HoTL - Back to me

Snow whitened the landscape and tickled his nose. The Apprentice meandered softly through the drifts, his bright ginger coat contrasting against the winter earth. He could smell Salem in the air, soft and comforting as he trekked along the borders. It was rare for the young male to venture this far from the camp, especially since he had brought Bravery back to the camp. The Juvenile had been weary and shaken...Donovan had needed to remain in camp in order to care for him. But now that his adoptive brother's strength seemed to be returning gradually, Donovan had taken the opportunity to stretch his legs. The usually hesitant and den-bound male had grown more confident over the last few weeks. He had been honored when Ramona had offered him a position as her own personal apprentice. He would now be able to practice his knowledge of herbs and medicines professionally!

In fact, the Apprentice had been searching for any possible herbs remaining, muzzle close to the ground. Occasionally brambles managed to keep the snow from vital plants, preventing the delicate leaves from dying of frostbite. It would be lucky...but at this point the pack would need all they could find. Winter always managed to bring sickness.

Breathing in the crisp air deeply, the tawny male continued on his search, delicate features creased in deep thought.

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An air of weary gloom hung over her, like a small thundercloud had planted itself just above her ears. She could almost hear the crackle of lightning and taste the damp, electric scent that always alluded to a storm. She even looked upwards, towards the patches of sky through the bare tree branches, just to make sure it wasn't actually brewing a thunderstorm.

Her grey-blue eyes narrowed. It wasn't. Winter rarely brought such, anyway. But that didn't exactly provide comfort to her. In fact, it made her imaginary cloud stretch wider. A scowl soured her reddish features, shadowing her eyes. Baajaril heaved a heavy sigh and rolled back her broad shoulders. She stepped forwards again, paws dragging slightly in the white powder that covered the forest floor. Ears pulled back and tail hung limp as she walked, not bothering to hide her bad mood since she was out here alone. She could fester all she want by the edge of the territory, away from packmates. It was oh so easy. The big she-wolf plodded on, bitter thoughts drifting through her mind, each one hardly focused on before the next took its place.

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Donovan's interest sparked as he caught the sharp scent of coltsfoot. Picking up the pace, the young male slipped down a gentle slope, eyes focused on a bramble bush that jutted from the snow. It's brown and tanned branches twisted and twirled against the white, but underneath green showed. What luck! The yellow flowers were long dead, but if he could maneuver the snow off the plant, it would survive until the warmer months returned. But as he took another step towards the plant, his hind paw slipped into a hidden hole. Donovan yelped in shock as his foot plunged into the snow. Pain gripped his leg as concealed brambles latched on.

Steadying himself with his fore-paws, the male twisted his head around and looked at the trap, face crestfallen. He was painfully close to enemy borders, and this was no time to loose his footing! But the more he pulled, the quicker he realised the gravity of his situation. A small whine hummed in his throat. Great work Donnie. Just what the Alpha's apprentice is supposed to do. Fall in holes. Donovan chased away the nagging voice with a pathetic growl, and attempted to bite throw the tough fronds. He retracted his muzzle with a yelp as a thorn jabbed painfully into his nose.

But before he could lean in and try again, the distinct sound of approaching paw-steps caught his attention. Snapping his head towards the border, Donovan's fur stuck up on end, fear gripping his chest and making his breath come in short, hyperventilating gasps. Please don't be hostile. Please, please please.

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Something stirred through the quiet air, faint but sharp; a yipping noise of some sort. Baajaril halted, her glowering visage fading as guarded concentration swelled up in its place. Surely no Chogan wolf was out here, right? She pulled back her upper lip and sniffed, the fur along her back rising slightly. No, a stranger, her nose told her. Though she was confused... something seemed oddly familiar about the scent. Blue eyes narrowed as she took a step forwards. This was certainly enough to call for investigating.

A second yelp sounded, and she picked up the pace, brushing past dead brambles and ferns. Whoever it was, they sounded like they were in trouble. She couldn't hear the sounds of scuffling, nor any snarls, so it couldn't be a fight. That was good, she supposed, though a skirmish would've been exciting. She'd fallen out of practice lately, and didn't like the thought that she might be losing her battle skills. A voice nagged in her mind: train with your packmates! She grunted, knowing she was still shirking from socializing.

She rounded a wide trunk and came face-to-face with another wolf, awkwardly splayed on the ground. Baajaril slid to a halt, her eyes growing wide and her ears pricking up. The pelt was unmistakable, the scent now made sense! "Donovan!!" It came out as a shriek, and it took all her might not to barrel him down in her excitement.

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Donovan closed his eyes and covered his face with a paw, petrified. But when the shocked voice cut through the air, all fear drained from his body. Eyes flying wide, Donovan's mouth fell open as his gaze came to rest on the wolf whom he had missed so terribly. A loud whine escaped the male's throat and his tail thumped loudly against the ground, excitement writhing through his veins. He longed to leap forwards and embrace her, but the tendril cut around his leg far too tightly.

Kneading the ground with his fore-paws, Donnie craned his neck towards his old friend. He mouthed her name, the words catching on his tongue, far too overwhelmed to breath a word. But she would certainly be used to his lack of speech.

