Broken Boulder my head's above the rain and roses

we're official ! <3 one post from everyone and then I can archive!
gif courtesy of stray <3
@Korei Julia @Xahi @Lanawyn @Lily @Lainie @Arrluk @Horosk @Semira

 

The Bracken Sanctuary had spent time settling in their territory; strengthening the scent at their borders, exploring every inch of the land they were to inhabit, digging and filling caches. It had quickly became home. Alarian could no longer imagine not being able to return to the territory of rock and tunnels-- even when he wanted to run away, he found he wanted to come back, too.

 

 

Today's the day, he told himself as he left his den. They were ready. Now, they would let the Teekons know they were here to stay. The young Governor quickened his pace, moving through the territory until he was approaching Stargazer Rock. He leapt easily to the top of the boulder, pausing a moment to allow his gaze to sweep over what he could see.
Ali lifted his head, muzzle tilted towards the sky, and began to howl. The sound was lilting and musical, carrying a clear message through the territory: the Bracken Sanctuary is here.

Korei Julia had been playing about the Stargazing Rock, bounding around it. She felt rather happy today. Then, she heard a howl and heard the message. She must have been overexcited by now, her heart soaring. Did he mean what she thought he meant? Korei joined into the howling, with a song of joy.

Oftentimes, Arrluk kept to the outermost reaches of the territory, away from prying eyes. When he wasn’t there, he was in one of the neighbouring territories, and sometimes even beyond those; he hung around, checking in when he felt like it, but was fairly detached from the others. He enjoyed his travels, especially since the area was still so new to him, and so he rarely kept still for long. That day, however, he was just returning from a short adventure away when he heard the howl, the origin point deeper than he currently cared to go into the territory; he turned his muzzle in the direction whence the voices came and considered seeking out the owners, but abandoned the thought as he, instead, continued to linger at the edges of the pack’s claim. From there, he tilted his head back and joined in on their song, rich baritones reaching out to melt into their own tones.

---

lanawyn often took time to steal into paradise garden — despite the snowfall as of late the wildflower blooms remained steadfast.  she heard her brother's call from the heart of the woods and raised her rich alto in song.  it was something she knew had been coming for some time, and it stirred something within her that resembled hope.

Lily was dozing when the howl rang out, curled happily inside her den. The shiver of the notes through the air woke her, and she sat suddenly upright, blinking as more voices joined the song. With a wag of her tail, she bounded clumsily out of the den and saw Alarian atop the Stargazer Rock, head lifted in a joyous call.

They were here to stay.

With a couple of small yips, Lily let loose her own howl, joining in the chorus. It was a sound full of hope, edged with fear--this was the beginning of a new life for her, so different from the one she'd left behind. But they were here. And though she was young still, she had bravery on her side. . .and looked toward the future with shimmering, fiery eyes.

She raced toward Korei, bowling into her friend with excited barks. Nuzzled into the snowy-furred girl, she looked proudly up at Alarian, dreaming of the days to come.

They were home.

Xahi had been a bit distant lately with the news of her...Lennon having disappeared. Now she was trying to reconnect with her friends, take comfort in them. The shadow-masked woman trotted towards Stargazer Rock, having realized that Korei was around. Just as the girl began to approach, Alarian leapt upon the rock. He had a look of pride and happiness in his eyes, something Xahi had seen before, like when they first arrived at there new home. This had to be it, they were finally becoming a true home. As he lifted his maw in a triumphant howl, Xahi joined in, her voice piercing the air. Though there had been a recent loss, nothing could dull this feeling.

The outcasted Irya hadn't yet met many of the members of this new home, but he was content with the idea that all would happen in time. Time, now, was something they had plenty of - he had no clue of his sibling's location, but was comforted in the knowledge that there was enough distance between them. Kelina would not be a problem, and if she decided to make herself a nuisance, he'd finally rid the world of her presence. A wolf with such a dark heart was not welcome in his new story, the story he shared with Semira.

Today, Horosk had been attempting to hunt - no doubt, he wasn't the most skilled, but he tried nonetheless. It didn't matter that he wasn't perfect at it, as long as he was putting in plenty of effort then that was enough for him. The storyteller was aware of Spring and the hope it brought (in many forms, be it the plentiful amounts of prey or the colours washing over the Teekon to announce the start of a new time).

When the howls caught his ear upon the wind, he was quick to respond. A tuneful call of celebration slipped from his lips, eyes glittering with excitement over this new claim. He and Mira, they belonged somewhere, perhaps. This was their home now, and his raven sister would not take it away from them.

Mira had watched quietly from the treeline as their leader strode towards the large rock, her head tilted to the side with interest. Her last pack, a year ago, had made announcements in such a fashion. She presumed he would do the same and began padding towards the area.

Sure enough, his howl broke through the crisp air, claiming and affirming that this land belonged to them. The fae could not help but grin as wolves broke through the underbrush with joy, some leaping upon eachother, to join his mirthful song. Her own call joined in with the others, mixing with their voices.

Perhaps this could end up feeling like home.