Ravensblood Forest I feel like a ghost
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All Welcome 

They'd gone.
He was too late.
Derg had lost his pack, and he'd hoped he'd find them back at the sound.
Though he knew they weren't there. He passed the sound on his way to the plateau and there was no sign of his pack.

Perhaps this was a new start, a new venture.
Grezig...he hoped she was well and safe.
His head lowered, low enough so that his nose was nearly dragging across the forest floor.
He was just...wandering now. Purposeless. Numb.
He'd not found the child, nor his pack, or his sister.
Ronnie or Keen, those he held so close to his heart.

Derg was alone.
Alone.

Eventually, his legs felt far too heavy to carry him any further and he sunk down where he was walking, water dripping from his eyes unashamedly.
Derg no longer wanted to be.
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The large male saunters through his forest, muscles flexing beneath his thinned summer coat of brindle. He recognizes a new scent the light breeze carries to him and he inhales it easily. Brows furrow momentarily and he hums. Time to check it out.

The closer he gets the more interested he is. Though as he crosses a small stream and finally sees what causes the scent to drift his way. It’s a male of honeys, heady browns, and slate grays. Donovan tilts his head when he sees wet streams falling down his cheeks. Though as he takes in his appearance more he wonders where he’d gotten his ear chewed off and who by. Though these details aren’t important until he speaks to the man.

So the massive man usually so ready to kill and plunder walks out from his (not so) hiding spot to reveal himself if he hasn’t already been seen. He gazes down from a comfortable distance away of about ten feet. 

“What’s wrong?” He asks softly, but still with a certain sternness in his voice. It’s the softest he can make himself sound for now, or at least in front of a stranger.
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All he could hear was the blood pounding in his ears like the waves of the sound.
The sucking, swooshing and crashing all concurrent events along the water's edge.
But he wasn't at the sound.

More tears fell as he lay in the forest.
Footsteps brushed in over the sound of the ocean, but Derg had not the strength or inclination to lift his head. He hoped it was a bear or cougar, ready to eat him.
A voice, strictly Lupine, and with heavy male baritones, he'd not heard before.

He lifted his head, looking at the stranger.
His mouth parted to speak, but only gaped like a fish.
Gawping and struggling to form a word.
What would he say?

You're alone
The snakish voice of Caiaphas struck him - why was he hearing her? - and caused him to shut his mouth, lips trembling.
Alone, the voice of the sea-witch hissed, seething with anger.

More tears bubbled over his eyes, blurring his vision to make the looming man look more bear-like than he already did.
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At the sound of Donovan’s voice the sniffling makes lifts his head. Those wet, hazel eyes are big and filled to the brim with watery tears. The sorrowful look that meets his own is so raw with emotion and it appears to get worse. Whatever is shooting through the stranger wolfs head isn’t helping in his exposed, somber state.

He seems to struggle to form words and at this Donovan can do nothing but stand there stupidly. He’s never been able to comfort others to the truest extent, especially a stranger at that. Hell he doesn’t have a good time coming to terms with his own baggage right now, let alone someone else’s. Then again, other people’s baggage is much easier to deal with only because he won’t be dealing with his own.

After the failed attempt to speak, the wolf ultimately drops his head once more, fresh tears spilling from his eyes. At this the brindled male walks forward until he meets with the other. “Come. Stand up. You’re stronger than that.” His voice urges to the stranger. Previously he held his head high, now he cranes it down once he reaches him. Teeth gently grab at the scruff of the strangers neck and pull upwards.

His end goal is to help him up, take him to their cache and perhaps get his some food. Food makes everyone feel better.
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The bear-wolf came closer.
Derg accepted that he should just be eaten, but more words spoke through his haze of despair.
Surely this stranger was right. Derg could get up and he was stronger.
Never before has he let his emotions get like this.

His tongue licked the saltiness from his lips as teeth pricked at his scruff, pulling him upwards.
Suddenly, Derg's muscles started to work again, being forced to help the man pick himself up and stand.
He stood like a newborn fawn, legs asunder and head half bowed.
Derg sniffled, wiping his face on a leg and swallowing, his throat dry.

He felt so, so heavy.
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Surely and shakily the wolf is able to stand with Donovan’s help. Once up, he decides to let go of the males scruff. Though he stands closer than probably needed, ready to grab him if he loses his balance.

