Blue's Story

It was an early, misty morning in the village of Springwood as the forest came alive to the sound of it's morning symphony. The birds were chirping, the wind blowing a gentle breeze as the leaves rustled on it's branches. Down below the Aven Pack went about their morning routines as shops opened and various wolves gathered to converse and work. Then the serenity of the scene was shattered by the loud outbursts that came from the Springwood Inn. Storming from the hallowed out tree were two furious wolves, Mydnyte and Durandel. "Hey! You're not walking away from this! I won't allow it!" Mydnyte shouted as he followed Durandel. The Canicus whipped around and barked, "I don't really care what you do or don't allow! My Pack needs me right now and their ain't nothing you can say or do to stop me!" As Durandel began to stomp away Mydnyte barred his path by standing before him.

Mydnyte growled, "I told you, you're not walking away from this! You're going to turn around and march right back into that Inn and wait like the rest of us!" He ordered. Durandel scoffed, "Who are you? My mother!? You're not the boss of me Mydnyte, Hell, you're not even from the same Pack as me, so I don't take orders from you! Besides we've waited here for a whole week and for what?! Nothing!! You can all sit around till the doomsday for all I care but I'm leaving now!!!" He shouted as he pushed Mydnyte aside. Mydnyte then snapped at Durandel, "I swear by the Gods, Durandel! If you take one more step I'll-" "Or you'll what!?" Durandel goaded. "Or I'll break your legs and drag you back there myself!!!" Mydnyte snarled. Two Wolves tensed up as they growled each other preparing to strike at one another.

The Shadows seemed to form underneath Mydnyte as heat began to radiate off of Durandel. Then before the brewing fight came to a boil, Fang ran out as he approached both wolves playfully saying, "Hey, it's too early in the morning for this fellas." Despite his joking both Wolves growled at him, "Stay out of this Fang!" Mydnyte shouted. "Alright, come on now, look, let cooler heads prevail here! You're both acting like pups squabbling over a piece of meat." Fang retorted. "What me!?" Mydnyte said as he gave an incredulous look. "I'm not the one who's trying to desert us!" Mydnyte spat in Durandel's face. "Yeah?! Well at least I'm not threatening to break anyone's legs!" Durandel spat back. It seemed Fang was losing control of the situation as he grew frustrated.

"Well...it's good to see that somethings never change."

The Wolves perked up as a familiar voice called out from across the way. They turned to see that the Wolf they've all been waiting for has arrived, it was Fox. "Now please, don't make me have to separate you two." She smirked as plants seemed to surround them both. "Hmph, I didn't even want to waste the energy on him." Mydnyte growled. Fang just sighed as he shook his head. "Alright now that you've two scared the folks around here let's hurry inside before I'm forced to throw you two in Jail for disturbing the peace." Fox taunted as she lead them both inside. There she saw both Nova and Blue, "Hello again, Nova it's good to see you again." The Aven greeted. She then turned to look at Blue at first she seemed confused as she slowly approached her. She gave the young wolf a good look up and down and then chuckled, "At first I thought you were someone else..., Hello my name is Fox." She spoke with a bow of her head.

Durandel and Mydnyte walked in both look pretty disgusted with each other as Fang walked in behind them. He then gave the others this look that said (Hey what can a Wolf do?) as he filed in beside Fox. "Well, everybody let's head into the back room, it's a meeting hall for those that reserve it." She said as she lead the others. Soon the group would find themselves in a long room with a table made from a tree stump in the middle. Fox sat at the head as Fang and Mydnyte sat beside her. "So then what's the latest?" Mydnyte asked. "Well, before we begin, we have one more showing up today and he has something very important to share." Fox spoke. "Whose coming?" Fang asked. "You've met him once before and I'm sure you'll remember him as soon as he walks through that front door." She responded. "How much longer do we have to wait then? I'm sure you haven't heard, but something terrible has happened in the Vulcans and I need to be there." Durandel spoke up.

"Still on that?" Mydnyte huffed. "Of course I'm still on it! Just because Fox showed up that doesn't mean I want to stay here!" Durandel shouted. Mydnyte then began to growl as Fox raised her voice, "Knock it off now. I know things are terribly harsh on all of us but now is not the time to fight amongst ourselves, not when the true enemy is still out there." "She's right besides all of our problems stem from him anyway." Fang added. Mydnyte and Durandel nodded, they did have a point especially if Prometheus is in cahoots with Rashid. Then came a tap at the door. "Ah, that must be him now. Come in!" Fox beckoned and then the door opened to reveal a certain black and blue furred Wolf with a sword. It was, Summanus!

The chill of early autumn rustled through Nova's fur as the breath of dawn's wind passed through the window besides his bed. His body was comforted by the snap of cold that permeated the weather, for the first time in days his limbs had not been numbed from sheer exhaustion. Earlier Nova had wondered whether the weather changed the leaves in this eternally vibrant forest, it would be marvelous to see this place in a vibrant hue of oranges and yellows. Perhaps Springwood skipped over fall altogether, maybe the Aven's couldn't stand to see the leaves fall and die. Maybe the just put life back into the trees as soon as they started dying. Everyone to their own, he had thought, but in the Sharikere's one was lucky to find life without fur or scales.

But thoughts of flora and fauna had been far from Nova's mind the night last, and for the entirety of the night restless thoughts had kept him awake. They had been fighting for attention ever since he began his journey with Durandel and then Blue, and yet they had been concealed by the more forceful bursts of adrenaline that had kept him alive. Now that he was in relative safety, these thoughts could not leave him.

His home had been attacked. Not by an conventional attack by a pack, no, but by a small group of renegades from the Tenneth who had managed to sneak into the heart of his homeland and wreck terror and pain on those he called friends. He only had the words of a disgruntled Dimitrios to know that his family was safe, and Shanice only knew what they thought of him. His mission to go scout out the Jera was only supposed to take two weeks, and here he was in some hovel in the middle of the forest, weeks and miles away from where he wanted to be. He was stuck in this town, waiting for some wolf he barely remembered, with a motley group of misfits who were zealously trying to hunt down a wolf they had no idea where he was, or even if he still existed. Rashid, bah, he probably died when his prison caved in. Why were they chasing after shadows? Why didn't they just go home? They could do so much more good telling the packs to stop fighting, who better than they who had actually spent time with other packs? He could be home. Life could be normal.

If only these thoughts could be true, Nova thought with a heavy sigh. No matter how hard he tried to lie to himself, he knew that life could never go back to normal. Even if Rashid waited to attack until after Nova lived his life, the Ausi would be plagued every night by the guilt that he abandoned his friends. If only evil could be dealt with by someone else. But it couldn't. This was his lot that he chose the day he rescued Cerise. He would have to be the hero. Well, one of them anyway. But why did it have to be so hard?

---

Nova was shaken from his musings by the sounds of shouting drifting through the window. Desperate for anything to get his mind out of the doldrums, he forced himself up for a look. The windows did not have glass, instead they were simply openings in the wooden wall, so he was able to stick his head out for a glance. Sure enough, Durandel and Mydnyte were going at it, which was a surprise as Nova had yet to see Durandal so riled up when not in a fight. By the fang, what were they shouting about? Deciding to go investigate, Nova shook out his coat and got off his bed. Seeing that Blue had already made her way out, he went over to stand by her to see if she knew what the hullabaloo was about.

