Searching For Something New

[Kaziph]

Carrick's nose led him along the path that Zena had taken in her tearful escape from the clearing. He followed it silently, zigging and zagging where she did, wincing as though it were his own pain that cause blood to flow onto the trail where she stumbled on her injured foreleg. He continued after her until he came to be near the ocean, unknowingly near where Lorkan's group would eventually be, and there lost the trail.

He ran back and forth several times trying to find it again, but he only scented the saltiness of the ocean on the breeze and a faint taste of Zena's scent. He paused, glanced around, and then issued a soft bark. He didn't want to draw anyone's attention but Zena's.

Zena, my friend, where are you?

[Tay]

[glow=teal,2,300] Zena[/glow]

Having left Larka and the lone male, Zena ran blindly through the woods. She pulled herself out of it, enough to taste the salt on the air. She had unconsciously run to the place where she'd had such fun with Carrick. Her paws hit sand and she paused a moment, staring out at the cold gray ocean. It was then that her foot seemed to come back to life, for now it sent a zap of pain up her leg. She gasped and looked down at it seeing blood had began to ooze out once again and stain her foot. Looking behind her she saw a trail of small ruby droplets against the light brown sand.

Setting her golden orbs upon the ocean, she hobbled-more or less dragging her leg- to the water. She let the ocean waves lap over her paw, and now tears sprang to her eyes for a reason other then Larka's insult. She felt a howl of pain being jerked from her jaws, though she did not recognize it as hers. Still, she held her foot under water until the burning stopped. She knew salt the salt could only be good for her wound. The burning stopped and she drug herself just out of the water's reach. If high tide came, she would be in trouble, but she did not know or care enough to move herself any further.

Her paw resumed it's painful throb, growing even more powerful as she continued to lay still. Her side's still heaved from her flight, and she thought on Larka's words. Is that all I am to this clan? The 'plaything' of another wolf? I'm trying to make myself more pack bound, though there is little pack to bind myself to and this is what it gets me? Her golden orbs, which never really ceased their crying, began to drip more.

She lay her creme head upon the sand, and realized she was no more then the dusty, scrawny pup she'd been when she'd ran from her home. She pawed at her muzzle, trying to wipe the tears away. The only thing that has changed about me is my outer shell. I have gained nothing but learning of the trees. Cursed Zena

She spat the words at the sand. She could hear the taunting of her Brothers and Sisters echoing in her head. I might as well be considered cursed here too, for all it's done me. Maybe then I'd have an excuse. I am no more valued here then I was before.

She began to cry in earnest now and raised her muzzle to the sky, singing one sad and sorrowful note. It raised to the clouds and was carried by the trees, the echo spreading over the land. When she finished, she let her head fall back to the sad. Her eyes sad and lost.

[Kaziph]

Carrick's head turned as he heard Zena's sad call, and he bounded through the sand toward the sound. He found as he went along more bloodied paw prints, and the large wolf growled in frustration that his companion's foreleg was re-injured from her flight from Larka's clearing. She shouldn't have run; yet then again, Larka should never had called such a loyal pack-sister as Zena a "plaything" of any wolf. Thinking of it made his hackles bristle along his long back.

He came around the dunes and out onto the lower beach to find Zena curled up near the surf, head down and despondent. The male approached cautiously, for he didn't want Zena to run again... but then again, perhaps her wound would keep her stationary for a while. Carrick padded to her side and lowered his muzzle to her head, nudging her gently and issuing soft crooning noises - which really didn't sound quite right coming from a beast his size.

After a moment, he lowered his frame down next to her's, brushing his fur against her wet bodice and offering his warmth in the cold afternoon. Larka is such a fool, he thought to himself as he watched one of the most loyal wolves in the forest so miserable from mere words... foolish words.

You are more to me than that, that... hedge-pig, that Larka. You are more to this pack. What she said was wrong, and had she not been alpha, I would have fought her for it. I still might, he added silently. Are you alright? he queried, pressing his paw against her shoulder encouragingly.

