Hunter, Gatherer [open]

[zadru]

Slowly the lone male meandered through the tunnel, the ceiling particularly low at this point though the path was broad. Water trickled by at his feet- the other end of this ravine, that he'd come from, was close to the pack den. However, he had something a little more important now than spending time with the others, not that he didn't want to. A forget-me-not Arria wanted, then so she would have.

Traveling through, he found it odd not to have seen another Adair, but surely they were present. perhaps one would accompany him, if they had nothing better to do.

[aurora]

Aurora heaved a small sigh as she sniffed around the lands. She smelled Adair. Lots and lots of Adair. Which wasn't typically a bad thing, but sometimes her sensitive nose got so sick of the markings of other wolves. Still, it was her duty, and she had to protect the children. Well, the whole pack. They were all her children! Right..?

In any case, now she was headed back to the camp so she could rest and mingle with the pups. Which was basically her favorite activity. As she ran across the land, a whole new scent came to her. Nothing exciting, just another Adair, but it was worth checking out. She honestly had nothing better to do. Day in and day out she patrolled and played with pups. That was about it. Perhaps if she ran into someone who wasn't on duty she could have an actual conversation. Though she hated to be impertinent and just attack someone with a conversation. Maybe that behavior was why she was so detached.

As she tracked down the scent, a small tunnel came into her vision and she instantly grimaced. Tight spaces weren't her thing. She much preferred the open woods, where the sun could shine on her. But still, now her curiosity was sparked. She mentally blocked out most of the sounds around her and began to pick up on footsteps inside the tunnel. They were coming towards her. The wolf breathed a sigh of relief. If the other was already coming this way, then what was the use of going in after him or her? Yes, she would wait for his arrival. Very patiently. And of course, she had to look good too. Quickly scanning the area, her eyes settled on a particular spot where the sun was shining through the tall trees around her. The female trotted over happily and sat back on her haunches, flipping her head to look towards the tunnel as her golden mane shined brilliantly in the light. Beauty achieved. Now all she had to do was wait...

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[sanguia]

The sound of water dripping could be heard throughout the small cave. It echoed from one wall to the other. Everything in the cave would echo, from a pawstep to a falling rock. It made the cave a dangerous place to talk when war was going on. But now the war was gone for now, but any wolf with a brain knew it was coming back.

The sound of many pawsteps broke the echo of dripping water. The sound of wings rusting could be heard, as a maned wolf slowly pulled her wings closer into her body. With the narrowed path way, she had to pull her wings in or risk damaging them. Sanguia Sol Purus scanned the cave with her dark gray eyes, as she searched for the other sound of pawsteps. She knew it was not only her paws that was making the echos of many wolves. It had to be more than one other wolf in here, but how many she did not know.

Her fur was a mess from the flight to the cave, but now it was slowly rising as she pondered who would be in the cave. It could be Riuna for all she knew, after all there were signs of fire earlier. Hello! Come out and show yourself. Her tone was harsh, but it was still soft from her natural feminine voice. Her tail flicked in annoyance as she got ready to defend her pack. Just my luck. I come here for peace and find other wolves.

'ooc!
Sorry this is bad. D:

[zadru]

The thought on his mind of gathering the flower was foremost, but as soon as he stepped from the cave into the scattered sun of foliage overhead, a blazing brightness immediately took his gaze. Dark violet yes shifted toward Aurora- he'd seen her around before, but they'd never been properly introduced. Zadru was still new to the pack from his wandering days. A brow raised slightly at the glinting colors in the sunlight, but there was little time to react as a voice echoed through the short tunnel.

Ears flicked; he knew that voice. The male remained still in the water, the current trying to push him back toward the den, but it was shallow enough to have no effect. Head turned back, and he called out in a rich voice that would likewise echo. Sanguia? Why don' ye join us over 'ere? He called, laughter in his voice that was meant to put her at ease. He was sure he'd seen this vivid lass around here before, so she must be Adair, and no cause for alarm.

Tail waved gently as he meandered a few steps closer, vocals now the commonplace for speech. Aurora, weren' ye called? Good t' meet ya form'ly like. He grined, trying to decipher the myriad of colors across her pelt. It was fascinating in the sun, better than mornings when the pack slept.

[aurora]

Aurora smiled brightly as a male had stepped out of the cave, luckily an Adair male. Zadru, if she recalled correctly. She had never actually met him really, but she made a point of knowing everyone's names and even going to the extent of quietly observing them. From her observations she had come to the conclusion that Zadru was quite a nice guy... and admittedly handsome.