That question would have to go unanswered, for soon Fox strolled into camp, and after he exchange pleasantries with her the meeting they had been waiting a week for finally got down to order. Well, kind of. It sounded like Durandel's home was in trouble, and he was exhibiting some of the same stresses he felt earlier that morning. Heh, what did Fox know of going through "terribly harsh" times? She hadn't been trying to not be killed by every wolf in Nigerius for the better part of a week! She was home, she could see her family at any time. Whatever. Never the most vocal when it came to speaking in groups, Nova decided to hold his tongue and see what would unravel, breaking silence only for a small aside to Blue. "Looks like you might soon learn who the real enemy is. There are worse wolves out there than me, you know" Nova said with a whisper, not able to resist stirring their old rivalry. It was fun.

The days had passed slowly, and it began to itch between her shoulder blades. Living without meat was difficult and the way the wolves around her part to give her space was more akin to fear then respect. Everything here was different, and it appeared to also get to Durandel and the others. As she sometimes noticed Nova to be uncharacteristically silent, without sharp words or a cunning look in his eyes. And it was very easy to see how the 'Peace' here disturbed Durandel since he was such an expressive wolf.

As for how Blue had been faring... Blue had been bidding her time, remembering her times in the darkness of being forced to wait. It was difficult since she could no longer pretend to be BattleDemon, her mother. Yet, the desired effect had happened. Durandel and Nova were now her designated traveling companions. Well, not so much 'desired' with Nova as it just somehow happened. She didn't entirely understand what their situation was as she no longer has a pack and especially since being raised in the darkness, she knew nothing of what it meant to miss a home that could possibly be wiped out. That's right, she knew next to nothing of the harsh realities of this world. She had no one. She was alone. She had only herself to love and fight for... Right?


Durandel, Mydnyte and Fang entered the room along with the unfamiliar she-wolf. Blue huffed and watched them silently, ignoring the way the three brutes instantly began bickering. Her ears twitched, annoyed by their ceaseless chattering. They're like those rodents who chitter in the trees. She thought of the rodents with the fluffy curled tails, and how they sometimes throw acorns down on her when she gets too close to a certain tree.

"Looks like you might soon learn who the real enemy is. There are worse wolves out there than me, you know." Blue rolled her eyes and before she could retaliate with words, Fox spoke to her. "At first I thought you were someone else..., Hello my name is Fox." A growl rose its way up from her throat, no doubt the she-wolf had thought she was BattleDemon. It irked how this she-wolf could tell on sight that she wasn't BattleDemon, yet somehow the wolves that apparently knew BattleDemon the longest, Nova and Durandel, didn't know.

She has good instincts. It would be best to avoid her. Blue backed off all of sudden from the meeting, slowly edging for the door. Yet, apparently fate was beginning to show her good time. The next wolf who came in after Fox really didn't bother her and so she proceeded to walk out, passing by the stranger... When she passed him, her chest light on fire. Well, it didn't light on fire so much as shocked her so badly her fur suddenly crackled with electricity. Needless to say, Blue was shocked, literally by this brute's presence.

In seconds her hackles went up and she turned on Summanus with a frightful snarl. Unbeknownst to her, the chain with the pendent on her neck, was beginning to emanate with a sudden power surge. She was in a crouch, her blue eyes practically glaring daggers at the strange Brute.

Vesta had spent the last who knows how many days wondering, not knowing were she was going. Starting about two nights ago, she has been pleaged by a playful attacker from the shadows. Only once was she able to get a glimpse of who it was, a she-wolf and based on the attacks she is from the Kamaria. Last night was no different, just as Vesta laid down to sleep she felt a paw poke her in the back. Rolling over for a counterattack she was poked in the back again. "Who ever you are. Do you mind... I need sleep. Or if you like I will burn this whole place to ash so I can get some shut eye." She said into the quiet night of the wheat field. With that she felt a pat on the head and a soft voice from that seemed to come from all around, "Good night. Sleep well pup, I will watch over you."

As the sun rose Vesta rose with it having slept unusually well. She made her way into a near by village and headed to the inn knowing that would most likely be the best place to blend in and also would allow her to get privacy. Of course she failed to take into account that the inn would be were all travelers would head. As she neared it She saw two wolves having some sort of aurgument that ended when a she-wolf came out of the inn. Waiting for the wolves to re-enter the inn, she decided that the inn was still the best place to start so she followed them in a few paces behind so not to alarm them. Once inside she again forgot to take in to account that she wasn't alone, out of her shadow bound the Kamaria, jumping from one shadow to the next. Well doing so, two more shadows started to jump with her, which gave Vesta pause. Shaking it off and just happy to be done with the pest she started moving toward the inn keep when she saw a shadow or maybe it was the Kamaria jump into the room were the wolves from outside had gone. Rolling her eyes she ran as fast as she could to try and stop the she-wolf from doing anything stupid, why she had no idea. As she neared the door, she leaped in with fangs bare, ears up and her fur raised. "I know your in here!" She growled, before noticing her mistake.

*********

Amarok had stayed in the Acacia Woods since her mother passed away, only a week or so ago. Her mother brought her here as a safe place to hide. Before she passed, her mother also showed her a path through the woods to and from Springwood. Amarok had always been a playful one, and not having others around she never real need to grow out of it. Now without her mom around it seemed to be the only thing keeping her going... that is until she happened upon a Tenneth. Not knowing any better and wanting some one to play with, she starting doing a version of tag using hit and run. That lasted till one night the Tenneth told her to stop. So in the morning, instead of messing around she hid in the wolf's shadow, waiting to play again.

As luck would have it the Tenneth entered an Inn to which Amarok took full advantage of. Once inside she started jumping from one shadow to the next. She summoned her two shadow friends and "followed" them around. This gave her an idea, she made one jump into a room were a group of wolves were having some sort of get together. Once inside the shadow disappeared but it worked, the Tenneth leaped into the room trying to chase her. To this Amarok followed suit, she leaped into the room and bounced off the tenneth's back with a smile. With a quick happy look around her eyes stopped on the two Kamaria males. She ears dropped as she lowered her head and tucked her tail between her legs. Before anyone had a chance to reacted to either of them Amarok made the shadow in the nearest corner as dark as possible and slowly, well still keeping her head lowed and pointed in the direction of the two male, backed into the shadow. Laying down she tried to remain as still and hidden as possible.

Durandel looked down the way towards the door, and he was a fair bit surprised by who he saw. Mydnyte and Fang also looked towards the door to see who had entered. It was then that both of them remembered that it was Summanus. Unlike Durandel and Nova, Mydnyte has made contact with him before along with Alina and Fox here. Fang then nodded, "You're right, hello again Summanus." Fang called out with a smile. Summanus didn't appear to be so happy in fact he appeared quite solemn. It was then he noticed Blue passing by him and at first it looked like BattleDemon to him. Then surprisingly the She-Wolf whipped around to snarl at him.

The Two-Tailed Borak turned to face Blue and in the face of her snarling his demeanor had not changed one bit. He was not guarded, not even threatened, as he just stared at her with tired, lonely eyes. He then noticed however to his puzzlement as to why he was beginning to discharge energy. When he isn't exciting by battle or danger he has relatively fine control over his powers but he was beginning to feel the twinge of a surge brewing within. The Borak then looked closely at Blue it was then he noticed something around her neck, something in the shape of an lightning bolt. "BattleDemon?" He softly spoke.

