A mountain river flows into a large, stunning lake. The waters reflect silver in the day and under moonlight. A plain of gentle hills and forests surround the lake. Herds of elk are native here.
Time of Day: Early evening after exiting Verdantis territory and crossing the river.
The journey back was slow and cautious. During the entire trek, Enya was on edge and constantly looking back over her shoulder. Just because they said they wouldn't go after them didn't mean they wouldn't. Any sort of movement in the grass was a potential rogue slinking through the bushes, perhaps invisible or disguised as another creature. All the while she worried about being followed, she also worried about Shifty's health. He had taken a blow straight to his hind quarters which had instantly crippled him. Though she had used her magic to aid him, it was a brief burst and not a full deposit of effort. She could heal him more, but she worried about exhausting herself in case they pursued.
Enya also worried and had a very real concern that this had been some elaborate scheme to bring a spy willingly into their Kingdom. If that was the case, then she'd fallen right into their trap. She'd been played a fool, and they were likely laughing at her right now. This thought made her lips curl in anger. No, it couldn't be some elaborate scheme, right? They wouldn't actually wound their own pack member to make it seem more real, would they? 'I would' she thought to herself along the way home.
The strong odors of the territory boundaries gave Enya a warm feeling inside. Safety. Home. she instantly felt. She kept a close eye on Shifty as they traveled, telling him to stay close to her side as they crossed over the marked lands. Duskorna did not take kindly to any sort of trespassers, whether they were vagrants or other. Once they had passed into home, Enya lifted her head and called out with a loud howl that echoed through the trees and out across the lake. It called specifically for Caedwyn and Eon to come to her with haste. Urgency tinted her call as she made the alarm cry.
With her summons loosed, she shook to try and rid herself of the worry and stress she felt upon herself. Was she making the right choice by bringing Shifty back with her? "Make yourself comfortable. You need to rest your wounds." Enya encouraged with a smile on her face and a teal gaze stuck to him. Suspicion was getting the better of her. "You'll be meeting my fellow Monarch and my best Noble." she explained as she forced herself into a sit. She remained tense even as she did so. The threat wasn't over yet.
For Shifty the trip seemed to go on and on and on. The shooting pain in his hindquarters was really slowing him down. He had to press on he cant let the leader of the tribe or clan or guild whatever it was he was in now, see that he couldnt take a hit. He wasnt a straight up fighter though. He was crafty, sly, discreetly striking from the shadows type. Not that she would know that. He didnt want her to know that... not yet.
When they finally stopped and Enya let out her howl it started him a tad. "Going loud now? We must be in safer lands then." His mouth was drying up Shifty wanted to pant to try and cool off from trek. "Any water around these parts? Another Monarch, sweet"Eye Roll He hoped she wasnt looking that intently at him, meeting more people was the last thing he wanted to do right now.
The winged canid had been sleeping upon a tree branch, blissfully unaware of the events that had just transpired. His wings twitched as they mimicked his dream, flying amidst a star-speckled sky, with nothing but the sounds of the wind and the occasional calling bird. That was until a howl pierced the darkness. His eyes shot open, and he jumped awake, startling himself off the branch as he began to tumble downward. “Huh, wha-? His wings were outstretched, and he caught a breeze just before he hit the ground, which allowed him to steer skyward again.
He recognized that howl—it was Enya, and It sounded urgent! Anxiety bubbled in his chest as he raced toward the border. The stench of Verdantis made him even more worried. There was a moment of relief when he caught a glimpse of her, but it was short-lived as he realized she wasn't alone. A Verdantian? His teeth bared, and he began to swoop downward, getting a good look at the 'guest.' Wait -he recognized this wild dog. His movements slowed as he tried to remember where - ugh, why couldn't his brain cooperate?
Analyzing the situation, it didn't appear the wild dog was a threat despite his scent. He'd gently flutter himself to the ground, his face confused as he waited for some context.
A voice floated on the air to his ears as he rested. A familiar voice. A beloved voice. But the voice had a tone of urgency to it. Desperation? His head shot up as he pulled himself from his slumber, where only moments before he had found himself bedded down for a nap. His feet carried him with surprising quickness toward the source of the cry. Alarm? Danger? Why did Enya's voice have that tone? Thoughts raced through his head as he urgently made his way toward her. Coming through the brush, he was met with the sight of Eon first, and then Enya, and then... another?
His footsteps slowed only momentarily as he skidded up toward the trio of canids. His nostrils flared, taking in the scent of the outsider. His teeth instinctually bared as he caught the scent of Verdantis. His alarm nearly made him attack yet his mind reasoned him to stop. They didn't appear to be fighting, so surely this outsider wasn't the source of Enya's need for alarm? Right? Instead of attacking, Caedwyn ran next to her, pressing his shoulder into her side reassuringly while trying to put himself between her and the wild dog.
He was glad to see Eon was already here. If there was to be a fight, he was glad to have such a loyal canine with him. But what was going on? Who was this outsider? "What's going on?" he barked, keeping his eyes on the outsider. "Is there danger?"
