Snippet #2620698

It was the smile that Nova first noticed. One of those fake ones, the kind that a den nurse would put on while working with annoying pups. Nova tried to clear his vision, but as his sight cleared, his focus was interrupted by a series of spastic coughs in which much water came out of his mouth. He felt like he had had his chest crushed, and he struggled to breath the sweet air.

As the ice wolf's mind finally caught up with him, he made out the Arlyne wolf that was standing above him, who upon recognizing Nova was back to consciousness, trotted back several places. Rolling up himself, Nova could make out a couple other Arlyne's, two males, and the female who had been near him. Durandel was nearby, laying in the grass, but it appeared he was already awake. The group was on the bank of a river, likely the outlet of Maxim Lake, and Nova could hear the sound of rapids further downstream, probably leading to some cataracts or falls.

"I still think we should 'ave just killed 'em. Woulda sent the same message" one of the males said, likely the youngest of the group.

"No, it would have been no use bloodying the water. It would have just further riled the packs against us and would have disturbed the balance of the lake" the old male replied.

"Are you sure the packs are going to get the message?"

"They better. Our existence depends on the fish in that lake. Ever since the Hemlocks started poisoning everything downstream."

"What about this lot? Should we just leave them here?" the female suddenly chimed in.

"Yes. That way they can report to their packs that the same fate awaits them if they try to bring the war to the waterways. Let the savages continue their fight on the shores, and we will stay uninvolved" the elder wolf replied.

"Aye, unless the try attackin' us again, like those Boraks" the younger one muttered.

The three Arlyne's seemed to assume that their conversation had been overheard by the two wolves, for they made no effort to convey the information more directly to Durandel and Nova. The group drifted back to the waterway, and after a slight spell of lightheadedness in which Nova lost his vision, likely from trying to rise too fast, the ice wolf lost sight of them. Doubtless they were close by, those water wolves were always near the rivers.

Shaking his head, Nova looked over to the lava wolf, and let out a somewhat exasperated chuckle. "Well this ain't exactly what I needed today. Are you alright, mate?"