Hideaway Strath As the summer wind

Please let @Burke and @Aeronwyn reply before any other loners do. This is set at the mountain side of the river as they try to get to the other side. It's later in the morning but it's raining nonetheless. (@Vassago and @Pyro can post if they want to)

The trip up the mountain was a dangerous fight with nature. Malice had done some climbing before, but never with a child in her maw. She was weakened, still, as well, and went noticeably slower than her travel companions, but she kept her head strong and thoughts focused on one thing: Get over this stupid mountain. Often, her eyes wandered off to behind her as the forest of the moonlit wolves became smaller and smaller as well as the woods where she had been imprisoned. She wondered how well Moonlit Hills was fairing without her, not knowing the pack had disbanded ages ago. She kept Pyro's scruff tight in her mouth, but soft enough not to hurt the little thing. Soon though, she noticed she could better carry him if she just picked him up at his back. This was only possible because he was so small still, nothing like his brother. Malice, of course, could care less if Pyro was big or not; she loved the child anyway.

Climbing up a mountain was one thing, but down wasn't any much better. Many times Malice had almost slipped, only to catch herself mid-fall. She knew well how to climb, but everything was harder with a squirming pup in her mouth except walk-traveling. She let out small grunts when her legs became even more soar that they already were, but the fear of the Brotherhood wanting her dead kept her going. She dearly hoped the Dark Brotherhood wasn't as foolish as to climb over this mountain like they were doing, but Nemesis and Damien were nasty creatures that wanted only blood and disruption. Perhaps not even this mountain could keep them away.

Finally though, after at least a few hours, or so it felt to her, they had reached the other foot of the mountain. It was raining now, and Malice was already drenched just like pretty much all of them. Even little Pyro was now a wet ball of fluff in her mouth. Malice had never known Teekon was so big; then again, she had never gone as far as the mountains North-East of here, who knows what was out there? They walked on for another hour or so, until they finally rested in the shade of some trees that grew... wherever they were. It was quite beautiful here, Malice had to admit, but that didn't mean staying here for long was an option. In the distance she could hear a river, perfect to wash away their scents once again. But first she dropped little Pyro on the wet ground at her belly as she lied down, motioning for Burke to bring Vassago also.

Vassago had, once finding his shaky legs and his blundering eyesight, been unstoppable. For such a little pup, he was a strong boy, growing well, and squirmier than ever. Mostly, thankfully, he was a quiet child, preferring to use the only language he knew out of instinct: that of his body. Sound came later, squealing, whining, barking or an attempt at howling, when nobody heeded to his wishes. His little brother, Pyro, was often encouraged to come along with those big blue eyes they temporarily shared, the eldest child being much more careful as the days passed. There were times, of course, when there was no other option but play with the more fragile thing, in which the usual brotherly bruteness was sometimes unavoidable.
Even then, now that they lived on the move, there was less contact between the boys, and Vassago wished he was closer to the little lump. Words were not yet possible, and most of the time he was in the lead anyways, with Pyro and what had been come to mind as Mama, were far behind. 
Vass had his eyes wide open for the majority of the mountain climb, if only because the blue things stared down with the newfound horror of, well, HORROR. So high he was up off the ground, so unstable. Something deep inside him urged to GO, get back to the earth that was soft, and surrounded with trees. Often when Burke swung him too close to the earth did he scramble at the rock with his tiny claws and soft paws, but his father just refused to put him down. It must not have bothered him much, though, since he was as silent as the stone itself. 
Imagine his happiness when Malice, finally in view again, seemed to motion towards him. The man carrying him responded, and a thrill ran through young Vassago. Mama was the one who ruled them, yes, and it was also she who gave him the milk and love he so craved at all hours of the night and day. Whimpering happily, his worm of a tail squirming in a happy wag, Vassago pawed towards the grey shape of of his mother from where he was in his fathers grasp. In his own way, he was demanding Burke let him go to her, to be dropped and allowed back to all the food he wanted and just as much love from his family. Burke was good too, fu to play with, but he could not yet compare to the puppy when it came to food.

