Dragoncrest Cliffs alone on the cliffs

Backdated to around 4-6 days after Ravin was found by Sapphique

Astera was alone. Her mother had left them days ago to hunt, and she had never returned. Her only surviving litter mate had gone to find help, and that was the last time she had seen him. She had promised Ravin that she would be waiting for him, but Astera had grown desperate. Everything was scarier when she was without her family. She had left the den two nights after her brother. Astera had not eaten for days, and every step she took shook her tiny legs. Desperately she cried out for help, hoping that someone would hear her.

*gotta catch ‘em all*

The newest addition to the family seemed to be settling in well. Suzu had managed to avoid punishment for having essentially kidnapped the child who claimed to have been left behind by a mother who had simply vanished. 

Naturally, Suzu was inclined to return to the place, to search a bit harder and see if any of his siblings remained within the area, only to find herself yielding to the soft cries of another child that came from the border.

Suzu approached at a trot, panting softly as she hastened her step. She scanned the skies for any sign of eagles, and was relieved to see no shadows wheeling overhead. 

Alone, the little pale pup looked terrified and upset. Suzu clicked her tongue as she approached, thinking ruefully about what must have happened to the mother, to make her abandon her children. Her heart squeezed, and she tried to forgive. It didn’t matter what had happened to her- at least two of her children had been found.

”Shhhhhh,” She hushed the child as she approached, posture lowered and tail waving. Ravin had been so easy to approach- she hoped this child might be similar. ”It is alright, you’re alright, you’re safe,” She said in a low, soothing voice. The child looked thin, famished. Suzu howled for her mother, sending up an urgent message as a plea. 

”Is OK, is OK, sweet t’ing,” She said quietly, hoping the weakened child might allow her to come close, and offer some warmth.

Astera continued waiting. Every now and then she would let out a wail, but she was growing tired. But then... footsteps! Mother?! Ravin?! I- I over here! In desperation, she stumbled towards the source of the sound. It was another wolf, but not her mother or littermate. Frozen in terror, Astera yipped at the wolf. Weave me awone! 

Suzu flattened herself against the earth, crumpled beneath the pup’s harsh words. Desire only having had younger siblings for a month, Suzu knew that their demands came first; it was the benefit of puppy privilege. 

”I won’t ‘yet you- I t’ink I found your brot’er, ‘is name is Ravin, yeah?” She pleaded, figuring the pale young girl might respond better if she knew her brother was harboured there as well.

With her own brood growing, and becoming less dependent on her being around all the time, Chacal was able to roam a bit more- hunting for meat to bring them to begin the weaning process. She had an extra mouth to feed now, and had to make sure she ate enough for him, as well.

So when Suzu’s cry came from the borders, she was not far, but she frowned softly. She had assumed such a thing might happen, and that she might end up mothering yet another orphaned child.

The first had smelled vaguely of a wolf she’d met once- so too did this one, who was seemingly a bit more independent, and bold, holding Suzu at bay. 

Chacal approached calmly, knowing the sight of her swollen belly might likely appeal to the youngster who was obviously starved for food.

The young grey wolf seemed hurt by her words. Astera lifted her chin up confidently, trying not to seem too scared. But then the wolf mentioned her brother, Ravin. Where is Ravin?! Astera fell back, coughing from the effort of shouting. Still, she held her tail up confidently, staring at the other wolf.

Another, older wolf arrived at the scene. Astera realized that they both smelled like Ravin, and the darker one clearly had pups of her own. Losing her confidence, she looked up at the new wolf, pleading. Where is he?

we can skip Suzu for a minute :)

The child perked up at the mention of her brother’s name. Chacal’s features softened, despite the tension she felt, knowing that in taking in yet another child it would not only mean another mouth to feed, but another child to raise into an adult. 

But this one was a girl; she would find herself blessed with permissions perhaps her brother might not find. They had welcomed Ravin, and so too they would take in this one.

”He is safe, Chéri,” She assured. A light smile tugged at her lips in seeing some potential in the little one- so weak, and yet clearly willing to fight. When she wilted slightly, Chacal reached down to touch her nose to the child’s cheek, gently. A means of reassurance. ”I will take you to ‘im. You will be safe wid us.”

As the wolf gently touched her cheek, Astera felt calm. Ravin was safe, and everything else seemed less important. She would also be safe and with her brother, if she followed them. Astera's little tail wagged slightly. Le's go!

Short little phone post

Suzu looked in hopefully as Chacal nuzzled the young one, flattening some of the wild tangled at the nape of her neck, before she gently lifted the pup, and carried her back to the Bluepeace Meadows, so that Astera could reunite with her brother- and join the ever-growing family of Sapphique.