Time to Go [PRP : Pollux. Orion.]

[Sofika]

" This is unacceptable." growled Sofika as she stood before what should have been the packs food store. At this time of year, food was hard to come by, and regular members may have been experiencing difficulties when trying to feed themselves. That was why this store was here, provided by the skilled hunters of the pack, so that those in trouble could come here to get their fill. No one however, would be able to eat any of the meat in this store, which meant that pack members might starve and die. The alpha could have none of this and she would permit no one to eat this contaminated food in fear of them becoming ill.

The time had come for an emergency gathering outwith the borders.

A paw was forcefully slammed into the muck, sending it spraying up onto her legs, leaving speckles of mud on her fur. Not that something as that was going to bother her. She had put trust into the hunters to keep the store going, and this was her result. The only thing she could do was send out scouts to gather food and bring it back to the store. She would have done it herself but then who was left to take care of Arnlan? Karolek had vanished mysteriously again, and there was no one she trusted enough to leave them in charge for even a short while.

Drawing her maw up to the sky, Sofika howled out for Pollux, her only scout and her most trusted wolf of all but her brother in the pack. She needed a break from the pack life. Pollux had been over exerting herself, giving herself too much work to do. " The food store Pollux. Go to it and there I can be found. " Sofika hoped that the scout would be alright taking on this mission, but it was not intended that she would go alone. There was one wolf in particular whom she had in mind to accompany her.

-Only Pollux for now

[Squeeji]

Pollux had been lulled into a light nap before she had heard Sofika's call, but true to her hardworking nature the curled wolf quickly leapt to her feet, regardless of whether or not she gained the sleep she needed.

Shuffling through the mud, the scout seemed a bit confused that she would be called to the food stores, after all, she was no hunter, perhaps the hunter groups needed another party member? Well at least it was something to do, she tipped her head back as she ran calling to the Alpha that she would be there quickly, terrain permitting...it was so muddy this time of year.

Though mud and shadowed forest the older female galloped, coming to the stores with a bit of a skid, she was tired from making her way so far so fast, panting as she made her way to Sofika. "I'm sorry it took so long..." Pollux shook her paws of the moist earth that caked them. "what do you need of me?" taking a deep breath Pollux smiled widely.

[Sofika]

Lowering her maw to her chest, the black wolf then began to pace around some more, snorting and muttering beneath her breath. Mud splashed over her legs and her underbelly but she paid no head as she was so furious with the lack of upkeeping on the hunters behalf. Her ears perked to the sound of Pollux's howl and she stopped and looked up to the sky. It held a still, dull menace about it, which suggested rain would start to fall... or not. Licking her nose to rid it of the accumulated muck, Sofika glanced around the trees awaiting the arrival of the scout.

As she came into hearing distance, her paw steps echoed into the hollows of her ears. Travelling was difficult, which made hunting difficult. Only the truly materful hunters could catch anything in these woods. That was why she was sending scouts out of the territory. Back home, Sofika would make up the food store for the remaining. However she would make sure that the servings were strict, and that nothing went to waste. Perhaps now it was time to recruit a new batch of hunters? A smile rolled on her lips as she turned to the dutiful sound of her scout. It pleased her to no end her commitment to Arnlan.

"I'm sorry it took so long... what do you need of me?"

" Do not worry Pollux. I thank you for your presence here today. " Sofika contained her anger as it was not something she desired to unleash upon one of her best wolves. Pollux deserved nothing but appraisal for her hard work within the pack. To her she was most grateful. " Pollux. Take a look at our store. We have no food. No edible food. " She sighed and turned her maw to the mess that was left. Disgusting. " What I need is you to go beyond our borders and gather food for the pack. "

Looking to the old wolf, she knew that somewhere she would be pained to undertake this mission for it would bring back the memories of her old scouting days. Sofika was always sadenned when she saw her, because she knew that over exerting herself with tasks was her way of coping. She shook her head lightly tutting at the disgrace the members had brought upon. " Will you do this for us Pollux? "

[Squeeji]

At the elders statement, Pollux looked into the rotten store room and upturned a disgusted lip, she had no need to obfuscate her emotions on the condition of the meat. It was pretty sickening. "Its all rotten, what's happened?" the scout frowned, a bit of a thaw, and the large game hadn't been as plentiful as the years before...and rabbits, well, those winter rabbits were tricksy little beasts, they had gotten the drop on her little brother Orion just the other day. So she really didn't have to ask why...

