An old face...

[Bandersnatch]

A dusty figure shuddered against the cool dawn wind that Arnlan bore even in the middle of summer. Clambering over the steep and rocky outcrop took some time and effort, and by the time she reached the top she was panting softly. Here she paused for a moment, taking in the dank and earthy smell of Arnlan that her heart had yearned to return to for so long. A smell that had all but left her coat, replaced by the gentle smell of the sea. It made her fur stand on end, letting the land flood her senses, dragging back memories with it like autumn leaves on the wind.

Though her time of absence had not approched a year, Crow’s features depicted a wolf older than she actually was. Her coat was in the process of molting, looking much more haggard and rough than it had been throughout the rest of her life. Her eyes seemed weary and sunken, and a few grey hairs had sprouted among her muzzle, likely born of the physical stress her body had gone through. She had been slender before but it had been a natural shape - now she looked downright lanky. During her time away she had caught and scavenged enough to sustain herself, but not enough to prevent the loss of body mass.


Many moons ago now, she had slunk from these borders on that fateful still, dark night. Having never in her memory left the territory, there was a natural curiosity about the outside world. But it was not this that had led her to stray.
She had been sick before, but her body had put up enough of a fight. For awhile it had look like she would make a complete recovery, but the virus had left her immune system over-worked and frazzled. This weakening had left her open again, and a secondary infection made itself apparent.
The wolfess had returned to the quiet corners she had occupied before with reawakened worry about unleashing this new disease on the pack. She had grown quickly grown weaker by the day, finally reaching the point of depression where she felt as though death tugged at her soul, threatening to drag it from her sore and sickly body.
Well, she had concluded, there was no need to defile Arnlan with her rotting corpse, better to drag it away while she still could.

Beaten down and running on little remaining energy, she reached a quiet rocky beach. Here it was that a scruffy old mutt had found her huddled under some windswept shrubs that lined the coast. He smelled of sea-salt and claimed to have come from packlands neighboring an old village somewhere beyond the horizon. He was a healer – not a rank generally known to those of Arnlan. With patience and kindness he raised her back to health, and it was he to which she owed her life. Eventually it was certain that she was recovering and the wise old healer left, off no doubt to assist the next wary soul that traveled his way.
Alone again, Crow felt her heart pulled two ways. She knew it was to Arnlan that she belonged, but a feeling of debt to her savior and nervousness about what would happen on her return plagued her. With time she decided what she must do. She would return to her origins, bringing with her scraps of new knowledge of plants that would soothe pain and injury to be used as those of the shadowy territory saw fit – that is, if they would have her back.


The narrow track that she had been following had diverged into two. She had been too long away to recognize this fork and she paused in uncertainty. The ebony-black trees seemed to hold some kind of menace, as if in turn didn’t recognize her. Crow froze as she gazed distantly at the paths, a kind of dread filling her. Could she simply waltz back into her homeland and be accepted again as if nothing had happened? In the state that she looked to be in, how did she know that she would not be simply kicked back out? Crow doubted even she in her days of border patrol would’ve let some wolf in the physical condition she now found herself in slip over the dark land’s borders. But… her fur would grow back to the full winter pelt it had been and now in relatively familiar territory; the hunt would not be as much of a problem. Guilt, fear, frustration, hopelessness, hopelessness…
She took a deep breath, an attempt to settle her nerves. Regardless, someone would be along shortly. Little went on within the territory that the alphas did not know about. What would happen would happen…

[Squeeji]

It was the smell, most of all that got to Pollux's nose, before the sight and well before the sound of Crow. The scout remembered her, and had, in turn, though not knowing the Sentry, had missed her. The odd mute had come to Arnlan as a pup, when Pollux was a young wolf, for that she felt some kinship. They had been pack mates together for so long...Her tail wagged, it seemed Crow had not died, and no longer smelt of the sickness that had clung to her before.

