Alone In The Land Of The Kings [all welcome]

[CUR]

i know you think you're tough

Spring had come on slow this year and in its wake had come tiny gnats and flying things of all descriptions. After the brutal winter which had just passed it was amazing that anything at all had lived, especially things so tiny as bugs. All the same they had begun to explore, seeking out the heat and safety that dogs represented to their kind. A tall brindled dog, legs easily as sturdy as those of a Rottweiler, stood tall and looked around what had so recently been his kingdom. The brutal weather had washed away any hopes of togetherness as dogs' senses were dimmed by heavy snows and freezing rain.

The weather wasn't what had gotten this large dog down, but losing his family hadn't helped. He had lost his mate, Wiki, and five of their six pups had disappeared along with her. Only Don was still by his side, while the others had probably become stranded out somewhere in the packlands. He was hoping so, spending every ounce of his energy on praying that they were safe and sound somewhere waiting for his return.

Those were only hopes, and he knew that such terrible weather would not have been kind on Wiki- the only one among that small group large enough to really hunt and the others were surely depending on her. He could not bear the thought that maybe they weren't all together. He knew it was possible, but didn't even want visions of any pup starving alone to cross through his mind.

This kept him going, night and day for hours on end with very little rest. The packlands were large with an enormous limestone castle of sorts and a great many trees on the border. Unfortunately, he knew how likely it was that they were circling around as well, looking for him as he looked for them. If that were the case, and it may well be, he could be looking days or even weeks before stumbling across one of them.

Exhausted and barely able to stand, he finally decided to settle down for a bit and catch his breath. He was fairly close to the far border and wouldn't be able to go on for probably a good hour or two. Frustrated at his inability to do anything worthwhile for his family he let out a low, mournful howl. He knew his voice would carry far and Don, who was asleep in the chateau, would probably just ignore his call. That did not matter to Hunter. The Catahoula cared only to bring his family together again or at least help others who may have been lost on his lands during the storm. Wearily, he plopped his rear end to the ground and surveyed the area around him before dropping his head to his paws.

are you willing to test that theory?

[lyric]

A hash winter had forced Lyric to take permanent refuge in the city, avoiding the worst of the weather in the shadows of tall buildings and littered alleyways. Born a housepet, having lived a good life until life changed and she’d been forced to adjust or die, Lyric had spent a great amount of her younger life in the sprawling subberbs. As such, her preference had always been space and shelter of the natural sort and the stray spent as much time outside the city as possible. Yet one dog in the wildness has little chance of survival and she had been driven to the streets more permanently.

Yet hope was on the horizon, and though the winter had been sluggish in leaving, spring was rolling quickly through stirring the whole world back to life. On the morning that Lyric woke up, tucked carefully between an old door and a building, to buzzing gnats and a swarm of bugs hovering nearby, she decided it was high time to escape the city’s confines. The woods and the wild would soon be alive with enough small life to keep her belly full, food far superior to the scraps she had lived off all winter. With that in mind, the border collie struck out determinedly, winding her way through the much too familiar city streets toward the safety and sanctity of the outside world.

By midday she had found herself outside city limits in a small patch of forest with a creek, paws tired and sore from padding along the warming asphalt as such a brisk pace. With a bark of anxious relief Lyric picked up the pace, churning up splashes of icy cool water as she soothed her tired feet and washed the traces of city from her dull and dreary fur. The relief was instantaneous and suddenly the young collie felt like a pup again, clean and calm and surrounded by a world of peaceful sound instead of harsh noises.

Speaking of noises…

A sudden, forlorn howling call broke through the twitter of birds and the buzzing of gnats. Startled and intrigued by it, and optimistically not considering that the sound of another dog could possibly mean trouble, Lyric leapt out of the river, shook herself as dry as she could, and loped gracefully onward toward the sound.

Not long after she emerged from a stand of trees to see a dog in the far distance, a big, dark thing in ways off. Pausing, Lyric tested the air but the wind was against her. Suddenly recalling her survival senses, the dog remained in her spot, barking a friendly greeting and hoping the warmth was reciprocated. She was in no practice for a fight.

[CUR]

fuck. damn! DAMN!

