Multiple Settings Stray Dog Haven- Ghost's Pack

[Chaotic Poem]

Ghost met Walker’s inquisitive gaze before briefly looking down at his paws. Of course, she had noticed. She always did.
For a moment, he considered how much to share. Walker was a close friend, a steady presence at his side, and if there was anyone he could trust, it was her.


“Have you noticed how Bo dotes on Agnes?” he said finally, motioning toward their friend. “It seems… effortless for him.”


There was no bitterness in his voice, only quiet observation. It was a simple truth—one Ghost had turned over in his mind more times than he cared to admit.


“Leading comes naturally,” he continued, a note of resignation in his tone. “But this?” He shook his head slightly. “Finding that kind of connection? I’m not sure I know how.”


Silence stretched between them, the distant rustling of the wind filling the space. Then, as if to shift the weight of his own admission, Ghost turned the question outward.


“What about you?” he asked, glancing at Walker. “Have you ever considered finding a mate? Having pups?”


His tone was even, his expression unreadable, but the question lingered—one part curiosity, one part deflection.

*** Still in his chair in the living room

 

[Chaotic Poem]

Fawn’s tail nub wagged enthusiastically as she returned Ches’s friendly greeting, pressing a few warm licks to his snout. His presence was easy and she was glad for it.

She caught the way his words faltered when he mentioned his owner, and her heart ached with understanding. She had once known that same love, that same bond.

“You know,” she said softly, her gaze drifting across the room, “I had owners too. They lived here.” Her voice carried the weight of memory, of puppyhood filled with warmth and laughter. She could almost hear the tiny paws of her own pups scampering through the house, feel the love she had for them still lingering in her chest.

Her golden eyes found Ches’s once more, filled with gentle reassurance. “It’s okay to miss them,” she murmured. “That love doesn’t disappear just because we’re here now. But we can still find happiness, still make a home with Ghost’s pack.”

She offered him a warm, affectionate look before returning to the river topic.

“I suppose, being a Spaniel, I should know how to swim,” she mused with a soft chuckle. “But my owners never took me.” She recalled the long walks, the peaceful moments, but they had never quite reached the river before her owners would turn back, too weary to go farther.

“The father of my pups had, though,” she continued, her tone fond but distant. “He was always in the water, competing in sports. He told me all about it.” The memory of the brown-and-white male surfaced—polite, friendly, never a true mate, but a good companion in the moments they had shared. And together, they had brought beautiful, well-behaved pups into the world.

Fawn exhaled softly, her gaze drifting back to the river. “I always wanted to see it for myself. We got close a few times, but my owners… they were too old to walk the whole way.”

There was no sorrow in her voice, only quiet longing. A life left behind, but not forgotten. And perhaps, here, with Ghost’s pack, with Ches to take her, she could finally reach the river.

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

Agnes, who had been intently listening in on the meeting Ghost announced lightly and then to Albatross' loud remarks to Fawn, was currently being heftily pestered by Lumi. She had previously said how Chive was going to be quite alright, but the small white and black speckled pup wouldn't leave her alone. The medicine dog was just about to bite the little one's ears off, when Bo stepped up with a beautifully, sweet-scented flower. Her body relaxed, almost engrossed into the flavor of the air. The striker seemed to have gotten exactly what she had wanted. She dipped her head to Bo. "Good to hear. A slobbery mess wouldn't heal anyone, would it?"

She cocked her head to the side, attention geared back to Lumi, then the Calendula settled down. With a small eye roll, she bit into Lumi's scruff to get the English Setter's attention. "No need to part easy on me. All pups have to leave the ones they feel most comfortable with. You just have to give them' dogs a chance." Agnes flicked her tail to her packmates that stalled around in the room. "If you cling onto someone for too long, you won't learn how much better it is knowing you can trust several others." It was obvious why the pup was staying for much longer than usual. Agnes has seen several experiences like these happen back when she was at her paleskin's home. Even the two kittens she grew up with hadn't grown off Agnes' paleskin until later on. They all just needed some time.

"If you have too much anxiety about this, you can come back to me and I'll help soothe it down. But if it's not all that bad, than I can suppose we're both able to speak with Nessie, right? I'm sure that pitbull has plenty of time on her paws to finally notice you." Agnes raised her head, seeing Bo waited. "You can leave us be, or stay, your choice. But thanks again for the flowers, they seem good for my storage." She hummed, picking up the stems gently and holding them in her jaws with a tight grip.

Interactions/Mentions: SilverFlight , Society of Strays , & Chaotic Poem

 

[m4ngy.mutt]

-CHIEF-

Chief's expression darkened as the weight of Nessie's praise settled over him. His lips, once curved in a faint smile, straightened into a tight line, and the warmth in his golden eyes seemed to flicker and dim. The Kangal shifted his paws uncomfortably, the muscles in his broad frame tightening as though bracing against an unseen burden.

When he spoke, his voice was low and measured, stripped of the kindness that had surprised Nessie moments earlier. “I was simply doing my job,” Chief said, his tone distant and cold, as though distancing himself from the weight of her gratitude. He shook his head slightly, his large ears flicking back briefly. “Chester was there, he would’ve done the same. Any dog here would’ve for that matter.”

His gaze briefly shifted toward the ground, as if trying to focus on something mundane instead of the emotions that threatened to bubble to the surface. Chief’s words came out as clipped and matter-of-fact, an unspoken wall rising between him and the earnest gratitude Nessie had offered. It wasn’t that he dismissed her feelings entirely, rather, he seemed unwilling to accept the weight of praise for what he saw as a duty, not an act deserving of recognition.

He let out a quiet sigh, then straightened his posture, looking away from her and toward others in the pack who were dispersing from the recent meeting. Though his body remained steadfast and stoic, there was a faint shadow in his expression—something unspoken lingering behind his guarded exterior. Whatever it was, Chief clearly preferred to leave it unvoiced, retreating into the steadfast role of protector rather than allowing himself to linger in the vulnerability her words might evoke.

Chief's attempt at a smile was slow and deliberate, the corners of his mouth pulling into an expression that, while slightly awkward, carried sincerity. His eyes briefly laid upon Nessie, and though his smile seemed forced, there was no mistaking the warmth behind it. Guarding came naturally to him. It was ingrained in every fiber of his being. But guarding himself, keeping those walls intact, felt just as instinctive. He feared what might happen if he let them crumble, if his vulnerability led to failure for those he wished to protect. Again.

As Nessie chuckled and spoke about her son with such genuine admiration, Chief found himself softening, his tension easing slightly. Her words carried the kind of love and pride that reached even him, though he hardly knew how to respond to it.

"You've surely got yourself a handful now, with Trinket and Lumi added to the mix," he said, his attempt at lightening the mood coming in the form of a low, rumbling quip. The words were accompanied by the faintest wag of his tail, a gesture that hinted at his endearment, even if he struggled to express it fully.

His tongue flicked over his nose in a quick, nervous gesture, betraying his unease as he continued. "I've probably got duties to attend to here soon," Chief added, his tone shifting to something slightly more uncertain, "but after, I'd not mind helpin' out with 'em."

