Sunset Valley Rihad

@Deja and Nicodem were, perhaps, an odd duo to be trekking the wilderness together. For the dark mute, it was pleasant to have someone who did not expect much of him. While the blue-eyed wildling was prone to causing trouble and being unpredictable, Nico had enjoyed that Deja could carry on conversation for them. If it meant that the mute was forced into occasional mischief, that was a price he would pay.

Once the duo had reached the Teekon Wilds again, Nicodem found a wave of familiarity had washed over him. They had worked a path down into the valley and that was where the inkjet man regarded his companion with a studying two-toned stare.

Where to next?

Deja lost interest in searching for Nazair at a certain point during their journey and, after sharing this with the group, he had wandered off in search of something more worthwhile to occupy his time. While on the road, he met Nicodem, and the two had resolved to team up and confront the world as a united front. 

Traveling with a mute had been an adjustment, but Deja had become skilled at deciphering his friend's gestures. Casting a glance at his friend, he shrugged. I don’t know, he admitted. I'm getting kinda hungry—should we go look for food? He was confident his friend would be down for it—it’d been about a day since their last meal.

The shadow knew that the creek wasn’t far. Several days journey and they would arrive where Nico had been born. He thought of his siblings, wondering if they were well. The image of his mother had faded in his youth. There were days when he wondered about her but they had grown few and far between.

When Deja admitted that he wasn’t certain where they would go next, Nicodem’s ears swiveled. At the mention of food, his eyes lifted and he scanned the valley. There were sure to be rabbits and possibly even deer herds. The change in seasons had made the land lush with green life.

The dark figure nodded his head in response. After they filled themselves, they could decide their next course.

Deja's grin grew as Nicodem signaled his approval. Perfect, he declared, licking his lips and taking a whiff of the air. I have a hunch there's a pack nearby, possibly with a rabbit or two just waiting to be found—I'm feeling a bit lazy and not really in the mood for hunting. Although they needed to be strategic, he trusted in their ability to come up with a plan to escape the raid unscathed.

So, what do you think? You smell any packs? he asked, sniffing the air as he spoke.

The shadow shifted the weight of his body, shuffling his paws as he turned to capture the scents carried in on the wind. The young man could tell that there was wolf smell. He knew that there were packs. The closest was difficult to determine when he squinted out across the area. A deep inhale of breath and Nico found it.

The dark wolf nudged his companion and motioned with his snout for the mountain that cut from the earth in a handsome display of dark stone and jagged edges. Deja was swift and sly. It would not matter what terrain the wolves had claimed. The two boys could sneak in and out without drawing much attention, surely.

Pink tongue washed over his dark snout. A low chuffing noise sounded from his throat.

Let’s go, Deja. Let’s go.

And the shadow took off, sprinting on long dark legs toward the imposing peak.

Deja had always believed that Nicodem was the more skilled tracker of the two. Upon detecting the pack scent, his expression lit up, and his tail wagged vigorously. ATTABOY! he exclaimed as he gazed at the towering mountain. Even with the challenging landscape, he believed they could carry out a successful heist, especially if there was a hidden supply in the lowlands. 

As he sprinted alongside his friend, he kept a lookout for dangers while they moved towards the packlands. We'll need to act fast— he said, already planning their strategy. —and check around the base if there's a cache there. The higher up we go, the bigger the risk, and we can't afford to get hurt ... again. They'd been in a handful of fights, and Deja understood that being injured would only impede their progress. They had to remain on the move to maintain their nomadic lifestyle. Plus, he didn't want anyone to get hurt; he was simply seeking some hospitality.

The two boys were fueled by each other, racing on long legs with seemingly endless energy until they had arrived at the base of the impressive mountain. The shadow slowed his pace and hunkered into a prowl, sniffing along the edges of their border for a place that would be weaker, not so heavily marked with wolf scent.

Nicodem’s ears swiveled, searching for a sign that they would be found out. If a border patrol happened on them, their youth might grant them some room to wiggle. Nico couldn’t help but think that he did not wish to test this. Only Deja could speak for them and he had a tendency to ruffle feathers if left to his own devices.

A short distance away, Nico wuffed for Deja to follow. He had found a place near the jagged stones where the markings were not as strong and he thought it would allow them easy access.