Near the begining of the accent, Aeronwyn walked with the feline grace she always did. Her steps were light, and she felt envigorated to be beginning this journey with the pair. Though she had her doubts at first, as time wore on she was sure that she had made the right choice. She did sometimes long for the dark woods full of mystery, the places she would never see, but this journey felt right. Even if it was less of a journey and more of a 'flee for our lives' kind of thing. 

But as they journeyed higher up the mountain, it seemed as if a weight had suddenly been placed on the pale wrath's shoulders. Her steps became dogged with tiredness, her paws scufing the stone. And then the rain began. Aeronwyn looked up at the heavens with a scowl. This was great, simply magnificent. She could throttle someone right now, and for a moment she hoped that someone would threaten the little group so she could have an excuse to sink her fangs into something. Their journey continued unremarkably, however, and she continued on, head low, at the back of the group. Her eye was on Malice, and the pups, should something happen she might be able to stop them from toppling off the mountain. 

After what seemed like eons, they arrived at the oposite foot of the mountain. A wry smile touched Aeronwyn's maw, but they were not finished yet. She trailed the others, never to far behind, for another good hour, before Malice decided that the shady glade of trees was the best place to rest. Aeronwyn padded past her, sitting a short distance away and swivling her ears atop her skull lest anyone approach. She would not succemb to laziness and simply lay down, no, she would prove her worth to this pair.

Burke took the lead over the mountains. He lived on a cliff for a long while, and knew his way up and down. He could spot where he needed to go and where not. He carried Vassago without complaint. Though because the male took the lead it meant that the pup couldn't see much of his brother. With the famine traveling was not the most convenient now.

The large male would have to do with what he had. He climbed over the mountain with the mini pack in tow. The male then had to guide them down again. Sometimes it was a bit tricky on steep slopes. Burke made sure to have a good grip on his son. He would rather fall himself than drop the pup. The grey male made their way down, his own legs tired too. His muscles protesting.

Burke brought Vassago to Malice and placed him down by her belly. He gave a bit of a lick over the pup's head and then went to the river close by to drink himself. He needed to stay hydrated. It moved pretty quickly with the recent rains coming down from the mountain. In fact. That was what worried Burke. They would have to find a shallow passing, or maybe just follow the river down. He realized it might be better for them to actually go through the river, scent-wise. Burke jumped in to test the strength. It was pretty strong, unfortunately. Plus he wanted the brotherhood scent off him.

Burke returned to Malice and Aerowyn a bit further up. "The river is strong," he spoke, sounding a bit grim. It was clear they had to find a more shallow passing. Swimming would be be impossible with the pups in their maws. They could drown. "I want to get further away from the mountains. As far as possible. Once we find a nice location we could settle there as a pack," he explained. "Though I do think we can take it easier now."

Unsure of how she had gotten into this situation, Thea had wandered aimlessly in search of her sisters. There was no sign of Paikea or Estella anywhere nearby, leading Thea to believe she had been separated from them. While she wanted nothing more than to curl up somewhere dry and wait out the rain, Thea instead slogged through the mud in search of her family. 

Befire she knew it, Thea was upon them. The rain had blocked out sound and Thea had been too lost in thoughts of finding her family to notice them. Thea froze, glancing at them worriedly. Three adults and two puppies. Thea was unsure if they were a pack or not, or just a band of family members as her own had been. 

"Umm excuse me.." Thea called out to them, a bit nervous. "Have you seen two females? A white and a silver one, travelling together most likely?" 

Post order is: Malice - Aeronwyn - Burke - Thea. Puppies can post whenever they please XD

The amount of effort that was seen in Vassago trying to get to her made the new mother giggle. Pyro was very cute, but this image couldn't be topped for now. Burke holding the squirming thing, happily making sounds of desire to come to her- it was too much cuteness for Malice. She had hoped Burke would let Vassago stumble along to her himself, but perhaps the old male didn't want to risk Vassago running off or a predator to come close to them. But if it was about cleanliness, Burke could give up, since everyone was covered in mud at the moment with this rain. The cool rain felt good to her though after a long day of traveling, and she closed her eyes to take it all in. Never had she been free like this, and she doubted Burke had ever been.

