Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:51 am

Hour Glass:

Zeit yawned as she paced out of the woods, her striped pelt gleaming the the morning light. She had gone off to check the rest of the territory that the pack was not at, and it meant she had missed most of the action. She looked around, it seemed everyone was heading off for bed after the past night, or enjoying being free from their second form. She had enjoyed the night, chasing a few rabbits here and there, and gliding across the wooden paths, her paws taking her places faster then she could go in her human form ever could.

She shook out her pelt, she should seek out Kratos, and let him know that all had seemed well in the other side of the territory, and then she would need to go and get to work on her ranch. Even if she had a sleepless night, there was always something to be done on her ranch, something needing tending, or something needing fixed, and soon someone would need to stock up on groceries and feed for her animals.

She let out a light howl, letting the pack know she was coming, she could scent some excitement and anxciety in the air, and another wolf could send someone off. She kept her pace easy, following that of her leader's, and coming up to him, but stopping when she saw the unmoving body, and how the leader was moving forward. "Kratos, what happened?" she asked.

Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:52 am

Kaqurei:

Levi responded to the alpha's direction in like fashion of a rock; that is to say that he did nothing at all. He remained standing where he had paused under the sun's stare, with his eyes fixed upon the ground. Only now and again would his eyes move, to snatch a glimpse at the unconcious human before retreating again quickly as though he'd been stabbed. Whatever he was thinking about could not be guessed at.

Then, all at once, his ears were errect and his head raised. He had heard the howl of an approaching wolf. When she made her appearance, Levi quickly lowered his head and averted his eyes once more, detecting in her body language that she had a significantly high rank. That she still held wolf form in broad daylight confirmed that she was a half-blood, as was the alpha apparently. However these facts, and the new knowledge of this alpha's name, were only of use to him in the event that he escape and report back to his own pack. Since this did not look at all viable at this point, he simply made a mental note.

****

Sabrina finished tightening her gown for her human form and left her room in time to see Chime bump into Theo. She stifled a smile and pretended not to notice. Though the sun had risen, they weren't quite out of the woods yet, there would be time for fun and games later.

"Theo, Chime," she said seriously, "Come with me." As she spoke she made for the door of the cottage and exited before any questions could be asked. She continued on at a brisk pace from the cabin to the truck where she paused only to retrieve the keys from her pocket. She unlocked the passenger side door, yanked it open, and went around to the driver's side.

As she pulled open the door, she glanced over the top of the truck to see if the two younger pack members were coming. Then she slid inside and waited for them to get into the truck, or ask questions... whichever their fancy, though she had tried to express that she desired all possible speed by the way that she spoke and moved.

Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:52 am

Aim:

Chime jumped up at the sound of Sabrina's voice, getting up she looked at her with only one thought in her mind, "I didn't do anything!" she said, afraid she was in trouble, though that thought left as fast as it came.

"Erm, I hope I didn't miss anything while I was asleep." The young were thought, slowing walking to the truck she stood out a second before sliding in, "So, what's up?" she asked, nearly in a whisper.

Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:52 am

Indy:

Theo easily stepped back as Chime bumped into him, watching her shuffle by. He nodded his head slightly, indicating no hard feelings, and began to head down a long windy dirt road with tall green trees that looked rather interesting. Not even two steps in, however, he heard Sabrina's voice call his name. With a reluctant sigh, he trudged towards the pick-up, with little sound save for the occasional mumble or the sound of his boots scraping on the gritted earth.

His reluctance didn't last long. As always, Sabrina has seemed to maintain an ominous and mysterious air to her. Curiosity burned in him and more than anything he wanted to burst out into a question, but something stopped him. Was it politeness, perhaps, or a simple respect for the mystery Sabrina loved to create? No, rather he knew that no matter what he said, she wouldn't answer him until she felt like it.

He grabbed the car door of the pick-up truck and quickly slid inside.

"Where are we going?" he blurted abruptly. He could only hope Sabrina was in the mood to answer questions now or else the curiosity might kill him.

Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:52 am

Kale:

Kale stepped foreward and helped Kieoki lift Toby, his form seeming rather light to her, she helped carry him home.

As Kale took careful steps, she mentally cursed herself for this situation. for how none of them ever realized just how much they misunderstood Timothy. How many others in the pack could end up just like him?

Most werewolves don't have pleasant beginnings. If she looked over her pack, just how many would have eyes like Timothy's? Kale wondered. How many were hesitant, or angry, or lost, and completely misunderstood?

Kale looked at his face and vowed to always bring them home.

Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:52 am

Mariel:

Kieoki appreciated the help as Kale helped her carry Timothy home. But unlike how Kale's thoughts were wandering off about how others may be like Timothy, Kieoki's thoughts were selfish, detached and made no more sense to her than to anyone else if she would have said them aloud. As they neared home, Kieoki increasingly started to keep her blue eyes on anything but Kale or Timothy. She was trying to forget the way Timothy's fur was brushing up against the bare skin of her arms. She was suppressing the memories that were starting to surface, and the pain in her arm was flaring up. Kieoki frowned, trying to keep composure of herself until they could reach home...

