| I G N A T I U S |
Male • 1 Year, 7 Months • Ibizan Hound Mix • Blackback Guard • Voodoo Queen Youngblood
Location: Camp • Mentions: {Directly} Fenrir, Gunnvarr, Skera, Cain

Ignatius’ eyes narrowed sharply as his request was denied, the displeasure clear on his face. This fool dared to refuse his future healer? This wouldn’t be forgotten anytime soon, and he debated telling Fenrir this to his face when the aging slayer Gunnvarr interrupted. The bow was a bit much, enough that Ignatius resisted the urge to roll his eyes. As if Fenrir deserved such respect. He was only a moon younger than Ignatius himself and lacked the experience of a more seasoned slayer, though it was more than likely the young hound only held such bitter opinions of the lord commander for being slighted by him.

Indeed, Fenrir had barely entered his thoughts before this moment and his opinion of the other male had been more or less neutral. When the elder spoke on his behalf his ears perked with new interest, eyeing Fenrir as he awaited a response. “He speaks truth. I am the one and only apprentice of the Voodoo Queen. My duty is to heal, not kill, and you cannot afford to lose me. Is it so unspeakable I ask for a guard to watch my back while I tend to the wounds of our warriors? Or do you expect me to risk my life on the battlefield and waste my more desirable skills on combat?” He asked scornfully.

Skera joined the conversation before departing and while her suggestion was still less than satisfactory, he could see he was unlikely to receive any better. “I suppose...that is reasonable,” he replied a bit tartly before turning to trot back to Cain, leaving before minds could be changed. “It would seem my word doesn’t hold as much power as I had hoped,” he muttered begrudgingly. “We may travel together, but once we arrive on the battlefield we must part ways.”



| N I K I T A |
Female • 3 Years, 5 Months • Tundra Wolf/Siberian Laika Hybrid • Blackback Guard • Scavenger
Location: Camp • Mentions: {Directly} Skera, North, Lucifer, Lena

Nikita was unsure whether she should feel furious or grateful for the fact she hadn’t been selected for any of the battle parties, eyeing each group as they prepared to set out. She was a newer edition to the Blackback Guard, with them for less than a moon and initially snatched from a conquered village as a prisoner. As it would turn out, she had not been born among the townspeople and was an unfortunate victim of circumstance, simply passing through the same day the raid took place. She was beautiful according to some, and skilled at craft, in the end kept for such talents rather than slain or cast out.

It wasn’t a surprise she had been overlooked, either not yet trusted or forgotten, but Nikita had never keen on being ignored. Not even by these beasts. Of the three group leaders, Skera was the most tolerable and she found herself ambling toward the larger female. “Looks as if you’re short a dog. I would be glad to assist, if you’ll have me,” she addressed Skera, biting back the sarcasm threatening to spill from her tongue. The moments before a battle were not the time to piss off or disrespect the lady in charge.



| J E R I C H O |
Male • 3 Years, 2 Months • Persian Mastiff Mix • Blackback Guard • Slayer
Location: Camp - Outside Highvalley • Mentions: {Directly} Rahla / {Indirectly} Daemon

The sight of his young half-sister’s brindled form slipping out of camp caught Jericho by surprise, and he wondered what had led to such an exit, ahead of any of the preparing patrols. He had glimpsed her approaching the slayer Daemon, but one glance in another direction had apparently been a mistake as the when he turned back she had already gone. He padded to the entrance in pursuit, doing his best to appear inconspicuous. His size made it far more difficult to escape camp unnoticed, but somehow he managed it, sprinting after his sister once far enough from the entrance not to draw unwanted attention. It wasn’t long before she came into sight, crouching low among the grass. He knew she must have a reason for it and did the same, though his black pelt did little to help him blend with the grass. “Rahla,” he whispered as he crept closer, spotting the shapes in the distance once he’d pulled up beside her. “What are you doing out here on your own?”



| O D I N |
Male • 5 Years • Borzoi • Highvalley Court • Lord King
Location: Court Clearing • Mentions: {Directly} Jukka / {Indirectly} Derrien, Rana, Saba, Ragnar

Odin’s gaze trailed after the retreating providers for a time, only returning to Jukka once they had ventured out of sight. He was surprised to hear him speak so vehemently of ending the prisoner or chasing her out, but then times like these called for unwavering harshness from those in command. Compassion could get a dog killed. The young female might be little of a threat in and of herself, but one could never be too sure of what secrets a canine held. Precisely the reason Odin had decided to keep her even from the moment he’d tossed Saba to the dungeons to be kept out of sight.

