Stone Circle I smell children

Rosina here. Just trying to steal some kids, cause a little drama, do her thang. You know. Any kids welcome, yearlings, those to come to the rescue, whatever.

 

There was a pack close. Very close. This much was certain. Her home in the valley was but a hop, skip and a jump to the neighboring wildflower meadow which now bloomed both abundantly and beautifully. She had almost gotten distracted by the awe of it all - almost. But Rosina had a schedule, you see. It was quite early in the morning. Early enough perhaps to where the children had snuck from their dens in hopes to sneak out and explore before one might get caught. So, she hoped. 

As slight and quick as she were, she kept low and guaged the boarders, waiting for the right moment until she was able to slip just past. Maybe, if she were lucky, a young thang would be curiously looking out beyond the protection of their home as often they did before they were allowed to go off on their own. Quick as a weasel, sly as a fox, In and out.

He had not been able to wander very far from his father's watchful eye ever. It seemed no matter how quiet or careful he was, dad always knew he had wandered off. Now would be the time they would normally get to explore more, but @Siarut never seemed very open to the idea. He was young and curious and persistent, so it was only a matter of time before he finally wandered from the den without anyone knowing. Well at least not right away. He suspected his dad would realize soon that he wasn't there and track him to where he was chasing a bee not too far from the border. He still hadn't said a word since that day when mom never came home, but the fear of newness had started to fade some with the comfort of routine and stability. 

He knew nothing of paying attention to his surroundings or being on alert this close to the world outside the safety of the pack. So he hopped on by the stranger wherever she was hiding, his prey his only focus. He half expected dad or @Valette to come barreling out of nowhere at any second, so he was set on catching this flying bug before he was made to return to the boring den.

The woodland boy had gone back to the borders, his wounds from a previous encounter had very little left to fully heal, but at least the aches had disappeared. Of course, though, it wouldn't be a patrol if something wasn't out of place, or at least that's what it felt like to him now. A scent path lingered at the edge of the territory betraying their markers as it continued into the heart of the territory. Worst of all, the scent of those other wolves he fought off lingered on whoever was intruding.

Fur bristled along the boy's spine as he quickly followed uncertain of what kind of harm this wolf wanted to inflict. Luckily, Easthollow had always been fairly open with the plains, it wouldn't be long until his eyes landed upon a stranger. She was bright, her coat betraying her amongst the tall grass, and worst of all it seemed her gaze was glued to one of their pups. A boy who had already suffered enough. A growl escaped his throat as he quickly stepped forward, intent on moving between her and the kid, Hasn't your pack learned yet? I thought I made the message clear that we don't take kindly to trespassers. For once his voice was low, betraying any form of kindness.

she was stirred from fretful slumbers, twitching paws finally finding peace within the long grass' embrace as she was guided from warped dreams of screaming figures she could not reach and save to the waking world. although there was a moment in which the dove was trapped in a harrowing limbo, trembling uselessly between leering shadows and daunting light, she was awake was she not? then why...what was the smell? certainly not the familiar caress of easthollow, that was for sure. still groggy, her head lifts above curling grass with a number of fretful blinks; the burden of heavy nightmares dragging from her like a night spun cloak. but she is sharpening with each passed second spent awake on this new day, starkly aware now that she was awake and within the borders of easthollow if only by a few lengths, still tending to avoid the glares of their standing stones within the territory's sacred centre but this smell...that doesn't belong here.

and the moment that thought resonates within, piercing the early morning fog laced around a bleary mind; she is moving. bedraggled figure roves free from her cover, serpentine slink gliding her along the trail whilst her heart hammers hard against the bird bones of her chest. guilt snaps hungrily at her heel as paws skim the dew kissed blades, all the while a clamouring roar builds within; 'i am here this time, i am here i am here and i CAN do something about this' she couldn't do anything to help papa, she'd been absent when easthollow fell prey to the feline behemoth but today- today she was here.

