Closed To the Wild! [Deer Hunt]

[Lullaby]

35th of Winter, 513 AV - around eighth bell

The morning had dawned crisp and clear, with only a few clouds playing tag with the bright sun. Reflected off the snow, Avanthal seemed to be lit from within, glowing with the spirit of the city. "The perfect day," a man noted, nodding as he shielded his eyes from the sun to glance over the horizon. He shifted from one foot to the other, the only evidence of his growing impatience, glancing at his companion. Flanked by the team of other hunters who had agreed to take out another group of those outside of the Hold, a handful of Icewatch also stood at ease to accompany them. These odd group stood outside of the entrance to Frostfawn Hold, trying to stifle any nervousness that accompanied a first hunt with someone new. Someone you couldn't predict, and didn't know, and didn't fully trust. It made the hunting much more dangerous ... though it also proved as a chance for bonds to forge beyond the boundaries set by the Hold.

How much experience would these people have? Ryon, and his fellow hunter, Connie, could only hope they would help and not hinder the hunts that meant so much to the Hold. Though he questioned the logic of this decision, especially so closely following the Fall's events, Ryon supported his Hold's belief in the notion it would prevent further dissonance between the Holds. Some had fretted the blizzard that prevented the Hunt from happening last season was a sign it should not be, and that this sacred hunt be left to those who could manage it quickly and safely. Even with such uncertainty overhanging the journey, Ryon felt good about today. A few had pulled back their interest and shrunk the parties down to two, left to the best and the brightest (or so he'd like to think). They're in good hands ...

"Ah, here they come," Connie said quietly as she gestured to the faces that began to appear, trotting through the snow rhythmically. "Minosayaa, Una Tanta, and Lorelle Snowsong!" she called, trying to out-do the other group beside her that called out for one Meville Brightshade and a familiar Spirit Frostfawn. Waving a hand to catch their attention, Connie repeated their names, with a, "Over here!"

As the designated three separated from the rest, Ryon smiled at the small group, moving off from the other as the Icewatch quietly decided who would go with who. Eventually, three seasoned Icewatch guards joined their group with a polite nod to the pair of hunters. Ryon, grey beginning to streak his black hair, had the wrinkles of smiling, and a welcoming look. Older than many hunters, he was well-respected, and due to that fact, trusted to take non-trained hunters on this journey. Connie, younger by a few years, bounced on her toes like a small child as she huddled with the group, eyes swirling with multitudes of colours in a dizzying array.

"Good morning, you three," Connie began, "My name is Connie Frostfawn, and this is Ryon Frostfawn. The best hunters of the Hold! Though, I suppose if you ask, anyone will say that about themselves!" Looking to the Icewatch, she tilted her head, cocking an eyebrow in a gesture to introduce themselves as well.
"Flyn, Fin, and Quinn," Quinn rattled off quickly. Flyn and Fin, identical men with a quirked smile gave a wave, no more than thirty-five years old, but the scars that marked their hands they gave to shake Connie's and Ryon's told a story of knowledgeable Icewatch. Quinn was a smaller woman, serious, but had a small twinkle in her eye that brightened the otherwise flat composure as she nodded to the hunters and the group.
"Great!" Connie said brightly, turning to the group with a beaming grin. "And, my little darlings, what is your name?"

b

[Minosayaa]

Mino pranced through the snow with great enthusiasm as always. She had no clue what form to come as, so four legs it was. It WAS a hunt after all and this was her working form. Her Kelvic mind was a buzz with thoughts of the sled. Fun, fun, fun! She jumped into a snowbank here and there, where as the others called for the hunt just walked. But they weren't Kelvics like her, and Mino never tired of playing in the snow or sliding on the ice as she tried to chew through said ice to get to the fish below. She giggled in her mind. At the question of her name she gave a yodelish howl and proudly displayed her collar and tags: Minosayaa. The other tags showed that she was a Frostfawn Kelvic. So technically she wasn't Minosayaa Frostfawn. More Minosayaa property of the Frostfawn. She recognized the lady in front of her. Hello! Hello Miss Lady! Shall I lead your sled team today? Mino wagged her tail happily.