But aside from that, she didn't really know much about him. From the corner of her eye, however, she noticed he had quirked an eyebrow upon seeing her. A subtle gesture, as well as a confusing one. Just as Aurora had opened her mouth to speak and then perhaps inquire about it, another voice rang through the tunnels and immediately took Zadru's attention away from her. She recognized the voice, though it definitely sounded more aggressive than usual. Aurora didn't move from her position, but after Zadru had invited the Sanguina over, she opened her mouth to speak. Why so anxious, Sanguia? Getting into trouble? she asked in a humorously motherly tone, not at all sounding sardonic or mocking. She had never really interacted with this one, but she had never heard of her causing trouble either.

In any case, Zadru's attention was quickly redirected back to her and a small smile made its way onto her face. Yes, it's Aurora. she stated, a light chuckle following her words. And it's wonderful to meet you as well. I don't mean to be impertinent, but what are you doing all the way out here? With that question in the air, Aurora trotted out of the sunlight and into the shadows. As soon as the light no longer directly touched her fur, it all seemed to dull down noticeably with almost no transition. It still glistened in random areas where bits of light had seeped through the thick trees above, but other than that the whole medley of bright colors became rather monotone.

[sanguia]

Sanguia Sol Purus drew in a deep breath in hopes of finding the number of wolves in the small cave. She could only smell two others besides herself, but she did not truly trust her nose for everything. She was quite sure the wolves were not Riuna though and her neck fur once more lay flat. She could hear them talking ahead and one called out to her.

Sure. The idea of joining you is my dream. Sanguia teased Zadru as she walked towards them. Her voice was softer this time and more friendly as she spoke to them. She slowly came to their group and sat down warily. She was not use to others company and felt unwelcomed.

She looked at the wolf she knew to be called Aurora with a smile. Naw, I am just a bit jumpy from the rumors of there being a smoke cloud coming from Adair. Everyone knows Adair has no fire user. Her dark smokey gray eyes glowed with worry at what the thought could mean. She was not sure if Dargan had appointed a new Sequs or not, or at least no one has given any reports on one. If there was a new Sequs of his, than trouble was sure to come.

[zadru]

With a chuckle at Sanguia's reply, Zadru shook his head, turning forward once more. When he opened his eyes again it was in time to see Aurora slip out of the direct sun- it was quite a transformation. Huntin' the master o' all hidin', the blue, beaut'ful, cunnin' Forget-me-not flow'r. Molars were shown in his grin, such a smirk he bore for the joke. He sat still, figuring to have a short meet with the maidens, and why not? There was time. Ye must 'ear it a lot, bu' ye've got impressive hues, miss. He spoke softly, both brows raised. it was truth, he showed no other emotion, no dislike or awe at this point. There wasn't time, as Sanguia spoke once more, troubling news.

Almost instantly, ears flitted forward and maw fell to a narrow flat line, worry rising into his violet eyes. There was little trace of an accent when he spoke this time, as his serious demeanor settled in. Smoke cloud? What could't be from? You don't think Dargan ventures near Adair lands? There wasn't a trace of fear in his voice, more of a pondering, disbelief of a tone. He glanced from one to the other, head cocked a bit to the side. This was the first he'd heard of it... Perhaps he should join a milede on an outing sometime. This seemed to be worth investigating, and it might be best not to go alone. Then again, perhaps it was nothing...

[aurora]

Aurora laughed softly on the outside as Zadru explained what he was doing, but behind that mask of friendliness she was assessing what exactly that meant. Why exactly was he hunting for a flower? Was it a gift for a mate? She had never noticed him canoodling with anyone else. Strange. As she opened her mouth to ask about why exactly he wanted the flower, the male had already opened his mouth to compliment her.

Or at least that's what she thought it was. His facial expression was pretty neutral, but still, just the mention of it almost made Aurora's day. She loved to hear about her coat, though not so much that she could be considered vain. Once again, she opened her mouth to speak only to be interrupted by someone else. That was getting annoying. She would have to thank him later. But unfortunately, the news Sanguina spoke was pretty serious. A smoke cloud? Well, it had to be a fire then. That, or the remains of one. However, Aurora was aware that the God of Fire himself, Dargan, was living in the volcano that stood very close to Adair. Was it coming from that direction?

Either way, the news was troublesome. Zadru sounded curious and Sanguia just looked worried, but Aurora felt like her insides were churning. A fire. That was just spectacular. She couldn't hate that form of natural disaster any bit more, but it was her duty as a Milede to investigate. Well.. she spoke softly at first before slowly regaining her average solemn tone. I just got back from patrolling, but as a Milede, I suppose that it's my duty to go and check it out. What direction exactly is it coming from? she asked, directing her attention to Sanguia for a moment as she trotted closer to the two and sat back on her haunches. Though it was a simple question, she had a feeling that it would turn into a conversation. Might as well get comfortable...