It had been a long and miserable morning for the eldest prince of the Monarchy. First light had found him nervously licking his feet to take his mind off of the stressful situation he was going through. He could barely wrap his mind around how his family had begun to fragment and break apart. First it had been his family and him, eight strong and happy as could be, but now this damned weather had fouled things all up and there was little he could do. This powerlessness made him more anxious than normal, and his chronic licking had a lot to do with his ragged nerves.

He should've been happy, after all now there was virtually nothing standing in his way of inheriting the throne. He would be able to succeed his father as King and would live the life that had been made his destiny when he was born as the first son of his parents' first litter. That was not likely once he developed the irritating ticks and twitches that had plagued him his entire life. He shook uncontrollably at times, although there were days when his condition was barely noticeable. All the same, he feared that any sign of weakness may eliminate him from consideration of heir to the throne.

damn.

And then there was the problem he had with words. Sometimes he just couldn't get them to come out right. It seemed they started and stopped sooner than they ought to, and yet other times he couldn't stop the words from coming out, yet it was never what he meant to say, and often not even what he was thinking.

He sighed, having heard his father's mournful cry ring out over the territory once more. He knew his father missed their family terribly, maybe even more than he did, and so he went out to greet him and attempt to help in the search or at least cheer his dad up a bit. He deserved it, after all he had been through as of late.

He travelled with his head down, looking at his paws and tracing an erratic path over the territory. He tended to zig and zag more than really follow a path, and that was just one more frustration to attend with, but as of now there was nothing he could do about it. Shaking his head, he tried to clear his mind but had little luck. He saw as he came to a stop, his father on one side, that there was another dog not far off who must have also been answering the call.

He knew by the newcomer's size and stance that she was not of the previous pack but her friendly greeting heartened him, and he barked out his own friendly hello, tail wagging and head lowered kindly, letting her know how pleased he was to see that there were other dogs coming back to the area.

Hunter, too, had taken kindly to her, and he saw his father approach the young Collie kindly, from a slightly sideways angle rather than head on, and though his head was held at its usual height he had his eyes blinking kindly and ears flopping loosely atop his head. Everything in his manner said 'kind dog, no harm here' and yet he still stopped several feet away to call out to her, "Hello, I am Hunter of the Monarchy, and I welcome you to these lands. It has been far too long since my son and I have seen another dog." With this Don angered slightly, mad that his father should be speaking for him. So what if he were the alpha? That didn't mean Don wasn't still able to talk, even if it took him a bit longer. He narrowed his eyes slightly at his father, making no aggressive motion toward the other dog but frustrated that he had seen the female first and not been able to follow through taking lead of the conversation.

why can't i stop?

[lyric]

The crackle and snap of undergrowth caught Lyric’s attention, coming from one side when she expected it to come from in front of her. But the dog in the distance had not moved toward her yet, she had only just barked. Swiveling her head, the border collie was surprised to see another large dog approaching, ambling toward her in a decidedly offbeat pattern, making his own way through the undergrowth. Her dark eyes followed him a moment, head tipped to the side as she tried to discern a pattern in his trail but finding none.

Her ears perked at his friendly greeting and a bit of the tension she hadn’t realized she was holding eased. His bark was kind and his stance welcoming and Lyric quickly moved to mirror the pose, her tail low and swaying gently, her head and ears alert but without aggression. In all honesty, she knew nothing of this land’s past and her quest to find the howling canine had distracted her from paying much attention to old scents. If she had, Lyric likely would have realized this place was once frequented by many dogs of all shapes and sizes but for now she had no idea. Nor any time to realize it, as the other dog was approaching.

His stance, while polite and welcoming, was one of a king indeed. Before even hearing his address, Lyric had no doubt this dog was a powerful fellow who was very confident in himself and familiar with these lands. His words were equally courteous, a deep tone that fit his appearance and demeanor quite well, Lyric observed briefly, taking a moment to try and recall why the Monarchy sounded so familiar to her.

The memory came rushing back to her suddenly, a brief explanation out of a time long forgotten. She had heard of the Monarchy on the streets a few times, late last summer. Just whispers and mentions she passed in the alleys and other areas where groups of dogs congregated. Kelter had known little about it but the old stray told her it was a pack of sorts, outside the city. Apparently this was the place. And apparently, this male, Hunter, must be their leader. Canine instincts, only slightly worn down by life in the city, kicked in and she dipped her head slightly, a polite gesture of respect. “Good to meet you,” she nodded to the younger male still a bit off, “both of you.”

