Tersek & Others

Dally's passing shadow was a constant source of assurance for Tersek that they weren't being double-crossed by returning to the Ruins on this day. The peregrine falcon had flown the entire route, then doubled back below the canopy just to be sure there were no Nuova Alba hidden anywhere about the trail. Sure enough, he spotted several of the members lounging around the Ruins, lazily awaiting their arrival rather than being crouched behind trees and shrubs, ready for an attack. Dally had relayed this information to Senka and Tersek during their trip, before heading back out to keep an eye out in the sky.

Tersek already had his tail held high, the grizzled-gray appendage waving like a proud banner as he approached the moat. Pausing at the edge, he looked down into the dry rocks and dirt that formed the bottom, and murmured under his breath to his co-lead, "We'll have to repair the moat, and find more River Monsters to fill it. I find it odd that she didn't have this up and running." The wolfdog lifted his head and peered past the dry moat and on towards the Temple that lay just beyond it. He gave a low, drawn-out howl to announce their arrival.

Black Mist and Duality had stuck together during the trip, keep pace with Aizen. It had been so many years since they last stepped paw in this place, it was hard for either to keep their concentration focused. Duality was testing the breeze over and over, while Mist was busy sniffing at the ground and eyeing the rather large feline prints that dotted the earth.

Cloudbreaker was more focused than her wolven counterparts, partly because this terrain required sharp attention, so that one would not stumble over the rocks and sloping earth. The scent of feline was particularly strong here, and to her dismay, she could not pick up any trail of equine. Still, as long as Velvet kept her word, it would at least be safer her than the Sonnet Forest, so Cloud would not complain.

Senka

Senka did not show any of the hesitation she felt especially as they got closer. Her mouth agape in panting as they pause by the moat.She thinks herself unbeatableShe said calmly.Doesn't realize that just because we had a moat and river monsters didn't make us weak but made us strong. it will be repairedShe said as he howeled she leaped down the moat and came above on the other side no hesitation despite her slight limp.

Menace and Radar followed their mother.

Aizen stayed by his sisters and father. His ears cocked forward and tail stiff.

Darkia stared over the place remembering her mother and family and shook her head as she followed Senka with little hesitation.

Kovu and the other were lounging around and eyed the new commers however; he assumed they were the others Velvvet had spoken about especially when Nemu moved around them to greet them.

Nemu moved around the pride of lions and moved to herself head butting her and rubbing right upagainst her.SenkaShe said.

Tersek & Others

"Mmphhh." Came the grunt of agreement from Tersek, answering Senka back before following her down into the moat and up the opposite embankment. High above his back, the wolfdog's tail bounced and swayed with his steps, boldly proclaiming that he was assuming leadership along side his much larger companion. None of his apprehension showed on his worn, graying face as he entered the courtyard of the Temple, passing by lions that he didn't recognize. Wary as he was of an ambush still, Tersek kept his head up and his cold, chilling yellow eyes alert as they swept over the immediate area, taking note of all that were there, and challenging any who didn't immediately show some sort of submission to his rank.

Lupanare felt her heart skip a beat when she saw her father, and felt a mix of emotions swirl through her. Tail held evenly out behind her, she sauntered through the lounging felines to nuzzle nuzzle, then gave a soft yip to invite Aizen and the others across the moat and into the Temple. Mo< Loping in behind her from the Temple itself, Sunburst joined the party by approaching Senka and Tersek, his lithe body held low, "MB" The end of his tail wagged a little, "How does it feel to be home?"

Cloudbreaker eventually crossed the moat too, taking care not to slip or stumble down the steep embankment on either side. She whinnied softly as her hooves clacked over the solid foundation of the courtyard, and perked her ears. She doubted they were here, but she still held hope that she might see her father or the other equines someday.

Exiting from the Temple, Velvet stopped at the side of the altar she normally gave her speeches from, and watched the procession with cool, calculating eyes. At her side, a tiny bundle of fuzz scampered around and awkwardly stumbled beneath her belly, which no longer bulged so prominently at the sides.

Senka

Senka nuzzled her sister. She wished her other sister Dusquie was still around. She kept one ear on the unfamiliar lions as she came to a halt. it is good to be homeShe said. She glanced around and then to Velvet and Tyrant and now understood another reason her son stuck so close to Velvet. Hmm trying to make me feel old Velvet?As he eyed her grandchildren. On the way here Terserk and I discussed a little outting for some of hte members so they can reaquint themselves with each other and maybe locate others who use to call our prides familyShe spoke soon after.

Tyrant was by Velvet for many reasons. Maelertech scampering under his feet and then going to try and tackle his sister. tyrant smiled at his mothers choice words. Your not old MumHe said calmly.