It was then his demeanor changed as he defensively reached for his sword once two Wolves or was it more? Came barging in unannounced and quite raucously. Durandel, Fang, Mydnyte, and Fox also perked up at the sight of this intrusion to what was supposed to be a private gathering. Myndyte then barked as he saw a bunch of shadows jumping around everyone, "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?!?" He shouted in agitation. "Are they friend or foe?!" Fang asked as he felt confused as to what was going on. Durandel felt confused between Blue snapping at Summanus, the shifting shadows and then- "A TENNETH!?" He barked. He then stood up as he began to snarl at the Fire Wolf. "Has he found us all the way out here!? That shouldn't be possible, can it!?" Durandel frantically thought.

It seemed as soon as they could notice the shadows had stopped moving as they began to gather and darken near a corner of the room. While it would be difficult for anyone else to see Fang and Mydnyte could see that this was the work of a Kamarian as they saw the She-Wolf enter a submissive position before cowering to one side of the room. Fox then stood up and called out, "Alright enough!" She sounded a bit agitated herself. "This neither the time or the place for this sort of nonsense. Now then you over there, state your business this is a private affair!" Fox spoke directly to the Tenneth. "Don't forget the one in the corner as well." Mydnyte growled as he glared at the new Shadow Wolf. "Another Kamaria eh? If you would please step out of the shadows there is no reason to hide lest you mean to do us harm?" Fox spoke over her shoulder.

Durandel continued to growl at the Tenneth he wasn't quite sure if they should trust anything she says for all they knew she worked for Prometheus. Summanus then took the time to look at the Tenneth and towards the corner where the shadows seemed to be forming. While some of the others appeared riled up, Summanus became as he felt no sense of hostility coming from either of them. Besides if they were enemies then they wouldn't stop and cower off in the shadows. Summanus returned his gaze back to Blue as he looked closely towards the glowing pendant. "So it's true...you are BattleDemon after all?" He spoke aloud. "Well, actually, that's Blue." Fang spoke up. Summanus turned to look at him and then back at Blue confused he said, "Perhaps but, why would a random She-Wolf have my Birth Pendant?" Summanus brought up. Confused Fang and Mydnyte stood up to see what the Borak claims.

Sure enough, glowing around her neck was a lightning bolt shaped pendant reacting to Summanus's energy; which was beginning to make the fur on the wolves around him stick up. "She's right." Fang gasped. "Well, what is that supposed to mean?" Mydnyte asked. "It means that Blue managed to take something away from BattleDemon." He answered. Durandel then barked, "Are we not going to address the intruders in the room!?" He was a bit flabbergasted that the group of wolves were more interested in Blue and her pendant when strangers, who could be an enemies, are standing right before them. Summanus looked over to Durandel and said, "These are no foes of ours, I sense no amount of bloodlust between them." He stated. Shocked Durandel responded, "How can you be so sure of that!? Just because your senses tell you so?! That doesn't sound very reliable to me!" "A Wolf must always trust in his instincts for when all else fails they don't." Summanus finished.

"Well if we've all had our daily dose of drama I suggest we all sit back down and resume business. I trust in Summanus's instincts, he is a highly trained warrior and if he believes they are not our enemies then it must be so. As for you two, I ask you leave us now before you cause anymore disruptions." Fox said firmly as she sat back down. The Shadow Wolves returned to their seats as Summanus sat down as he kept an eye on Blue. Durandel then grudgingly held back his tongue as he sat back down obviously not happy at the moment.

Trying to keep his paw from shaking, Nova fought back the adrenaline that throbbed at the edge of his vision. Every muscle in his body was tensed up, and it was all he could do to not gasp for air and draw attention to himself. Raising his trembling paw and looking at it in a confused disgust, he saw that where his paw had been resting on the table there was a thin layer of frost. What is wrong with me? Normally action doesn't shake me up so bad... But trying to tell yourself not to be excited is like trying to tell the sun not to rise. The growlings of defensive wolves, the Tenneth appearing once again, the flurry of verbal violence, it all brought the terrors of last week flashing back to him. And while adrenaline brings out the fight in strong wolves like Durandel, Nova knew that it only brought the flight out in wolves like him.

Wiping away the ice on the table, Nova watched as the other discussed the pendent. "Shanice's Tail, I need some air" Nova mumbled to himself, before getting up from the table. He could catch up on the meeting later, he knew he wasn't going to be hearing any of it while he was rattled. His head wasn't in the game. Besides, he doubted they were going to say anything he didn't already know. Rashid was alive. He was trying to take over the world. Scouts reported he was at x, y, and z. We'll go stop him. And Blue? She probably wouldn't remember where she got that pendent anyway, that clueless wolf didn't even know who her father was. No use sticking around for that gossip. He had to move his body and go clear his head.

"I'll show them out, make sure they get gone. Keep on going without me, I'll catch up" Nova said firmly as soon as Fox made the motion to shoo them out. Enemy or not, he would make use of this Tenneth and turn her into an excuse for leaving. Ignoring any of their possible protests, Nova gave Vesta a look before pushing the door open for her on his way out.

"BattleDemon?" That name made her freeze for a second. Another one. She ground her teeth together, no words coming to her at that moment other then the aching inside her chest. Of course, that's when the meeting room flew into disarray as two strangers appeared. As if she wasn't already stressed enough, and to add this to it? Unbelievable.

Blue growled and other then the slight tremble on her legs, was able to stay stock still. What's going on? This was all utterly wacko, in her opinion. What was the point of having this so-called secret meeting if strange wolves just showed up unannounced? She was trying hard not to burst into laughter at the sudden strangeness of it all when those shadow wolves all just clumped together into a corner of the room, and of course, Durandel just started shouting at the fire wolf at the door entrance. Wacko. completely Wacko.

It all happened in mere minutes, and when it all seemed to have calmed for awhile, she remembered what had happened. That strange brute had thought she was her mother, and... Yes, I believe I was escaping from this madness. Blue started for the door again only to be stopped by Summanus, yet again. This made her skitter backwards as it seemed the closer Summanus was her to, the more the pendent reacted by sparking up.

"So it's true...you are BattleDemon after all?"
"Well, actually, that's Blue."
"Perhaps but, why would a random She-Wolf have my Birth Pendant?" Summanus brought up.

Blue blinked and becoming confused brought a paw to her forehead. As this went on, she felt an onset of a headache. That's when she realized that they were all getting closer to her to see the pendant. This agitated her further, and she nearly snapped at them about her personal space when they seemed to have back off.

Letting out a sigh, she looked down at her paws to see that she was trembling all over again. Great. Just great. She gave herself time to steady herself before standing back up, "I believe this does not concern me; if you need me.." The way she spoke the ending, suggested that she believed that they did not need her, and without giving them a change to reply, she stalked out of the room. She appeared to be the darkest of them all in that moment.

Once outside, Blue felt the pendent's power to be fading. It wasn't the only thing that faded, as did the pain in her chest. I guess I'll just have to stay away from that... two-tailed one. She hadn't even caught the stranger's name, yet he knew her's. How annoying. Ah well, can't bother with a rude wolf like that. And with that, she began to walk toward an area of Springwood that appeared to more crowded with Avens, perhaps, what was called a market?

Her dark pelt stood out among the mostly green wolves, all of whom gave her a wide berth. She ignored them, and just focused on looking over the things in the stalls, some of which were very interesting. This... Merchant was selling powders, some were for sleeping problems, other could help with healing wounds, and others for she-wolves... She quickly walked away from that stall when the seller thought she were there for she-wolf troubles. Hmm, everything here... could it be? After looking over some stalls, she noticed a common theme. Was it mating season? Why are there focusing on love-dovey stuff? Wasn't it almost winter?