Realizing how his words might be misinterpreted, he quickly tried to clarify, ears falling back in a brief moment of bashfulness. "Not that you can't do so yourself—you're more than capable," he said hurriedly, the candor of his statement clear in his tone. "Just thinkin' even dogs like you, Ness, need a break from time to time. I wouldn't mind givin' you that."

 

[SilverFlight]

Lumi stared up at Ages as she listened, tears welling in her round eyes, but when Agnes said she could come back if she was afraid, her tail began to wag again.
"Really?"
It seemed that was all she needed.
Bo looked on with a smile on his muzzle.
"Ok pup, howabout you go gather the other young'uns in the nursery, and I'll be up to read you all a story."

That did it, Lumi gave a little bounce for her excitement and galloped out the door.
Bo couldn't read, and he suspected the pups knew that too, but pretending he could and making up stories was one of Lumi's favourite games to play.

Lumi raced outside to Trinket, jumping on him playfully. "Trinket Trinket Bo's gonna read us a story!"

Bo watched the little pup dash away. "Seems like just yesterday we picked her up, huh Agnes?" He shot her a teasing look. "You wanna come up to the nursery for story time too?" He asked as he headed for the door.

Bo found Nessie, Chive and Rogue. "Hello dogs," He came up to Chive with a sympathetic smile, leaning closer to him to say in a low voice: "Heard you got into a bit of a tussle today." He gave the pup's wound a short sniff. "Ain't no shame in scars pup, they're the story of our lives written under our fur." To prove the point he put one paw forward, showing off a ribbon of white fur, where one of his own scars was.
"Got that one from a sheep." He admitted proudly.

CHUUYAS_HAT m4ngy.mutt Society of Strays Redrin

 

[Society of Strays]

CHIVE
Chive's entire form wiggled happily, glad to be back in the company of who he'd consider his closest friend. His mood was quickly dampened, however, as Rogue caught smell of the raccoon that was still etched into his pelt. He held still as she examined his injuries, feeling her warm puppy breath as she snuffled over his head and neck. When she asked for his retelling of the ordeal, his instinct had been to shy away from the topic, but the female's comforting lap at his ear combined with her familiar face and scent made him stop. It was Rogue, after all. He could tell her anything, even if it was somewhat embarrassing. "Well... I was playing with Lumi and Trinket, and we were playing chase... And I chased her outside. And there was a smell out there! Like pale-skin food.... Rogue, it was like bread..." He paused on the word, his tail thumping against the ground. He knew how Rogue liked bread. It was the same way he felt about peanut butter. "So, of course I have to go investigate! Because, duh! And, and.... I was followin' my nose and all, and that took me into a bush, and there was this.... Critter! Well, I know now that it was a raccoon... I didn't at the time, though. I thought it was just an odd lookin' dog, honest! And it was eatin' that pale-skin food... It had a whole pile in front of it! Of course I wanted some... I asked real polite if I could... But that raccoon didn't say nothin', just stared at me... So, I thought maybe there was a language barrier or somethin'... Figured I'd try a bite - Just a small one! But, but... The raccoon didn't like that at all... Stingy critter attacked me! And, well... The rest is history, I suppose. Chief and mama got involved pretty quick so it wasn't too bad. And... I did get to eat the pale-skin food in the end. I would've saved some for you, but I was sorta anxious... Sorta just stress ate it all real quick... Sorry 'bout that..." The golden retriever detailed the events that had led to his gash. He felt better after confiding in Rogue, finally getting to share his side of the story. Upon concluding his tale, he smiled brightly and leaned forward to boop noses with his pal once again. "Okay, enough about me... Tell me about your day! And don't leave out any juicy details!" He woofed, excitement clear in his expression. He tilted his head in eager anticipation of her response. He hoped she'd gotten the chance to chow on some delicious food during her own adventures.
Chive was so engaged in his reunion that he was startled by the sound of Bo's voice directed at him. Sliding onto his belly, Chive offered a shy smile towards his much larger counterpart. "Thanks, Bo. And, well, you should see the other guy." Chive giggled. Sure, he hadn't been the one to end the raccoon's life, but the creature was still dead and Chive was still standing, so he'd take what small wins he could. The pup ogled the scar that Bo displayed, impressed. It made him feel somewhat proud of his own injury. Maybe the scar would make him look tough in front of Rogue and the other youngsters. "Woww... Tell us the story of your scar, Bo! It's storytelling time!" He yipped excitedly. It seemed everyone had fun stories to share tonight.

NESSIE
Nessie was startled by the sudden shift in Chief's mood. Unsure of what exactly she'd said or done to cause the darkening of his expression, the she-dog felt her own muscles tighten instinctively. He seemed displeased by her compliment, assuring her he'd only been doing his duty. She nodded stiffly, her golden gaze falling to the ground. She chose silence as her defense, no longer confident in her ability to continue the conversation. Her social skills were still limited, and she was still navigating the strange territory that came with understanding how to be a part of a pack.
Uncomfortable, she returned her attention to her pup. He was trembling with excitement, overjoyed to be in the presence of friends. It was her continual solace that she'd done the right thing by joining this pack, despite her moments of awkwardness and uncertainty. It was a learning curve, but one she was willing to navigate. For Chive's sake. And possibly for some of her own.
When Chief spoke again, his voice had returned to it's usual gentle tone. She looked back towards him, ears folded neatly against her nape. She took in his words and found a small smile forming on her lips as he backtracked his statements, finding his bashfulness somewhat endearing and amusing. Maybe they both felt a little clumsy in their interactions. The idea was comforting, made her feel less alone. "You're always welcome in the nursery, Chief. I know you've got your paws full of important work already, so rest assured there's no expectations of you from me. But, just know that I won't turn you away if you do ever happen to show up wanting to offer help." Nessie established good-naturedly. She rested her paw briefly on top of his own before making her departure, allowing the Striker to return to his aforementioned duties. Refocusing on her own responsabilities, the pit bull noticed Lumi dash outside after Trinket. She wasn't about to let there be a sequel to the day's unlucky festivities and so made her way through the room in pursuit of the dappled youngster. She'd make sure to chaperone the group to the nursery where she'd overheard they were all due for a storytime from Bo.