[Tay]

[glow=teal,2,300] Zena[/glow]

Zena heard the sound of paws on sand, and raised her eyes to see Carrick running toward her. She diverted her eyes, feeling sad that Carrick should see her so weak, so effected by simple words. When he spoke to her, her ears rose at her words, though her head did not move.

Her orbs did raise to Carrick's as he spoke, and her head soon followed suit. You mean that, my friend? She spoke once he was done, her words soft. She gazed at him, her orbs holding the question with the innocent wonder of a pup. She'd never had someone voice their care for her, and she wondered if it was a trick of her ears. She felt his paw touch her shoulder, and she realized the words must be true. All at once she felt the warmth of his body beside her, and found it warmed her inside and out.

She looked to Carrick's concerned face, and realized she was more valued here, even if it was mostly by one wolf. This one wolf was her closest friend, and in truth, the only one she'd really hope to be valued by. She offered him a small smile. Now that you are here, my friend. I am much better.

I think I will be alright... my paw hurts something terrible though. She gazed down at it. I am very thankful you came after me Carrick. She turned to look him in the orbs, her true gratitude showing there. You are sweet.

[Kaziph]

Carrick grunted, exhaling a breath that he had been holding since asking of her well being. Well, I don't know about that, now. Some would say otherwise. The wolf laughed, his tail rustling the sand behind them. I used to try to be a pretty decent wolf, but since coming here, and with everything that's happened here... well, the sweetness just went out of me, I think. Until I had a reason to be sweet again, that is. As he thought back on it, there had only been one other wolf he had befriended, Faris, but that friendship had turned sour too, because of Larka.

He shook his head and reached over to touch her face with his nose, inhaling the scent of Ravilin and Zena both. You know, sometimes I had to think this place, well, isn't for me. There, he's said it now. The thought that had run rampant through his head for many seasons finally let out, and to the wolf he thought the most of in the forestlands. What do you think? He looked at her, varying between eye contact and the well defined features of her creamy white face. He doubted, though, that he would ever act on leaving the woodlands without... without his best friend.

[Tay]

[glow=teal,2,300] Zena[/glow]

I suppose that it's come back then. Your sweetness. You've always been sweet to me in some degree.Zena smiled again as he leaned in to inhale her scent. She copied him, touching her nose to his cheek and taking in the scent of the forest, the clan and himself. The smell she'd found herself searching for often while she pad trough the trees.

His next comment caught her off gaurd, and she had to look into his brown orbs to gauge his seriousness. She too had wondered the same thing, and she now voiced it. I have often thought the same to myself. I would travel the forest alone more-or-less anyway. A male sometimes came to share pawsteps with me. She gave him a little grin at this. I never found it in myself to leave, though. I always found a reason to stay. I wouldn't know what to do as a loner. I don't like crowds...but I don't really like to be alone either.

She gazed out toward the ocean, before returning her gaze to Carrick's. The Ravilin land is very beautiful as well. Though I haven't made myself part of the Clan, I believe the forest has accepted me. She gazed toward the trees, and saw the upmost branches swaying, as if waving or nodding in agreement.

Has something held you from leaving as well, Carrick? I believe you grew close once, when you left for the loners lands. Before Faris and Larka announced they would be mates. She reached forward and raised her nose to tap on the bottom of his chin once, playfully. Her movements were slow and careful. She didn't wish to disturb her paw.

[Kaziph]

Carrick's eyes grew more serious as their conversation took a turn, and he tilted his head away from his companion so that he might stare back into the forest. Yes, I came very, very close that once. With Dragon. He shook his head, exhaling a sigh. Yes, once I did come close. I... he paused, wondering. What did keep him here? Once he might have said to be remain as Larka's protector, her one guardian that stayed when all else failed. Yet now, as he looked at the relationship he had with his leader... it was crumbling, destroyed, and he wondered if it would ever have any semblance of decency there again.

He doubted it. Seriously.