Now only the scent of the salty sea breeze masked her former packmate. A grin passed on Pollux's muzzle, she had best get to Crow before some clueless youngster did, or else there was bound to be trouble. It made the Scout think though too, why did the Sentry leave Arnlan? But also come back? It wasn't as though she could share her stories...Crow was as quiet as an autumn wind.

Pollux followed after her with a slight friendly bark to announce herself. "You are alive." The fact that Crow seemed in good health, and did not look injured seemed to relieve her. The Scout took a quick circle and a smile. "You disappeared, so many have, are you well?" She knew not to give the female more than questions she could answer with gestures. Which bothered Pollux because she so wanted to ask where Crow had been. Pollux was such a busy body, and somewhat a talkative one at that, which made conversing with the mute wolf somewhat of a thoughtful task.

"You have been missed...I'm sure Sofika and Karolek will be relieved to see you Crow." The Scout held no ill will towards the Sentry, she did not smell of anything but the independent lands...of salt and sea...nothing damning. So she expected the best of what was once, a wolf she had known as an Arnlan pup. Perhaps she had built too much sentimentality for the situation, but Pollux always wished for lost members of the pack to return over the borders...

But no matter how much she did so, and how many of them came back, she knew that it wasn't exactly who she wanted to return, but still it was quite joyous. "We all thought you had been...lost to us." The weight of what the Scout said was obvious, perhaps most of Arnlan had though Crow had left to die, or perhaps the Alphas knew better...but who really knew?

[Bandersnatch]

Her attention was drawn from the cross roads, her heart tense, jittering about sharply, painfully, in her chest. Crow's expression furrowed in worry. Some other approached. Would they be someone new, perhaps now a replacement in her prior rank, furious that this now-stranger enter these lands without permission? Would she, unable to explain herself, be chased away from her homeland?
It was then a look of great relief spread over her features, mouth crawling into a silent 'phew' when she recognized the approaching scent, and that voice! So fortunate had she been that the first to find her was someone she knew, who knew her. Pollux was greeted with a wide grin and ferocious tail wagging, which seemed to rock her frail frame all over. They had never known each other particularly well (perhaps due to Pollux's regular mission outside the pack border), it was true, but the sense of belonging Crow felt that flooded in from her packmate's familiar face that still mingled with relief was almost enough to knock the slightly younger wolf off her feet.

"You disappeared, so many have, are you well?..."
Crow managed to find some composure, slowing her waggling rump to a mere wiggle. She gave her metallic comrade an enthusiastic nod, sending the large tuft of her that generally flopped over her right eye flying. It was not completely true - she actually felt every bit as frail and ragged as she looked, but compared to the near deathly state she had left Arnlan in, it was nothing.
Something at the back of her mind niggled about. Many had disappeared? That was odd. Things had been quiet before she left, sure, but many disappearances? Regardless, this chain of thought was shoved roughly back further still by the optimistic she was feeling. Instead she greeted Pollux's curiously inquiring gaze with silent laughter. Her long-held Scout ranking was certainly suited.

“...I'm sure Sofika and Karolek will be relieved to see you...”
It was a kindly statement, but one the wiped the grin from Crow's face, replacing it with fresh worry. All over she seemed to droop. Would she be forgiven for neglecting her duties, for wandering out of the packs boundaries? The alphas had previously made quite a point of warning newcomers that such actions would not be tolerated. But she had left on the best of intentions, after all... Crow gave Pollux a, rather panicked, inquiring glance of her own. Maybe she had some sort of suggestion on what to do?
“...We all thought you had been...lost to us.”
Many animals sought solitude in their final hours. This had been her intention, and understandable that the pack had thought this and not come after her. She did not blame them for anything, and hoped they would feel the same way. It was luck that this had not been the outcome.
Crow gave a forced smile, feeling rather sick and as though something rather heavy sat across her shoulders.

[Squeeji]

Crow's rambunctious response only seemed to lighten Pollux's mood more so. Obviously she did not leave because she wanted to, but because she needed to. No wolf as happy to be home would leave unless their situation was so dire. She laughed with the quiet wolf.

