Blackfeather Woods The flowers show us rain is necessary

set for after the Nikan thread

It was an immediate need to let @Maegi know of the encounter with Nikan she needed to know and Moonshadow had to seek her out. The female travelled through the worlds and let out a soft howl after not finding her.

She was feasting on a rabbit she'd snared (yes, she had hunted successfully today!) when Moonshadow's call sent her ears aloft. She took her time, polishing off the kill, but there was something in the howl that lifted the hair along her spine. Licking her chops, Maegi traveled toward the summons, double-hued gaze searching for her friend in the dim light. Finally, a shadow appeared, and she picked up the pace—

The smell of adrenaline had her coming to a dead halt, along with something else. A scent all too familiar.

May Sithis strike me dead, then.

Her mouth burned, suddenly. It quirked as if the wound was fresh.

Molag Bal, she whispered. Her tongue felt incredibly weighty, useless. Where? Is he still alive? She didn't know whether it was anger or fear that began to course through her veins, racing the blood. . .more likely both together, and more.

May Sithis—

Where? Maegi demanded, murmur rumbling slowly into a growl.

The females call was answered and she began asking where he was. “Last I seen him was in Otter Creek. I noticed him as I was taking a walk, Tundra and a lone female cane to my aid and chased him off. I don’t know if any others are close or if it is just him. I can patrol some of the other lands around the territory if need be.” She then thought that she should say what he said and she just sighed and looked doen

Otter Creek was much too close for comfort. Did he hurt you? Maegi asked, her voice cold. Is everyone okay? First and foremost, she needed to think of her pack; Wintersbane's lecture entered her mind, then. She couldn't afford to run off on some kamikaze mission to slay this giant, no matter how much she wanted to.

Blackfeather needed her more.

I'll let Ramsay and Mou know, she said decisively, giving a shaky nod. And we'll step up patrols. Under no circumstances is he to come within shouting distance of this place.

Her stomach churned. Her babies. It wasn't just Blackfeather now, but her future brood. She would let no harm come to them, not while she lived and breathed. She would not—would never—let Molag Bal near.

Moonshadow shook her head. “The others came to my aid before he could even attempt to do anything.” she sighed as his comment did come into mind. “He did threaten my pups but it is believed to be an empty threat. But I cannot be so sure.”

She was glad Moonshadow had been given help. She would have to thank Tundra, especially, for her assistance—the warrior was proving to be a fine asset to the pack. Maegi had begun to sink into her own troubled thoughts on Molag Bal when one word in particular brought her out of her mind—

Pups? she asked, her face going almost comically blank. You're pregnant? I—

For a moment, the joy was tinged with jealousy. Her babes wouldn't be the only ones born here this season; they wouldn't be special. But then reason won out—her children would have playmates, friends, allies. The woods would grow stronger with new blood. And Moonshadow was her dear friend.

Why should she be anything but thrilled?

That's wonderful, Maegi said after a pause, breaking into a grin. Wow, congratulations, Moonshadow! Who's—who's the father? Was it anyone here? Her brother, even? Her heart skipped a beat at the thought.

Moonshadow had almost forgot tha she hadn’t even let Maegi know; nor had they spoken since she arrived. “Yes I am.” She said with a bright smile. “Surely you didn’t believe I was just fat.” She chuckled before speaking again. “Well the only male I had been with was a brown male named Argyle I believe he said his name was, it was very brief.” She almost sighed at the thought, she hoped it would of been longer but she was blessed with children.

If Maegi could have blushed, she would have; instead, she looked utterly sheepish, giving a nervous giggle in response. I suppose I didn't even notice, the Melonii responded, feeling somewhat bad. Disappointing, that the father was a name she didn't know. Why had she chosen to do that with a stranger? Maegi couldn't imagine.

She shifted, feeling the weight of the elephant in the room on her shoulders. I'm pregnant, too, she responded, looking a little shyly at Moonshadow. Meridia—your rank's namesake—has blessed me with children, fathered by Mou.

Would Moonshadow be jealous, in turn, or happy—or both? Maybe the dark woman had thought she would be the only one to whelp this season.

She supposed it was alright that Maegi hadn’t known. Besides they hadn’t seen much of her since she came back however with more than just her pups on the way, she saw that it was imperative that the borders be well checked. “That’s great. I’m happy for you both.” She wasn’t the only one and that put her mind at ease a bit.

Thank you, Maegi said sincerely, dipping her head in almost-demure fashion. It didn't take long, however, for her friend's familiar voice to bring clouds over the fleeting happiness she felt. Molag Bal. He was here, and close. No joy could erase that; they were all in danger, while he lurked nearby.

She sucked in a short breath through her teeth, glancing away. I'll tell Tundra to watch the borders more closely, she decided, after a pause. Jakoul, too. Anyone who's proven themselves strong, and loyal to these trees. They would need all paws for this.

Thank you for telling me, Maegi added, bringing her gaze to meet Moonshadow's. Stay safe. Stay within the heart of the forest until your pups are old enough to wander.

She watched as the girl whom she had seen grown up (for the most part at least) handled herself when she was presented with this situation. 

Moonshadow was reassured as she spoke; she clinged to every word and felt at ease when she mentioned tundra would be watching the borders. The other however was one she hadn’t met; yet at least. “Your welcome; I felt that this was urgent for you to know and I will. I’ve already seemed a whelping den. I feel their birth is near.”

She gave another nod, satisfied that Moonshadow seemed willing to comply. Why would she not? The safety of the pups to come was paramount; she would be best hidden away within the trees, deep in the heart of Blackfeather. As would Maegi. But. . .

I will go patrol, she said firmly, setting her jaw. He will not bother us again.

Maegi stretched out her muzzle to give Moonshadow an uncharacteristic caress on the shoulder, a brief touch, and then she departed, slipping away toward the border. Hopefully, she would run into Ramsay on the way, so she could tell him what had happened and to keep a lookout. They all must be vigilant.

He must not come here.