[Una Tanta]

As Una slipped into the library she winced, the light reflected off the snow dazzling her eyes and making her red coat glow. Disappearing into the dark room she shook the snow from her boots. Ironic, she thought smiling as the ice melted forming a small pool of water beneath her boots. The Vantha love of snow and stories when one destroyed the other so easily. Jack was working hard this morning, obviously his assistant Lorelle was late or absent. Una had never been introduced to her but she was in the library almost daily, even with her spiritist duties, and had seen her offhand a dozen or so times. Jack always seemed relatively impressed with her when he spoke of work. "I'm really busy today Una...maybe another day." Jack added as he strode past her, arms heavy with books. Since sleeping together their relationship had been strained and tenuous at best. "Alright..." Una muttered. She had hoped to get some breakfast with him before joining her group for the hunt. She had been rambling about the hunt for weeks, practically since it had been rescheduled. Doing her duty to Avanthal made her feel close to Cy and though she didn't know how to hunt she was slowly making a name for herself as a storyteller in Avanthal. Though she was still regarded as foreign, as her stories moved more like the Charodae did than the Vantha stories, they still seemed to impress many of the Vantha for their cultural relevance. This Journey would make a great tale, and learning to hunt would always be a benefit in a city so yearly touched by hardship. Leaving the safe enclave Una ventured into the bright day gloomy. Jack had hated the idea of her going, worried for her safety. She had tried to soothe him, telling him that there would be no shortage of Iceguards accompanying them. He wouldn't hear of it and as the conversation escalated Una had gotten frustrated...she'd said things she wish she could take back. Leaning against the library walls Una reached down tickling Sizzle under the chin. Sizzle was a Vani word and was difficult for her Char accent to replicate but she loved the buzz on her lips when she tried to say it. The little red dog was half a year old now and oddly serene. She had seen his brothers and sisters around now and again, tunneling through the snow and yipping at people's heels but Sizzle always seemed perfectly at ease to sit and stare at his surroundings. It disturbed Una greatly at times, especially when his gaze met hers. When she had first gotten him he'd wanted nothing to do with her at all, growling when she walked by and wrinkling his nose at her fishy smell. Una gazed forlornly at his stump. One leg was missing just below the knee from an accident on their last trip beyond Avanthal's walls. Una vowed he would never get hurt again. Secretly in the back of her mind she couldn't help but be faintly glad for his pain for it had given her the ability to care for him, and he loved her for it. He jingled as they walked, the gold bells around his neck flashing in the daylight and resounding off the name plate where her name and Savintar Warrens was engraved. He was only a year old but had grown tremendously in the few weeks she'd had him already his shoulders brushed her knee. Re-positioning the backpack Una slipped into the meeting place munching quietly on a piece of dried seaweed she'd packed. Una could see Spirit approaching and waved happily. Maybe she would be in their group? Una hoped so, the young girl was more skilled than she gave herself credit for. Una had seen first-hand how calm she could be in a dangerous situation and as the woman who raised Sizzle Una couldn't help but feel inferior to the girl, like a child next to her. Frowning, Una ran her thumb along her palm soothingly. What would she say when she saw Sizzle's limp? The feisty little male got around relatively easily but the little snow shoe stump the vet had attached still left him with a limp and slowed him down. Spirit approached with several dogs at her side, Una had seen them with the girl when she had adopted Sizzle but didn't recognize them by name. Sizzle did, lifting his nose he let out a comedic half-strangled howl and in an unusual show of playfulness pranced up to them, his tail straight up, the ever dignified beast. Una was surprised when he skirted the first dog, ignoring it to join the others. Maybe that one was new to Spirit? As Spirit, surrounded by dogs, moved to another group Una called Sizzle back. Hesitantly Sizzle obeyed his eyes focused back on his family as he reluctantly returned to Una's grateful side. With all these people around them Una was glad he had obeyed. As she approached the group that had called out her name Una gazed at the two before her. Though both eyes twinkled, colours ever changing like all Vantha Una was distinctly aware that these were Men and Women not boys and girls like most of the Vantha Una had met. Not realizing how much she had adapted to being surrounded by childish versions of herself she felt dwarfed by the two's presence. "I'm Una," Unlike the Frostfawn hold she didn't feel the need to introduce her dog like a person and only did so when asked. Sizzle sat at her heel chest puffed, as was his usual stoic stance as he gazed around him ears a blur as he tried to hear everything around him at once while his eyes remained locked on the dog before them. Una glanced down at the dog that had previously been prancing alongside Spirit's horde of dogs. It had separated to join them instead. Una smiled, with so many dogs and hunters around Una was glad Sizzle was bright red or she'd lose him for sure in the racket. Turning back to the two she caught the fervent glances they were exchanging. She had thought they had agreed to take her because of her storytelling experience, it was important to keep moral high both in and out of the hold. Stories on the trail would aid in one and stories upon their return would aid in the other but the uneasy exchange between the two made her wonder if her role as apprentice spiritist hadn't had some impact on the decision.