Her sincere and ever-friendly smile turned curious as she caught the look the other male was giving his father. It was then, and only then, that she did noticed the similarities between the two dog’s appearances. She was usually much better at noticing those things and Lyric found herself surprised she hadn’t noticed it before. Still, it was not the thing to pause on at the moment. She angled herself a bit to better address them both, “I’m Lyric of the… city streets?” She trailed off with a shrug and a chuckle. “It’s been a long while since I’ve been anywhere as nice as this,”[/color] her eyes took in the peaceful area so different from the city streets she’d been picking her way through for nearly a year now.

[CUR]

Hunter && Don

The Collie bitch standing before him was the last thing that either Hunter or Don had expected to see. Hunter, who had been searching diligently for his mate and other pups had taken the blow fairly hard, seeing that not only were his missing family members still missing, but another dog had started through the lands and not encountered them, which only made it more clear how hopeless the situation might be. The fact that anyone at all had come here still heartened him as he contemplated how deadly recent weather may have been. Perhaps it was only dogs living so far away from humans who had been unable to obtain food while nearly blinded by the harsh snows and unable to simply amble by settlements in search of food.

Even now, his heart began to jump in his chest as new feelings of dismay swept through him. It hurt to know that perhaps what he should have done was to migrate the pack somewhere that they may have had it easier. Too late for that now, however and it would do no good to contemplate such things until the new dog was properly greeted. Ignoring the rude glare of his disobedient son, he noticed that the kind female actually included Don in her greeting, as so many other dogs had failed to do. His odd ways didn't exactly make him charming to most, but Hunter appreciated how cordial she was being.

"Welcome Lyric, I am glad to see that there are still dogs around here. Some of my own pack has fallen missing and I was beginning to worry that perhaps the winter had been more cruel than I'd previously imagined. If you are alone you are welcome to stay here and get acquainted with my son and I. It is doubtful at this point, but we are still hoping to see the rest of the Monarchy."

Don smiled, realizing that his father had noticed him being greeted too. Perhaps this wouldn't be all bad. After all, his mother and father had always been able to compare him to the other, more productive pack members, but Lyric may be able to see him for who he really was.. which actually might be a good thing. He wasn't prince charming by any means, but his heart was in the right place. He remained quiet for the moment, wanting to hear whether Lyric may accept the invitation to stick around for a while.

[Jacks]

Duro

This land was cold. Much too cold for Duro's liking. In his younger days it would not have bothered him, but now his frail body could not stop its shivering. The cold stung his sores and made his painful back legs unbearable to walk on. They were getting worse, his legs. He knew it. He could feel their strength fading by the day. Sure, some days they are perfectly fine. They do not cause him a single second of pain, but those days are becoming few and far in between.

Duro had no idea where he was going. He could not smell anything he recognized, or hear the sounds of cars or people. He was far away from the city, which was not a good idea for him. If there were no buildings around, that would mean no people, and no people meant no trash. Unable to catch his own food, his diet consisted entirely of garbage. A war was already beginning in his stomach. He hadn't had anything more than a few crackers and some soggy lettuce in the past two days.

Why did I have to go and get myself lost? I am an old fool to enter strange woods in my condition!

As soon as those words had passed through his head, a growl leaked from his throat.

I am not a fool! Age has not weakened my mind! I entered this forest in a perfectly sane state of mind, and I intend to leave in that same way.

That settled his mental demons, but his physical ones were still troubling him. His paws dragged slightly on the ground, slowing down his steps, and his breath grew more labored and ragged. Eventually, his body seemed to give up and Duro was force to sit. Just for a moment.

After a moment of sitting, Duro than curled up into a quivering ball. His eyes shut, and soon he was falling into a deep slumber. When he finally awoke, he heard the sounds of other dogs. He perked his ears, hoping to be able to hear what they were saying. Unfortunately, his hearing was not as good as it once was, so his curiosity forced him to stand and to inch closer to the dogs.

[CUR]

fuck. damn! DAMN!