Unfortunately Carrick was hard headed, and his heart had been wounded too, in that fateful day in the snowy forest when Larka had proposed that he stand beside her to lead. It had been much too close, too soon, after his Lanessa, and her terrible end. His face would have showed his emotions then, if he had been a lesser wolf. Instead, at that moment, Larka's call again rang through the forest.

His ears pricked and then laid back against his head, as though to shut out the noise. She was always calling to them, always trying to make it right, when in reality... she couldn't. The brute's body became rigid beside Zena, and a deep growl rumbled in his throat. The instinct of the wolf told him to rise, return the call, and go faithfully to his alpha's side. Yet something else within him, a malignant force perhaps, said sit, stay, don't listen. He shifted, tense, and didn't answer Zena's question about leaving the forest. He wasn't sure any more, really. He didn't know what to do.

[Tay]

[glow=teal,2,300] Zena[/glow]

Zena's golden orbs studied Carrick's face, and when he did not continue his answer she decided she wouldn't ask again. Perhaps we will discuss that another time, Carrick. She offered him a small reassuring smile but when Larka's howl rose over the trees it wiped the smile from her face and she stared back into the forest.

She felt Carrick grow rigid and turned head to look at him as he growled. Well, nevermind why you have stayed. I am glad you did. It wouldn't be the same without you here, and I'd miss you. She rubbed her head against his neck in the hopes of calming him. You don't want to go back either, do you? She shook her head, listening to the fading remains of Larka's call.

It always seems to me that Larka is attempting to fix something in the pack, well, really, I think she hopes someone else will be able to correct her mistakes. Salix, I think, was her first attempt. She's gone now, though. She paused a moment, missing her older friend. Then Faris. He looked to be hopeful at least. Now that new dark wolf will stand by her side soon, I'm sure. We'll be going down that same road again. She shook her head.

Larka really is just a pup inside, isn't she? Trying to make everything all better in all the wrong ways. Sometimes...I almost pity her. Zena stared at the forest with a sad look. I wish I knew of your past with her, Carrick. It might help to clear things up. I know you will tell me when you are ready though. That is why I do not ask. She kept these last thoughts inside.

I don't know if I can make it back to Larka just yet anyway Carrick. She spoke, breaking the silence and stopping her thoughts of Larka. She glanced to her paw and studied it with a sigh. It was stained a dark faded shade of red again. I'm getting tired of being hurt.

What should we do? I might be able to make it if you helped to support me...I'm not sure. I don't know if that would make it worse, either. She glanced to the forest again, feeling the pull she knew she should be following. She looked to Carrick for guidance. She remembered all too well how it had ended the last time they'd ignored Larka.

I don't want Carrick to leave again... She gazed toward her friend again, unsure what to do. She may not be happy with Larka at the moment, but she also knew Larka was her Alphess. She had looked up to Larka, and Larka had taken her in. She owed the white female, and she knew it. She would give another chance. She didn't have the heart to deny Larka that.

[Kaziph]

While Zena was kind and forgiving, traits which Carrick admired, he himself was not. His eyes gazed out into the forest with disdain shinning within them as his friend spoke, and his head gave a short, curt nod even as he rubbed against him in an attempt to soothe the agitated wolf. Perhaps it's better that you are injured in this case, just this once. He stood, shaking his head as though to chase away an annoying insect from his ears. Larka's call had already faded, but he began to pace back and forth as he considered his options.

You're right in many ways, Zena. Too right. Larka is not fit to rule; she is too much an adolescent, even her daughter Kira might do better than her. He grunted, dispelling the idea. Kira wouldn't take the mantel of leadership from her mother for years if she ever did at all. Yet I think it's best I don't go to this "meeting". I'm tired of going and coming and going between her and the solitude and peace of... being with you, among the trees. But he wasn't ready to give up the the woods yet, although he grew closer with each passing day.

