Broken Boulder Crucible of Broken Blouder

They traveled together in relative silence for what seemed like forever, for all intents and purposes it had been as much - four hours. While the actual distance wasn’t that far, for a pair of wolves nursing a few minor injuries and attempting to conserve their strength, four hours had been a generous amount of time. Mostly though, the silence was on Redmoon’s end - he’d never experienced the cruelty he’d found back there, he knew nature ran its course and predatory rivals often slaughtered other species’ packs and litters in an unending and unseen war, but to see it first hand was something that was lasting on his mind. 

In relative terms, he thought for a while if he’d be capable of doing such acts and part of him laughed and said no in quite the resolute fashion though another part stayed silent and only stirred the beast inside his heart. He swallowed, knowing that the beast was a rage that would do whatever was necessary to ensure survival - while torture was not his way, he didn’t doubt he’d kill at a moment’s notice. Or would he? He huffed, unsure of himself. Self defense - absolutely he’d kill, but when the defense of another came to call, would it not be easier to just turn aside and run, live to fight another day? 

He bit his tongue during the thought and it snapped him back to reality, his nose twitched as he smelt the water and it was icy fresh. Unbeknownst to Redmoon, it ran from the southern positioned glacier through a creek and it filled Leila’s discovered pond. Its waters would be very cooling and refreshing to the touch. Taking in a deep breath he began to trot along at a better pace now that the water source was nearby. 

As he made way through the woods his mood fell back on his thoughts. He knew what he was capable of but a large part of him was very reluctant to acknowledge it. Then again he was still in denial that he too was part of nature - Redmoon would do what he needed to do. He caught Leila in the corner of his eye as he trotted, what of her though? If she fell to a foe would he be so keen to put himself into danger and come to her aid? He honestly couldn’t think of an instance where he would not do so. He sensed her tender heart and he instinctively wanted to shield her from his cold nature, he was nearly ashamed that he fought with these thoughts where she could just go in stride with them. 

But as they caught sight of the clearing which held the pond and the light of day began to relax behind the tree tops, he recalled the wounded pup’s words that two of its kin were stolen away. From whatever recesses in his mind, a stirring resolve came and he instantly knew that there would be no conflict. He would see those pups free and the dead avenged. It felt right and it felt like the true and only choice to be made. 

Another glance to the stained red pelt beside him, seeing through the dangers she’d faced and actions she’d done - it told him all he needed to know and he was very thankful for her company. Otherwise - he glanced away and his eyes shamefully fell back to the ground as it sped by underneath - he wasn’t sure he’d go back. 

The conflict in his mind sped in circles as they approached the clearing. He slowed his pace and lifted his nose to the air, he smelt his own blood as much as the breeze brought in the water’s essence and his companion’s scent. It felt good to not be alone for once. It gave off a comforting feeling that he didn’t have to worry if he’d turn around and find another predator or set of them - eyeing for his skin. Or that he wouldn’t have to find food alone and be disappointed time after the other. Distracted, he shook his head and lifted his nose again to sniff the air, again he couldn’t smell as well as he should have - the cuts on his muzzle and nose wafted his own coppery taste to his senses and muddled him a bit. Alas, he smelled nothing in their vicinity. 

“I think we’re alright to move in.” He looked to her for a moment of confirmation. Being four hours after the battle, his shoulders were beginning to move with pains, the puncture holes of teeth and the scrapes of claws on his back were trying to heal naturally but it was also the untreated measure of an open wound calling out to him. Forcing himself to look much tougher than he really was, he fought to ignore the pains, despite the beginning stages of a slight favoring of his right side. Essentially he wasn’t doing a good job of being too macho. Eventually the façade ended and he gave in, taking a seat beneath the low hanging branched of a slopping fir tree that acted as a gentle piney canopy. 

He was panting a bit - fatigue was catching up now and he wanted to curl up and find some shut eye. Before today his solution had always been just to sleep it off. “What do you need from me?” He asked softly, willing to manage whatever she needed of him since she was the expert in this field of medicine compared to him. Best he knew was to keep it clean, he was oblivious to anything else.