The exchange was going favorably now and Don was beginning to like Lyric more and more. He had grown so used to living in a pack where he felt constantly compared to his siblings and somewhow it made him upset, like he fell short of some ideal. Rediculous, really. He was the firstborn son and for all intents and purposes he would be heir to the Monarchy throne when his father grew old, but there was always that doubt nagging him that perhaps he just didn't cut it.

Damn. He twitched, eyes squeezed shut and head ticcing to the side, tail straight out like a rudder.

Relief. He felt his muscles loosen and chuffed softly, bothered.

He couldn't help but think life might be better elsewhere and he might find himself a place in life that wouldn't involve constant competition. It was silly nonsense though and he knew that leaving would only make things worse. At least here he had his heritage to fall back on- elsewhere he would just be another pitiable stray. Wandering a bit away from his father and the newcomer, he began to edge further and further off. The forest smelled of many things that he had long since forgotten- the fresh grass and blooming flowers, tiny animals, and even other dogs.

Looking up, he saw a darkish looking dog, far thinner than himself. Starting in surprise, he pulled his head back and grew wide eyed, seeing that the stranger was a bit scarred and battered. How had this dog made it so far? He supposed the old fellow had started on after the bad weather and might've been walking for days, yet there was no way to tell. Speaking in a whisper, he deliberately kept his voice low enough that the other two would not hear him. "Hello," he said, "My name's Don, Heir to the Monarchy Throne. Who might you be?" The hush of his words did not hide their kindness, and he hoped the Ridgeback dog would see that he was trying to keep the others to themselves for the time being, and feel out the presence of their newest guest for himself rather than letting his father intervene as he always did.

why can't i stop?

[Jacks]

Duro had been so absorbed in watching the elder male and the female talk, that he failed to hear the other male approach him. Hell, he almost did not hear the other dog's whisper. But when he did hear the quiet voice, he stumbled backwards in surprise.

Damn failing hearing!

Instinctively, once he sensed that this dog was a young male, his muscles tensed and he prepared to raise his head high and stare down this dog right in the eye. In his young days any other male was an immediate threat. He would use intimidation to scare the other dog off. If that didn't work, than he would attack. For a moment, he almost did just that......

But then he remembered..... I'm old and weak. What am I doing? Old habits die hard. Duro forced his head low, and tucked his tail between his legs. He had no idea if he was doing the whole 'submissive' thing right, for he had never had to succumb to such indignities before. But this male could easily kill him. Besides, he had to show respect. His ears hadn't failed to pick up 'Heir to the Monarchy Throne'. This dog was royalty! Never before had Duro met any sort of Royalty. Despite himself, he actually felt a bit in awe.

"Well, um, hello there.... your uh... majesty?" Duro also kept his voice to a whisper. He had no idea how to communicate properly with other dogs, let alone ones of any importance. "I am Duro......just an old loner." He felt he needed to add something to the end. Just 'Duro' seemed plain and insignificant. This male, though seemingly friendly, had a certain presence about him. He both looked and smelt important.

[CUR]

fuck. damn! DAMN!

OOC;; Okay I will have Hunter meet Duro too in my next post, then if Lyric is back she can join in too. Also, sorry if this post sucks, but I typed it out once and the stupid computer lost it so this is my second round on the exact same thing lol

BIC;;
Don now had the chance to make a good impression and he sure as hell wasn't about to screw it up. He knew it was only a matter of time before the King came over to introduce himself and muck everything up, but at least for now things were fine and he would cross that road when he got to it.

He noticed the other dog tense, as if bracing himself for either attack or defense and Don instinctively followed suit, eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he watched the other dog. As quickly as his position changed he shifted to one of a more amicable nature- head slightly lowered and tail down as well. That was better. Still, Don wasn't upset with the other dog, and realized that the two of them probably had more in common with one another than they yet realized. After all, if Don didn't even show his parents the proper respect how could he possibly expect a perfect stranger to trust him the moment they meet? It was fine, and he relaxed visibly, tail wagging slowly in a wide, sweeping arc.

He grinned slightly when called your majesty. Him, Majestic? Well, he hadn't thought of it before but he swelled with pride, hearing himself talked about in such noble bearings. He was used to being a bit of an outcast- almost an unfortunate mistake, and he found more joy in this stranger, this Duro's words, than in those most of his packmates had ever said to him.

