential to bring new life into the world. Njal had mentioned he had spoken to their leader on this topic, although her decision remained unclear. It was best, then, that Tuwawi's cycle was late, as it often was — however the air was rampant with a distinct hormonal perfume. Yet, with their wounds still fresh, and the image of Jinx's prematurely aborted litter burnt into her psyche, the warm feeling which bubbled within felt criminal.

Tuwawi's nose prodded at her mate's shoulder, yet her eyes remained fixed on their alpha, decidedly pleased that she was apart of a unit so strong. Never again would they be cheated by natures's cruel ways... security would have to be raised along the borders, fueled by the new herds that would cross from forest to meadow. It was important to be resilient, especially if they wanted to remain shielded from the Vale. Knowing this Tuwawi reclined, as her red tail became wrapped round her haunches, and waited for the good word from their captain, Fox.