[Lorelle]

Lorelle wasn’t exactly sure why she was doing this. The reason she asked to be apart of it last season has been lost to her. Now nerves and doubts twist in her stomach as she walks towards where they have been asked to meet. Well, if nothing comes out of this maybe she will learn a little about survival or hunting. Or both. Being a Snowsong and all, such things aren’t exactly a part of what her parents felt the need to tell her. Though, if Meville was serious last season and they do decide to leave together in the near future some knowledge on how to survive will be needed. Hunting could help with that. Couldn’t it?

Lorelle isn’t even sure. Her eyes swirl with a mix of emotions as she trudges through the snow and tries to come up with the answers for herself. Eva prances at her side. The bright red Kalean Spicecoat is quite happy playing in the snow. She is a year old now but still acts as though she is just a tumbling puppy first getting to explore the snowy world they live in.

Jumping out in front of Lorelle, Eva lets out a bark as she sees some of the other dogs. Lorelle almost trips over her body, making Eva earn herself a glare. The Vantha would scold, but she just barely catches her name amongst all those shouted out. Her ears perk up and listen as all the voices collide together as one group tries to outdo the other. Meville’s name is the only other name she is able to easily recognize. Though his name is said by the another voice. Pinching her nose slightly, Lorelle looks up. She sees two groups. Good, that must mean Meville is in a different group that is not hers. She also sees many dogs, running a hand through her barley shoulder length hair, she watches as Eva catches their scent. The dog charges ahead, running after the red dog of one familiar but strange looking creature.

Lorelle sighs, knowing she can’t let Eva get out of control or attack another’s dog. She lets out a whistle trying to call the red ball of moving fluff back to her. Eva stops for a moment, looking back with perked ears before letting out a sharp bark. She turns and starts heading for the group again. Well... At least she is heading for the right group. Lorelle groans before she begins to run and catch up to her. She calls Eva’s name out, trying to sound as sweet and pleased as she can. Long ago she found out that Eva doesn’t respond to harsh words. Or a harsh tone.

The dog isn’t exactly easy to catch up with and by the time Lorelle does, they are right behind the group of six and the other two dogs. Lorelle looks at the group, listening between her panting breaths to Connie’s greeting. Her cheeks are red and her eyes a multitude of colors. Ranging from embarrassment to anger. Eva sniffed her way around, scoping everyone out. She made sure to get everyone’s scent before returning happily to Lorelle’s side, tail wagging. The Vantha only gave a small glare, not exactly the happiest Vantha of them all at the moment.

Lorelle’s gaze is turned away from Connie as she listened to everyone’s names. She looks to each person as their names are spoken, giving each a small nod as she mentally makes sure to remember the names. “Lorelle,” she answers simply when each is asked for their own names. Her gaze turns to each person in the group before looking to the dogs. Three of them. One with Una and another who didn’t seem to belong to anyone in the group. She raises an eyebrow slightly before looking more closely at the dog. Lorelle looks down at the collar around her neck. Minosayaa. Interesting name. One she recognizes now from when their names were all being shouted out. Was this dog just a dog? Or something more?