Wait, what season is it? She was confused about the customs of this world, and it appeared to show since somehow all the seller's seemed to know this, as they all bothered her. They questioned her about this or that problem and offered their own thing that could help her, all for a certain price that was. Blue ignored them mostly, and continued her walk through the market.

Noting the tension in the room and the big mistake she had made, Vesta nodded to the Ausi as he made his way out. She looked back at the group around the table, "To answer everyone's questions, first, what is the meaning of this? Simple, a Tenneth goes were ever a Tenneth wants to go. Second, am I friend or foe...? Well that all depends on you. If you are asking whether or not I am after any of you... no. Though I am curious as to why a cousin would be in a private meeting like this way out here? Canicus, cousin, you should know, if I was your enemy I would not have leaped in here to start my attack, though I am not surprised that a Aven would ask such a question. What would you know about war? A pair of shadow wolves who do their best fighting in hit and run would know nothing about a straight up fight, especially if one Tenneth makes you so scared. But now you mister Borak, you seem to have a good sense of things, though once again I am not surprised. As for my business here, that is a long story, but simply put I am hunting the most dangerous prey to ever live and I was following a pest of shadow pup. But if this meeting has nothing to do with going after or avoiding Tenneth, I am sorry for the intrusion. Oh before I go, know that nothing stays private for ever and some one please.... do some thing about the shadow pup, before some thing happens to it." With that Vesta respectfully nods, "Again I am sorry for the interruption." As she turned to leave she looked back at Fang and blow a small flame at him. It wasn't strong enough to reach him or set anything on fire, just a playful notion. Vesta walked out of the room with her head held high and proud as is typical of a Tenneth.

Once outside she turned her attention to the Ausi, "Excuse me sir. I know many have no love for my kind but it seemed a little more personal for your friend back there. Also I've never seen a group like that, wolves from so many packs. What's going on? Is everything alright?" It was time to try and find out as much information as she could about what ever she could.

Waiting for things to calm down and for Vesta to leave, Amarok slowly emerged from the shadows. Still in a very submissive poster. "I'm... I'm... not a pup. And. And I'm sorry. I didn't mean... I'll... I'll... go now." She started to turn toward the exit but stopped when her eyes fell once again on the two Kamaria males. To which she slowly approached. "Your... you.. really are Kamaria? Your really male Kamaria...? And your not going to kill me?" Keeping her head low, she looked up at the two with a mix of pain, sadness and confusion. Amarok had always been told how dangerous the males of her pack were and to avoid them at all cost. It was also a pair of male Kamaia that killed he mother about a week ago. Thinking that she may yet be killed by the two, she laid down and closed her eyes. In a very soft whisper, "I am sorry mom. I guess I will be seeing you sooner then you wanted."

The answers the Tenneth gave did not help ease the tension whatsoever in the room, if anything it pissed off some of the wolves even more. Durandel said nothing in response to the She-Wolf's rather gutsy retorts he merely snorted in her direction. Normally she would be right if it weren't for the Prometheans being the unconventional fighters that they are. It's hard to tell if even a simple bold leap in the face of danger is more than just an error or part of a larger scheme. Still she acts like a conventional Tenneth rather than those fanatics they've been dealing with as of late. Of course where Durandel held his tongue, Mydnyte would have none of it.

"Know nothing about-? You'd best hold your tongue before I rip it out from your little head!" Mydnyte threatened. It was then Fang raised his paw and shook his head no. "Hmph, scared of you, what a joke." He grumbled as he begrudgingly sat back down. Fang then sighed, he cared about his fellow Kamarian but the Wolf did have a short temper at times. Summanus didn't respond to the Tenneth as she doled out her saucy remarks he was more concentrated on Blue as she left in a sour mood. After she snapped back at him when he got close he decided to stay away for now. He wasn't about to let his Birth Pendant out of his sight again...it's just too valuable to him. Still he had his priorities and he would stay for this meeting which seemed about ready to begin.

"That would be fine, thank you." Fox said to Nova. It was then the Tenneth left in a rather dramatic style even earning a confused look from Fang as he saw the flame. He merely shook his head, he wasn't quite sure what to think about all of that. Fox breathed a sigh of relief as the other intruder skulked out of the shadows with her head held low. It seemed she would leave without much of a word unlike the other until the Kamarian approached them, specifically Fang and Mydnyte. Her words confused Fang who was unsure of how to respond to it, he then muttered, "Uh...yes, we are." He answered his words heavy with puzzlement. Of course Mydnyte gruffly responded, "Well, that remains to be seen." He merely looked down on the She-Wolf, quite shameful to see a Kamaria act in such a way.

"Mydnyte!" Fang scolded. "I'm sorry for my friend, he's a bit of grouch sometimes." He chuckled. "Fang!" Mydnyte raised his voice as the Kamarian laughed. Fang always found it fun to poke fun at Mydnyte when he can especially since he could get away with it. "Huh?" Fang blurted out as she whispered. "What? Oh no, no, no, we aren't going to kill you or do anything to harm you, aren't we?" Fang said as he looked to Mydnyte who didn't respond. "Mydnyte." He said disapprovingly. "Oh, fine, we won't! We have no reason to." The grumpy Wolf finally admitted. "You see? There ain't nothing to worry about! So you can go ahead and be on your way, alright?" Fang said to the She-Wolf with a friendly smile.

Having already let the door slam behind him, Nova didn't hear most of Vesta's little speech as he was leaving. He was more focused on finding a place to pace, feeling that he needed to work his energy off. As the shewolf came up to him and started asking him questions, he guided her outside the inn to a small shaded area on the front part of the property where he could walk around. She seemed rather naive, and he thought about how he should answer. If she was really just an innocent traveler, then not telling her about Rashid would be like telling an unknowing stranger that there was a fire in the hotel he was in. If she was just another stupid Tenneth hit-man, then he wouldn't be telling her anything she didn't already know.

"There is a wolf out there, named Rashid, who has been responsible for much the the pain that has been going on in this war. He kidnaps wolves and brainwashes them, and has building them into his own private army. Quite a few of us in that group back there were lucky enough to escape from him once, and now we are trying to stop him" Nova responded after some though. It was actually quite similar to the speech that he gave when he was at home, trying to build support for an attack on Rashid among the Ausi. Not many believed him outside of Artemis and his family, he doubted she would take him seriously.

He was actually so sure that she was going to laugh him off, that he decided to try and save his pride by swapping the subject. "Anyway, I'm actually rather shocked they let you in here. These plant wolves aren't too fond of you fire types" Nova said with a bit of genuine surprise. Still trying to distract himself, he looked over to the market on the parallel road, and watched as Blue went from stall to stall. Wonder what she was trading for, then again, she didn't have anything to trade with. Except maybe her hot temper. That would be good for boiling water.