there! flash of ivory amongst the verdant gleam of her home, lip curls as her pelt prickles like a house cat with the terror inflicted thud of her heart upon spotting one of the pack's children, an unbidden image of alsek floating forth despite being aware that it was another that stood victim to this viper's glare. what pack is this?? how dare they cross into their home like this! and then- a blur of familiar earth touched fur adorning a burly figure; west. 

and of all moments to be struck with such a doltish emotion, it is now that her pelt prickles awkwardly as she reaches them. she hadn't been avoiding him exactly, as in she would have approached him if they'd come across each other but she also hadn't actively sought him out since returning which she supposed was odd in itself. it was just...well she'd feared the idea of seeing disdain flicker across his features, disgust at her wordless abandonment and he'd likely been mourning pack members she'd done nothing to help....teeth grit savagely as she moves to stand beside kallik, low growl rumbling from her chest as she glared daggers at the ice kissed woman, west knew these wolves? what did they have against easthollow of all packs?

her svelte figure tensed, last time she'd been in any sort of scuffle had been with vengeance and had not ended well so there was no denying the fear laying its stink within but...vehement adrenaline stirred restlessly within as well, because she was here, for once she was faced with a problem in which she could do something to help with. and oh how she would.

*just-lingering-nearby* Presently, feel free to skip Oryx; she's little more than a shadow.

The sprite was not a guardian- nor did she feel as though she was fit enough to suffice as one, so she had not been patrolling when she caught the stranger's scent, and noticed that it moved through the plains without an escort. She'd intended to search the plains for new blossoms and new herbs she might have missed before- all it took was a good rainfall and a couple days of sunshine to change the floral palette, bringing forth new plants which had previously been little more than shoots. But this...This trail was not something she could ignore, despite the horrible feeling of dread that sank within her chest. Her resolve was boosted when she realized that she was not the only one to have found the trail- West Tyree. 

Posture held low, she followed the scent where it led further into the packlands, and felt herself hoping that perhaps this was simply a friend of West's, and that she would find them together, talking like friends. She heard his voice- and hunkered down amid the tall grasses, approaching more carefully so that she might not disturb them...But there was a rumble of a growl, and it only took seconds for her to realize that Polaris was present- as well as one of the children. She crept forward, snaking through the grasses, and found herself peering through the waltzing stalks of timothy toward West and Polaris, who had confronted the female, barring her from the child. Oryx stood in the female's tracks, but remained at a distance, hoping to remain unseen unless she was needed, silently hoping to bar the trespasser's exit should she turn to run.

The scent on the wind did not go unnoticed by the man who was making his rounds through the hollow—thick and filled to the brim with anger. He could tell his son—West, was already present, preceded by the faint smell of the dove that seemed to linger with him whenever he went.

But another one was accompanied by them. Something foreign. It was lost on his mind, the elder not being able to conceive who it had belonged to. It wasn't of Easthollow, not of their young and not of their old. Nor was it any of their allies.

Turning briskly on his heel, The Mountain sprint down the meadow as if he was scorned by the god's fire at his feet. His jaws bared, flashing the sight of teeth worn by age but still sharpened by plight at the stranger, whom he could now smell was part of Ursus. And by the looks of the scene with Kallik standing under Polaris, Greyback was quick to read the situation as nothing other than a vain attempt at pup-napping.

Sucking in a breath, the patriarch towered over the group with silent rage in his wake. His amber-peach eyes darting to all three—now four with the shadow of Oryx in the back before he exhaled an alarm bark to Easthollow.

As to EH rules: Trespassers will be met with aggression and attacked accordingly. We prefer that all wolves caught past the border will sustain one major wound. I made my post open enough for you to still decide the location. If you want anything changed, DM me on discord.

Valette had been with the children, just to have them explore outside the den. Some were more eager than others but she was not going to discourage exploring. Especially after what they have been through. Though the number came to three and she knew one was missing. The mother bear was not quick to let that slide and was tracking the pup down. She had been close when she heard her mate's alarm bark. The female shot forward, she was only a short distance away.