An approving look was cast on the white woman keeping a look out. Even though Aeronwyn traveled behind her most of the time, she had proven to be no slacker, and Malice- with each passing minute- was trusting the woman more and more. Of course, she knew to be wary, for the Brotherhood was a pack to train assassins and spies after all. 

Her gaze went to the father of her little babes, the gray male with his docked tail, to hear what he had to say. The sounds of a stream in the distance only now reached her, and she frowned. With this rain, crossing a river would probably be a disaster ending with one of them drowning. But as she looked around, she saw they were in some kind of bowl made out of mountains, so unending the stream or river could not be. A new determination filled her, but she did not act yet. They needed to rest for now. A place to settle sounds fantastic, Burke. And I don't think that, past these mountains, the Dark Brotherhood would follow us. She shared her thoughts, before the faint scent-smothered by the rain- reached her nose. She protectively curled around her kids and her hackles, though wet and droopy, raised. But the stranger seemed like no threat, and thus Malice felt the need to respond.

We have only just arrived here, and thus far we have not seen a soul in this place. The scent marks you are seeking surely are gone with the rain now too... Malice replied. She kept a side-eye on Burke, not knowing if she was revealing too much to this stranger. Why do you seek them? 

Her sharp gaze sought out the approaching stranger, and she gave a warning chuff as she stood. The girl certainly looked like she meant no harm; she looked travel worn, and a lone wolf. However, Aeronwyn moved closer to the pair and watched the girl silently as Malice curled around the infants and her hacckles raised. Aeronwyn made no such move, prefering to simply watch and attack when things got out of hand. The pale girl asked a question then, and Aeronwyns ears twitched in the slightest. Looking for her sisters, was she? They were probably dead, considering the famine, hostile packs, and predators that roamed these parts. Not to mention the many cliffs and sharp rocks scattered every where.

Aeronwyn did not voice this, but stayed silent as Malice spoke.She seemed to be willing to make some conversation with the loner, though Aeronwyn stayed on her guard as she waited for Burke and the girl to speak.

Burke instantly trotted forward with his immensely sized body all tense. He had his chest puffed out and his docked tail held high. Even though this female might not look threatening. Burke was not going to let her close to his join. The male stood before all of them. While Aero stayed more to the side of things Burke was ready to face this loner, standing protectively before his family.

Burke let out a gruff sounding bark, to let her know he was not to be messed with. His muzzle dipped to protect his neck if she was planning on attacking. Malice returned and answer to her question, while Burke was just really to chase her off. "We have not seen them, so back off," he let out. He was not the nicest to strangers, especially not when his very small young were with him. Burke but all his guardian skills to the test. He was not going to be open and chatty with this female. She would need to back off from his family.

They seemed a rather rude bunch, or at least the male with the odd tail and the one female off to the side seemed so. The mother was kind enough to answer Thea's question, though her hackles raised. Thea couldn't really blame her, she was after all a stranger and the mother was traveling with two young children in a famine. It was a dangerous situation though Thea was anything but. The fluffy adolescent being threatening was a laughable idea.

Thea sent the woman a small grateful smile. "Thanks." She didn't think she had done anything to warrant a warning chuff, a bark, and a threat. It wasn't as if the girl was that close to them, nor had she said anything like 'Hey, those pups look tasty let me have them', had she? 

But of course, the sight of a large male moving forward, even to just stand in front of his family, had Thea letting out a nervous squeak and moving back. "I-I'm not a threat. I was just looking for them, we got separated." Thea answered the mother's question whilst scrambling away from whom she figured was her over-protective mate.

Clumsy child that Thea was, she slipped on loose rock in her hurry and the wet shale caused her to fall backwards down the small slope she had perched herself on. It was only a two foot slide but Thea went down on her back and simply stayed there with a small curse directed at the universe.

Perhaps Malice would have reacted rudely if it hadn't been for the loner to be female. She had displayed no signs of aggression, though the mother knew all too well about acts and tricks. Somewhere in her gut she could sense though that this female really wasn't out to hurt them, nor her sons. Perhaps she was genuinely worried about the family she might have lost, and Malice was perhaps too sympathetic. The female thanked her, and Malice was just about to reply when Burke tried to protect his family from no threat at all. She understood why he did it, but was still not pleased. The female had done nothing wrong- what if he lost her and had to ask around for a scarred mother? Would he be pleased to be treated this way?