Interactions:
m4ngy.mutt
Redrin
SilverFlight

 

[Redrin]

As Chive recounted his tale, Rogue listened intently, her ears perked, her eyes wide with curiosity. She didn't interrupt, not even when he mentioned bread, her absolute favorite food. Still, despite her best efforts, her tail thumped wildly against the floor, betraying her excitement. Before she knew it, her whole body was wriggling in anticipation, and she had to mentally scold herself to calm down. By the time Chive finished, only her tail was wagging again, though it twitched with restrained energy.
Hearing the full story from Chive was intriguing. It all sounded like a complete accident, so why was Ghost so worked up about it? But when she thought about it more, it made sense. He was the leader, and leaders carried weighty burdens. Rogue wouldn’t want that kind of responsibility, ever. No wonder he was on edge.
Then, at the mention of food, her stomach twisted. She hadn’t eaten since yesterday morning, too nervous the night before to stomach anything. But her role had changed now, and she knew she wasn’t allowed to eat yet. She pushed the thought aside.
“Oh, Chive, I’m sorry you got hurt like that,” Rogue gushed, leaning forward with sympathy. “But don’t worry! I bet all the grown-up dogs have made mistakes too,” she assured him, playfully bopping his nose in return. Then, she straightened up, chest puffed out with pride at the mention of her own adventure.
“Chive, you won’t believe it!” she began, her voice rich with excitement. Leaning in, she took a fighting stance, spreading her paws wide as if ready to pounce. “In a dark, smelly ravine, I came face to face with the largest, most powerful…” She paused for dramatic effect, her eyes gleaming. “The King of Rats!”
With a sharp bark, Rogue bounced into the air as if reliving the moment.
“He was guarding a blanket, one I knew we needed for the nursery pups. At first, I was scared, I’ll admit it,” she added, lowering her voice as if revealing a great secret. “But then Bo came in and, oh, Chive, he was amazing! He told me exactly what to do, and with a little skill on my part, I took down that rat! I made my first kill! Can you believe it?”
She couldn’t hold still any longer; her paws danced against the ground, her entire body quivering with pride. The way she recounted the tale made it sound thrilling, not nearly as terrifying as it had actually been. Telling Chive about it made her relive the best parts, the parts where she had been brave.
Just as she thought she was finished, another memory struck her, and she crouched into a playful bow.
“But then, Ghost poked his nose right into a whole nest of the buggers!” Rogue yipped, tail wagging furiously. “We ran so fast, Chive. I don’t think anything could have caught us!” She ended her story with a triumphant nod of her creamy head, still basking in the glow of her own adventure.
However, her excitement quickly faded as Bo approached. At first, Rogue tensed, sure he was coming to reprimand her for chatting or give her another task. Her tail tucked between her legs, ears pinning back instinctively. When he got close enough, she gave his chin a quick, submissive lick, hoping to appease him. But Bo wasn’t here for her, he was here for Chive. Rogue’s body relaxed, her tail beginning to wag again. He was inviting the pups for a story, but… was he inviting her? She wasn’t a puppy anymore. She was Bo’s apprentice now. Would it be wrong for her to sit in on a tale meant for the younger ones?
Slowly, she edged back, hovering on uncertain paws. Should she stay? Should she go? Her stomach rumbled again, reminding her of how hungry she was. Maybe she should slip away and find something to eat. But Bo was her mentor. Stories could be a part of her training, right? Rogue hesitated, ears flicking as she waited for some sign, some clue, of what she was supposed to do next.

 

[m4ngy.mutt]

-TRINKET-


Caught off guard, Trinket playfully nipped at Lumi's long ears, his laughter bubbling up as her energy overwhelmed him. Eventually, he relented, shaking himself off and grinning widely. His tail wagged in delight as he fell into step beside her, eager not to be late for the story.

"I hope it's a good one!" Trinket said, his voice brimming with anticipation. Then, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face as he hesitated, casting a glance toward the distance. "Do you think Rogue will join us? Or… are stories just a pup thing now?" His shoulders slumped slightly, and he murmured, "Rogue’s been so busy training with Bo lately. I miss when all of us used to play together."

Although Rogue had only just recently been promoted to Novice, it felt like an eternity since they’d all spent much time together. Trinket wasn’t far behind; it wouldn’t be long before he, too, would begin training as an apprentice under someone. He couldn't help but hope it would be someone as cool and powerful as Ghost—or maybe even someone like Walker, their deputy. The thought lifted his spirits, and he let out a small wag of excitement at the idea. How amazing would it be to learn under someone like that!

Breaking out of his daydream, Trinket nudged Lumi as his sharp eyes caught Nessie stepping out from the house to join them. “Oh sticks! We’re not supposed to be out here alone…” he'd bark in a hurried whisper, his ears pinned. His eyes widened with dramatic realization, but he quickly pulled himself together- or at least tried to.

In an attempt to appear casual, he trotted toward Nessie, his steps a little too bouncy to be entirely cool. “Hiya, Nessie!” he chirped, tilting his head up with a squinty, toothy grin that was trying hard to say nothing suspicious going on here. “We were just on our way to hear Bo’s story!” he added brightly.

 

[Rusty Angel]

Walker followed his gaze to where Bo stood, an ever-lingering presence near Agnes. It was hard not to notice his fondness for the medicine dog, though she usually gave him the professional courtesy of not speculating whenever she saw him outside her door. It never bothered her, apart from the times she wished to use him for patrol, only to find him consistently preoccupied. Still, after all they had been through, if Agnes made him happy, she sort of wanted to give them space to develop whatever might be forming between them. Looking back at Ghost, she was a little surprised that their relationship affected him this way. Did Ghost want something like that with another dog?

He practically answered the question himself. As his predicament clicked in her mind, it only raised more questions. How long had he felt that way? What brought on this sudden bout of uncertainty in the face of it? Bo’s interest in Agnes was certainly nothing new.

Before she could piece together any meaningful response, he had shifted the conversation over to her. Caught off guard, her first impulse was to deflect right back, and pivot the conversation back to their duties. Still, she had pried, and she was just happy he’d opened up to her for once. Just barely, but if this was as much as he was comfortable with now, she didn’t want to shut him out immediately after.

“I never gave much thought to having pups,” she said, finally, sitting down since it seemed they would be here for a moment “I was always on the move, and to even consider that as a possibility seemed… irresponsible in a way. Pups don’t usually survive long on the road,” she looked down, conflicted with how much she wanted to share, “But… there was one dog I thought that could have been possible with… maybe. We didn’t quite make it to that point.”

Memories came flooding back as she pictured him: the dog she wished to see again more than any other. It was something she tried not to dwell on, or she would get wrapped up in what-ifs, or would-haves. Her time with them was the only other where she felt having a home could be possible.

“I wasn’t really expecting to find anything like that, but when I did… once it was over…” she looked back at Ghost, “I only wished I had said something. Made it clear how I felt, before… before I wasn’t able to anymore,” she offered him a hopeful smile, “I don’t know what to say about ‘finding it’, but if you ever meet a dog you think you could build that connection with, make it clear. Don’t worry about how things will turn out in the end. I mean, respect their feelings and don’t be pushy, but you’ll only regret it if you never take that chance,” she gently brushed her nose against his, “You might need to work on being more open first, though.”

Having finished her spiel, she stood back to attention, fixing him with a light-hearted, but stern expression, “And please make sure you mind the balance between that and your responsibilities. If I have to chase another dog into performing their duties, much less the leader, I don’t know how anything will get done around here,” her tail wagged playfully for a moment before she dipped her head to him, “Speaking of which, we have a pack to take care of. I don’t know if you’re planning on letting the other dogs know about the intruders this soon, but once they see we’ve added an extra patrol, they’ll probably have questions.”