The Matriarch was at top speed as she registered the trespasser with the scent they were carrying. She bared her teeth, her inner hunter coming out. Her mate was there but she came from another direction, if the female would turn she would run straight into her jaws. Valette was sick and tired of other wolves stealing their young. What was wrong with them?! "EVERYONE ATTACK!," she snarled.

Valette opened her jaw, slowing so she could coordinate her lunge towards the other. She came low from the underbrush and was going to make sure her teeth were going to sink down in the other's flesh, whatever it took. This female was not going to escape without a clear bloody message. She hoped everyone would get a bite of her. At least it was close to a four against one. Valette was in hunter mode, she hoped they could make the kill. Because no one, no one, would take those kids from her.

Siarut had been dozing, the day a lazy one. He was more relaxed than normal, Valette nearby, he allowed himself a moment. Just a moment to close his eyes. A moments reprieve. Val has been a life saver, constantly around to help, but Siarut was still struggling. Raising four pups on his own was difficult, and draining on the man. He heard her stand and leave, the matriarch left without a word. Sia’s heart lurched, where was she going. His olive gaze swept over the three pups...THREE!? Siarut was on his feet immediately. He hadn’t noticed Kallik wander off, and dread gripped his heart.

As quick as he could he herded his sons and daughter into the den. Giving them a firm, stay here. Unknowingly, very reminiscent of Nanook’s final words to her children.

Confident they had been properly scolded into staying in the den, Siarut took off after Valette.

The scene he came upon drove his fury. He would sooner die then allow one of his children to be taken. He had lost Nanook, the pain still agonizing. His children were all that was left of her.

A snarl curled his lip. Would he ever get a break? Would he ever know peace? Hot, red, anger bubbled in his chest, and his eyes shone with rage. Valette’s words were not necessary as he was already after the woman. Only a step behind the matriarch, his jaws snapping ferociously.

So happy for so many arrivals! Glad to get your muses flowing and i figure it would be well for people wanting the mercenary/guardian trade too! Rosina is attempting to leave by now. Both Jess, Mar and I have spoken about everything before hand so things should be good. Let me know if not!

They came quickly - one by one, body after body barking, snarling, and frothing at the mouth for her blood, and surely how delicious she must be! After all, she had been drinking from a pup for a few weeks, her youth restored. But she wanted more, more but it seemed it would not be, not today at least. 

It was no wonder Ursus had not taken down these wolves already, whose pack was so close to what Ursus took as theirs. They had quite the arsenal, they did. Rosina's attention on the child was only for but a split second until another stood before her and the little pup - a chocolate coated yearling. @West Tyree was but a child himself but had grown quite large for not yet being a full fledged adult. He was large for his age and she? Quite small. Still, Rosina was convincing, very convincing but it was hard to make up an excuse when you were trespassing on obviously well marked borders. 

Oh, I- Was all she managed to get from her lips as another yearling came. Another!! So many young for her to choose from. So many beautiful youths for her to enjoy! @Polaris was incredibly stunning as she stood protectively at the little pup's side just behind the earthen wolf. Both stunning, ferocious and proud. Rosina had not much time to enjoy it, however...  

As another young, petite little shadow came into the scene, so did a much larger, violent male. Incredibly large, coated in blacks and grays, and, well, old, easily shown in the depth of his gaze. He does not charge, however. Does not fight, though he lifts his maw and calls out to anyone else in the area - an alarm, releasing the hounds! 

Now that Grayback had arrived, calling out to his assumed followers, Rosina feels like she had not a single ounce of a chance in getting what she wanted here. She turned and ran. Unfortunately enough for her, it was into the direction of @Valette, whom slunk in from the opposite direction. Rosina tried to skid herself into a hault, yet was caught and yanked by the scruff (side scruff) of her neck. Like a dog caught by the collar and jerked back, Rosina's tongue slipped from her mouth as a loud 'UGAK!' echoed from her jaws. 