“You’ve underestimated the girl’s value, as has her leader,” Odin replied calmly, a touch of amusement to his tone, though he offered nothing further on the matter. “As for planning, what is there to plan truly? The vikings are determined to come and when they do they will spend the last hours of their pitiful existence knowing they have made a mistake they will not live to learn from. The Lord is our shepherd Jukka. He gives us strength in our time of need, and watches over us from the heavens above. Have faith in Him and remember that we are the righteous in His eyes.”

His words were full of conviction, but there was a small part of him that knew there would be death today, and not only the corpses of vikings would litter the courtyard.



| A L E X A N D R A |
Female • 3 Years, 10 Months • Afghan Shepherd • Highvalley Court • Knight
Location: Court Dungeons • Mentions: {Directly} Faline, Saba, Mimicry

Alexandra’s cropped ears twitched at the sound of Mimicry’s muttering, eyeing the Saluki as she conversed with herself, the glare of disdain sent in her direction hard to miss. Her own expression remained unperturbed and without a hint of pity or dislike, though in truth she did feel sympathy for the troubled omega and wondered what had happened to create such a fractured mind. Perhaps, once Faline was safely elsewhere, she would try speaking with the hound. Her attention was immediately drawn back to Faline and the prisoner when the pale-furred priestess stepped into the cell, with an order for her and Mimicry to remain outside.

She shared a glance with Faline, offering a brief nod of understanding. She would remain on guard, watching Saba carefully while also keeping an ear on Mimicry. She was encouraged to hear the prisoner wanted to leave her old lifestyle behind, but pondered whether or not this was simply a ruse to free herself from her cage. Could she be trusted? In a similar situation, Alexandra couldn’t claim she wouldn’t lie if it meant she’d have a chance at breaking free and returning to the kingdom. She remained on the other side as commanded, but pressed a bit closer to the bars separating her from the other females.



((I guess I’ll re-post and just add onto it in that case.))

| D A G |
Male • 4 Years • King Shepherd • Highvalley Court • Provider
Location: Court Walls • Mentions: {Directly} Dakota / {Indirectly} Rana, Derrien

Dag climbed the stone steps that led to the very top of the high walls shielding the kingdom from the world outside, a plump hare clenched between his jaws. Through the aroma of still warm prey surrounding his nose, he detected Dakota’s scent and followed it to where the young knight rested along the nearest ledge. Padding up beside the yearling, he dropped his catch at her side and stared down at her cheerily. “I thought you could use a snack,” he offered, pushing the hare closer to her muzzle with a paw. “You must be hungry.”

There was little harm in fetching the knights guarding the wall a bit of fresh meat and Dag often made a habit of bringing them any tasty morsel that could be spared. No dog appeared to take offense and so he assumed the prey was not missed. He noted the bored expression Dakota wore and hoped perhaps the prospect of a meal and some friendly company might relieve some of the monotony for her. He knew he shouldn’t distract the knights, but four eyes on the horizon would be better than just two. Watching and chatting weren’t mutually exclusive.

The sound of approaching pawsteps had him turning to gaze back at the steps, wondering who else might be climbing up all this way. He believed most of the knights had already been assigned their posts and were in place.

R A G N A R
Male |5 Years Old | Grey Wolf x Sable Shepherd x Irish Wolfhound |Blackback Guard Jarl
Mentions: Salem, Skera, Fenrir, Rahla, Jericho

As Ragnar secured himself on the stone-clad ledge next to Salem, his eyes grazed over the organization of the patrols below. It appeared the vast majority of his dogs were now prepared to withdraw. "Excuse me." He uttered beneath his breath to the sighthound and clearing his throat loudly to gain their attention. As he prepared to publicize his plans, a flicker of movement caught his attention and left him watching with nothing less than a sour scowl. Rahla had the audacity to wander away, in turn distracting her older sibling who followed closely on her heels. The irritation that stemmed from that seemingly fuelled the snark his tone contained. "Listen up. As it seems like you've gathered yourselves accordingly, I deem it appropriate for us to commence to travel. I won't be far behind you. You'll head south towards the Kingdom, but make it a priority to travel through the densest terrain. Use the land and all it provides- mud will block scent glands, mint and conifer will assist in masking it. Do all you can to remain undetectable." Cold, brisk air ruffled the side of his fur as he stared meaningfully at Fenrir and Skera, his pupils perhaps lingering on the female a bit longer, more thoughtfully. "Once you reach the border you will remain there. It isn't until I arrive that you will split off- Fenrir will invade on the East side, Skera shall do so on the West." He turned away pointedly, dismissing the potential for any questioning before he glanced back with a cocked head. "Oh.. and any wanderers you may encounter? Kill them immediately."