Darkia still needed to put weight on it was obvious but at least it was clear she could gain the wieght back. She kept close to Cloudbreaker.

Aizen followed his father across. He stayed by his father his tail held out straight behind him.

Tersek & Others

Velvet didn't give a smile to Senka, as it wasn't quite her nature, but her eyes reflected amusement at the other's remarks, and she offers a wry compliment, "Congratulations on becoming a grandmother, Senka." The lioness raises one of her front paws, so the two tussling cubs could be better seen, "The one that looks most like you and your son, her name is Oracle. The other is Maelertech." The male bore more of a lion's coloration, if one could discount the bold stripes that interplayed with the spots that all young cubs had. There was fondness in Velvet's eyes as she looked down at the two, a look that was rather new on the lioness's features.

That motherly adoration quickly faded back into a business expression as she addressed what Senka had brought up, "That's a good idea. The more members we can gather, the better, and working together will help reforge their bonds to one another." She glanced at the altar beside her, and nodded to Senka and Tersek, "In accordance with our agreement, you two are officially the leaders now. Take your stand, and address the pack - I am here merely to council you now."

Tersek was surprised at the sight of cubs, even if he had clearly seen her state of pregnancy on their last rendezvous; it was just odd to see the former Oracle of the Shadow Haunters with kids. Deciding not to comment on that, he followed Velvet's gaze towards the raised slab of stone and leaped up on top of it, leaving plenty of space for Senka to join him.

Senka

Senka had always wondered when her children would finally had cubs and Tyrant seemed to be the first to jump the gun. She listened to their names and chuffed at them quietly before turning to business and she leaped onto the slab as she observed the group fondly. It is time to try to see if any others remain. We all scattered even from each other and only now that we are back as the shadow haunters maybe now we can locate the others. It would be good to find the other animals such as Joey the elephant or any of the once carnivors and prey a like that once called our pack family. Their still around its just a matter of finding themShe said. Her eyes taking in every cat and wolf and horse present.
I will assign members to travel together not all of us will go of courseShe said. MbShe did not know their names.

Kovu stood up.I shall gohe said calmly.

Tersek & Others

Little Oracle attempted a growl at her brother as she continued to tussle with him, and ended up with more of a high pitched trill. She swatted at his face a few times before pausing mid-play and perking her tiny ears up at her grandmother. In a flash though, the big cat was gone, leaping nimbly onto the stone platform that was too high for Oracle to climb up.

Eyes and ears turned to Senka and Tersek when the pair addressed them. As Senka began to direct the groups, Lupanare moved towards Darkia, her tail waving slightly as she approached the mare. Likewise, Sunburst joined with Aizen, while Cloudbreaker steeled her nerves and approached the male who offered to join her. She couldn't quite keep her nares from flaring or her heartrate from beating steadily, but the zorse otherwise kept her composure around the unknown brute.

Waiting for Senka to finish, Tersek spoke next, "Menace and Blackmist, you two can search the outskirts of the human town, once night has fallen. Don't go into the town and don't let anyone see you. But we need to make sure none of our own have gotten captured."

Senka

She watched As everyone complied and di not argue or even much look to velvet for the okay. Good, perhaps Velvet was telling the truth on everything. Good those that are going to none human areas may head out now if they wishShe said.

Tyrant watched everyone.

Darkia snorted in greeting. You will have to forgive me but we will need ot travel slowShe speaks calmly. She did not wish to over exert herself.

Aizen listened his tail wagged at sun came over.

Kovu looked othe mare.My name is Kovuhe said.

Menace looked up.UnderstoodShe said.

Malertech growled playfully and then made to chuff back at his grandmother.

Tersek & Others

With her tongue lolling, Lupanare looked up at her much taller friend, without an ounce of suspicion or anger for the horse. Regardless of how the others felt, Lupa was dedicated to the Haunters, and accepted the others back into the fold without a second question, if that's what her leaders requested. "Slower is probably better anyway. That'll give us a better chance at picking up and scents or other clues if they're in the area." She gazed out past the partially collapsed walls of the courtyard they stood in, "Might as well start in the mountains since we're already so close to it, and then make our way down to the lake." Prepared to travel extra slow in the mountains, Lupanare took the initiative and padded on out of the courtyard, slipped across the moat, and headed up the rocky slopes south of the Ruins.

Like his companion, Sunburst's tail was waving cheerfully at the brute that was literally twice his size. "Heya, it's good to have you back Aizen." His orange eyes gleamed with excitement, "I kinda missed the company of other canines - just been Lupa and myself." There had been more canines of course, but an ill-fated attack against the Aspen Grove had saw to the death of Calian and Arochae. "Umm, where should we start first?"