Looking away, Lorelle lets her mind drift for a moment. She recalls hearing Meville’s name in the other group. Why is he doing this? He isn’t a Vantha. May act like or feel like one sometimes, but he was most certainly not one. Course neither was Una. Lorelle isn’t exactly sure what Una is. Shaking it off, the Vantha decides it is best to just focus on the group in front of her. Keep her mind from wandering and coming up with solutions as to why Meville wants to do this that are really best just left outside of her head.

Eva lets out a sharp bark as if the remind Lorelle of her presence. Lorelle looks down to the now sitting dog whose tongue is flapping about at she pants. ”Being a bit dramatic don’t you think Eva? It was not that long of a run,” Lorelle mutters in her head. She would roll her eyes but that seems as though it might give the wrong impression of her relationship with her dog to the Frostfawn. That sounds like something best avoided. No need to cause unneeded tension. “And since she feels the need to be introduced. This is Eva,” Lorelle introduces, waving to the dog. At the sound of her name, Eva lets out a bark. Lorelle gives a small eye roll before giving in and letting herself give a slight laugh and the shake of her head. What a dog she has. What a dog indeed. Hopefully she will be helpful today and not make to much trouble. That would be nice.

Lorelle sighs softly, crossing her arms as she waits to see what happens next. She isn’t sure what else to do now that she has introduced herself. The nerves of being with these experienced people while being so inexperienced tug at her. Her only hope is that Una and this Minosayaa who appears to be a dog, are both in the same snow bank with her and she isn’t the worst one here. It would be nice to not be the worst. Very nice indeed.

[Lullaby]

It wasn't long before a pair of girls split from the group, and approached, accompanied by a few animal companions. Ryon assumed the one was a female, from her distinct delicate features with the odd coloured skin and rubbery skin. "Charoda," he muttered to himself, seemingly surprised that such a creature would accompany them today. A mix of pleased and curious, his ever-changing eyes only left the strange looking woman when Connie spoke to the first to reach the group.

"Well, hello there, Minosayaa," Connie said immediately as a familiar sled dog trotted up to them confidently, with the light playful air the young Kelvic always wore. Kneeling, she rubbed Minosayaa between her ears, checking her collar wasn't too tight. The young Kelvic was raised within Frostfawn, and considered a capable lead sled dog as she understood what was needed to be done. "Come to lead our team today? I am glad you signed up," the woman continued. Removing Minosayaa's collar, she put the tags in her pack, as the worn collar had a chance of getting tangled in the harness she would be hooked to and choking her later. Additionally, no Frostfawn felt comfortable restricting a Kelvic's ability to shift, as Minosayaa wasn't property, she was a child of Frostfawn.

The other two approached moments after, and introduced themselves accordingly. Nodding to each, Connie smiled at the dog that accompanied Una. Seemed quite well trained compared to the other ball of fluff that ran between legs and sniffed everyone before returning to the side of the woman who named herself Lorelle. "Seems we have some extra company today," she noted while eyeing the dogs. Connie shrugged though and straightened, not wanting to waste time with speculations.

"Let's make this quick, and hopefully be off in moments. The longer we have the better. To clarify, Minosayaa is a Kelvic raised in Frostfawn, but for this hunt will be acting as our lead sled dog. The dogs you bring will be your responsibility, and this is no prance out in the wilderness full of warmth and sunlight. This could get dangerous, and we cannot endanger the entire group going off our route to search for a puppy who has run off, since it is easy to get turned about and lose your way. We also might be too far to return quickly for a vet if need be.

"I warn you now since I know how precious our family is to us, and if you do not feel your puppy is trained enough to stay with the group, and more importantly, out of the way during crucial moments, I beg you consider the choice of leaving them with someone you trust." Connie knew this dogs looked young, and in Lorelle's case, a little bit excited. Completely understandable, but unbelievably dangerous outside of the walls. She met Una's, and then Lorelle's, gaze evenly, her own sharp eyes making sure both girls thought about it.