It all came to kicking and screaming then. Rosina's body flailed in a manner a cat would at the threat of being thrown into water. Another wolf was met just after Valette, who's jaws struck out towards her for whatever they could purchase. It was her back upper foreleg which his teeth sliced down at the same time as she struck out both her back legs, hopefully striking @Siarut in the face as she did so. 

The little white witch had to get out and had to get out quick! She tore away from her capture. A sheering, stinging pain shooting from the bite in the side of her neck, down her shoulder and along her spine. Adrenaline is what she had now, and speed. She ran, ran as fast as her little legs could carry her!

The arrival of the first man startled the little bear since had no idea of the stranger's presence. He jumped, his bee buzzing in front of his face a few moments before lifting higher and taking off in his moment of hesitation. His head whipped to the man first and then the stranger—a woman who was pale like him, someone he may have confused for family had his pack member's hostility not told him that something was probably wrong here. 

Another woman came then, one he didn't really know, but she stood over him. Kallik stared up at her with concern and confusion. He didn't understand quite what was happening yet, and he didn't know why she was standing so protectively over him. 

Then everything happened too quickly after that. The nice giant man came and let loose a howl that made fear trickled down his spine. This all seemed too familiar; it reminded him of another time when things happened too fast and all he could do was be scared. When Valette arrived, Kallik perked up some, about to bound over to her. She was familiar and safe, that much he knew. But then she sprinted by, shouting to the rest of the pack to do something—he didn't know what because he was starting to panic at this point. 

His heart was racing and he was having flash backs to the day with mom and the scary sounds and smells. And then dad was there and he knew he would probably be in trouble for leaving on his own, but he didn't care about that right then. He lurched forward a few steps, wanting to attach himself to his dad. He froze, though, as he heard the snarl. His dad flew by just as Valette did, and Kallik stared in the direction they both went before stumbling back into Polaris' leg, shivering and soundless as he wondered if dad and Valette would disappear just as mom had. With ears glued back to his head, he flattened himself to the ground and rested his head on the woman's paw, shivers moving over his body every few seconds as he shut down and tried to block everything out.

In the time it took for the woodland boy to arrive, so did others. Perhaps they too had picked up on the strange scent or heard of the commotion as their numbers grew. From there everything moved fast. The woman opened her mouth to speak, though it seemed she realized quickly the situation she had created as it shut just as fast while limbs splayed in an attempt to run.

A war cry hit his ears as Valette rushed in, then Siarut, from there it was all fangs. Another snarl escaped himself as he too lunged eagerly for his own fangs to take down the woman. Though as his jaws clamped down he was left with only a tuft of fur as Rosina ripped away from his mother and uncle tearing through the plains in an effort to escape.

Spitting out the fur, he growled as West too gave chase. He was never the fastest, but the fury that built drove him forward as paws thundered against the ground. Get back here, yoU PUP NAPPING TERRORIST TRASH! Chances were the others were right behind him, but he had become too blinded to notice. Right now his vision had narrowed as his only goal became stopping this woman.

it all happened so fast, like the flicker of a weak flame suddenly catching ahold of the appropriate kindling and roaring to blinding life faster than anyone could keep up. she'd been blinking back at the dumbfounded look fixated upon her from the pale child, realising that he had not quite caught ahold of the risk he'd been in mere seconds ago and was about to speak quietly to him when the earth seemed to thunder with the approach of the impressive greyback. eyes are snatched away by the colossal figure bearing down on them, an involuntary shudder rippling down her spine at the ferocity in that look even if it was not aimed at her. and perhaps it was quite inappropriate of her but she felt...giddy in the face of such spiked adrenaline, especially when he loosed his powerful call to the wolves of easthollow. it took a great deal of effort to remain rooted by the pup, paws tickled by such clamouring energy that begged to shift for mere reprieve alone. and then- awe kissed eyes tracked the blur of valette as the matriarch entered the scene in a blaze of staggering potency and without a hint of hesitation, she released her battle cry and flung herself at the intruder. 