She saw the fight for dominance tip to her man's side, but it was not a fight at all. The female just dropped to the ground in a squirrel-like squeak and Malice pulled a face at the bunny-but that was attached to Burke. Cut it out, can't you see she's just looking for her lost ones? She said with a slightly stern voice, though never would she be truly mad at the father of her little angels. 

Next the girl stumbled and fell, a curse word following, and Malice couldn't help but looked shock. It had been a funny sight for sure, but to mock someone (Except for in her head, of course) was not her style. Oh, dear, are you alright? She asked in a worried tone, both because her concern for another loner might upset Burke and because the girl kept lying there.  

Burke seemed to become protective, aggressive, though Malice was quick to chide him. The girl was quick to become nervous and back off, though the clumsy child seemed to fall off the mountain. For a moment, Aeronwyn thought she had tumbled all the way down the mountain, but on inspection, it appeared that the girl had only fallen a short way. Malice seemed worried, alarmed, and Aeronwyn simply wondered how the female had managed to fall. 

She had no sympathy for the woman, as she was not badly hurt, it seemed, and it was her own actions that had her tumble. Aeronwyn picked her way toward the woman, nudging her side with a paw. "I assume you haven't broken anything?" That, sadly, was the extent of her compassion and medical advice, and the pale woman sat a meter from the girl. "We won't eat you unless of course, you make to harm the pups. No need to flee, girl" 

Burke watched with distaste for the clumsy girl that seemed be the flowery type. Burke glared at Malice for out to him. His ears flatted down his skull, not very pleased with her, or how the way to the females awed over her. It could be a trap and they had better things to do than to give attention to this female.

Burke growled lightly. "Please. Cut it out. We keep to our own. She is not one of us," Burke called out, not caring if it would hurt or upset her more. The girl was clearly unsteady on her feet and if the first wolf that got defensive scared her then she had a long way to go in the wolf world. "We are leaving. We don't have time for this nonsense," Burke stated, not liking how Malice went in mommy-mode over this stranger. Females and their weirdness. They had more important things to do.

Sorry Malice, doesn't look like there's room for Thea

Thea glanced up at the white female sheepishly, remaining where she was. "Oh you know, just my pride." The teen told her, getting to her feet easily and moving to stand back on the slope. "I uh, I don't eat kids." Thea assured, looking as if she might vomit at the thought.

A frown marred her features, wondering what this male's problem was. It wasn't Thea's fault that he had a stick up his arse, though she could tell she wasn't wanted. Resisting a typical teenage girl reaction of rolling her eyes and stomping off, she replied to the kind mother's question. "I'm fine, thanks for the info. Hope you find your people." Thea aimed the last bit at the male, wondering how he would ever expect anyone to follow him if he was so rude.

Thea left, not caring that the small family had already said that they were leaving. Continuing on her path, Thea went back to searching for her sisters.

Malice kept quiet as two of them approached the strange girl with more rudeness. She really had grown soft, and even more so with the children at her belly. She blinked at the two blue-eyed blobs at her belly. They were as peaceful as ever. Burke said they were leaving, and so Malice got up and grabbed Pyro in her mouth. She would follow wherever Burke led them.

Uggh, sorry for short reply, I really didn't know what to do with this.

The pale wraith watched as the girl took her leave. When she was but a faint smudge rapidly moving away Aeronwyn turned on her heel, ready to follow Burke wherever he may lead them next. He obviously didn't like the female, and though Aeronwyn suspected it was nothing more than over-protectiveness. But she did not bring up the matter, but only made to follow a short distance from Malice.

Burke was a bit over protective, but with a good reasoning. This female seemed to be lost herself, and if they were going to bother with her too Burke was not sure if they would ever get to a nice territory to settle. They had to keep to their own only, it was better that way.

Burke grabbed Vassago and followed the river, after all there had to be a more shallow part somewhere. Maybe this river could guide them to some nice grounds. Luckily for him the girls didn't protect and accepted him leading them away.

-the end-