" What I need is you to go beyond our borders and gather food for the pack. "

The old female nodded, though she had never had to collect food before, she could only guess why she had been chosen to go...Pollux knew the outside lands well, a rarity for those part of Arnlan...no one other than a scout left the pack lands. She smiled, but it was bittersweet, she loved to get out, and feel strange earth between her toes, but the joy of such adventures were lost to her these days...but it was no secret to most of the pack why.

"Of course Sofika, I would be most honored to go out to find food for our pack...these are thin times...surly somewhere there is more game." she bowed her head graciously at the task, this was nothing small that the Alpha had asked of her, as it meant the livelihood of the pack. "I shall leave in haste."

[Sofika]

" What didn't happen, " she said in a slightly more serious tone, " the hunters have been neglecting their duties. The rotten meat was left here to contaminate any decent meat. Now everything is unfit for consumption. I'll need to dispose of this safely myself to ensure the health of the pack... "

Sofika saw the disguted look on Pollux's face and nodded in agreement. The smell was putrid that she had turned her nose upon it, wrinkling in distate. How did it come to this? Never before had the food been left to go this bad. Was she being to leinient? Did she need to toughen up and bring the pack back into line? Well, closer observation of the members over the next few days would determine this.

Turning her back to the store, she held a faint smile for a moment while watching Pollux. At the present time, she was the only one in the pack, excluding the alphas of course, who had been outwith the packlands and new the region. She was sure that this scout was the most region educated wolf in the area. No one was on her level of knowledge of Kloteck. She was proud to have her in Arnlan.

"Thank you Pollux. Your help is most appreciated. I am very proud of you. " Her smile grew a little as she scout announced her immediate departing. " Of course, I have no intention of sending you out on your own. May I propose a companion? " Sofika looked to the tree line, watching the shadows for a moment. Yes, the wolf she had in mind would love the experience. Sofika was alsmost sure that Pollux would be delighted to have him come along.

[Squeeji]

The alpha's kind words did a bit to stroke Pollux's injured ego, the scout smiled, but knew that she had earned Sofika's trust and compliments, and never took that for granted. Such respect would wither and die if she got too proud, pride...got wolves in trouble.

"May I propose a companion? "

The words Sofika said made Pollux wince, for years after Caster's death, Pollux was sent by Karolek and Sofika without a partner. It confused her so that after such praise she was asked to take someone else on a mission. It gave her a bit of pause, had she been getting too old? Was she training in her own replacement? And of course is she was being retired...what would she do with herself? Her eyes darted about frantically, but she composed herself quickly, giving the Alpha a gracious smile, after all, Sofika had been an elder and alpha since before her own parents were pups...the black furred female would know best.

"Of course you may Sofika."

[Sofika]

Sofika had expected such a reaction. Her ears flattened on her head as she saw the worry in the scouts eyes. Did she feel that she was considered not able to go this mission alone? She was of course, perfectly capable, but this would be a tough journey, and it would be made easier with an extra body around. Hesitantly, Sofika shook her head. " I did not mean to cause you worry my dear friend. My thoughts were that the work would be made easier if you had someone to assist you is all. Please, do not look so anxious. "

The alpha gave a quiet sigh and paused for some thought. She did not want to offend the scout, but she was not going to let her go on this mission alone. Lone wolves could be pretty vicious if you tried to hunt the game in their small expanse they call their own. If Pollux had any intentions of going to a wolf pack, then she would require help if she unfortunately was captured. She hoped that the scout would realise her reasons for sending her out with this other wolf.

" For your mission, I would like Orion, your younger brother to assist you. I overheard him speaking to a newcomer the other day, and he expressed dreams of seeing the lands out with the pack." Sofika held her gaze on Pollux. " I also happened to pass by you both hunting the other day. Capturing game from other places would help boost his confidence in his ability to hunt. " She smiled lightly. " I think he would be most grateful for the opportunity. "

[Squeeji]

" I did not mean to cause you worry my dear friend. My thoughts were that the work would be made easier if you had someone to assist you is all. Please, do not look so anxious. "

A slightly embarrassed smirk passed Pollux's muzzle, she had been caught. "I apologize, I didn't mean to seem so protective Sofika, its just I know...I'm getting, on in seasons." Her age had been something pointed out before, as well to others as herself, "The company would be welcomed, as Orion could use the confidence boost." She smiled at the thought of her little brother, he needed something to be proud of just so he could be proud of himself.