Dragonspine! We are officially trespassing! ATTN: @Raider @Riley @Dagur @Goldeneye

Approaching the borders, they slowed their pace. Nicodem began to sniff around while Deja remained alert for any signs of danger. Anxiously, he paced around, his eyes scanning the area and his teeth worrying his bottom lip until he got the go-ahead to proceed.

Great work! he whispered, creeping up with feline-like grace. I haven't spotted any patrols, so it seems we're in the clear. With any luck, we'll finish up without attracting any attention. He trailed his friend, remaining vigilant, and drew near the rugged stones with great care.

Thanks for the tag!

For the first time since giving birth, Raider decided to head out on a walk. She didn’t plan to go far or stay out long, though she desperately needed the fresh air and exercise. As much as she loved mothering the pups, being cooped up inside was taking a toll on her mental health. Besides, it was a good opportunity for Riley to bond with their children.

She ranged along the midline of the mountain, golden eyes scanning its foot before panning out further south. She eyed the neighboring glacier and grotto, saw nothing of note. Her maternal instincts demanded she head back then, though Raider took a few moments to simply enjoy the quiet and the views.

She saw movement out of the corner of her eye and turned east, watching as two figures approached the peak. Raider hadn’t noticed them until it was too late; they were already invading. Before becoming a mother, she would’ve rushed down to defend her territory. Now, she scrambled the other way without a thought, rushing back to the den.

Riley! she yelled before reaching its door. There are two trespassers on the east side!

Senses heightened, Nicodem made sure to keep his mismatched eyes trained on the distance. He watched for signs of an approaching border patrol. The shout from the landowner was nothing more than a distant noise, barely registered by his ears. Still, Nico felt like they would be in trouble if they didn’t make their work swift.

A warning growl was made to let Deja know they wouldn’t have long. His dark nose went to work, seeking out the smell of caches that they could invade. Long-legged and swift in his movement, the shadow found a trail and carved a path deeper into their territory.

Not far and they would have a prize for themselves.

Dagur crashed onto the scene with a gait more befitting a dog seeing dropped food. Scrambling with might have bordered on eagerness to engage with trespassers. There was no need to hide his approach if everyone seemed content to cause a ruckus.

Perhaps he was outnumber by those on the scene, but that had never deterred him before.

It seemed some of the more feral and ferocious traits of him from days in a gang had yet to die out.

There comes a defining moment in every man’s life; this moment came as Riley curled around the lives of his three children. 

He bolted upright as he heard Raider’s alarm and digested what she’d said. But rather than storm out to meet them, Riley thought of the three little souls nestled around him. If he went out and did not return, how profound would that impact be?

He nosed Raider as she returned to the den, examining her with quiet huffs. She was safe — for now — and while his blood boiled to hear of trespassers so blatantly insulting their claim, Riley knew his place was here.

I’m staying. He informed Raider with a gentle nudge. We can replace anything they take - but I can’t replace you or the kids. He turned so he faced the den, fur on end and nerves buzzing.

He hoped that Dagur was safe out there, but his entire world was here in the den; he would not leave them. Behind him, Raider curled around her puppies, golden eyes trained on the den’s door. Together, they’d tear down anyone that came to darken their doorsteps.

Rileraid won’t be posting again so feel free to carry this on without them, they won’t be leaving the den. <33

Shitshitshitshitshit—! They didn't have much time, especially now that they had company.

Once Dagur arrived, Deja nudged Nicodem and immediately moved towards the pack member. Though not the strongest fighter, he was their best bet and would strive to distract. He squatted down as he got close enough to attack, intending to hit the opponent's legs to throw him off balance.

If you’d like, Dagur can catch up with Nico and cause damage to his back leg/ankle. He won’t leave with any meat from their caches but sustaining the injury will cause him to flee.

They were swift to respond to the potential threat. Deja nudged and Nicodem turned to see the first approacher - a wild protective glint in his gaze. The shadow regarded him with rising hackles and a curled lip. His canines flashed, a warning bark. The mute was not keen on fighting. The boys had only wanted to take excess prey from their stores.

With a whine, Nico warned Deja not to engage with this man. He would cause wounds they could not recover from. If he was swift enough, he believed he might have a chance to steal a chunk of meat from their cache.

The dark wolf taunted their pursuer with a growl and darted into the nearby brush.