** Walker is in the main area.
Chaotic Poem

---

Ches looked back at her, remembering how the other dogs had mentioned Fawn offering them their home. As she went on about her past experiences with her owners, and her hopefulness in finding a new home here, amongst these weather-beaten dogs, he began to see her in a new light. The mud on her fur, and messiness of her coat spoke less about her inexperience with life outside her people, and more about her determination in what she was searching for. Something he was hoping to find too, despite often letting his resolve fall to the wayside. The slightest hint of admiration shone in his eyes as she went on, a warm spark hope stirring in his chest.

When she spoke of the river, and her wish to see it, a strange sort of eagerness surged through him that was slightly different from usual. He always looked forward to visiting the river. The water was his last connection to his owner, and he felt the most at home there… but there was something else this time, too. He didn’t know why. Maybe it was because of the love they had both shared for their families, but he wanted to help Fawn make it there.

“I can take you,” he offered, not letting his confusion over his feelings get in the way, “I go there every day. It may be a little cold this time of year, but…” he studied her coat again, “You might actually have the right fur for it,” he met her eyes again, suddenly faltering at his own forwardness, “Well, if you want me to, I mean.”

**Ches is in the main area talking to Fawn.
Chaotic Poem

 

[Chaotic Poem]

Ghost listened intently as Walker spoke, absorbing every word. He respected her honesty but couldn't ignore the pang of something unspoken—the reminder that she had experienced love, while he had never allowed himself the same. But the moment passed. She had given him advice and a warning, and it was the warning he chose to heed.

“Get a patrol together. Now. Tell them to look for any signs of intrusion. Word will spread by itself.” His voice was firm, unquestioning. There was no room for hesitation.

His stomach growled, but he ignored it at first, watching as the pups darted upstairs, Bo following close behind. Ghost noted the bond forming between them and approved, though he noted to remind Bo—Rogue was no longer a pup. Training had to come soon. But not today. Today, Rogue deserved to just be a pup.

Ghost moved to the bathroom, its familiar darkness and chill a perfect place for food storage. He glanced at his catch—rabbits and Grackle as well as a fish. He chose the rabbit. His favorite.

As he looked around, he saw his pack—together, content. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to take it in. Then, without another thought, he turned away and padded toward his room.

Walker was right. His focus had to be on the pack, on their safety, on the threat at hand. No more distractions. No more feelings.

The door swung almost shut behind him. He had broken every doorknob long ago—no dog would ever be locked in. Jumping onto his bed, he settled in, the rabbit untouched for a moment as he stared out the window. Then, without a word, he ate.

Alone.

***Ghost is in his room

---

Fawn practically sprang to her paws, her stump tail wagging furiously as she matched Ches’s eager energy. His excitement was infectious, and she couldn’t help but mirror it, her paws barely staying still beneath her.

“I’d love to go!” she yipped, eyes bright with anticipation. “My coat could definitely use a good wash, and I bet I won’t even mind the cold!” She gave her fur an enthusiastic shake, sending a few stray bits of dust flying. Now that she thought about it, Ches was right—her coat did seem well-suited for water. Maybe she was meant for this. Maybe this was exactly what she’d been missing all along!

The thought only made her more eager. Her paws shuffled against the ground, barely containing the energy bubbling inside her. “Can we go now? Do I need to ask Albatross?” She darted a quick, slightly anxious glance around the room, ears perked as she searched for her mentor. The idea of asking the temperamental little dog made her stomach flip. What if she said no? What if she thought it was a waste of time?

But she didn’t want to wait! She wanted to go now—right now! Turning back to Ches, she practically vibrated with excitement, waiting for his answer.

***Fawn is in the main living room

 

[m4ngy.mutt]

-CHIEF-

Chief tensed at Nessie’s touch—it was fleeting, yet something in him instinctively urged him to follow after her. His paw lingered for a moment before he forced himself to set it back down, stopping himself in his tracks. He watched as she sauntered away toward the pups, his head lowering with a quiet huff of discontent. The emotions stirred by her absence were unfamiliar, confused him even—and Chief disliked being confused. He needed a distraction, something to occupy his mind before his thoughts could spiral further. A patrol would do the trick.

With that in mind, he set out in search of Ghost. If anyone could keep him busy, it would be the alpha.

Chief found Ghost in his quarters, the air thick with the scent of rabbit. He paused at the doorway, unwilling to intrude on his leader’s rare moments of solitude. The thought of waiting crossed his mind, but he dismissed it—Ghost had likely sensed his presence by now. No point in hesitating.

To be sure, Chief announced himself before nudging the door open with his snout. His tail stood high, his stride confident—an unspoken declaration that he was ready for whatever task Ghost had to throw at him. As he approached the Malinois, Chief dipped his head in respect, a habit he had developed upon witnessing just how well Ghost carried the weight of leadership among the pack.

Once he raised his gaze to meet Ghost’s, he spoke with a businesslike tone. "I’d like to formally apologize for Chive’s recent predicament. I’ll make sure it never happens again." His words were not a plea for forgiveness—he wasn’t asking for it, nor did he need it. Not from Ghost. He’d rather prove his sincerity through action.

"To make up for my... lapse in judgment, I’ve offered my assistance with the Kuzucuks," he continued. "Nessie was glad to accept. An extra set of eyes on the three will do her some good." He framed the offer to Ghost as a way to make amends for what happened to Chive, though, deep down, he knew it also served as a convenient excuse to distract him from thoughts he wasn’t ready to confront.

"Of course, I’ll need your approval first," he added. "And if you believe it’s best that I keep my distance for now, I’ll understand." His tail lowered slightly at the thought, but he secretly hoped that wouldn’t be the case.

 

[Society of Strays]

CHIVE
Rogue's energy mingled with his own, intoxicating him. The more she wiggled, the more his own small form did, too. He beamed at the reassurance she gave him, feeling some of his earlier embarrassment about the ordeal reduce itself. As she began her own tale, the golden retriever resigned himself to a tense seated position, his hindquarters hovering an inch or so above the floor, ready to spring. "The King of Rats!" He barked in exhilaration. As Rogue leapt into the air to show the thrill of this encounter, Chive couldn't resist the urge to do the same, mimicking her flight and landing in playful bowed position, his fluffy tail shaking aggressively over his arched back. When she informed him that this quest had led to her first kill, Chive's dark brown eyes widened. "Rogue killed the Rat King! Down with the King of Rats! He's no match for her!" He shouted. He ran in a circle around her, ignoring the throb that this caused to his still-sore neck. She'd taken down an enemy! He felt pride swell in his chest for his friend. He knew how accomplished she must feel, how much like a big dog she was becoming. Not allowing the youngster to fully dwell on this first great achievement, the she-pup delved into the second part of her adventure, which was equally invigorating. "The Rat Army! Coming to avenge their King! I've seen you run, no rat can go that fast, surely. You're the fastest pup ever! Down with the Rat Army! Down with the Rat King!" Chive started chanting. He knew that the adult dogs got into some serious business out on their patrols, but he had no idea it was this level of exciting. He was nervous to become a Novice, but he felt better knowing that Rogue was paving the way. By the time he was apprenticed, she would be by his side to help him navigate the wild world that existed beyond the safety of their house.
As he waited on Bo's response, the pup noticed Rogue's contemplation. He switched back one of his ears, frowning slightly. Surely she could still come have Storytime in the den, couldn't she?