"Careful now, don't get too excited, I think you might blow away if you aren't grounded enough." The scout winked, noting Crow's thin composition with her humor. "We should get you something to eat...the storage is full for once. Perhaps we can wait for one of the alphas there?"

But by the time she looked around Crow's expression had changed to that of anxiety and concern, the older female just clucked her tongue and shook her head. "Why so worried Crow? You think that the alphas will not accept you back...because you left? I don't think so...I'm expecting that we will need all the wolves we can get, I hear that Sallin moves against us..." The Scout kept a near paranoid eye on those lands, and almost seemed to say the name with some distaste, but she lightened up quickly. "...and besides, they allowed that large female, Nightblood back...she had left or been abducted. She came back, and even made rank- Sentry I think. I fail to see the difference, or why you would not be welcomed...the prodigal daughter and all."

Pollux winked at Crow, and bumped into her, a bit of a teasing gesture. "Relax, you're making me look lighthearted. That's not good." The metallic female sniffed and perked her ears, hoping perhaps the alphas had already seen or heard Crow coming. "Lets get you something to eat, and I'll call Sofika or Karolek for you. I'm sure nothing bad will come of it...and you'll soon be home." Her smile softened to the younger wolf hoping that perhaps she'd soothe the worried ex Sentry some.

[Sofika]

Sofika lifted her head to the wind as it ruffled over her thin black coat bringing with it the scents of Arnlan. However, had there not been a familiar yet unfamiliar tinge to this wind, she would have left her head dipped into the pool of water were it had been and continued to drink from it. Salt.

In the territory there was but only fresh water due to the endless amount of snow they had melting over the course of the year. There was no salt. The waters of Scatterstone Beach could not reach Arnlan territory. So from where- or who- thought Sofika suddenly, had it come from.

Yes... it was true. She always felt it to be.

A young daughter survived. That unfamiliar yet familiar scent suddenly pushed buttons, re registering the wolf whom it belonged to...

Immediately the alphess set off, splashing through the pool of water and crunching over the snow. Her nostrils followed the wind as it guided her along the path to a great reunion.

Pack life had given Sofika reason to move on and suppress her longing feeling to smell this scent again. Now that it had returned, memories flooded back to her to a young abandoned pup on the border... voiceless yet not lifeless...

Weaving through the trees, image shrouded in the shadows that swept along with the alpha, she pressed on to the north of the territory, from where the wind had come to whisper of yet another wolf returning to Arnlan.

She was honoured by their loyalty.

And through the brush she burst, landing, panting before the two and a moment she stood, unable to say a word. Deeply breathing until she could muster all but one word.

" Crow... "

[Bandersnatch]

"Careful now… We should get you something to eat...the storage is full for once. Perhaps we can wait for one of the alphas there?"
Crow gave a softer nod with this, though her stomach seemed much more confident in this plan, growling loudly in agreement.
But what Pollux had to say quickly relifted her spirits, and she cocked her head and clicked her teeth in thought as she chewed over the words. The twin alphas had welcomed back in another straggler, and her not been angry enough to hold back rank from her? That was a good sign, surely.
“…You're making me look lighthearted…”
Crow pushed back as her glossy packmate bumped her, both in friendly response and an attempt to keep herself steady, throwing back a playful smirk. She studied the other for the moment. The Scout was such a dedicated worker – a trait often associated with those of sternness and a distinct lack of a sense of fun – yet the Scout had retained her humor. Making her look lighthearted, huh? Couldn’t have that! With a clicking ‘tut tut’ of her tongue, the younger snapped her teeth (at rather a safe distance) at her pack-sister in mock discipline.