Being very interested in any information the wolf might have, Vesta followed him outside. As he started to tell her about this Rashid, whom she never heard of before, she started to thing that his brain might be a fried, Then as she thought more about it and the events leading up to her leaving home, some thing clicked. She started pacing back and forth quickly with a big smile, her eyes darting to and fro as her mind raced. As the wolf finish asking his questions, she couldn't help but think out loud to avoid going crazy. "THATS IT!! If he was weak and being influenced by this Rashid, who was playing both sides... Then that would mean he set them up." As she spoke she bore her fang more and more as the rage built in her still darting eyes. "Oh, not only is he weak but being guided by an outsider. Oh..." She starts to lick her chops like a wolf about to feast on a fresh kill. "When I finally find you... You will pay for your betrayal. I will be the last thing you see when the shadows take you as I..." Looking around she notices that the locals have backed away from them and are watching her with worried looks, Laying down facing Nova, she relaxes a little. "Sorry about that. You were asking me why they let me in? I think its because they don't want to cause any problems with the Tenneth, or they sense I mean no one here any harm. I am hunting and am only a danger to my prey or any fools who get in my way. Beyond that I don't know." To be honest she never thought about it. She was used to going were ever she wanted, guess that comes with being a Tenneth and their reputation.

Looking up at Nova, "Wolf... Thank you." She smiled, "For the first time in a long time the world makes some sort of scene again. By the way, my name is Vesta. Say, if you and your friends are hunting this Rashid... why dont we make a deal? I pledge on the blood of my family, to help you and your friends hunt this wolf, if you help me hunt my prey? Only thing, I get to kill my prey or I kill who ever took my kill from me. I don't mind the help but the kill is mine. What do you say?"


Trying to pull herself together, she managed to stand up straight even though her head was still low and her tail between her legs. "I'm... I'm sorry. I... I just never. I've never met an other... Besides the ones that... that killed mom. I'm sorry." As she finished forcing out what words she could well holding back tears, she respectfully bowed to the group. She turned and left with out an other word. Once outside she didn't notice the Tenneth she had been traveling with and kept walking. Walking through the crowed not paying any attention to anything, she lightly bumps into Blue. Keeping her head low and her mind miles away she didn't look back at the wolk but instead walked till she found a spot out of the way on the edge of town. As tears started to roll down her face, she is joined by her two shadow friends. One stands watch over her well the other lays down next to her. Softly speaking to her friends through her tears. "Why can't I find a like those two are with each other. Nothing against you two, but they were the first of my kind I have ever met and I blow it. If mom was here I would have been brave. I was always brave around her. Now, now I'm just a lone scared little nothing. I don't even have a pack or place to call home. Why did those shadow wolves let me live? Why not kill both of us? Why not let her live and kill me? Why did she leave home? Why did she leave me?" She laid her head between her paws, "Oh mom, I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave me?"

Honestly, Blue was beginning to feel... What is this feeling? It was a strange feeling, a feeling she had always felt but, it had never bothered her until...

Until she found herself immersed in such an environment. Despite her intrusion, the Aven wolves around her kept up with their lives. They were having a festival, and from what she could gather, it was a festival that was about pair bonds. The love that brought mates together. It was strange. Truly strange as this event was clearing her sight. It was like being blind and then suddenly having someone throw cold water on you and then shout at you to open your eyes to see. Everything was blinding.

It was a sudden truth, a brutal one to her young heart. She had always been alone. And she would probably always would be. But it makes sense. I am a half-breed afterall. My mother's pack is all but gone, and my father's... A sick feeling began to well up in her chest. It doesn't matter. I'm only a puppet, and a puppet does not have feelings. She stopped when a sudden music began to fill her ears. Right before her eyes, Aven wolves were dancing in pairs. It was somewhat hypnotizing to see such wolves in two move together, but not touch, to the sound of the harp.

She recited to herself, I am a puppet; a puppet does not feel. Slowly, she remembered what plans were set before herself. That's right, I am a puppet, a hated spy. So these feelings that have no where to go, have to disappear into nothing. Blue, gripped in a melancholy atmosphere, stayed where she was. A most hateful spy.

((Hurray, Page 2!)


Ah yes, Fang to the rescue. Nova felt relieved that the responsibility of shepherding Vesta in or out of the group no longer fell on him. If she wanted to use this group to springboard her own ambitions to hunt her prey, then she could talk to her own countryman about it. There certainly was something to be said about being acquainted with wolves of your own pack. More and more wolves these days wouldn't even associate with those that were not of their own kind, or close allies. Nova realized that he had been growing more tolerant of the Tenneth these past few months. He recalled a time when he had butted heads with the fire wolf Rokunam, when he had first met Cerise. Times certainly changed. Once he had took the line that "all other packs were scum save his own". Now he has been able to raise his standards to a more civil "of them all, my pack is the best."

"Alright, sorry for missing the brief" Nova responded to Fang about dropping out of the meeting. Noticing that Blue had drifted off into her own little world nearby where some festivities were taking place, he gave her a swat on the tail to see if she was paying attention. Gesturing back towards then inn, he headed there himself, where he excused himself for his earlier absence and sat down, waiting to get the lowdown.

Blue

Pulled, rather abruptly from her dark thoughts, Blue turned to see Nova's gesturing. She blinked and just like that, all her recent thoughts were swept away, leaving her somewhat confused as to why she was in a melancholic mood. She watched the Aven wolves dancing before her and shook out fur just before she began her walk back to the inn. What was I thinking just now.

Blue had been too preoccupied with her situation of being unwanted. Well, Durandel and his group did seem to want her around, but it was probably only out of the fact that she knew the last known location of her mother. BattleDemon. Vital information they thought would be helpful against the coming darkness. Yet, Blue could not tell them this secret since she still did not trust Durandel and Nova fully. Especially the Kamarians.

It was only a minute or so when she arrived at the inn and whereupon she growled in disapproval at the sight of all the wolves gathered together. It was annoying how little she knew about the type of wolves in this world. In a way, she thought Nova was right about about her cluelessness.

In fact, at the very thought of Nova she remembered how he thought she had rushed into that fight, the one where they met. A small feeling of guilt nipped at her. She hadn't rushed into the fight at all. The fight had come to her and her young self had never even known how to fight. She had no powers, nothing but the ability to run from her enemies which as she found out the hard way, she was an excellent runner. She was nothing like her mother.

Nothing like her at all. Blue calmed herself. Thinking of such matters now would not help her. Nonchalantly, acting like this meeting was unimportant she began to groom herself.

Fang was a bit surprised to know that the Tenneth has even heard of Rashid. Of course maybe he's more common knowledge now that he was exposed, oh well, no matter. He supposes he was more surprised by the Fire Wolf's willingness to join in their cause. He had no idea why she would, maybe Rashid's done something to someone she loved? Regardless, it wasn't up to him to have her join but he didn't see why not, unless of course she was an enemy spy. Wow, that was strange, he doesn't commonly think such paranoid thoughts.

It seemed Nova drew the attention of Blue who seemed to be quite distant. He wasn't sure why perhaps it was because of Summanus and the Pendant? He then turned towards the others as Blue walked back to the Inn, "Well guys follow me then." He said as he lead the two wolves back to the Inn. There Nova and Blue sat at the table waiting to be informed of what had happened. Summanus and Durandel where there but Mydnyte was mysteriously absent. "Where's Mydnyte?" Fang asked the Borak. "He went off to find that other Kamarian...said it was personal business." Summanus replied. "Oh." Fang's ears went down as he seemed worried. "Well, no matter, he knows what's going on but the rest of you don't." Fang spoke as he looked at the three wolves. "Here's what happened-" but before Fang could speak, Durandel had interrupted him.