Baajaril!! My friend, my dear friend how I missed you so....

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A throaty whine of her own escaped as she stood, poised and on edge. Her ears lowered and she wagged her tail in furious relief, still struggling to keep from crashing down on him. Don't loose your head now! Baajaril inhaled sharply, forcing herself to calm and think straight. She had to help him. Eyes darted down to where the plants held him trapped, suppressing one hind leg within the ground.

"I'm here, I'm here," she murmured soothingly, stepping towards him and bending to sniff towards the thorn-covered tendrils. Blue-grey eyes narrowed in concentration. The pale she-wolf gave a grunt as she nosed his leg gently, then parted her jaws to nip the brambles. Thorns poked painfully but she ignored them, biting until blood dribbled from her maw. "Almost," She growled, yanking back a tendril and digging claws in the soil. "Try to pull out!" Baaja drew back, spitting out a thorn and specks of blood.

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As Baajar drew close, Donnie felt his lips turn up into a smile, eyes curved in joy. Her scent wreathed around him, embracing the young male comfortingly. He felt happiness grip his chest, so much so he barely registered the female snapping through the tough tendrils. Until her gruff voice demanded her move. Snapping back into the moment, the lithe medic yanked forwards. A sharp pain gripped his foot, but not before the vines gave way. With a yelp, Donnie was flung forwards as he leg snapped free, parading straight into Baajaril's chest.

It took a moment for him to register what had happened, but the soft pelt of his best friend brought the emotions back. Donnie twisted his head and pressed his nose into Baajar's pelt. "I....m..missed you." he crackled, accented voice breaking.

---

She shook her snout, scattering more droplets of crimson. As Donovan shifted forwards, she watched intently, almost biting her tongue in anticipation. A snapping noise sounded as the vines split, and Baajaril's view was thrust skyward as her long-lost friend smashed right into her thick fluff. With a grunt she fell to her haunches, only slightly winded from the sudden contact. As her thoughts cleared her maw brightened with a smile, triumph glittering from the depths of her blue-grey eyes.

The bulky she-wolf relaxed instantly as she felt the male press against her. A low chuft of delight escaped as she leaned down, resting her head over his neck and inhaling his familiar scent, a little different but no less what she remembered. Her tail wagged vigorously behind her, stirring the dead leaves. "I missed you too," She rumbled, rubbing her snout against his sleek fur. Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment, content to rest this way for perhaps eternity.

After a moment her curiosity and desire flared up. She peeked open her eyes, but didn't remove herself from the embrace. "Where have you been?" She asked lowly, tail continuing to thump with pleasure.

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Her rumbling voice was so familiar...so comforting. Twisting his head, he rested his chin against her chest, angling his face upward. "Salem" he murmured rasping his tongue over his nose. Cocking his head slightly, Donnie flipped the question. Raising his brows, his eyes glittered. And you? If they had been in such close proximity to each other, then how could they have lost contact so easily? Of course...it wasn't as if he hadn't searched...but Salem had a huge territory, and the neutral land between packs expanded even further than that.

It was like searching for a needle in a haystack. And yet...here they were, together finally.  

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She peered down at him, eyes lit with amazed curiosity. What were the chances they'd each found residence in the same lands? Though perhaps it wasn't as uncommon as she'd first thought. Recalling her arrival to Chogan, she'd been almost desperate for company and a place to rest. A soft sigh escaped her, and she briefly closed her eyes before answering Donovan's unspoken question. "I found Chogan." The creamy female returned her grey-blue gaze to his features, comforted by their very presence. How she was glad she had found him. It was infinite relief that washed through her body, delight and satisfaction that at last she knew. Baajaril shut her eyes again, shoulders drooped and tail softly thumping against the soil. Finally her search was over.

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He narrowed his eyes slightly as she spoke the name. Chogan. Donovan had heard of the pack now and then, but had little to no knowledge of it. But that wasn't what shocked him the most. The fact that he and Jaril had been living in such close proximity...and hadn't crossed paths until now? Lowering his gaze, the medic pressed his ear against her chest, hearing her heart thump steadily. The pair sat their in comfortable silence for indefinite moments. It had been far too long since they had relished once another's company. But now, finally, they were together again. As the quiet dragged on, Donnie finally spoke.

"Shall we hunt?" With nothing left to do, and his mind no longer hovering over herbs and remedies, he wished to make the most of this time. And after surviving on nothing but small game, he admitted to looking forwards to a proper meal.

---

Part of her was happy just to sit in silence, feeling the warmth of Donovan pressed into her fur. It had been some time since she'd shared anyone's close comfort, much less her friend's. No one else she considered as close to than the tricolor wolf next to her. Baajaril exhaled softly again, letting her thoughts flutter along, supported by a happiness lit by the reunion. However, she stirred to the sound of her friend's voice, both eyes peeking open and flicking downwards with interest.

Baajaril's tail swished out. "Certainly!" The creamy she-wolf agreed, ears twitching with anticipation. It would be grand to take her place alongside Donovan again, to chase prey as they had those months ago, surviving with just the two of them. Her tail wagged eagerly as she began to rise - a little reluctant to part but excited by the prospect of a hunt.