"I've gotta say Duro, I like your attitude. There are some spots open in the pack and now that my mother and siblings have disappeared we could really use some help around here. What do you say?"

He knew that it was brazen of him to offer a position so quickly but he liked this other dog and something just seemed right about it. Besides, if his father had been standing here it's exactly what he would do. Maybe he had some soft spots, but at least one of them was joy when he thought his son was following right along in his pawprints. Smirking, he looked toward his father. "Yeah, that's my dad. No worries, he wants some new members too- he already got the Collie bitch to consider joining up, so I figure another dog among our ranks would be even better- she hasn't been too clear yet so the ranks are wide open, and we are still looking for our lost family members but it is starting to look bleak..."

why can't i stop?

[Jacks]

OOC: Ugh, I hate when that happens.

Apart of a pack? That was definitely an offer never made to Duro before. He didn't quite know how to react. Being apart of a pack requires......working together, trusting other dogs, and respecting leaders: three activities Duro never excelled at. He had always been a loner, his own dog. He didn't even know how one was to act in a pack or what it exactly entailed. It was an idea that Duro had never once before considered. In his younger days, he had not needed too.

But now........a pack might be nice. With his bones weakening, speed decreases, and senses disappearing, it might not be such a horrible idea for him to join a pack. He would have help finding food, and some protection from other attackers. Not to mention a place to sleep. And it might be nice to have a little company. Being alone got rather.....lonely. Plus, joining a pack would sort of be like a whole new adventure for Duro. It was something he had never done before, therefore it would probably be almost exciting. In his advanced age, there weren't many things he had not already done.

Duro studied Don. He seemed like a nice dog. He had complimented him after all. This could actually be dog Duro could get along with. The father, he was not as sure about. Though he had not talked to him yet, he seemed much more intimidating and dominating. Then again, that is how leaders of packs are supposed to be.

"I would be honored to join. Though, I must warn you, I have never been in a pack before. I have no idea how a dog in a pack must behave."

"Oh, and I am sorry to hear about your family." He added sincerely. "Hopefully you will be reunited soon."

Not that he had ever had a similar experience, never having a pack or really knowing his family. But he could see how it would be upsetting to lose someone you cared about. He was partially glad he had never experienced that aching feeling. But also a bit sad.....

"I will be glad to take any rank in the pack." Mostly true. Though he would not be crazy to be in the lowest rank, he would deal. He was not in any condition to be choosy about rank status.

[CUR]

DON && HUNTER

The scrawny Catahoula watched his new associate carefully, looking for any sign that may hint at his acceptance of his invitation into the pack. He wondered whether the darkly colored dog might think it foolish that a dog so young was running invitations for the Monarchy, but when the older dog spoke, it allayed his fears.

Damn. Tic.

"I would be honored to join. Though, I must warn you, I have never been in a pack before. I have no idea how a dog in a pack must behave." He was honest, openly admitting that he had never been in a pack. The fact that he was a loner thus far didn't deter Don in the least, and he was secretly joyed to realize that the dog before him had been managing just fine on his own. What must it be like to live that way, he wondered, fending for yourself with no one to make decisions for you? He was enthralled, but feigned a simple curiosity less like admiration.

"That's fine, just proves you've got a good head on your shoulders. If you've lived out your life without a pack, imagine how strong our group would be with you in it." He was imagining an uncle of sorts, this scarred stranger offering him something that he had never really had- just friendship and guidance without demands and expectations that he wouldn't be able to meet. "And thank you very much for your condolences on my family. We are trying hard and I only hope that if we do not find them, perhaps they have found a more hospitable place to live." He didn't really believe that they had left in search of a better home but couldn't bring himself to face the alternative.

Shaking as a tic ran through him, he braced himself until he gave simply the appearance of giving nothing more than a shiver brought on by a breeze.

Fuck.

"Anyway, I think you could maybe be my right hand man. Help us out a little and see what your talents are. Could make things easier when deciding what rank you might enjoy." He added the last bit on purpose, making it clear that he wanted a companion out here and wouldn't mind tossing a few bones to get one. After all, there were many times when he thought of leaving it all and finding a home where he wouldn't be walking on eggshells all day long. Just then he saw movement from the corner of his eye and realized that his dad was coming over, walking briskly but with an ease to his gait that showed he was in an amicable mood and eager to see what was going on.