Lets get you something to eat .”
Food was definitely an ideal for her right now, and all that was now needed to complete her recovery.
This exchange had rather left her distracted and as she turned to what seemed to be, she decided, the general direction the food store had always been located in. All at once a number of happenings had stopped her in her tracks. The harsh Caw Caaaaw! of a raven fleeting from a knarled branch above-head had followed a rather large gust of wind that whipped about fur and bits of part-rotted leaves. Natural happenings, Crow had assumed – just as she in turn had been startled, the wind had shocked the Crow into flight. Indeed, it took her a moment to register the scent that was so like those of the forest. It had not been the wind that startled the bird. It seemed that the Alphas need not be called at all.
Right on cue, a blur of neon blue and deepest black burst from the thin understory. For a second Crow felt every bit as startled as the raven. She had forgotten the sudden and surprising appearance of each Alpha. However, Crow thought, this was certainly the most out of breath she had ever seen either of them. She simply stared for a moment, astounded.

“Crow…”

The one word drove her in to action, all the feelings of the previous moments flooding back to her. Her body slumped, ears flattened, and tail whipped frantically about her heels. The confusion of it all made her ache – panic, fear, regret, but also massive amounts of pure happiness at the reuniting to the figure that seemed for all these years like a mother and older sister. She scuffled to Sofika, posture somewhere between joy and complete submission, waiting on the words announcing what the outcome of all these months would be…

[Squeeji]

Pollux enjoyed having a bit of company, though Crow could not talk, she did not look to her as some sort of mentor, or tutor, which made the Scout feel more at ease, she didn't feel nearly as old when someone younger made her felt equal. She laughed, and then steeled, feeling that sort of breeze you felt when something was up.

An Alpha would be here shortly, and the Scout was not surprised when a shot of neon blue on black made its way from the shadowed foliage.

"Sofika, I was going to call you shortly." She was courteous in her tone and behavior, she respected the alpha and honored her, but didn't scrape before her. It was, well, embarrassing for both parties involved wasn't it? "Though I assumed you already knew." That too was a sign of what high renown she held the alpha, Pollux only wished to have her omniscient abilities, it would allow her to do twice as much.

But after her report, the Scout hushed down, allowing the two to talk. Wondering perhaps if this would be point where she should be the one to slide on into the shadows and out of view.

[smartie]

[ So sorry guys, really busy with schoolwork and stuff and have been too tired to concentrate and properly reply. I haven't forgot! ]

[Sofika]

As her breathing settled and she fixed a gaze over Crow she remained silent for a moment to see what had become of the wolf before her. No longer was she the picture of good health, the disease that had been wearing away at her had taken obvious toll on her body. Sofika was just grateful however, that she was alive.

" It is... good to see you... " she said casually and looked to Pollux and nodded appreciatevely. Her following words were then directed to the scout. " Ah, only moments ago did the wind alert me to Crow's presence. "

She nodded to Crow to rise. Even after so long she remained so loyal. Since she was found as a young pup her dedication amazed the alphas. Sofika had been proud of the females progress in the pack and was sadenned when she discovered that she had had to depart.

It was only assumed that it was for a very good reason that she left.

" How are you feeling, Crow? " the alpha asked. Sofika was concerned for her, as she done everyone. However more for Crow and it was not out of sympathy because she could not talk it was because she was a really loveable wolf.

[Bandersnatch]

Crow inclined her head back to meet where Sofika’s were, hidden somewhere under the mop of midnight-black fur. Her breath was trapped somewhere in her throat as the Alphess studied her depleted form. What thoughts were going through her leader’s mind? Panic tugged at the corners of her mouth, forming a small, quivering grimace.
" It is... good to see you... "
The caught breath escaped her lips as they curled into an expression a little more happier as she dipped her head further still. Arnlan’s queen, caretaker, mother, it seemed she was glad to see Cow? It was good, wasn’t it? But some nagging voice at the back of her mind prevented the little insight into Sofika’s mind, and uncertainty plagued her. Would this gladness turn suddenly to anger? Sofika was not prone to strange and confusing outbursts as her brother was, but it could still be yet coming.