"Wait, you sure it's a good idea to to let this Tenneth know what we know?" Durandel then just glared at the she-wolf. "Well, she's interested in hunting down Rashid, why? I don't know, but more allies can't possibly hurt right?" Fang answered. "Not unless they're spies." Durandel curtly replied. "She could be." Summanus spoke up. "And if she is, she shall be silenced before she could report to her superiors," Summanus paused for a moment, "But as I said before I do not believe that is necessary." "Oh what, your instincts line again? Please." Durandel scoffed. "Whatever go ahead and tell her each and every little thing! Why don't you tell her our names, and the names of our friends and family, where we grew up, our first hunt, our first kill, our first crush, Hell! Might as well invite her to dinner at your home while you're at it!" He said as he raised his voice.

"Durandel, I-," Fang tried to speak before being cut off again. "No! If you want to be quick to trust her then fine! But the moment she turns on all of you, don't come crying to me." He said as he stood up and walked outside. Fang just sighed. "I'm sorry once again. He's been through something terrible as of late....I'll tell you all about it and what was discussed." Fang spoke as he proceeded to tell Nova, Blue, and Vesta about what happened during the meeting.

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Mydnyte walked down the street bumping past any Aven who got in his way without so much as saying an excuse me. Still any Aven that decided to call him out on his rudeness was responded to with an angry stare. Suffice to say not many Aven wished to cause the Kamarian any trouble, he was bigger than a lot of them anyways. Yet his normally cantankerous demeanor changed to an awkwardly softer once as he approached the sobbing Amarok. "Ah crap, the little one is already bawlin' her eyes out like a pup." He thought as he sighed out loud, alerting her to his presence. "Whoa, whoa, please don't be scared." He said in calm a voice he could manage. "I just want to, talk." He said slowly.

He then grumbled, "I guess, I should apologize for my behavior earlier...I'm, not very good with strangers especially when they annoy me. Uh, by the fang, this is hard...Uh, well, I can be a bit...curt and for that I'm sorry." He said looking awkward as he spoke. "Anyway, I didn't just come here to say I'm sorry but I want to ask you some questions." His eyes narrowed as his demeanor changed to a much more serious one. "Who are you and where are you from? You said Kamarians killed your mother right? I want to know who did that and when? If you can't remember who, then do you remember the name of your mother or father? Or maybe the name of your Alpha?" Mydnyte questioned. He was asking quite a bit at once and seemed a bit pushy but he was just anxious to hear some answers out of the she-wolf. Especially if she is from Kaveh's Pack, he would give anything to hear that one of those Pups survived.

She nodded as the Kamarian invited her back to the Inn. "Well this should be fun." She thought as she followed hi and Nova. Once inside she sat down away from everyone knowing that there was a lot of tension between them and her. From were she was she could watch everyone as the bickered about her being a spy. Surprisingly it was the Canicus who was the most adamant that she was a spy and going to betray everyone. This whole thing was testing Vesta's temper, to be accused of being a cowardly spy or worse. Betrayal was the single worst thing anyone can do, it was one of the main reasons she was on this hunt, and for a cousin, to say such things. Letting out a small sigh as Durandel left the room, she calmed down and focused as Fang spoke.

As she listened to the brief her mind wondered to the end game. Her teeth sunk deep in her Alphas neck with an army, including Rashid, laying dead around them. She was able to get the gest of what was happening and once Fang was done she spoke up. "Ok I understand not trusting others but let me assure you... there is no way I would ever stoop so low as to be a cowardly spy. Also, I would never dream of betrayal, it is one of the core reason I am here. As I briefly mentioned before, I am hunting Tenneth. As I understand it, Rashid is involved in this war and the countless Tenneth and Canicus deaths. This makes him one of my prey. Him and any of his ilk. So if this Shimmer and Rashid are your prey then I say we work together. Just one thing, I am hunting a specific Tenneth, I don't care who about any of the other as long as I get to kill alpha, Cendrillion. who..." Her voice trailed off as the briefing started sinking in. "My... father... Prometheus... Uncle.. the new alpha?" She forced out as a look of shock and confusion took over. Clearly gasping for air as if her own words sucked the all the air from her lungs. After a minute ior so, she found her breath again. With a deep heavy sigh. "I'm... I'm sorry. When I left home Cendrillion was Alpha. My father died in an attack that I that also claimed Prometheus and his family. I grow up with him, he was my father's closes friend. I remember playing with him and his family as a pup. I saw him as more then just an other member of the pack, hw was family. Uncle Prometheus Now you tell me he is now the Alpha AND you plan to kill him...? I think I'm going to be sick..." She said as she ran out. She ran to the edge of town, a ways from were Mydnyte and Amarok are but still well with in their line of sight.

Being alarmed by a sigh from behind her and more so by who did it as jumped to her feet. She started to side step away as the Kamarian spoke. Seeing how hard and awkward this ways for him, it made her smile. Listening to him her ears started to perk up and her tail started to wag a little. After he got done, she walked up to him and playfully poked the side of his neck with her nose before jumping away. "You big softy." She sat down studying him with a big smile and her tail wagging. Then the smile seemed to melt as she spoke, "I'm me." trying to lighten the mood and it was weird for some one to ask who she was since she was always with mother. "If you mean my name its, Amarok. Were am I from... I... I don't know. I remember living among others, in a dark dangerous place, then traveling with mother. Mother never talked about my father, expect that he is a very dedicated and driven wolf who would do anything to accomplish his ends. Mother? I always just called her mother, it made her smile. I don't know who killed her or why. She.. Mother died maybe a week or so ago. I'm sorry. I know I am useless. I'm nothing without her. Never had real friends like you have with your friend. Never had a pack or home. Just mom dragging my around. I'm sorry I cant help you, maybe it would be better if I just left." She started to walk away when she noticed the Tenneth walking towards the edge of town. "See I even got some one kicked out of town." She motioned towards Vesta as she kept walking towards the woods.

Let it be known, the Ausi thought the Tenneth were crazy before it was cool Nova joked quietly to himself in reaction to Durandel and Vesta leaving in a huff. The tension had been thick in this room all morning, and Nova was beginning to feel sorry for Fang, who seemed to be the only one trying to make these conflicting agendas work. He couldn't have made it any better when he shamefully excused himself that morning. Ah well, at least no one had fought. Perhaps it was better than everyone had split off, it would keep tensions cooler. Of course, nothing would actually be solved until the wolves actually talked it out, but talks always worked better without flaring emotions.

"It sounds like you have everything pretty well thought out. Just tell me where to walk and who to freeze, and I'll do my best" Nova said on a more serious note, deciding to commit to the plan as it was the only one they had. The names and particulars didn't mean much to him, other than Rashid, who was the wolf he knew needed to be stopped.

Seeing that there was barely enough wolves left for this to be considered a council, Nova decided to try and pull his weight in the group. Standing with a bit of an exaggerated stretch, Nova suggested "I can go secure some supplies for our journey, I know a thing or two about journeying. I'm sure Fox has left some credit for us with the merchants." It didn't look like they were going to leave that afternoon with the way everyone was behaving, so Nova figured he had the rest of the day to gather what they needed. "Want to come along and make your grooming useful, Blue? You can flirt with the merchants and get us a lower rate, and I'll need help carrying everything anyway" Nova inquired casually as he stopped next to her, deciding that if anything was going to get his mind off his crazy morning, trading jabs with Blue would do it.