she watches hungrily, finding something fascinatingly beautiful in the twist of the victim's limbs as her body shifted into an auto pilot mode that allowed her to make such moves in an attempt to escape that one could never dream of attempting with only their mind to help. the ivory man who'd met her on the borders all those months ago joined the fray and then the azure eyed woman was off; wolves snapping hungrily after her. ears twisting to catch west tyree's snarl, pleased to hear him declare something with such vigour. and oh how her blood sang at the prospect of such a chase, body leaning forward with the yearn of it but no- she's gotta focus; attention jolting back to the child as he pressed himself to her paw whilst brows furrowed and she forced in a steadying inhale. leaning her head down, she'd murmur a soft "hey" working hard to ignore the trill of adrenaline and keep her voice as calm as possible, she just needed to talk- whether he heard the words or not didn't matter, hopefully the consistency of her voice would help ease his racing heart. "i don't think we've met yet, i'm polaris; one of your packmates. easthollow is a really pretty place isn't it? i think it's one of the prettiest places ever and i've seen a lot of places, i go on quite a lot of adventures. if you like, one day when you're old enough i'll bring you on some and show you beautiful things. i brought a friend home from one of my travels you know? he's a child like you, his name's alsek and i'm sure he could do with a brave friend like you to get him used to the pack...."

and on she'd drone, honestly not even knowing if the child was advanced enough to understand a word of what she lilted but it was the tone, that's what mattered. and as she lingered there with him, now that she was no longer quite so distracted by the clamour, she could not help but feel a little unsettled. for when she and west had caught the icy woman, she had not regarded them with fear. no, there had been a hunger to the eyes that had scanned them; as if she were sizing up her next catch. and although the air was mild, she shivered.

She was wordless, watching the interaction from her place beyond reach, stepping back slightly as she watched the steely-eyed Patriarch of the pack approach, pinning the sleek, pale woman in his gaze. Oryx shuddered under its intensity, even though it wasn't directed at her. She was grateful that she was already present when Greyback sounded the alarm for others, as she hoped it might give her a bid in becoming a more integrated member of the pack, even though she was little more than a fly on the wall. 

That is, until she heard something skin to the rustle of a swift wind running through dry leaves, and the patter of footbeats so swift that she did not realize Valette had been approaching the gathering until she was already bearing down upon the stranger with a vicious call to arms. There was a fury within both the Matriarch and the Patriarch of the pack- and Oryx had come to understand their loyalty and fidelity through their recent tragedies, and now bore witness to yet another account of their selfless devotion. Siarut as well was a strike of lightning, snapping with the ferocity and speed of a viper- but their foe was quick on her feet, and tore herself free. She began her retreat- and Oryx, as previously hidden, lurked in wait as though this had been a planned ambush all along. 

She began at a lope, but rushed forward, rising up out of the grasses only at the last moment in an attempt to catch Rosina by surprise, and cut the fleeing stranger off, and while she possessed little strength, her body could, at the very least, provide an obstacle that might slow the trespasser down.

one post cameo unless anyone engages with him (if so, please tag me)!

And he stood and watched as they dove onto the trespasser. You pup-napping terrorist trash, he heard West shout at the stranger. Charles didn't know what pup-napping was, nor terrorist. Trash was a bad thing, he thought, because sometimes mother would say that he was trash, when she was in a bad mood. The coywolf yearling awkwardly stood at a distance. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to also attack, but he wasn't sure there was space for him to, even if he had wanted to. And she seemed to be on the way out, anyway. He didn't think there would be much he could do.

Idly he fantasised what it would be like to try and trespass. He didn't want to die, although he didn't think dying would be too bad, either. It wasn't like living was great. If he chose to die, then maybe it would not be so bad. But maybe they would only hurt him, too, and he could get away. When would you decide to run after trespassing? Was it before or after the first blow? Should you try to escape right away, or wait for the first nibble? What if you were too fast and they didn't manage to hit you at all? It would be exciting, kind of, but it wouldn't hurt very much, and hurting was... Bad, he supposed, but at the same time...