Enya saw his eyeroll (she had been watching him intensely, after all) and her eyes narrowed. This one was young and full of fire. He had some learning to do if he was going to fit into the ranks of Duskorna. "Really? You're asking for water when we just crossed and followed along a river?" If he was thirsty, why hadn't he drank as they traveled? "Never mind. Hold your thirst a bit longer and you'll be taken to a safe house where you will be fed and hydrated."
Wing beats sounded in the air above and Enya stood, her gaze turning from Shifty up towards the sky. Her fur bristled along her neck and spine as she half-anticipated a Verdantis to show it's face. Her half-snarl settled when she recognized Eon gliding quickly towards her as his figure broke past the tree line. Just as quickly as Eon had arrived, Caedwyn burst from the underbrush nearby. Her head swiveled to see him and relief flooded through her. If Verdantis had pursued them, now they would be met with a proper challenge.
As Caedwyn ran to her side and pressed against her, separating her from Shifty as he placed himself between them, Enya's tail wagged. She glanced back at Eon with a smile and pulled (reluctantly) away from Caedwyn's presence. There was news to be discussed. "Thank you both for heeding my call. He is not the current threat." she began quickly, her tone firm but calm. She made a point, however, to avoid calling him a non-threat. That was still to be determined. Her head swung to point at Shifty, then she circled around behind to lift a paw and point at his hind legs her magic had partially healed to draw their eyes to it. "Verdantis has made an attack against me. I followed the river and found him unconscious at its edge. I revived him and three Verdantis wolves came to the commotion. We both tried to leave peacefully and they attacked, drawing blood after boasting how Duskorna was the Kingdom to promote violence. They meant to take us prisoner." Even as Enya remembered the hyena who had made the very threat herself, she found herself wishing to meet her again. Wishing and wanting.
"Shifty - thats his calling - made a break for it at my command. I engaged with one of them to hold them off of Shifty until a higher ranked called off his dogs. They feigned permitting us to go, but I suspect there are scouts hot on our heels." The calm in her tone shifted as she spoke into a angry growl. Respeaking and reliving the tale rekindled the fury and aggression she felt at their assault on her. "He needs to be cared for and his wounds tended to properly by the healers. My magic can only do so much." she explained as she circled back around so she could look at the other three all at once. "But first, I think you need to answer some questions." Her eyes shifted, then, to Shifty as she spoke directly to him. Now that she had backup, she wasn't worried about him overpowering her in her weakened state or safely fleeing her grasp. "What did you mean when you said you wanted to rise to power in Duskorna? Where are you really from, and who really are you? Don't bother lying. It won't work"
Enya makes an attempt to read any thoughts Shifty may have in his next post
Success: Enya can read Shifty's thoughts
Failure: Enya sucks
Character Diceroll 1: Success Diceroll must be above 500 to be successful.
0 was added for Perception.
533 was added for Level 3.
0 was added for A. No Enchantment.
9 was added for B. Homeland Buff.
The Monarch and the Noble approached Shifty and Enya. They came in hot, ready to wreck anyone or thing that threatened Enya. Which was either impressive show of leadership or they are "kiss-asses" doing their best to work up the ranks of Duskorna. He didn't recognized the dark red wolf but the one flying in he'd met before in the old land. What was His name Ian? Owen? No! It was Eon. He knew this canine he had a booth setup during an event. He had moved up in the world here, a Monarch or Noble. Way more prestigious than a drunken bum.
The red wolf positioned himself between himself and Enya as if protective. Stranger danger was the most likely reason for this. But the look of affection when he and her locked eyes Shifty knew that he was the mate of Enya and the other monarch. Making Eon the Noble.
Yeah it was a crazy situation you see i went for a swim got caught in the current Enya's healing prowess resuscitated me. Then she recruited me into Duskorna. as we were leaving a how'd you say it Verdi.. Verdantis patrol ambushed us and got me pretty good on my butt.
Enya put him on the spot with his half true remark of wanting to move up in rank and power here. Well who doesn't like power? I've been a nomad for most my life. Figured i change it up here. New place, but not new faces. Eon I see you've moved up. I aspire to maybe one day be on his level. Shifty could really go for one of Eon's drinks right now he made some great liquor back in the day.
(Shifty's thoughts during this whole interaction so far has been Very nerve racking he doesn't like being the center of attention he enjoyed being alone. Shifty has been fidgety since Eon and the Monarch have show up. His tail isn't wagging, he's very tense Eon has eased it a tiny bit with his memory of delicious alcohol but he still thinks that he might regret joining Duskorna.)
Enya had been quick to point out that this stranger wasn't a threat but her next words only made Caedwyn more on guard. Verdantis had attacked her! His fur bristled, rising along his back in anger at her words. How dare those mangey curs go after her! His teeth bared but he did his best to remain quiet long enough for her to finish explaining how she had saved this stranger. So, not only had they attacked her, but they'd attacked this stranger after he'd been rescued? Caedwyn let out a disgusted scoff as he thought about the situation. Those cowards!