Fang nodded as the others spoke. He was personally happy to have Nova aboard and it seemed Summanus was pleased as well. The Kamarian figured the Ausi had a good head on his shoulders and would be invaluable. As for Blue, he wasn't quite sure what to think, since she's the daughter of BattleDemon, and from what he understands she was an Alva, then perhaps that power resonates within her pup? He could only imagine how horrible it must feel to be trapped within your darkest nightmares. Then his attention was distracted by the Tenneth who seemed to just insert herself without so much as an invitation.

She didn't seem to care about plans or even forming friendships, she just needed some wolves to help further her own agendas. Which seemed to align with taking out both the Tenneth Alpha and Rashid. Why? He hasn't a clue but he supposes they couldn't be the only wolves that have a grievance with these villains. Her demeanor suddenly changed at the mention of Prometheus, and to be honest he reaction was quite surprising. It wasn't hateful or angry but confused and even shocked. Why would she act like this? She was taken aback and as she steadied herself she began to speak about how she actually knew Prometheus. Summanus's face lit up at the Tenneth's words, "If this is true? Then this is quite fortuitous." Summanus said to himself.

It seemed this revelation was bit much for the poor she-wolf to handle as she ran outside. "Hey wait!" Fang called out but it was too late to matter. He then sighed as he looked towards Nova who volunteered to gather some supplies for their journey. "Thanks Nova, that would be really helpful." He said. "Once Mydnyte comes back, we'll discuss about our travel plans...we could really use both Durandel and that she-wolf's help, if she is alright?" Fang spoke. "I'll go and see to Durandel." Summanus spoke up. The Borak then stood up and walked out of the Inn but not before staring at Blue and the pendant around her neck.

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Mydnyte snorted at Amarok at her comment, he wasn't soft in the slightest but he won't call her out on it. He was much too interested anyway in hearing her speak. He was quite hopeful and maybe even a little expectant but once she began to speak he seemed to frown. He supposes he was just grasping at straws at this point and he began to curse himself for being so naive. Of course this she-wolf wasn't apart of his former Pack, just a lost Kamarian out in the world. Mydnyte then sighed as he shook his head, he was obviously disappointed. It was then Amarok decided to walk away with a dejected look upon her face it was then Mydnyte spoke, "No...wait...don't go." He then walked up to the young she-wolf and sighed.

"Well, look, I know I'm not your mother or anything close to that but if you like...you can...stick around with me." Mydnyte forced his words as he seemed a bit conflicted. He would probably catch some Hell from the others for this and he would understand. If it was any other wolf he wouldn't have extended an offer to join, especially towards a Wolf that looks like she couldn't handle herself in battle and is far too submissive in his opinion. Yet, he couldn't help but think back to the moment he met Fang Hunter. He didn't see any reason to hang around him, let alone allow him to help out but it was the best decision the Kamarian ever made. The instant kinship he felt when he met another Kamarian that wasn't one of Kaveh's was elating! He felt like he was a Wolf apart of a Pack instead of a soldier apart of an army. And that same feeling of kinship is extending towards Amarok for whatever reason.

Besides if he did allow himself to turn her away Fang would never let him hear the end of it. Another Kamarian lost in the world without a Pack, a home, or a friend...he felt obligated to find that for her. He noticed the Tenneth from earlier walking out of town but he could care less about her...she would have been a nuisance anyway.

Blue had been a bystander in all of the current bickering. She just watched and waited, only having a thought about everything when Durandel got peeved about the other fire wolf and how she could be a spy. It was irony of some sort perhaps. Durandel refused to trust the strange she-wolf and yet, he probably already trusted her, Blue, an actual spy. It didn't cause her discomfort really... if anything it just made her confused. Every time she thought of.... it just got away from her like a mist inside her own head. What was she just thinking?

Blue was busy grooming again when Nova spoke again. She stopped what she was doing and noticed that the short brief was over and they seemed to be missing wolves. She hadn't listened at all to Fang.

Oh well, I can just ask Nova about what they were talking about later. Blue got up to follow Nova, only showing minimal interest when she spoke of her "flirting" with the merchants. If she were to be totally honest, she would tell Nova that she didn't know what that meant.... but being somewhat proud, she didn't ask.

However, when that brute, Summanus got up to go fetch Durandel... Electricity passed through her fur, make her pelt itch. Giving him a wary glance, Blue noticed that she was getting a certain feeling about this. It felt like she was running from something, all the while leaving a trail of firepowder in her wake... it was a foreboding feeling.

Trying to shake off such a feeling, Blue took Nova's lead, already walking out toward the market.

Taking Blue's silent consent as a yes, Nova began to make a list of supplies that they would need. Would it be wise to tell the merchants where they were going? They could probably recommend better equipment to them, and after all, with a group of foreigners in their town all week waiting for Fox it was kind of clear they were up to something. But, Nova decided, it would probably be better if they didn't start blathering to everybody what their mission was. They were already treated oddly as it was, especially Durandel.

Acquiring a couple of satchels for them to carry the things they get that day, Nova felt like commenting to Blue "Wow, what a morning. First Durandel threatens to leave, then our not so secret meeting gets trampled on by a couple of random shewolfs, and now no one seems to want to cooperate. What do you think about Fang's plot, think it'll work? Gotta be better than what I've come up with so far, though it was pretty funny seeing you enslaved to Ash for an hour."

As he talked, he lead the way over to a stall that was selling smoked meats and waited in line. It would be about a million times easier to eat food that was preserved instead of wasting time hunting every morning, he knew that from scouting. But it was going to be annoyingly heavy the first few days. At least the return trip would be lighter. If there was a return trip.

Ask and it shall appear. "Wow, what a morning. First Durandel threatens to leave, then our not so secret meeting gets trampled on by a couple of random shewolfs, and now no one seems to want to cooperate. What do you think about Fang's plot, think it'll work? Gotta be better than what I've come up with so far, though it was pretty funny seeing you enslaved to Ash for an hour." A darker cloud appeared across Blue's face at the mention of Ash. I forgot all about that she-wolf... Ugh... However... She looked at Nova, narrowing her eyes, thinking back to when she had unceremoniously attacked Ash. She, herself hadn't really understood what Ash was talking about, only felt that if she spoke whatever it was, then everything would be uncomfortable.

So, she snapped her teeth before thinking back to what Nova just said. Oh great... I swear I need to stop spacing out. "Hmm, oh yes... Fang's plot...." She paused, staring at the line of the stall ahead of them. "What was that again?" That is of course, when the other news hit her. "Wait! Durandel was threatening to leave?" Shock lined the sound of her voice.

Everything seemed to be taking a second before it really hit her, especially since she felt that she had no reason to be here. But wait... She did have a reason, right? Yes, that reason. The reason also needed all of them. All of who? Just like that, her dark thoughts were swept away again by that mist inside her head. Confused about everything, yet again, Blue thought about Durandel. She hardly knew him, and logic said she shouldn't care of he left, and it was true since she had just met that guy like 2 weeks ago. The same went for Nova and the rest of them. Then why did she need to stay? Why did she care? She shouldn't care. She can't. A puppet can't care. She was alone anyways.

A puppet can't care, but it can do it's job. Blue's eyes glittered suddenly with a new intent.

"Where've you been? He practically roasted Mydnyte this morning" Nova said with a touch of confusion. He had been more interested in looking ahead at the meats than reading her body language, but seeing her recede into her own thoughts again made him think. Something was up with her recently, she usually wasn't so behind. Can't really blame her, I've had a thrill of a time myself.