Feeling mixed about watching another wolf get torn to shreds while she tried to leave, Charles' ear twitched as he watched, his expression fairly blank. He wondered what a terrorist was. He wondered what pupnapping was. Something with pups? Was this about the pup that had wandered off?

Charles blankly stared at what happened while he tried to process it all, not sure what was expected of him or why everyone but him seemed to feel the pull of the pack as they all came together and went after this one wolf.

The man watched as the Easthollow wolves flocked to the stranger—their teeth finding her, shredding, yanking, mauling. A stone expression painted his face from where he stood still beside Polaris and Kallik—Amber eyes glazed over with something foreign, something dark.

The scent that clung to the woman did not go unnoticed by the elder. He had smelt it on the wind numerous times and with the recent ruckus and turmoil budding between Easthollow and their neighbor, Ursus, the man believed that perhaps this was another challenge. Another prod.

One that was a failure.

He flicked his tail towards Polaris, bushing it upon her hock to catch her attention. The she-wolf was rather kind-hearted and soft, and while it did good at times, the patriarch did not want her possibly shielding the small boy's attention away from the scene unfolding. Greyback believed there was a lesson to be taught here—an important one.


"Don't look away, Kallik." He ordered.

Valette felt her grip on the female's fur starting to tear away from her. The female was reluctant to let go since if she would want to secure her bite she would have to let go. No way in hell she was going to let this intruder go. But as more came the other ripped from her jaw leaving Valette with a piece of skin in her jaws. She spat it out and instantly set out to chase after the female. West was with her but with his bulk, he was slower. The Matriarch had a few seconds down on the female, but she was not going to let the female escape easily. She would have her warm breath ghost over her back to remind Rosina that she was being chased, hunted.

Maybe the female would trip, and if she would Valette would be right there to attack the female again. She knew Kallik was in good paws with Polaris and Greyback. She would show them what kind of 'old toothless wolves' they were. She was getting closer to the female but not able to get close enough that she could nip or harm the female. She figured her presence right behind the female was enough incentive to keep running.

He was so lost in his anger and rage, Sia hadn’t even thought about stopping to comfort his son and let the others handle the intruder. No he was a man of action and this woman had tried to either snatch or kill his son. His fucking son!

Blood filled his mouth as his teeth found purchase on the females leg. Immediately he attempted to tried to shake his head, to thought wreck her leg, stop her escape, and let the pack finish her off. Unfortunately for the distraught father, the woman was quick to send out a desperate kick, which caught him square in the cheek, just beneath his eye. With an angry yelp he was forced to let go. The backward moment from her kick forcing him back. The others flew by him as the woman continued her escape. Valette quick on her heals, West and Oryx close in behind.

They could handle the rest of this woman. Surely she would learn her lesson, and pray they never crossed paths again.

Green orbs watched carefully ensuring the others had well and truly dealt with the treat. As the blood red rage slowly died, dread seeped in. He had almost lost his child, his son. He had almost lost someone else.

With panic and anxiety now sky rocketing, Siarut turned back toward his son, Polaris, Greyback and the newly arrived Charles. Running back to those guarding his child. Sia barely spared Charles a glance, and only dipped his head toward the patriarch in thanks and respect. Eyeing Polaris, Siarut cleared his voice. ”Thank you Polaris.” His voice was soft, but heartfelt and throughly genuine. It took courage to fight, but it took great maturity and awareness to know when you are needed away from the carnage. She had impressed him, and would make an effort to get to know her better in the future. For now he looked down at Kallik, expecting the boy was already patched to his paw. He was safe. He was here. And they needed to get home. Sia could only hope all his other children were still safely tucked away.