A little less enthused than the others, Cloudbreaker at least did her best to be civil as she got use to these new lions, "Kovu." She repeated his name in greeting, "Since you're new here, I can show you to the Marsh and Eskers; we'll hit the Marsh first, just keep your eyes alert for alligators." Forcing a calming breath that really didn't help, the zorse turned tail and began to trot out of the courtyard, her hooves echoing loudly against the flat, exposed stones.

As the groups got ready, Tersek was pleased with how well the members were taking to each other again. "Not bad, Senka. This might actually work out." He muttered to the co-lead. "Hmm, say we fix the moat next? We just gotta dam that creek up again, shouldn't be too terribly hard. Then, find some new river monsters."

Darkia

Darkia listens to him and dips her head.Sounds good to meShe said and moves to follow after him.

Aizen tail wagged as sun came over. the canyon will probably be best to start atHe said.

Kovu nodded and followed her

Senka watched the groups disperse. One ear was always on velvet but she trust her son to not let any suprise attacks happen. Yes the moat is next., perhaps we should try to find some beavers? They could help fix itShe said calmly.

tyrant was laying down next to velvet and their cubs.

Tersek & Others

As the groups began to depart, save for those destined to skirt around the human's land, Tersek was listening to Senka's suggestion. "Mmmh, that's a thought. A beaver's dam would be a lot sturdier than anything we could build, and won't be easy for anyone to come in and dismantle like last time." As far as he could remember, there had never been beavers in the Haunter's pack, but the industrious rodents would be a great boon to them. "Kovu! Cloud!" The wolf raised his voice in a bark, having caught the lion's name when he introduced himself to the zorse. "On your way through the marsh, see if you can find any beavers. We'll need their help here."

Cloudbreaker had stopped and looked back over her cream colored shoulder, just barely making out the form of her two leaders across the moat. "We will." And with that, she continued onward.

Back in the courtyard, Velvet had eased down onto her side, allowing the cubs to feed. She also showed no irritation with Tyrant's presence; to the contrary, the lioness was relieved he stuck so close to her, just in case the returning Haunters decided to punish her for her role in fracturing the pack in the first place. With everyone seemingly getting along though, she raised her muzzle and spoke up to Senka and Tersek, "A few days before your arrival, we had a discussion about acquiring new avian members, as well as harvesting calves from the humans, to start our own cattle herd."

Senka

She finally laid down to relax. why not take the whole herd of cows? Calve's won't survive on their own and unless already weaned from their mothers will die of hungerShe said calmly.

Tyrant laid down his side touching Velvets. He had grown fond of Velvet and in his mind she was his now. He had no intentions of sharing her.

Maelertech nursed.

Tersek & Others

Tersek contemplated Senka's words, "You've got a point." He mulled on it a moment longer, nodding slowly, "Actually, that's not a bad idea... if we get the adults to agree to come with us, it'll be a lot less headache than trying to single out the young. And less commotion to alert the humans."

"I can help, if you'd like." Duality offered, stepping forward and bowing her head before her leaders. "We could take Nightshade with us as well, to show the cattle that we have herbivores in our ranks, so that they might trust us a little easier."

In the background, the coal-hued buck stood in attendance to this meeting, always showing up for the discussions but rarely getting involved. Whatever his thoughts were about it, he always kept them to himself. "If that's what you request, I will help." Nightshade answered.

Senka

She laid there as she listeened and she nodded to duality.Go at night, if dogs get alerted leave though without them and try again another nightShe said noddeding to nightshade.

Tersek & Others

"Understood." Duality said with a bow of her head, "Is it to be just Nightshade and myself? I don't know if I will able to free the cattle on my own." Duality knew enough of fences, but had never really encountered a lock or latch before. Cloudbreaker had described the one that she and Axis had puzzled over, and was worried that the strange human contraption might defy her. "I'd like to request another one or two Haunters to help me. If anything, it might take a few of us to keep the herd corralled and safe from other predators on our journey."

Tersek listened to his daughter's request, "Another pair of eyes wouldn't hurt. When the scouting parties return, we can choose one of them to send with you." Another issue struck him then, and he looked to Senka as he spoke, "If we're to keep the herd safe, we'll need to rotate Haunters out to the herd. Or train them to defend themselves; time with the humans have made them weak."

Senka

Senka listened to everything said from each of her friends. When a party returns take who ever you think would be of helpShe said then thought on that.We shall have our few prey animals teach them how to defend themselves, until then we will have to guard themShe said.