Once the dog situation was sorted, and everyone had settled once more, Ryon took the moment to address the group. "It is a pleasure to have you on our Hunt this season, as these mean a lot of the Frostfawn Hold and it's lovely to have everyone participate. As Connie as said, though, this is not a simple stroll, and though I believe you have no need to worry, it is much more dangerous out there. I was supposed to lecture to you all on it, but I don't feel the need to treat you like children, I trust you know what you've signed up for. It would be best if you all were able to use some sort of weapon, but by the looks of things you didn't bring any, which I assume sums up if you use one?" Arching an eyebrow, Ryon seemed hopeful they would prove him wrong.

b

[Minosayaa]

Minosayaa was more than happy to accept Connie's affection. A scratch behind the ears was just as good as any other praise she got on two legs. Maybe even better! She sat down to listen to Connie, occasionally she'd give a 'hush' to the younger pups of the group. After Connie explained Mino's heritage to the group, she got to her feet to greet the other women in the group. She approached the first who was very fish-like in appearance. Charoda, someone had said. Hello, Miss Charoda it's nice to meet you and I hope this will be the first of many good trips with you. She turned to the little red pup.So you must be Sizzle, you've kinda got a limp...But you seem quite capable. Good luck pup! Now she made her way to Lorelle and Eva.Hello to you as well Lorelle, my your pretty! Mino looked Eva in the eyes,Calm down pup, save your energy for the trip, kay? Minosayaa returned to Connie and sat back down.

[Una Tanta]

Una met the woman's gaze firmly. Sizzle wasn't well trained, and only listened to her from time to time but after his leg had been robbed of him Una was sure he could take care of himself. She glanced down at Lorelle's pup who was nibbling on the end of her boot and batting at her laces playfully and frowned, doubtless her puppy would not be as clever as Sizzle. "It is a pleasure to have you on our Hunt this season, as these mean a lot of the Frostfawn Hold and it's lovely to have everyone participate. As Connie as said, though, this is not a simple stroll, and though I believe you have no need to worry, it is much more dangerous out there. I was supposed to lecture to you all on it, but I don't feel the need to treat you like children, I trust you know what you've signed up for. It would be best if you all were able to use some sort of weapon, but by the looks of things you didn't bring any, which I assume sums up if you use one?" Ryon frowned at both of them and Una gulped anxiously her confidence draining from her face and she took a moment to glance at both the sled dog and Lorelle. Was she out of her depth? Sizzles cold black nose pressed into her palm his golden eyes gazing comfortingly, She smiled back at the darling beast and turned with more confidence to the two before her eyes roaming over the Polar Bears that shuffled around and the hunters who were readying their sleds. As everyone moved about the scene only Sizzle's cold nose gave her confidence.

[Lorelle]

Lorelle raises an eyebrow slightly, looking to the Kelvic appearing as a sled dog. Interesting. The Vantha hasn’t interacted with all that many Kelvic. So meeting one is always an experience. Her attention is soon brought back up to Connie as the dogs are mentioned. The woman makes sense and makes Lorelle think. She looks down to Eva. The dog is sitting up, looking up at her. It was probably a stupid idea to bring her. The dog has been a handful this past year. She has only just began to get better and well... calmer. Not that she is calm, just more so than she was last year. Lorelle sighs. Would she do good under pressure? Would she listen? Stay out of the way?

Lorelle gnaws on her bottom lip in thought. Probably not. She would do exactly the opposite of what is needed. Eva knows how to listen. She understands some basics. But that doesn’t mean she will listen. Lorelle isn’t sure if she can risk it. The dog being her only real friend for awhile. Crouching down, she runs a gloved hand through the dog’s fur. No, she can’t risk it. It may be embarrassing, but it is the smart thing to do.