NESSIE
Nessie smiled softly at Trinket's energetic response, obvious overcompensation for the fact that the pups weren't where they were supposed to be. "Of course, little one. I'm just coming to escort you to the nursery." She replied, deciding to save her chiding for when the pups undoubtedly broke this rule again. They'd had enough discipline for the day what with Chive's close encounter with the raccoon. Giving the white-pelted Doberman a lap on his ear, the she-dog gently herded him and Lumi back into the house. Once they'd united with the trio that comprised of Chive, Rogue, and Bo, the pit bull glanced over her shoulder towards the food storage. She watched as Ghost made his selection and retreated to his private quarters. Running her pink tongue over liver-colored nose, the pit bull decided that she would go fetch food for herself and the pups to enjoy during Bo's story. Her amber optics fell on Rogue, obviously hungry from her long day in the field, and the motherly figure felt a pang of empathy. Surely she could enjoy her meal alongside the other pups one more time. If she had to explain herself to Ghost for this discretion, than she would. "I'll bring dinner to the nursery for you all. Rogue, would you be able to help me carry some?" She asked sweetly. She'd always been fond of Rogue. Not only was she Chive's closest playmate, but she was brave and had the inborn survival skills that a pedigree pooch such as Chive did not. She always felt safer when her little one was playing alongside Rogue, imagining that the little she-pup did a better job of keeping Chive from falling into trouble than he would do on his own. This theory had been reinforced today when Chive had been attacked during his first outing with his accomplice.

Interactions:
m4ngy.mutt
Redrin
SilverFlight

 

[Chaotic Poem]

Ghost paused mid-meal, ears pricking at a sound in the hallway. He tried to catch a scent, but the strong aroma of the rabbit in front of him overpowered everything else.


The door opened, and he instinctively tensed—only to relax upon seeing Chief enter. The other dipped his head respectfully before speaking, inquiring about Nessie.


“I think extra eyes on the pups is a good idea,” Ghost replied, deliberately sidestepping Chief’s mention of the earlier incident. He had decided the matter didn’t warrant further punishment; the lesson had been learned.


“Just make sure patrols and hunting don’t fall behind. Walker needs all the help she can get. Spring may be settling in, but we all know how harsh the winter was.” Ghost turned to glance out the window, where sunlight spilled across the landscape. Prey would be out.


“If you’re free, I’d like to restock the storeroom. Up for another hunt?” He gave Chief a sidelong look, the corners of his mouth twitching with a hint of warmth. “Maybe you’ll catch another raccoon.”


His words were light, though not teasing. He’d never suggest a smaller dog go after something so bold—but Chief’s size made it more than possible.

 

[Redrin]

Chive’s excitement was contagious, and Rogue, already caught up in the thrill, couldn’t help but add a few extra flourishes to her retelling. Her paws danced on the earth as she painted the tale with wide eyes and exaggerated detail, each word spilling out faster than the last. They were both wagging so hard it was a wonder they stayed upright.
As the question of storytime hung in the air, Rogue waited for a sign, however, the moment of hesitation did not last long, and a wave of relief washed over the young dog when Nessie spoke up. When Nessie gave her approval, Rogue melted into pure joy. She bounded forward, tail swinging like a banner behind her. “Of course I’ll help!” she barked, her voice a mixture of eagerness and pride.
As she approached the tiny tiled room they kept the food in, the scent of fresh prey wafted up, musky vole, warm rabbit fur, and the sharper tang of mouse. Rogue’s nose twitched as she took a deep breath, savoring the moment. She grabbed a vole and a rabbit between her teeth, fluff and warmth filling her mouth. The mouse slipped away from her grasp, but she didn’t care; she had more than enough to carry.
Turning to see the other pups trailing toward the nursery, she caught sight of Chive, and her heart gave a happy skip. “Chive, wait up!” she tried to call, muffled through her furry cargo. The sound came out somewhere between a bark and a grunt, but her legs made up for the lack of clarity as she trotted after him. As she caught up, something struck her, how easy it had been. Not long ago, just lifting a vole would’ve made her wobble, and now here she was, balancing two pieces like it was nothing. The prey swayed gently as she ran, brushing against her legs, and her chest puffed with quiet pride. She felt strong and capable. Like maybe she was finally becoming the kind of helper the others could count on instead of a burden.
Inside the nursery, the blankets she had carried back were laid out. The soft murmurs of Bo’s voice wove through the room as pups began to settle in. Rogue padded to the nest she’d helped build earlier and placed the vole and rabbit down with gentle care. They landed with a soft thud on the bedding, and for a moment, Rogue just stood there, soaking in the feeling. For once, she wasn’t in the way. She was part of it, part of the pack. Her eyes found Chive’s, and she gave him a grin, her tail thumping softly against the nursery floor. Could the day get any better?

*Rogue is in the nursery

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

Agnes' hair flopped over to one shoulder as she watched Lumi bound off to get the rest of the other pups. Stories didn't really excite her, most of her time spent here she heard everything everyone had to say. "Not for me. It seems like a year had gone by, but I don't suppose that's likely. She remains to be young and small, too tiny that her thoughts get bunched up together. She needs time to expand. I've tried helping her, but I'll need help. That means this is an order from me to you; watch over them. Half of the dogs in this household are too young." She brushed off of Bo's teasing look with a similar one reflecting her face. Watching the bulkier one pad away, she held her gaze on the striker. So much on her mind, she shouldn't be letting another thing pile on top of it. Even so, she follow behind a bit late.

"I'll accompany you since it's for the sake of the 'nursery litter', but first I'll be dropping these off. See you there," She gave Bo a nod before making her way to the medicine dog's den. Agnes pawed around her storage a bit before shoving the Calendula leaves with the herbs that should be reachable during emergencies. Plants for just curing small diseases and sickness were at the back, and anything helping with sore or thorn-stabbed pads were on a much higher shelf. She shut the cabinet again, letting sunlight drift inside from the glass that. Pre-heating technique! She just hoped nothing over-dried. She'd occasionally wet some herbs' leaves if they need it.

Going passed the halls again, the multi-colored canine found her paws stopping at the nursery. Small and loud barks echoed out of the end, and she was hesitant to step in. The dog she was willing to go after was chuckling something about a scar. Agnes simply brushed her own paw over there area as she brushed by. "Quite foolish to be chased around by a little lamb. In my opinion, why be proud of something like that when you knew it caused you pain before?" She posed another one of her hard-to-answer questions. Of course, as one of the only healers, she despised scars. They were pretty, but not exactly things that kept a good memory. She had some too.