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[sanguia]

She shuffled her paws and looked at the ground. She was embarrassed to be be scared of Dargan. Normally she would jump head first into action, but now she was too worried about what would happen. What if Dargan was closer than they thought? She just wanted the day to be over with and pretend nothing had happened.

I think he was at his volcano, but I am not sure. All I knew was something was not right and went to find someone. Her eyes were still on the ground and she repositioned her wings in worry. If someone died because she was too afraid to face him, it would be all her fault. How many wolves would face Dargan before this war ended?

Aurora, I am a Milede as well, but going after a god is asking for death. Dargan hates Adair and there is no telling what he would do to us. Please just stay here and let Arria and Trigo deal with him. Sanguia Sol Purus was panicking. Never would she dream of chasing Dargan or any god, but to hunt him? These two were mad.

[zadru]

Are ye sure it's Dargan? Curiously, the druid's head tweaked in Sanguia's direction. That made it less of a problem for the pack to deal with, but more worrisome. A studious violet eye watched Sanguia as he faced out over the mountainside that began to creep upward, himself still sitting in the stream that ran past camp on the other end of the tunnel. It wasn't particularly warm today, but the water was nice on is feet, and the bottom of the ravine was the only ground not mercilessly slanted.

If Sanguia knew it was Dargan, that seemed pretty interesting to tell straight off. Surely no Adair would cross the border to go looking for the fire god. If they ventured past their lands, Arria and Trigo might even choose to let them be, it being their own fault for any danger. They could go up TO the borders, perhaps, and investigate, but if the smoke was from the volcano, hence perhaps from Dargan, it would be wise to leave it be for the deities.

Slowly, he stood, wondering if he could get the others to walk along up the grass-covered slope, maybe even help him search for this flower. he turned his side toward them, water dripping from his haunches and tail, and shook lightly. Snout pointed up the mountain, and a foreleg stretched out, placed forward out of the stream. He casually leaned on it, politely gesturing that they could have a mobile conversation. Then again, if they wished to rest here, that was alright as well.

[aurora]

Aurora quirked an eyebrow at Sanguia. What was she so freaked out about? Aurora didn't have to have any sort of special ability to tell that she was anxious. But from what? The wolf was acting so panicked and somewhat suspicious, she'd dare say. She was only kidding earlier about her causing any trouble, but she was definitely acting like a pup who was hiding something. It was odd..

Nonetheless, Aurora did not chastise her for it. No, she could not rebuke someone just for fear. Shortly after Zadru had spoken, Aurora decided to follow it up with her own question. What are you so frightened of, Sanguia? We are in our lands, there's nothing to fear. Even Dargan wouldn't disrespect that, though his volcano is dangerously close.. she spoke, as if thinking out loud. She then fell in line next to Zadru who had begun walking away, making the conversation mobile. You seem pretty antsy. You weren't causing mischief around the borders, were you? she asked in a strict yet oddly motherly tone, tilting her head back to get a good look at Sanguia's face.

She didn't distrust the other wolf, she just wanted to know why she was so frightful. More than that, why she was so sure Dargan was behind the fire. Fires started from out of nowhere, not always from the God. If it's anything that threatens to move towards the camp, it's our duty to check it out. No one is running after Dargan- and besides, as long as we don't cross the border, I'm sure we'll be just fine. she commented soothingly, trying to reassure Sanguia of some sort of peace. In her opinion, the female was being much too cautious of the whole ordeal. It was just a fire...

[sanguia]

Sanguia looked at Zadru with steady eyes. She was a bit amused by his words. He talks in a quite unusual way. Her stormy gray eyes gleamed as she pondered over the idea that it might not be Dargan. Well it could be a forest fire, but I just hope if that is the case, it does not spread here. She gave an awkward shrug.
The female began to walk behind Aurora with careful steps. Sanguia felt quite uncomfortable in this closed off place. Her wings had to stay close to her body or she could damage them on a sharp rock. Mischief? Me? Never. She narrowed eyes as she looked at Aurora. I was just patrolling the boarder and saw a small cloud of black smoke. The female shook her head in confusion. How many wolves held the power of fire? Was it just a natural fire, or was there more? More importantly was it still there?
She shivered at the thought of being in a fire. Fires were one of her worst nightmares. The idea of smoke clouding the sky, not being able to get away, and the air being taken from her was a nightmare. She knew in a large fire, she would not be able to fly away. She gave her chest a few licks to try and chase the thoughts away. She did not want anyone to know how much the idea of a fire frightened her.
Aurora's words offered some comfort to the female. She gave the female a smile in thanks for trying to sooth her. It worked to some degree, but she was still not keen on going to the smoke. She had never been in a fire before, but the idea of a choking smoke cloud did worry her.