S A B A
Female | 2 Years, 3 Months Old| Borzoi x Golden Retriever x European Wolf| Highvalley Court Omega Prisoner
Mentions: Faline, Alexandra

Loose ears seemingly clung tighter to her skull as she analyzed their reactions, not liking what she saw. There were detections of uncertainty, which certainly she suspected, but the sensation of distrust failed to dissolve. When the priestess parted her jaws to speak, Saba nearly huffed at the words she spoke. Nobody should be trusting of outsiders. It is the wolf-blooded he does not spare any trust to.She continues to stand before them, rigid and far from at ease, the unease keeping her muzzled even as she was beckoned closer by the red-coated Highvalley dog. She rose to full height, which with her long limbs made her appear perhaps more sizeable than she did before, and pivoted around so the female could have a better look at what her people had come to do to her. Her fur was thin and clung to her skin almost desperately, her structure entirely undernourished and gaunt with bones that jutted out from beneath her pelt like knives. Whereas before the refreshing aroma of mountain water and fresh foliage radiated from her, it was now replaced with something musky and foul. She had become a caged rodent, served and treated only when her captors felt the need to deliver care. Silence fell between them once more, Saba breaking it only slightly with her small, almost inaudible voice. "I don't wish for sympathy, nor even your trust. My pack has given you no reason to do so, and in turn, I likely shouldn't trust you." She kept her head low, her tail partially tucked between her half-crouched hocks. "I just want the opportunity to earn it- and the chance to speak with your King. I don't think he realizes what kind of an informant I can prove to be for him." Her eyes now wandered to land firmly on Faline's, full of a significant weight. "I can help save lives."

N O R T H
Male |4 Years, 6 Months Old | Grey Wolf x Beauceron |Blackback Guard Slayer
Mentions: Skera, Lucifer, Lena, Nikita

The Beauceron's ear twitched slightly at the faintest detection of sarcasm that Lena decided to throw his way, and in turn let out a sardonic snort. He was somehow pleased that the scavenger had the guts to throw some attitude in his direction, most dogs wouldn't dare, but being so mouthy to a foreigner who wanted to wipe out their entire race was an entirely different story. "Glad to hear you know what you're dealing with then." He shot back, allowing an equal amount of sarcasm to drip into his tone. A new voice, feminine and faintly familiar, presented itself to him and he turned in time to witness Nikita's approach, taking a slow step back to create more space for himself and his female troops. He wasn't well acquainted with anyone, really, but Nikita in particular was one fervent and fierce little lady he rarely interacted with. He acknowledged her presence with a curt nod, though not unfriendly, and fixated his attention now on the Jarl who had oh so conveniently decided to speak up again. "Finally." He growled partially to himself, pivoting around to take a few thoughtful steps in the direction of the Highvalley Kingdom that lie in the distance. "I don't know about you, but I can't rip the guts out of a dog without having a full belly. I propose we hunt on our way- we didn't get much of a chance to feed before Ragnar shook us from our slumbers."

J U K K A
Male | 3 Years Old | Chinook x Swedish Elkhound | Lord Duke of Highvalley Court
Mentions: Odin

As Odin drawled on as though his words would offer Jukka some peace, he had to force his ears to remain erect and his fur to stay smooth and intact. Highvalley's religion was not one he had ever familiarized himself with, mostly due to a lack of belief himself. It was a combination of scenarios that left him reluctant to follow such a faith, not to mention the fact he was peddling after Odin like some love-struck puppy. It humoured him, really, that he would sit there and preach those words when he himself had betrayed his faith one too many times. He drew in a slow, deep breath, dipping his head in a reluctant acceptance. "Yes, My Lord."

His eyes lingered on the Borzoi for a few moments longer, finally turning to survey the courtyard in front of them. A silence fell between them, and Jukka was eager to destroy it. "In the meantime, is there anything you'd like me to do for you?"