Standing up, Lorelle looks to the others in the group for a moment. “One tick,” she says before giving Eva a shrill whistle. The dog jumps to her feet, following Lorelle eagerly. The Vantha remembers her father saying something about doing something for an old Frostfawn friend today so she doesn’t mind leaving the dog with someone in the Frostfawn hold. And since it is so close, it will work out well enough. She takes Eva into the hold, getting her situated with someone who knows her father before saying good bye to her red friend and leaving the hold once more.

Lorelle returns to the group a handful of chimes later. She feels guilty for holding them back for however long, but her heart is at ease. Not as much risk now. All she has to worry about is herself. Not a creature so close to her heart.

When the female Vantha gets back, she listens to Ryon. Another set of words and sentences that make her feel guilty. She wishes now that she had actually learned something about weapons. What she knows is little and very basic. She sighs softly, wishing there was a wall to lean against or something to hide behind. “Sorry,” she admits, “I doubt the very basics of weaponry that I know would be any sort of helpful.”

“So yes,” Lorelle continues slowly, letting her gaze fall to Ryon, “the lack of weapons about sums it up. At least for me it does.” She looks to Una, wondering if the Charoda she met earlier this season is able to prove Ryon wrong. Doubt fills her quickly. Noticing that the woman from the sea hasn’t answered Ryon except by silence. Lorelle’s gaze travels away from the Charoda and to the Kelvic. Seems as though her only weapons are her teeth and claws. Probably all that is needed since she is leading the sled, not really hunting. At least that is how Lorelle is understanding Connie’s explanation of Minosayaa's presence here.

Lorelle looks back to experienced Frostfawn in front of her. How she must look to them. Thoughts of being foolish and stupid fills her. She tries to push the thoughts away. Trying to convince herself that it isn’t her fault. She was born a Snowsong. Not really a hold known for their skills with weaponry. She sighs again. What does this mean for them? Will they be taught something in order to be helpful? Or will that just get in the way? Lorelle bites her bottom lip.

“I am not opposed to learning about a weapon. It probably isn’t convenient to have to teach with haste or have so a novice trying to hunt. But something is better than nothing. Right?” the words fall from Lorelle's mouth without her really thinking about it. She looks to the Frostfawn before her with a steady, but color shifting gaze. Her eyes having drifted away from them as she spoke. She just hopes she doesn't sound as naive as she feels. That would be embarrassing and even though it is probably not true, Lorelle feels as though she has endured enough embarrassment for once day.

[Stefan]

Ryon sighed about the fact that none of the presents knew how to use a weapon, but brought the sled anyway. Experience was the best teacher, after all, and they knew in what they got into. The sled was enough to accommodate two persons, as well as some supplies for the two day trip towards the hunting outpost, were they could find more supplies. There were also bedrolls, a small tent and materials to make a bonfire, but every one of them were required to bring fling and steel. The last detail was a small shortbow with a couple of dozens of arrows, as well as a couple of hunting knifes: just a little something in case they could find the chance to hunt something before they arrived, or more likely defend themselves if they found anything. The Kelvic sled dog, Minosayaa, was indeed eager of beginning the journey, so Connie made sure to put the sled on the Kelvic as quick as possible. There were seven sled dogs in total, including Sizzle. All of them were tied with the sleds and were prepared for the travel towards their destination; their excitement showing off by their eager panting. “It’s time to go, and the weather couldn’t be better” Ryon reassured the new hunters as they got on the sled “We wish you luck, and please, take care!” and with a whistle, the sled dogs leaded by the Kelvic started to pull, with the sled following them. Morwen wasn’t there this winter, so the group could enjoy a slightly warmer climate and a great view of the landscape when the sled was going forward. It was pure whiteness as far as the eye could see with clear skies, and mountains far away. The Frostfawn Hold became a small dot in the distance in a matter of minutes, as well as the entire Avanthal. The cold air hit Lorelle’s and Una’s faces, as well as the dogs though they were used to it, and were capable of running in the snow during quite a while without tiring. Even Sizzle seemed excited about it. Almost like giving them a welcome, a group of deer were visible far away; their brown fur and big antlers making them highly visible in the snow on the background. They were a group of six, with the males having big antlers, but at soon as the sled was passing, they quickly fled away, just to get lost on the white landscape. The event was just a moment, but it was almost like a promise; a promise of what the possibilities that this journey could bring.