Last post from me after getting a taste of @Oryx. She'll be back I'm sure! :)

Like hounds snapping at the innocent heels of a stark white bunny, the little witch ran as her body could carry her, sure to outrun the larger flock from behind. Her most prominent skills were her wit, her perfect lies, her tricks with poisons and care in children but if it were anything physical it would be her swiftness and so she used it now as she had time and time before to get her out of similar situations. 

And then, another! A black woman with a silvery nape and pale eyes as opposite to her vivid blue. Her slight frame jumping out as though to block Rosina. Yet Rosina, in full sprint and in knowing this wolf, if any, she could take on, would pull forward still, determined to get away.

Rosina in the last moment is able to dodge out to the side to avoid tangling up with the woman, though slams against the side of her, shoulder first as she moved past. It slowed her just enough for her to feet teeth slice at the back of her Hicks (though she doesnt spare to check to see from who). A snarl came and a snap of Rosina's parted jaws, to slice into the flesh of Oryx' cheek. 

The taste of the woman's blood on her tongue pumped her with a second wave of adrenaline, and as quickly as Rosina came, she was gone.

The woman's voice was soothing even if he couldn't quite understand everything in his terrified state. The overall effect was mostly successful—he felt safe there with her, although it didn't erase the icy fear that his loved ones wouldn't return. He pressed further into her if that was even possible, burying his face against her paw as he waited in agony for things be over. 

There were more sounds of fighting, and the shivering of his protector. No matter how hard he tried to tune it all out, it was impossible to do so. Then the order from the large man rolled over him, adding to his discomfort. He recognized the tone, and normally he would obey a command from an adult. But right then, he was already too shut down to comply. He couldn't lift his head, he couldn't do anything other than be frozen against the nice woman, and that just added one more layer to his terror. 

It wasn't until he heard the rumble of his father's voice that he was able to lift his head, and he wasted no time sprinting over to him. He came back. Kallik repeated the words over and over in his head as he attached himself to dad's paw. Now he just needed to see Valette, his other mom. Where was she? Was she gong to come back too? He looked around frantically for the colors of her fur, all the while glued to his dad.

Despite the pack's efforts the pale woman managed to twist and pull out of each and every grasp with little care for the flesh that was torn in the process. West had given it all he had, but in the end, he just wasn't fast, never had been and probably never would be. As the witch of a woman tore off towards the meadows, the woodland boy came to stop his tongue slipping from his maw as he tried catching his breath.

He was beyond pissed, but there was no catching up now. At the very least, she was gone, but it didn't change the anger that brewed within. He needed to do something, a distraction before he did something he would regret. A growl rumbled in the boy's chest as he was quick to turn on his heels and head towards the woods, at least a hunt would be productive.

West leaves here unless stopped!

Valette was chasing the woman, snapping at her heels. She was blind with fury. The female then slowed down for which Valette could catch up, almost. Her breathing was labored. She was running at such breakneck speed that she could not really dodge Oryx. In her last effort, she tried to jump over her. Moments after the trespasser got a bit of Oryx it was Valette that half jump/crashed into her. Valette half landed, and with her velocity, stumbled over Oryx. The female was quick to jump to her feet and still chase after the white female. She was very reluctant to let the female escape.

But now she had even more space between them, and she would not have the energy to catch up with that. She ran over their border when she slowed. Probably the last one in pursuit. Her sides were heaving as she panted heavily. Valette glared at the little white fleck. She should have been able to escape. One day she would finish that woman. If she would ever see her again, Valette would attack on sight. She was not allowing any trespassers in her home. Valette turned and then made her way back to the group. She was not really sure who she stumbled over but it did leave a sour taste in her mouth.

The Matriarch returned to the group. Around her mouth blood was starting to dry. Her fur was ruffed and covered in dirt, pieces of branches, and grasses. She spotted Kallik save with his dad. She relaxed a bit, still catching her breath. Then she looked to her mate and moved to him. She kind of needed his comfort since she felt like she failed to protect the pack, their pups.

Eventually the woman tore away, her figure like a ghost as she ran and vanished from the Easthollian's view, leaving all but a track of paws, blood, and high fury running through their veins. Greyback didn't dare look away till she was out of sight, till Siarut approached and he was forced to let the anger slide away from his body.