R A N A
female | 2 yrs. 9 m. | Highvalley Court ~ Provider | Border Collie mix
Location: Highvalley Court Clearing | Mentions: Derrien, Dag [directly] Dakota, knights [indirectly]

Rana- golden sunlight and pale white against the green, rocky moors as she moved- followed close behind Derrien as he traveled uphill and towards the other provider and knights along the wall. Her dark brown eyes followed the backs of each knight until the sun burned her eyes and she had to turn away. Derrien, the fluffy blond dog, had moved a few paces ahead of her and was greeting Dag in a bright, loud voice. Where Derrien knew he fell just slightly short of Knight stature, Dag was clearly a canine that had chosen his life as a provider carefully. He was easily twice her weight, and an entire head taller than the bicolor collie.

As Derrien took a breath and sat back, Rana allowed herself to meet Dag's eyes for the first time. A submissive dog at first, the collie was almost intimidated by the large and dark male. Of course she'd seen him, and many of the other providers and knights, before. But even having been here a few good months, she'd hardly ever spoken to most of them before. Shame crept up in the pit of her stomach and she found it hard to speak until Dag explained their purpose. Relieved and distracted, Rana shifted her weight from paw to paw before finally speaking up.

"Do you think Dakota would like to accompany us? Or maybe Beocca? I can't ever remember their schedules, so I can't imagine the last time either of them were able to get out and stretch their legs." Rana's voice was soft, and sometimes she had to speak up to be heard over the wind. But it held a clear ring to it, and her high-held face made her seem almost cheerful as she spoke to the other providers.

| D R I F T |
Female • 3 Years • Arctic Wolf/Siberian Husky/Norwegian Elkhound • Blackback Guard • Scavenger
Location: Camp • Mentions: {Directly} Ragnar / {Indirectly} Salem, Rahla, Jericho, Fenrir

As Ragnar returned to his previous perch, Drift lingered beneath the ledge, sitting with forced patience as she awaited the announcement to depart. Quick glances darted in the Jarl and Voodoo Queen’s direction every so often, awaiting the slightest of movements that might indicate Ragnar was ready to leave. Clear golden eyes observed Salem with veiled curiosity as the minutes ticked by and no action was taken. It was no secret their shaman was the only female within their entire company Ragnar had any genuine respect for. ’Not for long. I will prove myself today, and he will see me in a new light,’ she thought with confidence, wondering how Salem might react to another female growing close to Ragnar.

She paused to contemplate that notion. Did she really want to be closer with the Jarl? Ragnar was a beast of a dog, and Drift cared very little for many of his opinions, especially those concerning she-dogs. Yet he was strong and formidable, a leader both admired and feared by his followers. In the end, Drift supposed she couldn’t help feeling some veneration for the brute. As Ragnar cleared his throat she immediately lifted to her full height, attention focused on Ragnar as he spoke. As his features soured, she watched the brindled hybrid in confusion, following his gaze in time to witness his daughter Rahla sneaking out of camp before the war party, her half-brother swiftly following suit.

Under normal circumstances she might have laughed at the dark-furred male’s attempts to escape unseen. Clearly neither sibling had been tricky enough to escape their father’s notice. “I overheard Rahla speaking to Fenrir concerning a reconnaissance mission before the groups were settled. Perhaps she and Jericho will return to you with useful information,” she commented with concealed amusement as Ragnar’s displeasure with his wayward children leaked into his tone while addressing the pack. From the sound of it, he wouldn’t be leaving with the rest of them just yet. A frown quickly replaced her former mirth. What did that mean for her? Was she to remain behind and travel with Ragnar as requested, or be sent along with the others?

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| N I K I T A |
Female • 3 Years, 5 Months • Tundra Wolf/West Siberian Laika • Blackback Guard • Scavenger
Location: Camp • Mentions: {Directly} Skera, North, Lena, Lucifer / {Indirectly} Ragnar

“My pleasure,” Nikita replied with a respectful dip of her head, falling silent as Ragnar’s booming voice demanded attention. The corner of her lip lifted into a subtle sneer and she was quick to turn away once the Jarl had finished, looking once more to Skera. Nikita had her misgivings about the battle. It was poorly planned, and she didn’t have much doubt regardless if they were sent running back to camp or proved victorious that dogs would be injured and dogs would die. She didn’t know any of these canines enough to care whether they survived or not.