"I think it would be good for Orion." Pollux chuckled.

[Sofika]

Sofika shook her head, "No need to apologise Pollux." She paused to listen and nodded in agreement to what she had to say. Indeed she was getting on, and a small part of her plan on sending Orion out with her, was so that her extreme knowledge would be passed on. It would be a shame if all that she had learned died with her. "I am glad that you agree to take him. I'm sure this will makes things a whole lot easier."

Now all they had to do was either seek him out, or have him come to them. The best thing would be for him to make his way towards the store. Moving back a little, she bucked back her head and called out for Orion to come. Her voice was low, but the howl was loud. "To the food store you shall come. Orion, scent Pollux and I." Dropping her head gently, she smiled to Pollux. "We wait, and then I will then explain my recommendations. Take heed to them if do not wish a difficult journey."

The alpha then tuned and made a way to the food store. Dipping her nose to some rotten meat, her nostrils flared and she inhaled it's putrid scent. Tutting, she nudged it with her nose and then rose again, shaking the juice from her maw. This definently could not be eaten. She would see to it that this meat was tossed into Sallin borderside. Some of the wolves there were dumb enough to eat anything, whether it was contaminated or not. Perhaps that would start a string of illness? She gave a sly smirk to this, then turned and nodded to the scout.

-Orion's time of entrance

[sarhea]

Orion left the company of Phonex and Entei and darted back through the forest. The wet slush of the ground was ignored as his attention was focused on all the possibilities of why he'd been called to the stores, by the Alphess herself. And in the call, Sofika had mentioned his elder sister, Pollux. He was totally confused, though with each step closer his strong legs brought him to the food stores, his curiosity increased. Some areas of Arnlan had thawn out more than others, leave nasty ponds of muddy muck, much like he'd so carelessly plunged into on his hunt earlier, just not as cold. He did his best to dodge them, but by the time he neared the stores, his dark pelt was splatter in mud, and all four legs were coated in the stuff up to his elbows and knees.

He caught their scent up ahead, and nimby leaping over a muck puddle, arrived into the pack's food store. He skidded to a stop, lowering his head in greeting to Sofika. His breath came in panting gasps from his sprint, his chest heaving as his lungs sucked in great breaths.

"Alphess....you called?" he panted, lifting his head back upright, nodding to his sister. He walked over to where Pollux stood, a putrid smell meeting him as his gaze quickly shifted to the source. His eyes widened as his stomach wanted to turn at the sight of the rotting meat in the stores. His eyes flew back to Sofika-she did not appear to happy about this...

"What....happened? The food....it's all rotten!"

He was startled. He'd forced himself to catch his own food, refusing to use the stores...if he'd known...maybe he could've tried to help...

[Squeeji]

Pollux only nodded at Orion, funny that everyone had the same feeling about the rotten meat in the store...so why did it ever get so neglected? The scout seemed to be inspecting her brother more than she usually did, truth of the matter was, she never really ever thought of taking on a....well...apprentice as it was, it never occurred to her. But her younger brother seemed, healthy enough, and at least he was willing to learn. For that Pollux was pleased. Her ears perked and she smirked somewhat.

"I think he'll do well Sofika." She had to agree with the Alpha now...but she would never have lied that at first she had more than her share of doubt.

[Sofika]

Sofika rotated slowly around as Orion came into sight; his pelt was covered in Arnlan earth and water, and he brought the faint smell of two other wolves of the pack with him. Ah, so that was where he was, becoming acquainted with some of the other members. Good. That showed that he was taking an interest in pack life. He had made good progress since he had departed from his mother and fathers keep on the borders. His dramatic entrance did not startle Sofika for she had sensed him coming from when he recieved her signal.

Orion seemed tired, worn out from his dash to the food stores. His loyalty to her calling made her smile and nod twice in appreciation for his swift arrival. Others were known to take their time and have a leisurely stroll to them, which only showed their lack of commitment. Those sorts never got very far in Arnlan. Allowing him several moments to regain his breath and take control of his heaving chest, she waited in silence, watching him with her distinctive, emotionless features.