When he spoke, he had a voice to rival that of the Greek Scholars. His tones were deep but as smooth as cornsilk. "Hello Don, hello there sir," he glanced at both of them, taking in their easy stances and Don's head, tilted sideways curiously. "I can see the two of you are getting on quite well. My name's Hunter. And you are..?"

[K R Y P T O N]

_{Here its safe, and here its warm
and here the daisies guard you from every harm..}

---

Her ivory pelt had a dusty tiny to it near the paws. Her weary thin legs provided her with a limp to carry her into the place she once called home. A purple strap of cloth secured around her neck that had long since been worn down in a single spot she had been clawing at day after day. Its very exsistance reminding her of the tragedy that had befallen her and her children. Eyes of honey gazed across the land, her nose picking up the familiar scent she'd been looking for. She felt her heart skip in her chest, pounding against her rib-cage, urging her onward, willing her to run.

But Alas, the weary she-dog could not manage much more than the gait she was hobbling now. Her youngest daughter of one year in age strode beside her, a matching white coat blemished only by a few black markings. She had her father's eyes. Hunter.. Oh how she missed him, how she anguished every day that had passed that she hadnt been able to see him, to talk to him.. And her son.. Oh her son.. Don.. She'd missed his growing up.. She'd only been able to witness Noel grow into a fine young lady, her other children had been picked over in the pound, as the other dogs they met had called it, sentenced to live their lives out with the two-legs.. Her poor children.. and it was her fault, all her fault.. She should've run and had them run. Why did she stand up to the man with the net? Idiocy..

Idiocy that had cost her a good bit of time. It was hell, digging a small hole under the fence every day when they could, and finally, they escaped. Wiki had never run so hard in her life, for so long. She could still hear the echoing cries and shouts of the humans as she and her youngest daughter made like the hounds of hell themselves were on their heals..

She stopped, her head hanging a little as she rounded the remnants of a stone structure, and in the distance, saw them. Hunter and Don. Her long legs quaked under her as she let loose a small whine and a yip, her tail wagging meakley behind her, Noel just managing to catch up, peering around her mother's side.

"Hunter.. I didn't mean.. It wasnt..I.." She couldnt even sum up words to begin apologizing for her dissapearance. She let her ears lace against her head as she hesitantly took a step forward, afraid that Hunter had perhaps given up on her, especially with another female standing their aswell.

---

_{Here your dreams are sweet, tomorrow brings them true,
And here is the place I love you..~}

[CUR]

HUNTER && DON

Hunter knew the moment he saw his son conversing with the scarred dog that a new member had been added to the pack. He could tell by their easy conversation and friendly demeanor, the way Don's eyes shone with excitement as he looked at his new pal. The King minded not one bit and was in fact happy to see that his eldest finally found someone he could relate to without bursting into tics so serious he couldn't be understood. Rather, the two of them seemed that they would get on well and it would be nice for the two of them to spend some time together, especially in light of how this year had been going so far.

Before he had time to think much more than this, or to give a quiet nod of approval to the dog, he heard a whine and perked up his ears, turning his head toward the source of the sound. When his eyes followed suit he was flabbergasted by the sight his eyes beheld, too amazed and and overjoyed to speak.

Could it really be? he thought. Did she really find her way back to me? In his immediate line of vision his beautiful mate, , was standing before him with his daughter, Noel. He opened his mouth as though to speak, but could not bring himself to do so. He barely noticed his son turning as well, calling out, "Mom?! Noel?!" The other dogs visiting ceased to exist to him at that moment, fading into a partial memory that he would return to after he was sure that what he was seeing was real.

"Hunter.. I didn't mean.. It wasnt..I.." He wasn't sure exactly what she was saying, but right now that didn't matter. He looked into her honey colored eyes and knew then that she was really there, had really come back to him. In the time it took him to bound forward and nuzzle against her, he realized that Don had already beaten him to it and was dashing to and fro before his long-lost family members and rolling around crazily. "! Honey, you're back!!" His eyes were fixed on her, pupils dilated with joy and intensity. His tail wagged so hard he could feel it hitting his sides and smacking against those around him, but he couldn't control his emotions. Before he knew it he too was dashing about like a pup, leaping through the soft grasses .

