[Envis]

“ Faye Dire Wolf ⦿ Female ⦿ 3 months ⦿ @Charley Her mouth was dry, lips sticking together as the lacked the saliva required to make the process of opening her mouth smooth. It had been two days since she had wandered off from a small, drying pond. The water had tasted yucky and was brown with mud, but it was all she had. Before the attack, she was still suckling for very brief periods before eating a small meal of meat. Now she was thrown into the reality of it; water was not pure and rich like her mother's milk. She had been hesitant to drink it at all, and as a result hadn't taken enough in before leaving it on her sorry excuse of a journey. Her legs were moving out of sheer will, the pup panting with every step as her head hung low. Her large, bushy tail dragged behind her, there was no reason for it to be wagging after all. She could only imagine in her mind a safe place with lots of water and food, and tell herself she'd find it one day. Hope, a concept her mother had taught her, it was the only thing that gave her the will to walk and open her eyes with the sun instead of shun it and give up. She had hope that if she just kept waking up, if she just walked a little bit each day, she'd reach the light at the end of the tunnel. She'd surely find someone who didn't smell bad, and who smiled instead of snarled. It had only been three days since she left her hiding spot, but it felt like weeks. For as mighty a breed as she was, she was a sorry sight with her ribs showing and slender legs trembling with each step, the bones in her toes greatly expressed as her paws pressed down on the earth under her. The scabbing on her left ear had her twitching the small nub of what was once an ear to try and "itch" it, but she couldn't satisfy it. The area was red and a bit swollen, the warning signs of an infection if not tended to. Of course she was blissfully unaware of this, besides feeling the pain and warmth in her ear. She knew it had something to do with her mother shoving her into her hidey-hole, but past that she wasn't aware of the small disfigurement it had caused. All she knew, or rather all she was focusing on, was searching for that distant light. Lifting her head just a bit, for the first time in days Faye let out a desperate howl. It was a small, easily missed sound because of the weakness in tone, but she had to try. Her throat was dry, but she had to howl. Walking was simply no longer enough, she could feel the weakness in her legs. If she walked any further she was sure she'd collapse and never get back up. She waited a moment after her first howl before sucking in a deep breath and letting out a second, slightly stronger this time. "I'm over here!" it cried, begging for a response that wasn't hostile. Perhaps any response at all. She knew she could be leading a predator right to her, but she was getting desperate.

[Charley]

The sky was clear with sparse white clouds. The late summer sun still giving its heat to the land below. The Healers Son was panting as he easily loped through the tall grasses while he traveled from tree cover to tree cover. Making his way to the mountains, following his heart to the land of his birth.

The wind picked up and rushed through his grey and red fur. The power of it made him pause and take a deep breath, letting the wind play through his ruff, as it teased and tugged at his red ears he heard a faint cry. It made his breath catch. The wind died down as his attention was pulled to looking for the cry. It had sounded like a wounded kid! A cry like that could catch the attention of someone with ill intentions too. He quickly started to look around at eye level. He was chest deep in the tall golden grasses though. He looked up to make sure there were no eagles or hawks circling an easy meal. A great eagle though was circling high overhead. The clock was ticking.

He heard it again! Much clearer! He dashed the way he had come, franticaly looking about, keeping an eye to the sky for the eagle steadily circling lower and lower.

"I'm here! Hang on!" He shouted into the golden grasses. It was then a very distinct smell caught his attention, it was definitely pup with a hint of old blood. He followed his nose and saw movement just as a shadow crossed over them both. With a bark, Reese jumped over the child snarling at the winged attacker, swiping with his paws and snapping his jaws as the eagle lurched in midair and with a flash of wings and feathers it took off in the other direction.

Reese stood tall over the child and watched to make sure the eagle knew it would have a better time picking a different target. As it disappeared over the trees he looked down with friendly dark brown eyes.

"Hey there." He said gently, taking a step back. He could see immediately that she was in rough shape and he took a glance at the surroundings wondering where her parents could be, "Where's your parents kiddo?" She didn't smell like any pack he knew.