But Agnes' own scars were from mistakes she'd need to learn from. Mistakes she'd twisted around and bent them enough that they morphed her into something better. That was the only benefit in being injured. But to be boastful of it...she couldn't quite understand. Genuinely. She gave everyone a long look, before easing up. She shouldn't ruin a 'fun moment' for the others, she supposed. Rogue had slipped away already, fetching some prey for those in the nursery. Agnes savored the taste of food, but ignored it. Had she eaten? She'd forgot. It felt like she just woke up, then there was that meeting for Fawn, and it came here. When Rogue returned, the medicine dog sat down, waiting for someone to take something before the offer clouded her mind.

Interactions: SilverFlight , Redrin (Mention)
Agnes is also in the nursery, sings~

 

[Chaotic Poem]

The days had stretched longer, and the rain had been relentless. Spring arrived not with gentle warmth, but with unpredictable storms—wind, downpours, then sudden calm. It was as if the world couldn’t decide what it wanted to be. Still, food was becoming easier to find, and Ghost no longer worried about feeding the pack.

On one of the clearer days, Ghost had gone out on patrol with Albatross and Fawn, making a slow circuit through the city. The air was cool, the streets wet but quiet—until Rogue came running. Her cream pelt was soaked, and Ghost could smell her fear before she even spoke.

She barely caught her breath before she told them: there had been a shot. Walker had fallen during a hunting patrol with her and Bo.

The world tipped sideways.

Ghost didn’t remember much of the return trip. Only the feeling—that hollow, echoing weight in his chest. Walker had been more than a deputy. She was his anchor. The one who had found him when he’d had nothing left. Now she was gone.

Bo carried Walker’s body home. The pack gathered and kept vigil through the night. They buried her in the forest, beneath the trees she had loved. And then, everything went quiet.

Ghost withdrew. He stopped coming out of his room. Stopped eating. The fire in him dulled. Bo came by daily, always checking in, never pushing. And then one day, he said something different: it was time for Chive to become a Novice.

For some reason Ghost couldn’t name, those words pulled him back. Maybe it was because Chive deserved a mentor. A future. A pack that still stood tall.

That evening, Ghost stepped out from his room, head and tail high. He called a meeting. In it, he named Chief as Chive’s mentor—and did what he should have done weeks ago. He made Bo his deputy. Bo had already stepped into the role, keeping the patrols running, training Rogue, and holding the pack together with quiet steadiness.

For a few days, there was peace. Rain returned, but the house felt warm. The pups played. Novices trained. Life moved forward, gentle and slow.

Then the door swung open.

Ghost scented Zephyr before he saw him—wet, cold, trembling. The little dog padded in, soaked to the bone. Ghost’s relief was short-lived.

Zephyr had come to warn them: the snowmelt in the mountains was flooding the rivers. And then, not long after, he had been swept into the water himself.

He would’ve been lost if not for Ches. The older dog had been at his favorite spot near the riverbank and didn’t hesitate. He dove in, pulled Zephyr to safety. But just as Zephyr reached shore, a wave of debris came crashing through—and took Chester with it.

Zephyr had made it home. Chester hadn’t.

But this time, Ghost didn’t disappear.

This time, he stood tall and made a vow. No more dogs would die. He would not let his pack fall apart. That night, they held another vigil—everyone but Zephyr and Agnes, who went to the medicine room while she tended to the half-drowned scout.

The days that followed felt clearer. Warmer. The sun broke through more often, the air carrying the first hints of summer. The river still swelled, but the floods did not reach the house.

Zephyr, now rested, returned to his duties, leading a hunting patrol to the city with Fawn and Albatross. Bo and Chief took their novices into the southern forest for training. Nessie watched over Lumi and Trinket as the pups tumbled through the garden. Inside the house, Ghost stood guard, keeping watch while Agnes sorted herbs and made sure the youngest were safe.

It had been a brutal month, marked by loss and storm and silence. But Ghost looked out at his pack and felt the shift. Fawn was growing into her role. Albatross was learning how to lead. Bo and Agnes had grown closer. Chief still looked at Nessie with the same quiet wonder. The rhythm of pack life—though forever changed—had found its pace again.

And Ghost, for the first time in weeks, believed they would be okay.

*Ghost is in the living room
*Bo is in the southern forest
*Agnes is in the Medicine room
*Nessie is in the backyard
*Chief is in the southern forest
*Albatross is in the city
*Zephyr is in the city
*Fawn is in the city
*Rogue is in the southern forest
*Chive is in the southern forest
*Lumi is in the backyard
*Trinket it in the backyard

 

[SilverFlight]

Bo lay in a bed of soft pine needles. He had found the copse of trees an excellent hiding spot from his apprentice and the others. The thick scent of pine would obscure his own, and the red-brown colour would make him harder to spot from a distance. This exercise was on tracking. He had taught Rogue as much as he knew, and now it was time to put her to the test. Every trick, every strategy, both to find prey and intruder dogs.
Now he would judge how much she still needed to learn, by how she approached, and how close she got undetected.

Lumi lay on her back, staring up at the clouds. The two months that had passed, added to the food and excellent care had made her grow like a weed. Now, at 5 months, she was beginning to look like a fine young dog. Barely a month off of her own apprenticeship. The problem was, Lumi had absolutely no idea what she wanted to be. She envied Chive, who was already out training.

"Ooooh! It's not fair!" She cried finally, rolling over and scuffing the grass with her paw. "I'm going crazy cooped up in this tiny yard. I wanna get out there!"
She was tall enough now that she could see over the fence when she stood on her hind legs, bracing her front paws against the wood. It wasn't only the apprenticeship that drew her to the outside, Lumi was bigger, and stronger...she wanted to go look for Kobi. She was certain he was alive. She hadn't mentioned her brother to many, and she kept her desire to go look for him to herself...for now.

"Trinket, let's play a game!" She turned away from the fence and loped over to her friend, dipping into a play bow and wagging her tail.

((Bo in the Southern forest hiding among a group of pine trees, Lumi in the backyard, bored out of her mind))

m4ngy.mutt Society of Strays Redrin

 

[Redrin]