The other stands there, struggling to stay afloat on the ride of emotions he seems to be feeling. Though Donovan might not be one to care too much about others, there is potential in everyone. So for now the massive male stands beside him, golden eyes taking in the sheer sadness wound up tightly within him, coiled and ready to release like a dam about to break.

Donovan brings his massive head down to the others and lifts the strangers head up with his muzzle. “Be strong.” He hums lowly for the other. “Follow me.” As he says this he retracts himself taking only a few steps and waiting to see if the other is able to follow without assistance.
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He was close. So close.
Ronnie.
His head turned to look directly and with the most clarity he ever had at Donovan, but alas, his eyes were not graced by that thin, patchy face he wanted to caress so dearly.

His head sunk only to be brought back up by the man, waning him to follow.
Derg was good a following. He can do that.
He brought his legs together, the proper position to walk, and followed. Watching where each of his steps lay, following the tracks of the stranger.
Slowly, but surely, some of that mental pain turned physical ebbed away as he was given his task.

Follow.

He felt that if he didn't watch his paws, if he didn't watch himself be strong, then he would crumble again.
So he followed until his head bumped into Donovan's butt, brining him out of his trance.
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If you scroll all the way down to the territories in this post, you’ll find what the Saints den looks like just so you kind of know where he took him.

Glancing back quickly he notices the other stepping after him, the struggle obvious in his wobbly legs. The strangers own eyes drop to the path Donovan makes and his own paws. Concentration obvious on the others face when Donovan stops the male absentmindedly rams into his hind quarters. Having taken his eyes off of the other for that moment it surprises him, causing the male to jump as shoot his eyes to look back to the other.

 A smooth chuckle releases from his throat. “Watch where you’re going, peaches.” The nickname is teasing and probably not used at the best time, yet the tone of voice is light and comedic. Hopefully enough to deter another breakdown.

With that they continue, Donovan will lead him to their dens. Perhaps get him the rabbit he buried earlier. So when they reach the magnificent arch that signals that they’ve reached the Saints’ den, he carries on to walk beneath it to eventually make his way inside the main cavern. 

The holes eroded through the ceiling of the den paints splotches of light on the green grass and floor, reflecting off of the water as well. It’s at this point that Donovan finally faces the male again. “Sit. I’ll get you food.”
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#9
Ty!
Boop.
He staggered to the side, watching the man turn quickly to look at him.
He blinked slowly, the events registering slowly.
"S-orr-ie.." he croaked out, his words a barely formed mess.
But a passing smirk lit his features at the nickname.

Now, as they continued, they walked under a stretching overhang, littered with holes that must've been worn away by water sitting in dips ontop.
Sunlight trickled down, illuminating the place in patches, swathing the grass in yellow-oranges.
The water sparkling like it carried diamonds.
He sighed softly, feeling at peace here. Nesting birds flitted into their hanging nests made high above, the loud chicks begging for food, then quieting again.

Peace.
That voice wasn't Caiphas, but his own reasoning.
That vicious voice had all but faded now.
At his command, he obliged and slowly sunk onto his haunches, using his remaining strength to stay upright and careful.
He watched the man, his tail stirring only a couple of times in what could only be described as gratitude. 
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They other seems more at peace as he allows his haunches to hit the ground in a sitting position. He’s almost surprised he didn’t instantly flop down in defeat. It does seem Donovan helped him, even if it is just a bit. 

With one last glance back to the male he walks out of the den. Heading towards the rabbit he buried earlier. He’d planned on eating it for dinner tonight, he supposes he can sacrifice food for the greater good just this once. So massive paws disturb the dirt and jaws grab the hare. He heads back to his den.

Upon arrival, he saunters back with with a cool, confident calmness. Before he knows it, the stripped male drops the rabbit before the others paws. At that the massive male walks only a few feet away to flop his body out onto the soft grass like a big cat. 

Shimmering gold eyes meet his curiously and an easy yet somehow teasing smirk contorts his handsome face. “Tell me your story, peaches. What’s brings you to my forest in such bad shape?” He asks all ears.
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Gods, were his ribs really showing that much?
Well, it wouldn't be the most notable thing about him, right? Half of his face was a mangled mess with scarred tissue, and his ear certainly wasn't in such a good shape either.