And you say you're not weak, do you? Her wolf snickered out in her mind, making Kieoki mash her teeth together in slight anger. It wasn't helping that her wolf was deliberately digging up buried memories in their mind and throwing them into Kieoki's vision either. Her vision blurred, and she only barely managed to keep walking like nothing was going on, like there wasn't a memory-crazy wolf side of her who revolved in the fact that she was messing with Kieoki. It was more or less Kieoki's fault though. Her wolf gave her no respect when she acted like some little submitting baby. Kieoki was so focused on trying to block out her wolf that she barely noticed it when they arrived back home. Kieoki just blindly followed Kale into one of the cottages before they laid Timothy down on a bed. Was it his bed? Was this even his room? Which cottage were they in anyways?

Pity, Kieoki. It took you this long to go insane. Kieoki snarled at her wolf in her mind before she snapped back to the reality in front of her. Pain flushed through her arm, but she pressed it down along with the memories of her past. She didn't need to deal with them now...or anytime soon for that matter. Free of Timothy, Kieoki turned to leave when she remembered her sash. It was still around Timothy's wound. Kieoki half turned towards him, debating for a moment before she let it go. She could always get it later. Wuss. Ignoring her wolf now, Kieoki slipped out of the room and headed towards the back side of the cottage to see if this was the one she had her room in. Upon hitting the last room, Kieoki ducked inside and huffed stiffly when she saw it wasn't hers. In another moment she pushed open the window and was outside, walking back to the other cottage before she climbed into her room after she opened the window from the outside.

Kieoki shut her window and then turned to her door, shutting it with a soft click before she faced the window again and sighed, leaning back against the door as she sunk to the ground, wincing in pain. She glanced at her injured arm, and frowned at the thin stream of blood that was dripping down her arm from the bite marks. She grimly smiled at the wound, not prepared for the onslaught of an old memory when her wolf threw it at her just for kicks. Growls, pain, teeth and screams. They filled Kieoki's mind as she fought against her wolf to suppress them. When had she become so weak? Weakness made her wolf angry and malicious. Shaking her head as if that would free her from her past, Kieoki stood, swaying on her feet for a second before she walked to the dresser in her room. It really wasn't full of anything other than a spare kimono that she'd bought in case something happened to the one she was wearing now. But there also was one drawer that was just full of small scraps of white and red fabric from past clothes that she'd reduced to rags.

Kieoki grabbed the new dress and two strips of old cloth before she set to work. Tuning out her wolf, she used the one cloth strip to wash her bleeding arm off with. When it was about as clean as she could get it, she used the other red cloth strip to tie it around the bite wounds with the help of her teeth. Satisfied with her makeshift bandage, Kieoki slipped her ragged dress off and held it in front of her with a frown. It was splattered with blood and torn to shreds at the bottom. Not worth fixing. With a resigned sigh, she added it to the drawer full of other destroyed cloth bits. She grabbed up her new dress and unfolded it with a soft wince at herself. She'd forgotten that she'd forgotten to get another white and red kimono. The one before her she'd gotten for...certain reasons. She couldn't help but hear her wolf burst out laughing as she slipped the dress on. It was a sunset colored dress that faded from dark purple to deep red and then to orange going from the bottom up. At least the sash was still a blood red. Kieoki picked up her dropped dagger from the floor and slipped it into her sash.

Looking half-decent now, Kieoki headed towards the closed door of her room, her hand outstretched to open it. But her hand stopped on the doorknob, and worry crossed over her face. And she stood there, hand on the door as she didn't open it.

Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:52 am

Cathannah:

Toby followed the two girls back to the houses and instantly went to his room to hange into something more presentable, and perhaps find something else in his bag to eat. Chips were all that he had left, and while unhealthy, Toby was too hungery to care. He transformed back into his human form to get a better taste for the salt and started to eat.

Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:53 am

May:

Timothy's body was limp as he was lifted from the forest floor and carried back toward the new dens. The place where he had fallen was precisely the same distance from Ziet's ranch as from the new dens, and it was wise of Kale to have them carry him toward the latter.

The place where Timothy had been retreating could easily be guessed by Kale now.. The rivers sound and smell was clear and its dark body could even be seen as the light of the sun slipped through the trees. Neither Kieoki nor Toby could have known the danger, but if Timothy had only managed to cross the river before the morning came in, then both young pack members would have soon been snared in a most deadly trap. For just beyond was the chasm which in his attempt to kill Kratos had lead Gathen to a most unfortunate doom..

But whether by luck or destiny the peril had been adverted, yet all was not over. Timothy had collapsed and appeared to have lost consciousness, however, his werewolf form was somehow being retained though his body seemed to possess no strength at all.

Later on, Timothy would not be able to recall anything of the journey back to the new dens. But through dream-like glimpses, he felt the skin of his pack mates and saw the brightened leaves of the bushes.. He also thought he saw, just for a short moment, a smooth face by the river with glistening eyes and a sorrowful expression.

*****

Kratos' ears barely moved when he heard Zeit's howl, his sharp eyes continuing to study over the face of the woman stranger. When the Beta entered the area, her concern was perhaps notable in her voice, yet Kratos gave no immediate answer.