Time felt like it was speeding along faster than Rogue could keep up, but it also felt like nothing had happened. Time had stopped at the very moment Rogue saw it, Walker falling. There was one good month of training before the tragedy, and now Rogue couldn't stop seeing that moment in her head every time she fell asleep. It had been a normal patrol, and the novice was finally feeling confident in her abilities, like she was getting the hang of this whole thing. Bo and her often went on patrol with a third, Walker being very common in their group. She had grown to respect the deputy, her skills, and her leadership. Seeing her fall down so suddenly was unbelievable to Rogue; what's more was the panic that set in afterwards. Bo telling her to run and get help, the smell of blood in the air, and panic.
The moment had kept Rogue up many late nights, tossing and turning in her sleep. She even began sneaking out, roaming the woods to train herself further, because what if she had been able to scent the hunter who made the shot? Nights like that continued until the day Chive joined her in the novice room. Rogue hadn't realized how much she had missed her friend, and how glad she was to have company, to not face the nightmares alone. Chive was the only one Rogue confided in about the dreams and her midnight training sessions, which became less frequent but did not stop.
When Chess drowned, it had less impact on Rogue than Walker, but she still avoided the water for weeks afterwards. Afraid she would meet the same fate. It was Zephyr who made her feel better this time. Despite almost drowning himself and having watched Chess, there he was, one Spring afternoon, swimming around in the river. Rogue decided to conquer her fear and asked Zephyr for a lesson in swimming. He gladly obliged and offered lessons to anyone else in the pack who might need to know.
Now, Rogue was an 8-month-old; the countless days and nights of training had made her legs strong, able to carry her fast but silently through the forest. Her mind was sharp, with Bo's tutoring, she was able to pick out scents from the air without even trying. Her curious nature still got her in trouble though, stumbling into dark holes with snakes and running into some humans on a hike, but they were eating bread, and Rogue couldn't help but get close. The events of the last two months had certainly kept Bo on his toes, watching out for her, but today was different.
Rogue was in the Southern Forest with Bo, Chief, and Chive, testing her tracking skills in a hunt. Her sleek cream body was pressed low to the ground, using the branches of a bush to cover her starkly colored fur. Moving forward instinctively, Rogue had done this many times, but she was never perfect at it. All that was going to change, Rogue could feel today was the day she got a perfect kill. She had tracked a rabbit through the forest, careful not to let it notice her. Rabbits were tricky prey, you had to be fast enough to catch one or stealthy enough to get close enough not to chase them. Rogue was amazing with both, her problem was always being focused.
As the wind blew and the branches shook their leaves, Rogue moved towards the clearing she knew the rabbit sat in. Once she began to move, she knew she had to act quickly. The rabbit would hear her once the wind stopped. Taking one last scent of the air, making sure she had a perfect picture in her head of the rabbit, Rogue leaped from the bush. The timing was perfect, the rabbit didn't notice her until she was almost on top of it, and as it ran, Rogue was fast enough to catch up. Pinning the creature down with a paw and a quick bite to the neck, it went limp. Pride surged through her. Finally, a perfect hunt. Rogue turned to find her company and show off the prize in her mouth. The rabbit was large too, it would be a whole meal for a dog.
"Bo, I bid id!" Rogue exclaimed through the fur in her mouth, her tail wagging furiously through the air.
Things were looking bright today, and Summer was right around the corner.

 

[Redrin]

Had it really only been a month since Zephyr nearly drowned? Time felt distorted, stretched out in the stillness of the medicine dog’s den. Agnes had been kind, always gentle with her care, but Zephyr ached to move, and Agnes didn’t like that. What weighed on him more than the water in his lungs was the guilt. Heavy and persistent, it clung to him like mud. He should have known better than to venture so close to the current. Should have been more careful. It was because of him that Chess was gone, and nothing he did now could bring his friend back.
That thought filled him with dread every time it surfaced, but it also lit a fire in him. Zephyr had to help the pack. Every chore, every errand, every task, he threw himself into it. Not just to make amends, but because being busy kept the memories at bay and the sorrow dull.
Chess and Zephyr hadn’t been friends long, but they'd shared a love for the river. They’d spent countless afternoons fishing, laughing as they chased leaping fish through the shallows. After the accident, Zephyr avoided the water. He couldn’t bear it, not the sound, not the smell, not the reflection of sunlight off the rippling surface. Until one warm afternoon changed everything.
The river was calm. Fish danced in the current, arching into the air with taunting ease. From his patch of grass, Zephyr watched them, chest tight. Finally, he stood and padded toward the water. He was a strong swimmer. So, he went fishing again.
With one catch flopping on the bank and another held proudly in his jaws, Zephyr was just about to head home when Rogue approached. Her request for swimming lessons nearly knocked the air out of him. He hadn’t even considered that other dogs might be afraid of the water, too. Especially after Chess.
Something shifted in him then. His desire to help surged forward. Not just to stay busy, but to make a real difference. Rogue wasn’t the only one who wanted lessons. Zephyr gave them gladly, teaching pups and packmates alike how to navigate the river safely. He couldn’t change the past, but he could prepare others for the future. After that day, the sorrow didn’t leave him, but it dulled, softened by purpose. The water still reminded him of Chess, but instead of grief, he felt connected to his lost friend.
Now the days were beginning to feel in rhythm again. Today, he was on a scouting mission through the city, patrolling with Albatross and Fawn. Zephyr stayed sharp, alert for danger, but he also let himself enjoy the company. Albatross always made for easygoing travel. Fawn, though, he didn’t know her well yet.
“Hey, so, Fawn,” Zephyr began, trying to bridge the distance with casual ease. “Have you spent much time in the city?”

 

[Chaotic Poem]

The days had slipped by for Fawn, long days of training and learning how to hunt. Albatross was a good teacher, but Fawn still felt distant from her, like she still didn't know her mentor. When Walker died, it hurt Fawn; she had enjoyed the deputy's company, and she had always made her feel welcome in the pack. Walker was missed, and Fawn could see that in the pack, so she tried her best to make things better.

Always there for comfort or a gentle word, Fawn strived to help the other dogs through the pain of losing their deputy. She particularly found herself helping Nessie with the pups; she loved to be around the little pups, and Nessie was a good friend who she felt like could always use some emotional support.

But just as the pack had begun to settle into the rhythm of life again, Zephyr arrived—with news that turned their world upside down. Chester had drowned. Fawn’s entire heart sank. She was supposed to have been with Chester that day, down at the river. She loved going with him, yet her legs had felt too heavy, her head too foggy. She had stayed behind, curled on the porch, telling herself it was just a bad night’s sleep. The days that followed blurred together. Her appetite dipped. She found herself waking up tired, no matter how early she went to bed. But slowly—gradually—her bright mood returned. Yet she still felt tired and found it hard to eat, especially certain foods.

The noise of cars and barks of fenced-in dogs in the city didn't bother Fawn, she had been here many times. Albatross had instructed her on how to watch for loose dogs, pets who got away from their owners. Often, these dogs were soft and just wanted a quick play or sniff; other times, they seemed mad with anger, impulsive, and out for blood. Ghost never let dogs go into the city alone because of this; a loose dog could easily kill a Striker or Scout in one of their mad dashes.

Today was quiet though, even the dogs seemed to be enjoying the late spring weather and were reluctant to get up from their sunbathing. Her steps were slower than usual, but her tail gave a cheerful little wag as Zephyr trotted up beside her.

“Oh, I used to come here all the time on walks,” she said, perking up and falling into step with him. “Especially near the food shops—my owners would always sneak me bits of meat when no one was looking.” Her smile softened. “It’s still fun, even without them. Just… a little more real. A human or a loose dog could grab us if we’re not careful.”

She didn’t sound afraid, exactly. Just aware. Like the world had shifted a notch to the side, and she was still finding her footing. She felt good now, Chester's death still ached, but she found a gentle strength in the pack's support. She just started to wonder why she still felt so tired and her stomach still seemed to ache with the loss, or could she be sick?