’Perhaps I should have swallowed my pride and stayed here,’ she considered as Skera gave the order to move out, trailing after the other dogs as they began the trek through the valley. She owed the Blackback Guard nothing, and had no real quarrel with the kingdom, but it was too late to change her mind now. Nikita was no coward and she would fight as fiercely as any slayer if given no other choice. Glancing over each of her companions, she did wonder how their group would fair.

Skera, North and Lucifer were all well-muscled and bore the scars of battles passed. Lena, a scavenger like herself was much thinner in comparison and Nikita was somewhere in the middle, small and almost dainty in appearance, yet also strongly built. She and Lena would likely be more useful for their speed and agility rather than brute strength and she eyed the other female, pondering if they should do a bit of strategizing. “Perhaps, a bit of combat practice before we arrive could be arranged for those of us with less experience ripping out another dog’s innards, should time permit.”

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| O D I N |
Male • 5 Years • Borzoi • Highvalley Court • Lord King
Location: Court Clearing • Mentions: {Directly} Jukka

Odin’s eyes narrowed briefly, as if he could sense Jukka’s lack of belief and perhaps what he suspected might be silent judgement, but he made no comment of his suspicions as a lengthy silence enveloped them. As the quiet began to grow discomforting Jukka banished it, inquiring as to whether there was anything more he could do. “No. The knights are already in place and the providers have been sent to seek out prey. All that can be done now is waiting,” he replied, his tone somber compared to his previous certainty.

He went over a list of actions in his mind, and after giving it more thought, motioned with his muzzle toward the crags towering above. “In the meantime, I suppose checking the walls for any possible weaknesses wouldn’t be a waste of our time.” He spared the expanding landscape beyond the courtyard one last glance, half expecting ferocious wolf-blooded canines to come galloping toward them, but the lands surrounding the kingdom remained peaceful, a light breeze gently caressing the grass and blowing the wispy fur of his legs and tail backwards.

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| A L E X A N D R A |
Female • 3 Years, 10 Months • Afghan Shepherd • Highvalley Court • Knight
Location: Dungeons • Mentions: {Directly} Saba, Faline. Mimicry / {Indirectly} Odin, Jukka

As the prisoner hauled herself to her feet and revealed her haggard frame to Faline, Alexandra felt her pelt began to prick with unease, shame threatening to crash over her in waves. Though she had not been among the knights who caged this poor girl she still felt somewhat responsible for her condition. “Shall I fetch her some food, and water as well?” Despite Saba’s insistence she meet with Odin she couldn’t be allowed to wander the castle freely just yet. Neither she nor Faline had the authority to release her from her cell.

In the meantime, the least they could do was make certain the starving hound received some nourishment until they could speak with the king or Jukka. If Saba’s words held true there was no need to fear she would harm the priestess, but Alexandra still didn't quite feel comfortable leaving Faline alone, even viewing Mimicry as a potential threat to her safety after all that muttering of gutting. Concluding Saba wasn’t in any shape for a fight, she backed away from the pair and beckoned Mimicry closer. “Come with me to the kitchen please. I’ll need your help carrying supplies,” she ordered, her voice firm to show she wouldn’t accept no for an answer. Perhaps a task would do the omega some good.

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| D A G |
Male • 4 Years • King Shepherd • Highvalley Court • Provider
Location: Court Walls • Mentions: {Directly} Rana, Derrien / {Indirectly} Beocca, Dakota

It wasn’t long before Derrien’s shaggy form appeared over the crest, shadowed by Rana. Tail wagging in welcome, he moved from the ledge’s edge to properly greet his fellow providers. “Mornin’ Derrien, Rana,” he acknowledged both, a friendly smile crossing his muzzle at Derrien’s usual eccentricity. “That sure is one way of putting it.” The day was certainly lovely, but Dag couldn't quite share Derrien’s enthusiasm, the build-up of energy bubbling through the community feeling more like uncomfortable tension than excitement in his opinion. Either way, he was in no hurry to dampen the cheerful male’s mood. “If I know you any, then you’ve already got a new song in the making? This will be the best one yet I’m betting.”

His gaze met Rana’s for a split second, but the Collie was quick to avert her eyes and Dag wondered with some concern if he frightened the young female. In the few times they had shared a task or been within the same vicinity she crossed him as timid, keeping to herself and avoiding conversation. He tried to catch her eye again, hoping she might see he meant her no ill will, but Rana appeared keen to keep from sharing another glance. “So, what brings you two all the way up here?” He asked curiously, attention returning to Derrien. The explanation that followed was not unexpected. It made sense the kingdom should stock up before a battle.