After a moment he stood up on two legs and turned aside to speak with Zeit.

"I do not know." The Alpha replied softly. "What all has happened this night I do not know, my friend. "

At this Kratos paused and looked briefly upon the captured spy before turning back toward Zeit and continuing. "This man is a spy, but I am not familiar with the pack from which he comes. And this- this stranger, she has Jackqueline's blood and perhaps life upon her hands.. Timothy caught the scent of her blood well before any of the rest of us, but he was not in control. I called for you and Kale, but I do not believe either of you heard it and Kieoki went after him."

Kratos looked down and shook his head. "Kieoki and Timothy would be well matched in strength and size, and I can only hope that Kieoki was the swifter and protected Jackqueline, but I have not yet called out to ask.... I do not know of Sabrina and the rest of the pack either."

Kratos' form began to shrink then and soon he stood in human stature. But even so, he was not at all small, his human form easily stood seven feet tall and he was a strongly built man. His eyes retained the brilliant yellow of his werewolf form, but the darkness of his hair vanished completely and even curled slightly upon his head.

"I am indeed grateful for your company at this time." He said with a sigh. "My strength is worn, though I am not weakened, and I confess I do not know what to do with these strangers now."

******

Far now from Zeit's ranch and the mountain range beyond it, Ulric had taken Jackie to a hospital in Reknab Bend.

Ulric had been able to ease the pain and bleeding of Jackie's wounds with the things that had been stored in his bag, but Jackie's attacker had meant to kill her and there was simply little else he knew to do.. His decision to bring her to the hospital was perhaps something many other werewolves would have thought foolish. But in the city where Ulric had lived, his previous pack had not been shy about bringing their injured to the hospitals, for even there many members worked and could easily tend to one of their own..

It was well that Kale, Toby, and Kieoki had brought Timothy back toward the new dens, for as dawn passed through the sky and the morning brightened the land, Ulric had need to bring Jackie by Zeit's cottage where he had parked his car. He had gone from there directly to the nearest emergency center in Reknab and filed his own name for issue of payment.

Ulric now laid his head back against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. Jackie had been taken from his care, but he was shaken and exhausted. A nurse, whom could obviously see this, watched him and at last approached.

"Can I get you anything sir?" She asked gently.

Ulric acknowledged her politely, but only replied that he needed nothing. The nurse gave a brief smile, then she requested permission to take the seat next to him, which Ulric permitted.

She then remained silent for a moment, before asking another question. "Do you have any family in town?"

Ulric, whom had by now erected his sitting position, glanced at the nurse's face and shook his head. The nurse watched his expression keenly and did not seem content, but she pressed no further concerning it.

"You said it was wild dogs who attacked her?" The nurse asked. "Were you there when it happened?"

Thinking for a moment, Ulric now looked upon the woman more closely and noted her features as he replied. "I wasn't there, but I heard some of it."

"So did you see any of the dogs, or if they were wolves?" She said.

"No." Ulric replied simply.

"Ah. Well, there have been quite a few wolf attacks around here, it's very likely to be them. They come out of the mountains and aren't shy of people. I've heard that they've even been seen in the streets and near grocery stores." The nurse explained as she brushed her short red hair from her face with her hand. "I don't know what kind of precautions the farmers are taking for their livestock, but the wolves don't seem to bother them. I've never heard of the wolves going after cows or sheep, and chickens don't vanish in the night.. But anyone who has ever seen those wolves say that they are big, bigger than one would expect, and they don't behave like wild animals should. One thing's for sure though; they're growing too dangerous to keep around."

The nurse was ever watchful of Ulric's expressions, though she often threw her glance to the window or walls while explaining. Ulric listened carefully and nodded for her sake, but this information was not a good report concerning the werewolves whom lived here..

Quote from Indy on August 22, 2018, 2:53 am

Kaqurei:

Sabrina already had the truck's engines roaring by the time that Theo got in and asked his question. Even before the door on his side was shut the truck was screeching in reverse, corrected its position, and went rumbling back down the path they had come towards Zeit's ranch.

Small rocks in the path crunched under the wheels of the truck and caused the whole rig to vibrate horribly. "We're going to Zeit's place to pick up a few things," Sabrina said after a few moments, "Judging by the howls all night, I'm sure people are hurt. When we get there, I'm going to need both of you to act quick, gather what I need, and get back to the truck as soon as possible."

They went over a deep indention in the path about then and the truck jolted violently. Sabrina changed gears and kept on. "Chime, you know where to find blankets, right? We'll need about eight of them. And towels. Theo, I'll need you to fill a barrel of water and load it on the back of the truck. You'll find the barrel inside Zeit's barn. I'll get bandages and herbs from my things. Understood?"

They cleared the trees about then and could see Zeit's house accross the fields.

****

Levi was becoming very uncomfortable with the amount of information that the alpha was so freely spilling in his presence. Either he was purposely setting him up with false information, or he was insanely inexperienced. If the latter, the alpha's sparing his life might have merely been a weak-stomached fluke that could all too easily be remedied. That he now admitted to his beta that he had no idea what to do with his captives furthered this train of thought.

Still, he could do nothing yet but wait.