[zadru]

As they fell into step with him, the druid gladly moved up the steep hillside in a slow but steady jog, claws scrabbling for purchase on the somewhat slippery grass-and-mud surface. Luckily, body was adept enough that this required little focus, and his head slunk from side to side, searching the earth as ears held on to the dame's conversation.

It be likely we'll see somethin' from th' mountainside, yea? He pressed onward, glancing back to see how the tree line had receded. Up here it was all grasses and wildflowers, and if smoke clouds were forming over the territory, they would be visible from here. There was something dark in the distance, a storm cloud- he might have seen bits of smoke in front of its darkness, though it was hard to tell the difference in tones. He turned back to the mountainside, letting the females study it- he had to look for this flower.

If it was determined they needed to set out and investigate, he would accompany them, but right now... Violet gaze scanned the multitudes of wildflowers at his feet. An ear cocked nervously and he cleared his throat, quizzically staring at the earth. Er... lambs (ladies), do either of ye know which flow'r be the forge'-me-not?

[aurora]

Aurora quietly pondered Sanguia's answers. She seemed to be going back and forth from weary to aloof, but each answer she gave supported the idea of not going to check out whatever this fire was. To put it simply, Aurora was beginning to question her servility towards the pack, but more importantly her duties. She understood that Sanguia was relatively young, only receiving her duty about a year ago, but if she was always so cautious like this then how could she make a valid report on the borders?

Heaving a slight sigh, Aurora wondered whether she could perhaps instruct the younger female in the art of bravery or something along those lines. She wasn't calling Sanguia a coward, for there were plenty of reasons to fear a fire, but it was the Miledes' duty to know what was happening around Adair lands. With a quick look back to the female, Aurora quickly assessed that she was fine outwardly. Only.. What was that? A small tuft of fur was sticking out oddly on her right shoulder. Aurora's raw maternal instincts made her turn around in hopes of momentarily cleaning the other's coat, but she caught herself just as she almost completely turned around and gave an awkward glance towards Sanguia before turning around to follow Zadru again. She mentally cursed herself. She was sure that the pup- erm, no, the adult wouldn't mind Aurora cleaning her, but it was a kind of odd thing to do on impulse.

Fortunately for her, Zadru had just spoken, allowing Aurora to work away from the awkwardness of that half step she took. It seems there's a storm. Perhaps Lady Arria has responded to this fire. Or.. maybe it's just a bit of luck. she commented, sitting back on her haunches and peering towards the smoke cloud curiously. Aurora's ears twitched a bit as Zadru spoke again, and she stifled a laugh. You came up here searching for a flower but you don't know what it looks like? she asked, chuckling softly. They're typically light blue with a yellow center. It shouldn't be too hard to find. she added quietly, gazing at the multitude of differently colored wildflowers. On second thought, that might be a little difficult..

[sanguia]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true]

[bg=62351F] The ground was quite soft under her paws, and it felt like it might giveaway at any time. The ground was soaked with dew and her paw soon became wet. The feeling was a little odd at first, but soon she forgot about her wet paws and keep moving. Her ears twitched to catch Zadru's words and a slight smile played on her lips. Yes, we should be able to see the smoke from the mountainside if it is still there. Sanguia kept her voice steady and focused on putting one paw in front of the other. She did not want to be the fool who fell going up this hill. They would never let her live it down, for as long as she lived. Sanguia loved the rain and the thought of rain was pleasant for her. I hope it does rain, and then the scents of the world will smell so fresh and crisp. She sighed at the thoughts of the scent of the grass and trees after a hard rainfall. Her fantasies of a rainfall shattered when Zadru spoke. A flower? Zadru was here for a flower? She was shocked that any wolf would go through this trouble for a flower. Who wanted a flower after all? Sanguia shook her head and ponder over the flowers she had seen before. Forget-me-not was not one she knew off hand and she blinked as she ponder if it was even in existence. I have never heard of such a flower, much less seen one. I could not help you possible know what it looks like considering that. She blinked at Zadru with sympathy, but Aurora did seem to know what it was. Sanguia touched Aurora's flank to show she was proud of her. Speaking thoughts Muse: None