He stared in silence at the wold beyond the den. This new place filled with light and hope. Right?
after what felt like an age - which really was like, two minutes - Donovan was back with food.
Food.

He stared at the dead animal. Limp, soft.
Dead.
He felt his stomach churn like he was going to throw up, but he had nothing to throw up.
He gritted his teeth, holding his body together.
He wasn't going to throw up. He wouldn't, he wouldn't, he wouldn't.

Derg looked at the man, his words drawing him away from his thoughts.
"Ah-ll gone."
Everyone he knew. Gone.
"My pa-k, my fam-e-ly."
Numbness replaced the sadness and hollow pit of despair he'd felt earlier.
These were the first words he'd spoken...in months it must be.

Derg swallowed, hunger getting the better of his thoughts and slowly bit into the rabbit, trying not to think about it again.
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At first when he comes back to the male and drops the animal at his feet, Donovan wonders what goes through his head in that moment. He looks horrible. The brindled male can tell he tries holding something back, probably trying to hold a lot of things back.

Then Donovan actually feels his whole heart drop at the words the male stutters out. His whole pack was gone. He can relate to that. So in an arguably pointless attempt to cover up his surprise he clears his throat and hums in acknowledgment. His own golden hues shoot off into the distance for a moment, but eventually make their way back to the scarred faced of the male sniffling through his reply before him. 

Then after some contemplation of whether or not he should share, he fitfully does. Though obviously hesitant at first, his voice becomes stronger as the words go on. “I also lost my pack. Only a few months ago actually. Watched them all get slaughtered and couldn’t do a thing to stop it.” While he says this, his eyes are somewhere else. Anywhere else besides the horribly sad eyes of the stranger before him. So raw with emotion.

Then he forces his canary orbs onto the strangers own once more. “You have nowhere to go but forward.” He hums lowly.
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It seemed he'd struck a nerve in the man, as he shielded himself from the first thoughts that entered his head.
Derg was soon to find out what had got Donovan so choked up; if you could call it that.

He'd lost his pack too, but much more in the sense of they were gone gone.
Derg had just lost his, or so he hoped.

"Am sor-ry." It had to be an awful thing to witness. Derg still had hope.
He nodded at his advice. Keep going, go forward. 

" fan-k you," a small smile brushed across his features. This man was doing a lot to help him, and Derg knew he'd want to return it. Derg was just that sort.
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Donovan lazes around with the aura of a big cat as he waves his apology off with a massive paw. He’s got a smile of his face but it’s not a good one. It’s bitter. Yet, the striped wolf tried to remember to not get unnecessarily tweaked about it. The great man himself being the wolf who brought it up in the first place.

“No need to apologize.” He says easily. Donovan doesn’t particularly enjoy pity being thrown his way, but he understands that it’s the polite thing to do. “It wasn’t you’re fault anyway.” He chuckles now, the sound less sour, but still just a little forced.

Then as the other thanks him he nods his heads “You're welcome.” He hums. Then at seeing the smile that spreads across the strangers face, his own expression mimics it. Except it’s much more teasing. “What’s your name, peaches?” He asks the wolf before him curiously.
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Derg felt sorry for the man.
And himself. He didn't think it was selfish to do so.
He missed Keen.

The man licked his lips, relieving himself of the mostly eaten rabbit. He couldn't stomach the parts that were left right now.
He too lay down, feeling tired now. Exhausted.
His emotions had drained out all of his energy. 

He lay his head on his dirty paws. He was actually pretty dirty. But the man seemed glad that he'd help quench Derg's emotional breakdown.
"Peaches," he replied his eyes seeming to hold a new light in them, though his face was still pretty expressionless. Too much effort.
Once a moment passed, he exhaled heavily in an attempt to laugh. "I'm Derg."
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Lol I fuckin love Derg! <3

At the other males just Donovan allows himself a hearty laugh to bubble past his lips. “I knew I was onto something by calling you that.” He cackles back. But at the sound of the other wolfs real name Donovan politely holds back his unnecessary bout of laughter and giggles. Rather he settles for just giving him a nod in return. “I’m Donovan.”
He introduces. “I’m currently attempting to rebuild my pack here in this odd forest where the trees bleed. There’s not many of us so we wouldn’t be opposed to you staying here until you get you’re strength back.” The offer stands and Donovan is surprised by the kindness in his voice. Perhaps as long as one can entertain him and give him a good laugh they’re worthy to live in his books.
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Sorry for the wait!
He smiled again fleetingly.
This man was such a good character Derg couldn't help himself.
He had such a pretty, dark coat. Dark like Ronnie's.
He licked his lips quickly, biting on the inside of his cheek.