[Una Tanta]

Una was grateful to see that the others had prepared equipment for them. Having lost much of her equipment in a previous excursion done in the name of Avanthal she hadn't thought to replace it before the hunt. Heat rose to her cheek at the realization but she had been so wrapped up with Jack she hadn't put a lot of thought into anything else. The mention of weapons made her eyes widen incredulous. She hoped they didn't expect to teach her any weaponry. Though she saw the value and necessity of the skill in the Wilderness she preferred to use her wiles to escape instead. Raised with a penchant for all life and a deep connection to life under the sea it was easy to transfer the feeling to mammals. She knew how life felt under her fingers while manipulating the coral into her home. He soft press of loving motherhood and the the vicious tenacity it perpetuated with it. Life made her marvel and the thought of meat or death made her vaguely nauseous. Human death was much easier to deal with. Humans died all the time, their carcasses like little insect shells littering the floor. While Una could never lay a hand on something so sentient neither did she feel the need to scoot or wince around them. As Ryon reached for Sizzle to hook him up behind Mino Una stepped in front of him hurriedly. "He's just a pup, he hasn't ever been attached to a sled..." Una explain uncertainly. The man was an experienced hunter and doubtless at this age he expected Sizzle to be an adequate sled dog. Una wished that were true sometimes for the pups nonchalance was exhausting sometimes but alternatively she had never had a need to go sweeping across the ice on a sleigh, nor the team of dogs to do so. "I think he would be less of a nuisance running free for now." She suggested. The small puppy gazed between the two of them unintelligible thoughts flicking across his mind. Una winced at the hunter, refusing to read his expression she stared deep into the pupies molten gaze. He undoubtedly thought her a fool for bringing along so useless an animal. Una stepped onto the sled behind Lorelle and swallowed before leaning into Lorelle to hold an edge of the sled. Remembering back to the library when she had first met Lorelle Una didn't say a word despite the closeness. Her cheeks beamed like Syna with her embarrassment regardless. Apparently, Lorelle also felt no need to talk about what had happened. She couldn't help but blush at the thought of that night, thoughts drifting to Jack. Dark spots of promise silhouetted the horizon as they took off across the snow snapping Una to attention. Jack was cradled in the womb of the library at this moment, thinking of him would benefit her none. The sled slid creaking and groaning as it was pulled into motion Sizzle stayed timidly nearby at first as the looming shadows dashed off into the blinding white of the tundra. Once they had passed the gate and the vastness stretched out before them Sizzle grew boulder.Leaping among the sled dogs who snapped at his heels Sizzle quickly became a nuisance. "Sizzle. No." Una instructed firmly, as Spirit had instructed. Glancing back at her in deference Sizzle almost seemed to frown as he slowed to run alongside the sled. Syna beamed brilliantly overhead making the snow glitter blindingly before them. Suddenly she felt a warm arm wrap clasp her upper arm. "Ah!" Una yelped turning to look at- Jack? Una tilted her head pulling away from his hand slightly. "What?" "Don't run off just because of Cy." He replied gruffly staring at the snow. Emotions weren't his forte Una had quickly realized. "You belong with the books, in the library. With me. Not running about in the open tundra." Yanking free off him Una continued to march along with the crowd. "No!" Jack demanded grabbing her arm harder. He was used to running things his way and though Una wished to defy him she nodded slowly, obediently. Not only was he right, but her staying would make him happy. Turning she nodded to the Frostfawn driving the other team. "You can use Sizzle. It will be good for him to feel useful and do work." The man nodded appreciatively and dismounted to tie the elated Sizzle into the harness. I was being overprotective...Una reasoned as she watched the proud puppy contribute, easily sliding the sleigh over the snow with the help of the others. He would be fine. OOCI have 14 threads active right now and this one just didn't seem to be progressing anywhere. Thanks so much Stefan for taking over, you and Lorelle can continue this as you please