[Envis]

“ Faye Dire Wolf ⦿ Female ⦿ 3 months ⦿ Tagging @Charley ⦿ Biography A distant voice had her ears perked, her head lifting slightly. She wasn't visible even if she were to lift her head fully, of which she didn't have the strength anyway. But her eyes focused in one direction, the source of the voice. Someone had heard her, thank goodness! She worried for a moment if she had just given herself to death's hands, but she was holding onto her hope. She slowly began to turn to face the direction of her only source of hope, blissfully unaware of the eagle above her. A flash of grey and white leapt from the grass, slamming down with all the wolf's weight as he hunkered down above her, her head against his belly as he swiped at something. Had he been trying to hit her? She tilted her head and saw the fleeing bird, her eyes wide in horror as she realized he had just saved her life. Faye took a slow step back, out from under the much larger wolf as she examined him closely. Simple gray and white, but he had a bright streak of red along his spine. He was simple in his colors, but she found it appealing to the eyes. The few speckles and dots were a nice, soft addition as well. Very simple, easy to recognize. Her lips pulled back into a smile, and she remembered her manners. "Thank you," she said weakly. "For saving me." Her voice cracked, hinting towards her plight for water. Her long bushy tail began to drag from side to side as her spirits were lifted just by the fact he hadn't eaten her. Where were her parents, he asked. Purple eyes blinked slowly as the pup took in the question and considered it. "There were lions." She said softly, sniffling as she started to feel the light sting in her eyes of tears forming. "Mama, she picked me up," she tilted her head to the left to indicate that was where the wound had come from. "And she hid me in a place those big cats couldn't squeeze. It was really loud, then really quiet, then... when I came out, everyone was gone." She whimpered and looked up to Reese, tears falling from her muzzle. "I don't know where they are... I went looking for them. Mama always said go opposite of danger. I was sure if I went this way, I'd find them eventually." Although she was aware a battle had taken place, the pup had no way of knowing what had become of her parents. Of course the tears suggested something in her gut knew, but she was too young to comprehend it fully.

[Charley]

Her plight became abundantly clear. Being attacked by the big cats around here was certain death outside of a pack. He could tell by the crust around her eyes and her dry nose and the crack in her tiny voice she hadn't had anything to eat in drink in at least a few days. She was probably on the brink of dying here. He looked up at the sky once more, making sure both the eagle was gone, no other dangers lurked about from her earlier cry and he saw hanging above the mountains in the distance the white faded form of the moon in the daylight. A clearer sign would not be found.

"Wow, kiddo...I am so sorry. That's so awful. You deserve a safe home and something to eat and drink." The last fresh water he came by was already a couple hours of running behind him. Surely though the closer they got to the mountains the more water he would find. She was just on the cusp of being too old to carry around like an infant, if he were to pick her up by her scruff her weight would most likely injure her further. And by the look of that ear it was starting to get infected.

"First things first, lets get you to some water." Maybe she could cling to his shoulders and he could make easy time to the next stream. "I'm Reese. Can you hang on to my back? I can get you to some water, you're a little too old to carry around like your mama used to." He said laying down for her to scramble up. "Once you drink we can talk more about your family." He wasn't about to just lay it all out for the kid, he wanted to give her some hope of survival. He was quite certain she'd probably never see her family again, thankfully he was on the way to see his own family. If she scrambled up he'd slowly get up to make sure she was situated, if not he would try and use his nose to keep her secure. Wolf backs were never meant to carry much, too wiggly while they walked, but he hoped if he was careful she could hold on to him while he kept going for the mountains. If she couldn't quite scramble up then he would suggest that he try picking her up by the scruff but that she had to hold on to his neck to keep the pressure off. She was in no shape to walk much further.

Once they got moving he would focus on the scent for fresh water. Within the hour he had found the forest at the base of the mountains and a lazy river running through it. He would gently let her down near the water and with his paw splash a little on her to get her more interested in drinking and perhaps wash a little of the dirt and grime off her. He'd have to find a couple herbs for her ear... and a meal for her stomach.

[Envis]