His heart felt for this man. He wanted his pack back and the only chance of bringing them back was to rebuild what was lost. Derg, being mostly pragmatic, knew it wasn't a good mindset, but he couldn't stop the man.
Perhaps he could help him by being here.

"I mi-h-t st-ay." He tilted his head slightly, know he needed to get his words back in order quicker than he could catch a bird.
"Bear. It ea-ts sap."
Derg was trying to warn the man of bears, of course. From being in the winter wastes further north with Wintersbane, he realised that bears liked to lick the sap from the trees, and often dug them open to get to it. Though these were different trees, they might just attract different bears.
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Donovan nods at the males stuttering words with an easy laugh. “You’re okay. Get your breath. Take it easy.” He soothes deeply. Then as the other speaks of bears he laughs much louder with a confident undertone that tells Derg that he’s not scared of a bear. “Let the bears come.” He hums cockily and fearless of the mammals that have the potential to be hundreds of pounds heavier than himself. “If there’s enough of us, it’s easy enough to chase one out. Unless it’s a mother bear, than she’ll fuck us up.” He adds comically.

Then his massive form comes to stand once again. His eyes leave the others form and with a brief tilt of his chin he gestures to the inside of their magnificent den. “This area isn’t actually our dens. It would be impractical with the rain and all.” Then his eyes shift to meet the males own. “Come. I can show you the real dens. If you have the strength to that is.” He doesn’t mean the last words to be rude, rather he gives him an option to opt out of going anywhere for the moment really.
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He concentrated on his breathing. His throat hurt, but that was about all. Now he just had to articulate his words properly. 
He could do this.
But what surprised him was that the man was so sure of himself.
A bear can kill a wolf with one foul swipe of their paw.

And he was about to try and say as much when his second statement came, earning a soft chuckle from the man.
Yeah, Mother bears were fuckin scary.

His head tilted as Donovan stood, the followed suit at the inclination of the chin.
He said it was impractical, but who gave a shit about the rain? And who didn't want to wake up to such a dazzling view? Derg decided if he stayed, and Donovan didn't care, he'd sleep out here on the nicer summer days.

"Where?" he inquired. There must be some sort of cavern under this overhang. It would only seem appropiate.
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Donovan wills himself to the rear of the cave where a cave is hidden. “Here.”

When they enter, it’s a narrow hallway curving down to the right and it goes only a few meters further before it opens up to a fairly well sized cave. There are more hallways that lead to smaller circular rooms, but ultimately the channel ends there. Grasses and leaves coat the floor in an attempt to make the ground more comfortable. As well as dried mosses and sections of dried, messy animal pelts.

“This is where we take shelter from the harsh seasons. When it’s fair outside, we sleep out there.” Then when he says we he remembers his partner, Nemisis. He stills needs to inform her of his presence. There will be time for that. For now, he wants Derg to relax and gain his strength back. Perhaps they can go on a hunt once he does. Donovan can get to know the wolf a bit better and officially give him a place at their side.
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Derg followed the man into a cave, down a tunnel until it opened up with holes for dens.
Small caves that could house couples or families.
Derg knew he'd be in one alone...he'd have to fill it with some space filler.
He looked around in wonder at the area.

"Beau-tifull." He murmured, his throat feeling raw and gravelly.
A days rest and he will be fine. 
He wondered how many they expected to house here. 
Perhaps a fair few. It would get pretty cool in here, good for the summer.

He was glad to know that he too wanted to sleep outside.
Donovan showed him a cave for himself to rest for a bit and allow him to explore more when he felt like it.
Lmk if it's ok to end here!
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Yah imma fade it here. :>

As they walked in together Donovan chuckles at the word that escapes Derg. “It is.” Is all he gives back.

As the other male wanders the cave, Donovan is humming his exit. Telling Derg to get some rest and actually meaning it. He wants the male is good shape so Donovan can start having some good spars to see where the man’s skill level is.

At that Donovan nods with a quaint smile and heads out of the cave. Leaving Derg to himself.