“I imagine either one of them would enjoy a chance to stretch their legs. Watching the valley all day and night has become a dull task from the looks of it,” Dag murmured, remembering the bored expression Dakota had worn when he’d visited her only moments before.

R A G N A R
Male | 4 Years Old | Grey Wolf x Irish Wolfhound x Sable Shepherd | Jarl of Blackback Guard
Mentions: Rahla, Vansi, Corax (indirectly) Drift (directly)

His discussion with the eccentric sighthound was brief but taken earnestly, clear in his expression as he parted away from her and allowed his limbs to carry him back down to the thick, dew-clad grass that enveloped the mountainside. Naturally, the sour taste that still lingered in his mouth because of his daughter left his eyes wandering in the direction of which she disappeared. As an alpha, one who most dared to not disrespect, he instinctually felt the drive to take off after her with a raised tail and bared fangs- realistically she was deserving of a bite to the hide. How dare she pardon herself without permission? Did she not respect him enough? Enough to follow the rules and keep her head down and her paws moving only to where he told her they may wander? A sudden voice broke into his enraged tangle of thoughts, and he turned his head only partially to acknowledge the white wolfdog's presence. He was displeased at how quickly he was able to detect she was probably gaining amusement out of his anger, but satisfied with her attempt to conceal it. "Is that so?" He drawled out grimly, not much of a question as much as it was a mere recognization of her words. "She better pray to Valhalla itself that she brings me back something useful- and that she doesn't find herself in harm's way. She's on her own now, since she chose to ignore my commands and abandon the guard."

He stalked past her, dismissing the topic with a swish of his long tail and setting off into a brisk trot. With the majority of the pack evaporating around them, it was clear the Jarl was intent on departing as well. He didn't utter a word to her, nor did he even glance back in her direction to make sure she followed. His movements were rythmic and fluent, his muzzle pointed straight ahead and the single flame-coloured iris he still wore fixated right on the path ahead. In his own mind, he'd reach the outskirts of Highvalley before his other groups. They would be quick and punctual, and would not waste time with rest or hunts. He wondered briefly if Drift would be able to keep up, or if she was even a good choice to include in his own patrol at all. Vansi and Corax were undeniable opponents who he did not dare doubt on the battlefield- but was Drift useful for anything aside from scavenging or bringing back half-mangled deer? "Keep your nose high. If you scent anything peculiar, alert me." There. At least the girl had a job now.

N O R T H
Male |4 Years, 6 Months Old | Grey Wolf x Beauceron |Blackback Guard Slayer
Mentions: Skera, Lucifer, Lena, Nikita

Heavy paws came to a halt as Skera silently dismissed the chance of catching a meal and instead offered an instance to spar. He looked at her for a few moments, his muscles tense and hesitant beneath the darkness of his fur. There was nothing more that the beauceron enjoyed more than the chance to kick a packmate's ass in a good sparring match, and that was something his pack was well aware of. But he'd never been tested on a female- most of which were not Slayers on top of it all. "Where's the fun in that?" He spoke slowly as Skera told them to not draw any blood, his eyes lifting up a little to betray his dark-lilted humour. Lifting his head up high, he continued further down the valley until he reached flat ground, the substance beneath his feet now lacking the rough, stone-covered surface they had just came from and now replaced with a lush stretch of valley grass. A much more suitable location for mock-fights. He calmly settled on his haunches and watched the rest of his group file down after him, watching them closely and wondering if he should approach one of them first or leave the decision making up to them. Nikita and Lena were more distinctively feminine, both in appearance and in their roles, leaving him unsure how he would even spar with them. His battle tactics were rough, relentless and violent. How could he guarantee he wouldn't get too rough in the heat of the moment?

B E O C C A
Male | 3 Years, 8 Months | Bouvier Des Flandres x Flat Coated Retriever | Highvalley Court Knight
Mentions: Odin (indirectly) Derrien, Dag, Rana (directly)

Thick, hot clouds of breath exited the black dog's parted jaws as he stared out into the distance, colliding with the bitter air and creating plumes of visible vapour. He was intent on ensuring not a single wolf-blooded being strut into their view without him being well aware of it, but truth be told he harboured his own ill wills that conflicted his desire to keep these viking mutts out of their land. What was so wrong with having their Jarl dethrone Odin? An assassination by the Blackback's kept his jaws away from the King but got the job done all the same. It would be child's play, really, to deal with the vikings once the deed was done. They were vapid, dull-witted weasels who's pelts he would soon wear draped across his shoulders. He would rise as Highvalley's righteous successor! They would all fall to his feet for defeating the wolves! He'd be king!