Still, she gazed gently, patiently, back and forth between Pollux and Sofika as they made their exchanges, an amused smirk playing across her face at the metallic Scout’s comment of assumption. It dragged now-scrawny female through her memories - how Sofika, and Karolek too of course (though at times they seemed different parts of the same whole), seemed at times some all-seeing, all-hearing and sensing, powerful beings of some sort of supernatural power. But as much as she held her Alphas in high regard, surely that was a silly thought. Wasn’t it? Tales of the Guardians had died out with Raknu so long ago now, and the ties between the packs of Kloteck were so strained…

Her attention was again diverted to Pollux, who had fallen silent. There seemed to be some unease with her that Crow could only assume was an indication that she was thinking of leaving. The smaller wolfess gave her a thankful smile, a token of the appreciation of the company that had been given.

Crow pulled herself a little more upright at Sofika’s commanding nod,
" How are you feeling, Crow? "
She held her head a little higher and her tail twitched about, but it was accompanied by an uncertain sway. She was alright for now, and as long… Crow pulled her ears back flat, gazing curiously at Sofika …as long as she was allowed back into her homelands she would improve. She would have her stealth, grace and speed back as long as she had that opportunity.
The Alphess, she had been led to believe, had an attachment to her, built over years - but she also knew that Sofika would do what was best for the pack. What good would a weak, half-starved wolf be? But if she were denied… her heart would break, surely. She couldn’t survive knowing she would never be able to return.
No, she wouldn’t let that happen. Crow’s clear-blue eye, the one left uncovered by shaggy fur, met once more where her leader’s should have been. Her brows were furrowed, and her sight seemed to sparkle in determination. She would prove her usefulness, do any task the Alphas wished....

[Squeeji]

It was true that Pollux did not hold still for long, there was a restlessness in her old bones that called to her whenever there could be something to do. But still she would not leave until dismissed.

She smiled at Crown and then seemed to almost zone out Sofika and Crow's meaningful heart to heart. So the scout sat, statue-like, without a word, and not listening in...she would not speak until spoken to.

[Sofika]

There was a reason for Sofika to be proud of Crow; for her selfless act on leaving Arnlan for the benefit of everyone else. This was considered honourable in the alphess' opinion and so she was curious when Crow's faced grimaced and she looked longingly for whether or not she would be permitted back into the pack.

The very most Crow was hoping for was to be re accepted into the pack which was the very least of rewards Sofika had in mind for the loyal sentry.

For a moment, Sofika turned her attention to Pollux, who she too noticed, was becoming slightly restless. " If you have other things that you would like to do Pollux, feel free to leave on your own accord. Stay if you would prefer but thank you for your help here. " The alphess also nodded appreciatively and then returned her attention to Crow.

" I see that you seek to know, whether or not Arnlan accepts you back into it's pack. Well, so that I do not keep you on your toes, I can announce that we do welcome you back Crow. " The female was probably wondering on what reasons she was being allowed back into the pack. The alpha drew a breath and then continued, assuming that she would probably prefer to know this.

" Crow, you left Arnlan in bid to save the pack from catching the dreadful disease that you carried. For this, how could I possibly not respect you? I truly am relieved that you have recovered, if not fully from your ordeal. So, you may re enter Arnlan and once you have returned to your former strengths, may you, if you wish, return to your rank. But only after you are truly well again. "

She was sure that the rest of the pack would be glad to see her back again. The newer members would not understand this re welcoming however those who have been in the pack longer will remember her and no doubt would be surprised to see her back. Perhaps she had been let off easier however, dare anyone question her?

[Bandersnatch]

Crow's heart bumped furiously as she waited what seemed to her so paitently for the Alpha's awnser.
"Stay if you would prefer but thank you for your help here."
She turned to Pollux, matching Sofika's words with another hasty, though no less appreciative, smile. She hoped the scout wouldn't think it rude that the younger was paying her little attention now. It was just that her mind was completely elsewhere.