“ Faye Dire Wolf ⦿ Female ⦿ 3 months ⦿ Tagging @Charley ⦿ Biography Faye nodded her head slowly when he apologized, though she didn't understand why he was apologizing to her. He certainly wasn't a cat, he hadn't done anything to her or her family. The poor pup looked frightened when he mentioned a safe home, for a moment her memories shoving her back into that tiny rocky hole that had been her "safe place". She couldn't help but wonder if there was such a thing as a safe home at all, considering her birthplace had only been safe for so long before it too was destroyed. All of that was thrown aside when he mentioned food and, overall, water. She smiled and nodded her agreement despite still having her reservations. She just couldn't pass up a chance to soothe her throat. Reese, he introduced himself as. Oh, right. Manners, that meant she should give her own name! "Faye." She introduced shortly, not wanting to talk too much as it severely hurt to use her little voice. He wanted to get her water, so she figured she'd do more talking after the crack-like feeling in her throat was sated. When asked if she could hang on to his back, her ears perked and she said happily, "I can! My paws are very good!" The idea of water and safety gave her legs the strength to hop up, and she grabbed hold of his back with her forepaws tightly. She was able to grip his fur and haul herself up with her semi-socketed shoulders, laying flat ontop of him. She grabbed his fur tightly between her toes just behind his shoulder blades, in a position that helped her stay steady as she would sway to the sides with him instead of against him. She was definitely one who was not meant to die yet; she had talent and gifts. Her mother had told her so, but she didn't quite understand what it meant yet. An hour of walking was exhausting for her even if she was being carried. Faye panted heavily into Reese's fur as he walked, his body heat doing no good to cool her system down. She however made no complaints, the only sound was her rough breathing that she couldn't control. She opened her eyes and perked her ears to attention when he came to a stop, lowering himself to let her down. Tired, she let herself slide off and land on her butt. Her nose twitched as cold water was splashed onto her, giving another spark towards her fire of will. She got up to her feet and ran ankle-deep into the water, dipping her head down and drinking it desperately. How long had it been, since she'd had the cool fluid soothe her mouth and lips? She couldn't remember, and no longer cared. For about a full minute the dire wolf pup drank up her fill of water. With a gasp as she took a breath, she stepped back onto dry land and shook her pelt. Her jaws parted in a a yawn, and for the first time it didn't feel like her throat was ripping open with the movement. Finally, the pain was gone. Licking her lips dry, she turned to Reese with a big grin. "Thank you, Reese. I don't think I would have lasted a minute longer! My throat's been hurting for so long." She went up to him and nuzzled his chest gratefully, contact the best way she knew to convey her feelings. Her mother would always nuzzle her chest or bump her hip, the reason and situation varying. This nuzzle of her head to his chest was a thanks and appreciation, and she hoped he would feel that out-poor of emotions.

[Charley]

Reese sat back and watched the poor kid guzzle more than her fair share of water, "Hold on kid! You drink too much too fast you'll have a belly ache!" He called after her smiling and shaking his head. When she came up to him and nuzzled his chest as thanks his heart nearly exploded with emotion. In one instant he felt this dire need to protect and provide Faye with all he had.

"Hey, you're absolutely welcome, you probably wouldn't have lasted another minute to be honest." He agreed. Settling on his elbows so he could be eye level with her. Was this how his dad felt when Reese was just a kid? "Faye, I have a plan. If you come with me I can bring you to my family in a pack called Nardir. They like to keep people safe. There's plenty of water, lots to eat and lots of people to talk to and teach you all about life. Big cats don't bother them much and there's enough of them to fight them off if they do find the pack. How does that sound?" He asked tilting his head. He'll get up in a minute to grab her some fish or a good pheasant nearby. It was about time for him to hunt and settle in for the night anyway before continuing the journey. He was sure his mom or one of his sisters wouldn't mind taking her in, though Kyra would probably leave that Lyra. He was sure his mom and both of his sisters were home with Nardir. Though to be honest he'd be hard pressed to leave this kid even with his family, but he had the wanderers heart. He wasn't ready to settle down and raise a family and be a part of pack life still. He had ideas of how to create a market and traveling merchants road, create trading goods between packs. Maybe be the Nardir spokesperson on the outskirts if Queen Alana let him. He had no idea how much the pack had changed and that the leadership had passed to Alana's sister. Regardless of the changes though, he knew Nardir was always welcome to orphans and refugees and the heart of relationships was always at the forefront of Nardirian pride.