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

Things had changed when Albatross was called over from her usual dilly-dallying. There were no happy smiles, no paws passing a piece of prey, and in replace of that there were watered eyes with sniffling noses. She didn't understand what had happened, until Bo came in with Ghost. She nearly tripped over her limbs at the sight; Walker laid out as if she was just sleeping. But the white-furred dog knew better than to believe that. There was just a few shaking hands to confirm what really happened, and when the pack was supposed to sit vigil, Albatross couldn't help but turn her head away several times. She despised it when the others could see through her emotions, but this time, she didn't bother for her vulnerability. It was shared between everyone, even if they had merely join just a few months ago, or even many years past. Her leader grew distant, unable to warm up just yet.

She didn't expect anything else to come, something bad or something shocking at least, but it did. Now, she barely interacted with Ches, sometimes even calling him by his real name out of disrespect. Albatross figured it was funny, but no one was laughing now. The little scout went more into her role, yet not how others thought she would. She'd be in the halls, nothing more past that, however it was enough to keep her calm. Some nights she noticed Rogue slipping out, but she didn't dare jump out and scold the novice. Alas, the sun still rose up and bellies had to starve off hunger. She was put along Zephyr for a patrol, a dog she could connect to as a friend at least. Fawn was nice enough to handle Albatross' comments and was told to follow, and she started to realize that maybe things were better if she cooled off. She became a bit more lenient, only to her 'apprentice' at certain times, but that let the newcomer adjust even better.

The Pomeranian couldn't help but admit it was fun training, at least on the inside. Albatross cleared her thoughts when the terrier started small. It wasn't directed to her, but her ears could easily catch what was being said. "That's what's so good about being in the wild. You can learn how to be self-sufficient instead of relying on other...creatures that can't actually know what you're feeling. Sure, emotional contact can go between you and your past owner, but how would it feel to know they can't speak the same language as you? Suffocating, if you ask me, but that's my opinion." She said to Fawn's comment.

Interactions: Chaotic Poem & Redrin

 

[m4ngy.mutt]

-TRINKET-

Trinket lay sprawled on his back, soaking in the sun's warmth despite the risks it posed to his delicate albino pelt. It had become a habit of his lately, even though he knew better. Hearing Lumi’s groans, he cracked one eye open, the peaceful silence disrupted by her whining. "Won’t be long now, Lumi," he murmured, offering a half-hearted reassurance. Confident she’d quiet down soon, he let his eye drift shut again.

Unfortunately for Trinket, Lumi wasn’t done yet. At the mention of a game, both his eyes flew open, his ears perking up momentarily before drooping with a resigned sigh. "I would," he muttered, rolling back over onto his legs with a slight wobble, the absence of his front right limb evident in his unsteady movement. "But I think someone messed with the kibble out here. My stomach’s been hurting ever since I ate some, and it was harder to chew than usual..." His voice trailed off as he nibbled at a patch of grass Lumi had scratched at in her frustration. Once he’d had his fill, Trinket sat back on his haunches, scratching vigorously at his itchy, sun-dried pelt with his hind leg.

"How about we grab some real food instead?" he suggested, his tone hopeful as he shook his body free from any debris, his floppy ears flailing with the motion. "I could go for a bird—anything’s better than that kibble. It didn’t even come close to filling me up," he grumbled, his voice laced with dissatisfaction.

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

Agnes' lungs had struggled to properly expand and contract when news had fluttered through her ears. Both Walker and Ches were dead in just a simple row of days going by. It nagged her constantly each time she tried to rest her paws, that she wasn't there to help. Of course, the things that had happened to the retriever such as drowning wouldn't have been helped by herbs, but the deputy could've at least been healed. Relieved of pain until her very last breath. That was the hard part, being cooped up and not fighting alongside her packmates. She'd watch others fall, as she just withers away into an old dog. The only thing cheering her up was the few others slowly growing up too. Chive becoming a novice was great news, and she'd know that the pups would come to the same end in time.

Most of the rest were outside, leaving the house empty and silent. She fiddled with her storage, even if it grew boring. The sunlight dipped into the room lazily, and the floorboards creaked. Beaufort was out with Chief, Rogue, and the newest apprentice so no morning flowers came to greet her. She didn't overhear what they were doing, but it irked her that she was just left alone. Agnes had the urge to snap a few stems in half...but she would have no one else to scold her but herself. So instead of going insane within the medicine den, she padded out. No one in the halls, no one picking some food, but when she turned her head she spotted her leader just resting. His face was stone cold, but she knew a waiting layer of warmth would come so long she nudged it a bit.

"Is it only me who thinks doing the same thing over, and over again is tiring?" Agnes chirped with humor dancing underneath her tone. The leader had become stressed when the problems from the past arose. Using up almost all of her plants and herbs that helped with anxiety, she was put at ease to actually see everyone was slowly coming together. No one would forget the memories the now deceased ones brought. Maybe she was just a bit closer, though, because she was one of the originals to come. Even if she wasn't earlier, nor the maker of the pack, she had no desire but to cure diseases. That wish sometimes messed with her though-it would always be double-edged. If there was a dog waiting to bring another litter, she'd start thinking of an apprentice to spend time with soon.

Interactions: Chaotic Poem

 

[Chaotic Poem]

The house was quiet, wrapped in the kind of stillness that made every sound feel louder than it was. So when Agnes’ footsteps padded softly across the wooden floor, Ghost heard her before he saw her. His ears flicked, and his tail gave a slow, contented wag as she entered. He shifted to sit beside her, a familiar ease settling between them.

“No, it isn't just you,” he said, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. There was warmth in his tone, the kind reserved for someone who’d earned his trust. Agnes wasn’t just part of the pack—she was a steady presence, someone Ghost quietly relied on. In her way, she helped lead them, even if she never claimed the title.

He cast a sideways glance at her, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. “Might be getting busier for you soon. Trinket should be ready to start as a Novice in a few weeks.”

As if summoned by the thought of change, a soft fluttering of wings brushed the quiet. Ghost’s ears perked as a pair of doves sailed past the window, white feathers catching the pale morning light. The moment passed, and he turned his attention back to Agnes, eyes steady, like he was waiting to see what she thought of it all.

 

[SilverFlight]

"Well lookat you!" Bo exclaimed as he came out of hiding to admire Rogue's catch. "That was some of the best darn coursing I've ever seen. You'll be better'n me in no time."
Bo's tail wagged too. He was proud of his protege.
"Let's track down the other two an' head back, show Ghost what you did. It'll take too long to track down another critter for practice today."
Before they left the sunny clearing Bo trotted off a ways, nose to the ground. It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for: a soft, white flower, one of the herbs Agnes used for cuts. He gathered a few of the stems between his teeth and came back to Rogue. He had been doing this nearly every time he went on patrol, sometimes the flowers weren't even good for healing, just pretty.

"Come on," Bo said through his teeth, and began to lead the way slowly back.

Lumi giggled. "You sure that was kibble you ate Trinket? Do we even have any?"
Funny as it was, Trinket didn't look so good now that she was cup close. "Maybe I should get Agnes to take a look at you."
She looked out longingly beyond the fence. "Ghost's gonna kill us if we try to leave the backyard and I doubt we'd catch anything from in here."
She gave Trinket a conspiratorial grin. "Buuut he'd only kill us...if he finds out."
m4ngy.mutt Society of Strays Redrin