Finally, it seemed, the attention was turned back to the task at hand. Every second that passed seemed like an hour as she waited for what her fate would be.

" I see that you seek to know, whether or not Arnlan accepts you back into it's pack..."
Her legs stood straight and stiff, and it seemed all her muscles, her whole being, quivered in tension, as though an electrical current ran through her.
"...I can announce that we do welcome you back Crow. "
She could have leapt for joy! Her tail whipped around ferociously the force of such causing her to dance on the spot to maintain her balance. Visible relief spread over her - her body had slackened and her lips had curled into a grin so large that she could tell that soon her cheek muscles would ache. It seemed all her worrying was in vain. She could've licked Sofika's face all over in happiness, in thanks, in love... but managed to hold that back, as it seemed she had already done enough damage to her dignity.

"Once you have returned to your former strengths, may you, if you wish, return to your rank."
Imediatley she was still again. The dirty-grey female felt as though she would collapse. This was... unexpected. And much more than she could have asked for. She could have her rank back? In her mind she had long concluded that even if she was to be welcomed back, surely it would be accompionied by the stripping of her title. She had abandoned her duties, hadn't she? Isn't that what happened to wolves who abandoned their duties? But she was to return with no repocussions... She was far too stunned to display any other emotion. This was unreal... perhaps this was simply all a dream, just a fantasy in her head...
"But only after you are truly well again."
Crow nodded slowly. If Sofika had not added this, she'd have returned to her duties straight away, prove herself worthy of such a gift... But as it was, her Alphess was right, and returning to health first was the only logical thing to do. Crow bowed deeply, respectfully. All her feelings seemed to well in her chest, a confusion which made her feel tense, weak, lightheaded. She was certianly not unappreciative though. She was humbled by Sofika's kindness and charity, and so floored by this unexpected twist that all chains of thought were lost and she was quite uncertian of what to do now.

[Squeeji]

Pollux nodded as she was dismissed by both Sofika and Crow, she leapt to her paws quickly, only to hesitate before bounding off, looking at both females.

"Would you wish me to tell the others that Crow has returned Sofika?" The scout's ears twitched curiously for an answer, "I am sure that they would be most enthused to hear so, and what with those who had heard my call...they may already be pursuing rumors around the lands." and it didn't hurt that Pollux had a bit of a gossiping streak in her too boot. The Scout loved to talk...

"Oh, and I almost forgot, you need to get some food in you." She gestured a paw at Crow almost scoldingly. "So be sure you do that straight away..."

The female smiled toothily, hoping, waiting for a response to come from either, vocal from the Alpha, or atleast a nod from the Sentry. However the answer went, she would make haste out of the area, (so you can assume she left ^^)

[Sofika]

Crow and Pollux were very much alike when it came to their duties. They were both so, dutiful. Pollux was raring to move onto her next task and here Crow (as Sofika was fully conscious of) would have no doubt returned straight to her duties, if she had not been told otherwise. It was true as well, as Crow heeded her words with a nod.

Her attention was drawn to Pollux who had begun to speak. " Yes, please, " she replied happily and watched as the scout left. It would certainly be good news. Those who did not find out through Pollux however would find out in the pack meeting which was scheduled to take place in the very near future. Those who didn't attend... well, they wouldn't live to find out of Crow's return.

Crow certainly was taking things extremely well. Sofika gave her a warm smile. She tilted her head a little, Crow looked very worn out. That disease really took its toll. " If you would like to begin resting you may do so, I will not keep you. Until you are better I would suggest taking your fill from the store. Find a quiet place to rest. Or if there is any questions you wish to ask me, you may. "

Sofika was obviously curious about how Crow got on without the protection of the pack in her time of great vulnerability. However if Crow wanted to talk about it she knew how to find Sofika if she needed to. Sofika would not ask encase it made her feel pressured to answer. The last thing she wanted was for Crow to relive any memories of her absence that she would much rather forget.