He looked to Kallik then, seeing the boy's obvious wrecked state as he clung desperately to the dove's paws. "You should take him home," Greyback mumbled at the white male. The boy would need his father more than ever it seemed.

Amber eyes watched the boy abandon Polaris for his father.

As Greyback turned to face the rest of the group he noticed Valette heading for him, her face covered in blood, dripping from her chin and now on him as she pushed herself into his fur. He sighed, resting his head ontop of hers in an attempt at affection while looking to the hulking frame of his son. He nodded to the boy, proud of his actions for the pack.

"Let's go home, Valette." he whispered as he turned to leave, abandoning the scene.

it appeared to be working, and in that very moment her need to keep this child's fear at bay became a task shuddering with as much potency as chasing the hoodlum from their borders could even hope to withold. and it was working, it was working she was succeeding and then- a start at greyback's touch, vigilant look flashing with protective vigour only to realise who it was. yet relief is short lived as brows draw to follow his glance to the child, jaw visibly clenching at the words to pierce the air. 

"don't look away, kallik."

raw command rushing to back up his statement, landing with a force so heavy that even polaris felt inclined to obey despite its culprit being the pup tucked in her embrace. she is appalled and it takes only that initial spark to catch ahold and spread a roaring inferno within of vehement outrage. what was he thinking?? distaste burns sour on her tongue, hold on the pale boy tightening; what is there to accomplish there? terror is no lesson and nor is violence, he seeks to grab ahold of shriveling innocence and set it aflame and for what? the tremble of his bird boned figure, the rapid progression of his heart against her leg is all enough to know he will wish never to stray into the grasp of danger again and so how, how on earth, could subjecting this child to more cruelty benefit anyone?? a resounding ache groans along her jaw, protesting how hard the dove presses teeth against each other but she truly believes it is the only thing saving her from saying something she might dreadfully regret. this is her alpha, she has to be respectful and yet...

she does not have as firm a hold on her expression as her tongue, scintillating look kissed with horrified indignation and ears seeking refuge against her head as she glares at the boulder of a wolf before her. is he of the mindset that the ability to look at the world's barbaric tendencies and take it on the chin is what makes one strong? if he tried to shove such an idea into the wondrous mind of alsek she'd- she'd- what? he is her alpha, her leader, she can't....she looks away with a sharp exhale, glaring hard as grit teeth release another echoing pain. but the pup, she blinks down to realise that he has pointedly ignored the looming man and rather pushed further into her clutch; and her heart aches with both relief and trepidation as she pulls him closer. "you're safe, you're safe..." she breathes, don't give up, it isn't always like this..the world is beautiful too i swear.

she glances up only when siarut arrives, nodding wordlessly at his thanks and offering a weak smile as the child scurried back to his papa. ears tilted at greyback's rumble, tense muscles sagging a little; fear that he'd scorn the boy for disobeying abandoning her with that statement. but she still felt unsettled by that initial command and once she was relieved of his focus; the girl would intend to slip away without so much as a glance in his direction.

She felt the keen sting of flesh tearing along the underside of her jawbone, but a moment later the world was sent spinning as someone fast and strong collided with her shoulder. She might've been stepped on- but she wasn't so certain. As soon as her tumbling stopped, Oryx crouched against the ground with her eyes squeezed shut, wincing as she heard the thundering of pawsteps fading into the distance. Slowly, she opened her eyes again, and brushed her cheek against her leg, leaving behind a smear of fresh blood against her dark fur. She frowned, but remained where she was a momet later, collecting herself. She was sore, but more bewildered than anything. 

Slowly, she lifted her head to see that the trespasser was out of sight, as were those who had pursued her. The family that had assembled to protect the young one were preoccupied with making sure that the child was protected, so with a small pang of shame and loneliness, Oryx slunk off to take care of herself, feeling somewhat invisible and futile.