Now that he was thinking about it though, where was Durandel? He had ran off, and there wasn't too many places he could go around here without being obvious. Had he already dashed off to the Vulcans to do whatever? He better have not have, he was the one who got this mess going again. Hopefully he squared things away with Fang again, as it looked like that Vesta was having problems with joining them. Hopefully Tenneth didn't throw up fire when they were sick, the Aven wouldn't like that.

Glancing over the head of a wolf in front of him, Nova flicked his ear to rid it of an assaulting fly. He had already planned out what to get from the merchant, mostly smoked elk meat with a little bit of venison for variety. Waiting, he decided to probe a little farther on Blue to see if he could find out what has been on her mind so much recently. Looking over to her, he saw that she was still lost in thought. She probably didn't even realize it was almost their turn in line. Trying to keep the concern out of his voice and ending with some friendly sarcasm, Nova said "You're usually a lot more...involved. What's up with you today, dearest Dey?"

"Where've you been? He practically roasted Mydnyte this morning." Blue looked at Nova in actual amazement, momentarily forgetting her dark thoughts. She never really thought, Durandel would be one to lose it just because of a little stress. She thought back on how he had acted throughout their little adventure to get here. Maybe, maybe not. He had been more of a somewhat... Better wolf to be around than Nova... Right?

"You're usually a lot more...involved. What's up with you today, dearest Dey?" Brought of her thoughts again, she looked at Nova and with her ears laid back, rolled her eyes. For sure, Durandel was more easy going than Nova.

Letting out a heavy sigh, she ignored his sarcastic-ness and brushed off her amazement and instinct to respond back with acidic words. "Please don't call me that; My name is Blue." There was a hollowness to her words that made her sound... empty. It was only or a moment, to which she quickly covered up with a shaking of her coat. "Ah, this is taking forever. I think your silver tongue is enough for just this. I'm gonna go find Durandel, to make sure the fire-head hasn't gone off and done something stupid." That last bit, she mumbled and quickly turned away to bolt off in the direction she had last saw the Canicus.

She needed to make sure Durandel hadn't gone off, since the plan also required his presence. That last she saw of him, Summanus had been going after him, but since she needed to do this, she wasn't going to back off just at the probability of running into Summanus and not Durandel. "Khan! Kha-" Already yelling out her nickname for him, she quickly cut herself off at the second time she yelled it out. I can't allow myself this... I need to stay at a distance.

Blue switched gears and shouted out, "Durandel!" She ignored the looks of the Aven wolves around her, only stop to glare at those who stopped and watched her angrily. They quickly backed off. "Durandel!" Silently, she quickly found his scent trail and began to follow it, stopping every once in awhile to shout out his name.

The Canicus was being lead back towards the Inn as he walked beside Summanus. The Lava Wolf was in a calmer mood thanks to Summanus's words of reason. It was true, his home has been taken from him by Prometheus regardless of the Tenneth She-Wolf nothing will change unless they do something about it. For now putting up with her is merely a means to an end and they will reach that end no matter what. Still, Durandel didn't have to like her to tolerate her. As they walked their ears perked up at the sound of someone calling Durandel's name. To Durandel's surprise it was Blue!

"I'm over here!" He called out as the two wolves moved into her view. "I have to say, I'm surprised. I think that's the first time I've ever heard you call me by name. I thought you were someone else there for a minute." Durandel spoke. The Borak Stray looked at Blue as he focused his eyes on his Pendant. He then cleared his throat, "Excuse me. I don't mean to seem rude but that Pendant around your neck doesn't belong to you. If you'd please, I would like you to return it to me now." Summanus spoke up. He then waited for Blue to remove it.

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The Kamarian growled a bit as Amarok decided to prance around like a faun playing in a meadow. "Now hold on there-," Mydnyte suddenly stopped in the middle of his sentence as his face turned grim. "Did she just say Kaveh? No, but she was referring to him just now. Could she really be from my Pack but simply doesn't remember she belonged to it? No, I've never seen her before in my life...but then again, I really didn't pay close attention to the Pups. And just who is her father anyway? A friend of Kaveh? That Wolf didn't have any friends just lackeys but could it be? No, he never said he had a Mate or a Pup, did he? I don't think he could ever father a pup but...Hm, maybe it is a good thing she stays...I'll have to keep my eye on her. I'd better say something quick before she starts to get suspicious...now isn't the time to bring this issue up." Mydnyte thought to himself.

He then began to growl, "Alright, look here pup! First of all, you should be afraid of me. If I wanted to, you'd be dead already. Secondly, where we're going there's gonna be trouble, and I can tell you right now, fighting will be unavoidable! So be ready. And finally, whatever soft side you think you saw today? Well don't get used to it. I'll protect you that's true, but I run a tight ship and I won't tolerate any screw ups! So if you don't do exactly what I say, when I say it, then you're gonna get acquainted with my bad side real quick, got it!?" He said in an authoritative voice.

"If you do, then follow me! We're going back to the Inn." Mydnyte said brusquely as he walked back to the Inn. Not looking behind him to see if Amarok was following him or not.

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Back at the Inn, Fang came down the stairs and into the meeting hall as he saw Vesta lying there. "Oh, hello, I didn't expect to see you here...alone." He said as he walked around the room. "The others aren't here yet, are they?" He said to no one in particular. "Well it might not be too long now...so, uh, not sure if anyone asked you this, but are you alright? You sort of sprinted out of here after we mentioned Prometheus. Uh, you looked like you were gonna be sick. Hehe, sorry if I'm prying, I just want to make sure you're feeling better. We'll be leaving soon and it's never fun being sick on the road. Luckily we're in Aven territory, home to the best healers in the world! Speaking of we should grab some medical supplies before we hit the road." Fang's voiced trailed off as he began to think. He then looked back at Vesta, "Oops, sorry! Sort of got lost in thought there." He chuckled.

Nova's eyes widened slightly as Blue bounded off. Yeah, she is definitely occupied with something. But aren't we all? The Ausi began to figure that he may as well just back off for a bit and see if she livens up again. Maybe his teasing really were grating her down. If she wasn't willing to fire back, it just made him feel like a jerk, instead of a competitor. Ah, well. There were plenty of others they were going to be traveling with, perhaps Fang would be fun to talk to. He didn't know too much about that Kamarian. The others either seemed to be zealots or stoics, perhaps it would be healthy to talk to a wolf that was normal.

His thoughts cut over to the present as he ordered from the stall, and was reminded why he had brought Blue with him when he had to make a couple trips carrying the provisions back to the inn. As he has suspected, Fox had left some sort of credit with the shopkeeper, and so Nova didn't worry about compensating him. A little miffed about having to carry all of the supplies before remembering that he volunteered, Nova gathered the food together and began to divide it up into portions that could be carried. He followed the same system that he had used countless times for himself, but on a greater scale to accommodate the group. Taking a portion of meat, he would wrap enough of a ration for one meal in a dock leaf into a small bundle that could be easily retrieved. It always seemed to stretch the food out longer when the portions were preassigned, otherwise he would find himself picking at his provisions all day and end up eating them all by simply snacking.

Working quietly, he managed a steady pace as Mydnyte came brusquely through the foyer, presumably back to the meeting room. Nova could actually see the room a the end of the hall with the door open, and it appeared that Vesta had decided to return. Great, she was coming. Cursing himself, he began to unwrap the portions he already divided and made them slightly small, to accommodate the rations for the extra wolf.