---

Donovan followed her movements, just as reluctant  to part as his companion was. But the thought of a successful hunt, racing through the territory, blood rushing. It was enough to overcome the hesitance. Taking a few steps away, he waved his tawny tail in a gesture for her to follow. During his trek to the border, the male had passed well-used tracks, most likely the evidence of prey. Deer were common in the woods, feeding off the tree bark and avoiding the moorlands. That would be their best bet!

A slight bounce lightened his step, and for the first time in ages, a smile cracked his face. He kept stealing glances over his shoulder, as if reassuring himself that his friend was still following. He led her into the woods just within Salem's borders. What with the snow, Donovan doubted his packmates would notice. Tipping his muzzle upwards, he scented the game.

He felt as though they were back to their old ways. During hunting trips, Donovan and Baajaril had always worked as an exceptional team. With her brawn and strength, the female was a formidable huntress. Donnie may not have the physical advantages, but his nose allowed for them to track down prey even in the hardest of seasons. As they rounded a small cluster of trees, Donovan spotted their targets. A small herd, fifteen to twenty animals strong, hovered in the distance. One large buck was among them, stretching up the trees to strip the bark. The others were all smaller does. All looked weathered from the harsh environment, but one would be more than enough food for the two hunters.

---

She stretched upwards and shook her coat out before turning to fall into step just behind Donovan. She was quite content to let him lead; particularly as he seemed to have a path in mind. It was just like old times, and the comfort and familiarity warmed her body more than anything had in the past months. For a brief second she wondered if they could return to that.

But as much as Baajaril felt distanced from her own pack, she couldn't think that her friend felt the same about his own. Surely he had better luck, in spite of his quiet demeanor? She wouldn't want to pull him away from anything. Maybe she could switch to Salem? Her mind flickered over the possibilities until she forced them away; she wanted to focus on here and now, being with Donovan again. She caught him glancing back at her constantly, which only heightened her affection for the tricolor male.

Her attention diverted to the prey as they came into sight, scattered throughout the woods up ahead. Sleek, tawny figures, and plenty of them. She licked her jaws in anticipation and stepped up to stand aside her companion. Baaja's gaze darted across the deer, searching for a weakness to exploit.

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Donnie's ears swiveled in Baajaril's direction as she came up beside him. He could see excitement flickering in her gaze, and felt his own adrenaline begin to pump. Snapping into hunting mode, he narrowed his eyes, a new leg of confidence entering his face. Let's do this. The voice whispered. Donnie jerked his head to Baajaril to get her attention. Pointing at his chest with a tri-coloured fore-paw, he then gestured to the herd, running on the spot. I'll get the herd moving; he spoke silently to her. Once in a panic, it would be easy for the female to take down a vulnerable target.

Confident she understood, Donovan peeled away from his friend. Keeping his white under-side low and out of sight, the youngster approached the beasts, forcing his heart to keep from running off in terror. Once he was in position, only breathes away from the does, he gave his companion time to organise herself before bolting forwards in a flash of teeth and barks.

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The hefty female stood still, her blue-grey gaze darting from one tan shape to the next. If they would move, she would be able to find a target better. Donovan seemed to have the same idea - the she-wolf quickly glanced his way as he motioned towards the deer. Baajaril's ears swiveled up and she gave a brisk nod of affirmation. Their usual tactic, naturally. She felt a rush of joyful excitement.

She watched briefly as he slunk away, then turned towards the herd again. The creamy female stepped forwards, sliding into a position to ready herself for the chase. She inhaled, attention focused entirely on the grazing deer, poised. Barely a minute had passed when noise broke the peace, and the deer bolted. Baajaril launched herself, already fixed on a target that had stumbled the first step.

She weaved past one of the does and jumped, kicking off powerfully to reach the one fleeing animal she had chosen. Her aim was just right, and her jaws clasped around the doe's leg. Snap! The deer bleated and fell forwards as Baajaril skidded, the conflicting momentum having worked perfectly. A broken leg was a quick decider of the doe's fate, and the she-wolf was upon her, taking a chokehold to finish her off.

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Everything seemed to work in slow motion. The herd fled upon the male's assault, chaotic cries of terror filling the air. Donovan sped along the ground, keeping pace with the animals, goading them onward with snaps and growls. Baajaril's form burst from the undergrowth, right on cue. Donnie pulled back as she overtook him, launching with the force of a bear into a young doe's hindquarters. The snap of bone and shriek of pain was enough to inform the hunter of their success. The rest of the herd careened away, understanding their companions fate. Donovan dug his heels into the earth, skidding to a halt a short distance from his companion. She had her vice-like jaws locked on the prey's throat, and it didn't take long for it's lifeblood to drain.

With a final quiver, the animal died. Donovan took a few breaths to steady himself, muscles buzzing from the hunt. Thank you. he praised silently. To who or what, he did not know. But he was grateful nonetheless.

Approaching the bearish female, he settled down beside her, pelts brushing. The young medic cast his friend a look that spoke volumes. Nothing more needed to be said between the two as they settled down to enjoy their meal. Finally. finally, Donnie felt safe again.

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