Shall we just call back to her and tell her you are wounded? He didn't answer her query about his aiding her back to the clearing again. He would help Zena, but he wouldn't help her to get back there. It was Larka's fault, partially, that Zena's limb hadn't healed yet - saying what she had said, and Zena fleeing from those harsh words. Carrick's mane bristled, making him look larger and more intimidating than normal, as he stepped back and forth before the fem.

[Tay]

Zena watched the great wolf pace. She gave a whine, commanding his attention. Carrick, don't fret so. It troubles me. Here, come keep me warmer, I can call or we can call together. I think that would be the best solution. Walking just now will do me no good.

I was stupid to run. I know better then to run off blindly. I should know better then to let my emotions betray me. She gave a soft growl; in comparison to the one Carrick had voiced she sounded more like a growling fawn. Completely harmless and almost silly for trying.

Her golden orbs looked back to Carrick again. Her orbs almost pleaded for him to lay beside her. She found herself cold from the spray and her previous dip, no matter how little she'd submerged. She almost ached for his side to lay against hers and it troubled her. She contributed it to being cold and hurt.

Carrick, you will stay with me tonight, won't you? I don't want be alone while I'm vulnerable. She asked, the idea nearly bursting form her mouth. It was half-true at least. She truly just didn't want Carrick to leave. He seemed so agitated with Larka...what if he left the Ravilin? For good this time?

She glanced toward the forest, and without waiting for further response lifted her snout to the sky. Larka...I cannot come to you. My paw is injured worse and I cannot bear to walk any further.... Her song rose to the sky, rustling through the leaves softly, gentlely; The leaves caressed the sound of her song as if it were trying to console a saddened lover.

It passed through the forest, carrying beautifully. Her soprano tone conveyed her pain easily and she lowered her head back to the sand. That is all I -we- can do, Dear Carrick.

[Kaziph]

The large wolf stopped pacing long enough for Zena to speak, and her words were having a calming effect on him even as she was calling out to Larka. His head dipped, and he sighed, but not sooner had he exhaled his breath than did the white alpha call again. So annoying, like a humming little bug, flying in crazy circles around and around. He pricked his ears, again, hearing an echo of the newcomer Cloud's voice. Great, great. They were all coming. That was the last thing he wanted.

Carrick couldn't stand it any longer, and like he had left Lanessa's den so many seasons before, he backed away from the whole situation and Zena both. I'm sorry my dear friend, but I cannot stay to see her again. Let her know my disdain for her. I'm not leaving the forest yet, but she won't find me. I've wandered these woods many a time more than she and know it's secrets better than most. The large wolf whined, stepped forward to touch Zena's cheek, and then backed away. He hated himself.

But he turned and trotting first, took off into a run at the edge of the trees, heading simply away from the beach. His speed wasn't the greatest, but he had a head start... and who knew, maybe Zena would rise and struggle after him, and he could meet her, and they run away into the trees together before Larka's scent ever touched their muzzles again. As it was, his scent was all that remained, and Larka and the others wouldn't arrive until it was already fading.

Oohh I have such an interesting idea for a new plot for Zena, Carrick, and Larka and all

[Amanda]

Larka's paws touched sand, and she was ever grateful for Atka's strength, and the youthful energy of the pups playing around her. her muzzle caught the sharp acrid scent of wolf blood, and the comforting scent of her son and the other pack members. She also scented Carrick and her body stiffened as her muzzle curled into a snarl of distaste before she followed the scent to where she knew Zena would be. Leaving Atka's side reluctantly, she approached the other pale female, hoping to repair the fragile bond that they had shared.

Zena...forgive me. I know what I said was wrong. I did not...mean it to come out that way. I care about you deeply, it is just hard trying to lead a splintered pack...I do not see loners as viscious threats who patrol my borders...

Her golden orbs sought forgiveness from the other wolf, hoping that she would understand.

I am always alone...I had to let Atka in...his song...matched my own...he sees things in a way that I long to follow...forgive me.

Her strength finally giving way, Larka collapsed to the ground near Zena, her limbs so sore she knew she could not move from the spot even if she had wanted to.