[Envis]

“ Faye Dire Wolf ⦿ Female ⦿ 3 months ⦿ @Charley ⦿ Biography Faye ignored his warnings about her drinking too much, far too desperate to care. She needed this so badly. Licking her lips dry, she smiled thankfully at Reese, relieved and happier than she'd felt since leaving her home. "I'm fine." She assured, but her smile quickly faded as he reminded her she wouldn't have made it. Well, that was a swat to the face... She looked down, a bit agitated. She knew it, why did he need to say it again? It just seemed cruel to throw it in her face like that. She wasn't sure if he meant it to be insulting, but the tired pup had sure taken it that way. He went on to mention a pack nearby that would have her, and protect her. Her ears fell and she shifted uncomfortably. She'd never known the company of more than her mother, father and siblings. An entire pack sounded very daunting. Still, with the tempting offer of food, water, safety and best of all no cats, she found herself nodding and agreeing. "I'd like that. But only until I can find my parents." Still hoping without a logical reason left to support the possibility, she was determined and likely would never give up the search until she found them, whatever state they were to be found in. As he went to catch her food, she lay down and let her long, bushy tail curl around and settle on top of her paws, and then lying her neck down on the soft tail. She looked up at the sky and smiled at the bright blue expanse above her. Feeling tired, and now with her thirst quenched, she felt safe enough to drift to sleep. Reese would return to find her sleeping soundly in her little ball, her breaths slow and steady. She was relaxed, too tired for nightmares, and was able to sleep. She clearly needed it very badly.

[Charley]

When her face fell when he agreed she probably wouldn't have made it he wiggled his nose in concern. Maybe it wasn't the best comment to make to the poor kid. He didn't mean it that way! Anyone in her situation probably wouldn't have made it! He had been trying to say that she was lucky he was around! Like a stroke of fate! Well, too late for that now, he better be careful what he says from now on. Poor kid needs some confidence, not some reminder she's helpless. She's a kid! She's supposed to be helpless right now! She's not supposed to grow up without someone to care for her yet. Its ok to be helpless when you're a kid.

He flicked his ear and knitted his brows up in pity, probably an emotion she wouldn't know quite yet, when she mentioned looking for her parents. After a full belly maybe she'll take it a little better that he parents were probably gone. Though, he guessed he could probably help her look for them a little. Help her come around to the idea slowly and on her own terms, that she's probably not going to see them again. Who knows, maybe they will find them and she'll be ok. Though hopefully they don't stumble upon the massacre he was sure what happened.

He mumbled a "maybe..." after he started off to hunt, when she began to settle in to sleep. At least it seemed like she trusted him. Hopefully if he played it right she wouldn't get belligerent about finding her parents, or run off when he broke the news to her. How would his dad handle this? Probably gently. Kyra would probably just pick up the kid or worse, leave the kid to the wilds of the unknown. He continued to think what his family members would each do as he stood in the water getting ready to pounce on a nice fat fish. His mom would take her in no question, Lyra, same, River?... His memory was starting to get fuzzy on his cousin, his big brother Malekai... He'd definitely do his best to take care of the kid but he was always busy standing ground, doing rounds, protecting others, being a warrior, training and doing the whole "Silent and strong" archetype while being a total cuddle bear to his siblings.

Reese looked back at the little golden girl. Reese was going to his best to keep her safe, take her to the best and kindest people he knew that would also keep her best interests at heart. After he drops her off, every where he would go he would get a present for her. Yup, find something amazing to bring back to her every time. She'd be decked out in richer stuff than a moon priestess of Nardir or witch from Tortuga.

--
He placed a nice fresh caught fish by her nose for her to wake up to. Then went off for some plantain and for the yellow flowers of Jonswort. The plantain was easy to find, like bundles of wide paddles made of grass. He placed a few by the fish as well. Then hunted for the red sapped flowers. They were a little trickier to find while keeping her within eyesight. Right on the edge of the wood, in the plains they just left and still in the full sun he found a swath of the weed. He grabbed a flowering top and placed it on top of the wide leaves of plantain. Those would help heal her wounds quickly, and help her body recover from this crazy and terrible trauma she endured.

Satisfied she was taken care of he proceeded to hunt for himself. It was late evening by the time he finally caught a rabbit and sat down to eat it. Though her fish had been sitting out a little while so he quickly swapped the rabbit for the fish and ate the fish before she woke up. She'd have a nice fresh rabbit waiting her instead of an old fish. Good thing too, by the taste of it, it wasn't going to be any good for much longer.

If she woke up he'd encourage her to eat the rabbit, and what she could of the herbs and to settle back down to sleep. In the morning they would tackle their next move. He would doze nestled into the roots of a tree. She was welcome to join him or find her own spot, but he hoped she would settle in close, and hoped she felt safe.

((This movement of time ok? I'm trying to move the story along in a way that makes sense. You can introduce the next morning? @Envis ))

[Charley]

((I don't if I tagged you right let me try again! Sorry! @Envis ))