When Enya began to question the spotted dog, Caedwyn's eyes flicked over to him and watched carefully. Shifty. And he said he wanted to rise in power? Caedwyn's lip relaxed, though his posture was still tense and his fur still bristled in a threatening display. Well, certainly the creatures of Duskorna would welcome someone like that. Desiring strength... desiring power... these were attributes Tsillah would be pleased with. But given that they had just been attacked, Caedwyn couldn't throw caution to the wind. "You know Eon?" he asked, his eyes glancing away only momentarily to look to Eon for confirmation. Surely if Eon could vouch for him then at least they could assume Shifty wasn't a spy. It would have been a rather elaborate ruse to have Enya rescue a spy. A little too elaborate, in Caedwyn's mind.
"If you aspire to move up to Eon's level, thats the sort of ambition we need in Duskorna," Caedwyn said. "But it doesn't mean it'll be easy... obviously those rats over in Verdantis will do anything they can to keep us from prospering. " His lip twitched again as a low growl slipped out among his words. "We can't allow such a blatant display to go unchallenged! If they tried to kidnap you two, they might try again to catch one of us off-guard. We'll need to strengthen patrols around the borders nearest Verdantis... and..." He had began to talk rather quickly, his anger causing him to spiral into a frenzy before he realized what was happening.
Stopping himself, he finally took a deep breath, his fur along his back relaxing. "But first, Enya is right. We should tend these wounds."
Ugh, why couldn’t he remember where he had seen this wild dog before? He was beginning to get frustrated with his own forgetfulness, but tried not to let that deter his attention from what Enya was saying. She confirmed the wild dog was not a threat, but they had a much bigger one upon them… Verdantis, how could they? Boast of how peaceful they were and yet attack while Enya was in the middle of helping a stranger?
His ears were alert as he heard the wild dogs name. Shifty! That was right, he had seen them at the party Sage had hosted back in the realm. Nervous now at Enya's words that she may have been followed, Eon began to look around. His attention was brought back, however, she heard his own name mentioned. It was shifty. Seemed he remembered him too, perhaps a little more clearly. He gave a wild dog a quick nod in recognition. It did seem like he would be a good candidate for Duskornas ranks, and a determined one at that - if what he was saying was true. His attention quickly shifted to Caedwyn as he spoke. He agreed the first course of action would be to tend to Shifty’s wounds.
His memory was instantly brought back to the medic he had met a few days prior. She had an uncanny knowledge of herbs and their uses. He’d look back toward Enya. “Do you need help tending to his wounds? I can see if I can find another medic around, and keep an eye out for any Verdantians while I’m in the sky.”
Enya listened intently both to the words as Shifty spoke them and to his surface thoughts as they hummed through his mind. It was hard for her to decipher them fully from one another. She was listening to two mix-matched tunes miliseconds apart from one another. She got the jist of it, though. Nervous. Anxious. and was that... regret? He shared his part of the story, confirming the events as they had occurred. When questioned directly, his attitude seemed confident enough but his thoughts, his stance, and how his tail remained still behind him told her he felt otherwise.
She was being too aggressive towards him. He had done naught wrong since she'd encountered the young male. Her features softened as he explained that he had been a nomad for most of his life. It was a tough life, one she'd failed at living on her own. She'd once been a nomad herself, and many times after as she searched for her home. She found herself feeling akin to him. Then, much to her surprise, he called her Noble by his name. She hadn't used neither Caedwyn or Eon's name on purpose. Caedwyn seemed to be as equally surprised as they both turned to look at Eon for confirmation. When Eon nodded his head yes, Enya felt herself relax. She was feeling more and more confident about her choice to recruit Shifty.
Thankfully, Caedwyn swooped in with reassurance that Shifty was indeed in the right place. He encouraged him, praising his ambition, and Enya nodded her head along with him. Quickly, however, the conversation shifted to next steps and Enya reached out with her nose to turn and touch Caedwyn gently in the shoulder. "We'll discuss our matters once we get Shifty settled in with the healers." Eon offered her his assistance and Enya nodded her head again. "I'm exhausted from the fight and sprint getting back here. My healing is tapped." She looked down at Shifty's wounds and frowned. They must still hurt terribly. "Go fetch a medic and tell them they're needed urgently. We'll start walking our way towards the den by the lake's edge where they should meet us. Then find us and meet back again and we can discuss what's next." It was a temporary-use shelter made and intended for exactly these sort of situations should a guard fall under attack at the border. "Thanks, Eon" she added.
"You'll have your water there, Shifty, once we get you to the den." she offered. "Here, we can walk easier now that we're home." She turned to look towards Caedwyn, "Stay with me?" She knew she likely didn't need to ask, but she did so anyways. Then, she started forward to lead Shifty and Caedwyn along, lingering just long enough to answer any questions Eon may of had before he left for his short task. Oh, to so easily have wings to fly with.