Lorkan wanted to bound over to his mother, but when he saw the confrontation between herself and Zena, he hung back, not wanting to change the other female's respinse to his mother in a negative way. seeking the comfort of his friends he touched both Cloud and Surulian's shoulders, as if reassuring himself that there could be happiness within the Ravilin.

He had felt it, even if it was only for the span of a few heartbeats.

[Kaziph]

Cloud continued her trot as she heard the calls of the other members of the pack, speaking long distance. Apparently Zena, and she barely could place a face with the voice, was still injured from the hunt... re-injured, perhaps? Which that was probably the blood they had scented, but Cloud still felt better knowing Larka was on her way. The pack would reunite again on the beach.

Her white pelt was fluffed up with the cold winds off the ocean, and the dainty fem shook her muzzle as she pressed herself between her two companions, letting them block some of the breeze. She hadn't remembered the oceanside being so chilly, but the last time she had been near one it had been late summer, not almost winter. Her paws sunk into the sands as they crossed dune and dune, all the while drawing nearer.

She found as they approached that Larka, another male's scent she didn't recognize, and the cubs were coming toward a central meeting point too, and she realized that they would converge together at the scene almost at the same time. As it was, Cloud's eyes caught sight of Larka's ivory form, alongside others, and also Zena's dustier body laying near the surf's edge. The she-wolf issued a soft whine, concerned for her pack sister. Why is she laying so close to the ocean? Why has her wound reopened? What had the three of them missed while they were running the territory, exploring?

Cloud felt Lorkan press against her side, and she shifted her weight to lean into him in response. She understood the tenseness coming from the male, obviously he realized something that she didn't yet... that the clan was indeed splintered, and that Larka had to get her act together before the wolves abandoned her.

[Tay]

[glow=teal,2,300] Zena[/glow]

Zena issued a low whine to Carrick. He was backing away, though he might say it was from Larka it stung Zena. Don't leave me, Carrick. Please. She felt his nose touch her cheek, though it didn't register. His orbs were apologetic and she gave another low whine. Carrick... Now he turned though, turned his back and Zena did struggle to rise. Her legs tensed, but she coul not pull herself from the ground, much less chase Carrick. She was left alone on the beach, with the surf. Suddenly she felt like a pup. She could smell Larka coming and pulled herself together for that. She would not show her upset. She would not say that Carrick had ran. We need to talk, Dear Carrick. If Larka can not find you, though, will I be able to?

Then Larka arrived and Zena tore her golden orbs forcefully from the trees. She watched Larka's painstaking approach, and almost winced. Zena felt her fur puff up, though not in threat or anything mean spirited. She gave Larka a little glare that held no real anger behind it. There was a taint of insult though, hiding among the golden gleams of her orbs. Splintered we may be, She said. Do not allow us to lose what we stay together for. I know I stay for pure faith in you, I believe one day you will fix us, you kind-hearted fool. She reached her nose out, amnaging to touch Larka's muzzle. You are forgiven Larka. Speak of it no more.

Her orbs were drawn to Cloud and she gave her like-pelted pack sister a smile, albeit weak from her lack of energy. Seems you've missed quite a bit, eh?


(OOC: Bah. Ignore my thing about Atka. I was thinking of Surulian. )

[Kaziph]

Cloud watched the exchange between the two she-wolves intently, wondering what indeed had happened while she was away with Lorkan and Surulian. She pricked her ears as she listened to Zena's words, and her orbs widened at the fem's brazen language. Kind-hearted fool? She shook her muzzle and exhaled sharply, knowing there had to be some history between Zena and Larka for the under-wolf to address their leader so.

Whatever the history was though didn't matter overly to Cloud. She wavered her tassel when Zena looked to her, although she remained silent and back still since the alphess hadn't responded verbally. Hopefully all was well now... but where the other wolf, the big brute if she remembered correctly, whose scent hovered in the air around Zena's injured form?