A change of direction left the wind caressing his ears, with it drifting the faint detections of eager voices. The wiry-coated male sighed, his nose wrinkling irritably. Those providers were always so damn.. merry. Catching the last of their conversation, he turned away from his post and trotted down the side of the stone edging, eventually rounding the corner and approaching them without haste. "Looking for someone to protect your hides while you're out nabbing rabbits, are you?" He growled, halting in front of the three providers. His eyes lingered on Rana momentarily, flashing her something that in his mind was a look of charm and finesse, before speaking primarily to Derrien and Dag. They were male, after all, and more worthy of his time. "Let's get on with it then. A hunt'll do me some good. I caught a whiff of elk while I was at my post." Throwing the last of his words over his shoulder, he turned and took off towards the gates without another word.

| D R I F T |
Female • 3 Years Old • Arctic Wolf/Siberian Husky/Norwegian Elkhound Hybrid • Blackback Guard • Scavenger
Location: Camp • Mentions: {Directly} Ragnar / {Indirectly} Rahla

Drift hoped for Rahla’s sake she made herself useful out there, or didn’t find herself in the wrong paws. What news she brought might determine whether or not she was welcomed back with bared fangs ready to tear into flesh or barely registered acknowledgement at the worst. “She is your daughter,” Drift pointed out mildly, risking defending the younger female. “Any canine who shares your blood is bound to succeed.”

The dismissive swish of his tail left the wolfdog wondering if he had heard her at all and she didn’t bother suppressing the roll of her eyes once his back was turned. Steadily following in his pawsteps, her assigned ‘job’ had her muzzle wrinkling slightly, but she offered no objections. “Of course,” she replied a bit flatly, sensing the doubt in him. Regardless, she kept on high alert, eyes sharp and breathing in all surrounding scents. Thus far only the tempting aroma of prey, plantlife and the familiar scents of her packmates were of notice.

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| N I K I T A |
Female • 3 Years, 5 Months Old • Tundra Wolf/West Siberian Laika Hybrid • Blackback Guard • Scavenger
Location: Outside Camp • Mentions: {Directly} Skera, Lena / {Indirectly} North, Lucifer

Lucifer was quick to claim North as her sparring partner, leaping toward him with snapping teeth. Chocolate colored eyes lingered on both for a moment or so longer before she turned to face Lena. “I suppose that leaves you and I. Alone, neither of us will be a match for the battle hardened knights of Highvalley,” she commented in a matter-of-fact tone. “However, together, we will be much stronger. I believe we should work as a team. Are you up for it?” Tilting her head toward Skera, she then addressed the war party’s leader. “I know your intention was to observe, but would you mind serving as our opponent? If only for a short time?”

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| J E R I C H O |
Male • 3 Years, 2 Months Old • Gray Wolf/Persian Mastiff/Irish Wolfhound/Sable Shepherd Hybrid • Blackback Guard • Slayer
Location: Near Highvalley • Mentions: {Directly} Rahla

Jericho trailed after her without another word, understanding the importance of remaining silent as they ventured closer to the Highvalley dogs below. He crouched lower to the ground than his sister in order to keep himself hidden among the tall grasses, his bulky form and dark pelt easier to spot than her brindled coat. He wondered briefly if Rahla intended to attack the canines they quietly approached, but assumed his young sibling had more in mind than prematurely slaying any knights.

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| A L E X A N D R A |
Female • 3 Years, 10 Months Old • Afghan Shepherd • Highvalley Court • Knight
Location: Dungeons - Food Stock Den • Mentions: {Directly} Saba, Faline. Mimicry

For a brief moment, a flash of guilt could be seen in the massive female’s pale golden gaze before it was swiftly brushed aside. “Well, Mimicry, you were muttering about gutting her. You can’t say such things and expect them to be ignored. I’d like to believe you wouldn’t harm Faline, but I can’t take that risk,” she explained, tone growing rather serious before her expression became lighter. “Besides, I really do need help. I can only carry so much by myself. We can grab something for you as well,” she added, noting the omega looked a tad thin. “Let’s be on our way then.”

{{Going to give West a chance to reply before adding Dag in.}}