[K R Y P T O N]

_{Look at my body, Look at my hands..}

---

Her ears stayed back as her tail took on a mind of its own, whiplashing back and forth excitedly as she rushed forward to cover Hunter's face in affectionate licks. Theres was so much to say, so much to apologize for.. And yet, she couldnt get her vocal chords to cooperate. Her brain refused to form sentences. So she let her body speak for her, as she joined her son and mate in their prancing, whines of various tones seeped their way through her jaws as she nuzzled first Hunter and then Don.

"My boys.." She managed, breathing deeply in their scents. "I'm so sorry.. I've missed you both so much.." Her honey eyes could all but take in how much her son had grown, and how much he resembled his father. Such a handsome young mutt he was turning into.

She pressed her mind to form the words she needed to say, but it prooved difficult. Her train of thought proved elusive enough even for her own sharp mind. The grasses beneath her paws, the limestone towering over them, the smell of the mosses and vines.. Home. She was finally home. After so long..

"Dog man. He took us, all of us." She blurted out, shaking her pelt, the purple restriction around her neck jingled.

---

_{There's so much here that I dont understand..}

_{Dance like no one can see you.}

---

Noel bounded over, wasting no time in staring as she pounced upon her brother. Nipping at his ears and face. "You've grown!" She squealed, her small knub of a tail forcing her rear to shake back and forth.The grass tickled her belly as she only just stood barely above its overgrown height. She placed her paws on her brothers chest, her tongue lolling out to the side. "So how's it been here? And whose that?" She fired questions as if she weren't really expecting an answer.

Within moments she was trotting over to her father, nosing under his chin affectionately, Her knub calming its frantic movement. "Daddy.." She whined, black speckles blemished her white coat, blue eyes that mirrored her fathers looked up into his face as she scratched at the collar around her neck, the tags jingling like that had on her mother.

---

_{And if they can see you, dance anyways.}

ooc; sorry for the.. crappiness. Its 1:30am and my family just had a huge.. er.. dilemma centered around the altercation that occurred between my brother-in-law and my sister. I just felt bad if I didn't post, so I squeezed as much out as I could before I crash into bed.

[CUR]

OOC;; thats fine, sorry I took forever too there is craziness at work- it was my first week on my own as a groomer- I got done my training, then came home and finished 100 dogs =) Now I don't always work with my manager but things are getting crazy now the summer people are down

IC;;

Hunter and Don were in ecstacy, caught up in the moment and barely able to remember the time in between, now that their loved ones had returned. Hunter was so proud of his family and glad they had come back to him, although he did not yet know exactly the circumstances that had separated them. He heard Wiki apologizing and nuzzled her gently, feeling her soft fur against his own smoother cheek. When she itched herself, he suddenly noticed that both Wiki and Noel had some sort of bands around their necks. He had seen those on pets before, colorful bands that the dogs used to drag their people around while the humans shouted at them, looking angry but obviously being ignored.

"P-people?" Hunter could barely speak the answer, imagining what his mate and daughter must've been through. He knew that many dogs lived among the humans but from what he had seen most of them were either tiny, rediculous things with stupid haircuts or overweight pets who sat around all day doing no good to anyone. "I'm so sorry. Wiki, Noel, we've been looking everywhere, we never gave up."

Don was off with Noel, the two of them chasing each other around crazily, but he too was suspicious of the new attire both girls were flaunting. Don leaned forward curiously, looking at the collar and sniffing slowly. He'd never before really wandered far off Monarchy territory, but he had seen a dog wearing such a thing before during deer season. It had been bright orange and when the man called, his dog had come running, tongue hanging out. Don cringed, wondering whether his sis and Mom had been living such a life, not sure what to believe but knowing that they'd obviously not wanted to stay with the two legs or they wouldn't be here now. Suddenly he grew serious, slowing his pace as he watched Noel scratch where the band rubbed her neck.

"Noel, what did they do? Can you tell me?" He knew it couldn't have been good, but at the same time he was almost envious of his little sister, knowing he'd been trapped on the same square of dirt with the same old castle while she'd had more adventures than he might in a lifetime. He wanted to know all that she knew, to feel her story as though it were his own. Head cocked to the side, ears pulled back, he gave the air a gently lick, a placating gesture, and waited.