" It is clear that the hunters have neglected their duties to the pack. You see before you a mess, " Sofika wished to get straight to the point and send the two wolves off on their way as soon as they possibly could be. "not a store of food, a mess, " she repeated to emphasise her anger over it. Yet she sounded calmer now. Sofika nodded in agreement to Pollux and continued to watch Orion. " Pollux is leaving the pack lands on a scouting mission to retrieve food to replenish our stores. It has been decided that you will accompany her. "

[sarhea]

Orion took a seat next to his sister, trying to calm his breathing. The smell from the ruined food did not help much, forcing to keep at bay his gag reflex while cooling down from his run. He did not know what to expect from Sofika, as she wore her trademark emotionless expression. Though he calmed his fears a bit for if she were angry at him, she would not have waited to release her wrath until after he'd caught his breath.

" It is clear that the hunters have neglected their duties to the pack. You see before you a mess, ""not a store of food, a mess, " Her voice finally broke the silence, the anger over the situation clearly evident. Orion nodded, trying to ignore the stench. His mind churned over why he was called. Was he needed to help get rid of the mess? Not in his wildest dreams did he expect what came forth from the Alphess's maw next.

" Pollux is leaving the pack lands on a scouting mission to retrieve food to replenish our stores. It has been decided that you will accompany her. "

Orion did a double-take, his eyes wide with shock at the announcement, and now he was back on his feet. His mouth opened, but no words would come as his brain tried to process what he'd just heard. Leave Arnlan? See the world outside it's borders?

"M..me?" he finally stammered, an excitement finally beginning to build within him, reflected first by the waving of his tail. As the realization hit him that now was finally his opportunity to be of service to his Alphas and pack, a wide grin replaced the look of shock, but the seriousness of Sofika's expression and his sister's helped him to reign in his emotions.

"I would be honored to accept this mission, Alphess Sofika," he finally replied, with a respectful lowering of his head. He glanced to Pollux, the excitement sill shining in his brown eyes.

[Squeeji]

Pollux just smiled at her brothers enthusiasm, and excitement, a warm smile though...as she could just vaguely recall when she and Caster had been so ready and raring to prove themselves when they had gone on their first scouting mission long ago.

A nostalgic looked passed her features as she found herself for just a moment recalling memories from long ago, with a small sneeze she returned to the present shaking her head. A new determination had been ingrained in the old female.

"Well, we shouldn't wait long to go, there are pups that will need to eat soon, as well as the old or sick, they can't be without food too long." She nodded to Sofika and Orion. "We can go by Sallin or Hallow, Hallow can be dangerous because humans occasionally leave tainted meat....Sallin...well is just full of mad wolves and dogs, which is dangerous enough in its own right....there are a few pockets of neutral territory, which is good start, though scavengers may have made work of any prey in that direction..." Pollux paused and then looked towards Sofika.

"What say you?" her statement was meant in respect, as though perhaps the Alpha had heard of some game trails that had lead off Arnlan territory, Pollux herself had seen or heard nothing.

[Sofika]

His expression told her that she had made a wise decision in chosing him to attend in this mission. It was rare that wolves found themselves in such an opportunity to display their abilities. However this task was not as simple as it may have seemed to young Orion. Many trials no doubt lay ahead of him once he had departed from the borders. No longer would he be under her protection. Many wolves may have found this hard to cope with, as they had settled into the feeling of this constant feeling of being watched over.

"Mhmm,"she murmered as he spoke of the honour it would bring to him. The siblings certinaly brought great honour on their family name, and she knew that their parents would be proud to see them come so far. Sofika left Orion to settle down and listened intently to what Pollux had to say about their trails. Indeed, the humans often left stale meat, but surely the two wolves with their keen senses would be able to distinguid what was rotten, and what was fine? Sallin too would prove to be a dangerous path to take.

"I do oppose to you taking a route through the grounds of Sallin. I can assure you that you will find no decent game in those lands. However you may, and if it comes to it, you should go there only as a last resort. " Sofika paused for a moment and looked to Orion. "Might I suggest you make several rounds so that you may bring back bigger yields of meat?" Indeed, the two wolves find the task difficult if they decided to take the meat back all at once. Firstly, there was only so much they could carry and secondly, if they left a pile of food the meat would either go rotten, or be stolen by some rouge.

"Perhaps you should consider going north to begin with, to Scatterstone Beach? There you may find more deer than what you could in Arnlan. Targetthe older, the frail, and the very younh as they would prove to be less challenging for you. Those in their peek tend to take alot more energy and time."