{+ Azure +} The Wise Curse

Chapter Four, A Sign

Ice stood in a freezing cold lake. He was shivering, though the taste of the fresh water soothed him. Stars reflected off it's surface.

Wading his way out he stood on a rocky bank. The land was quiet. Looking around he noticed there were mountains encasing the serene lake. Ice felt himself being plunged into the water again.

His brown eyes opened with a jolt as he shuddered. Looking around everything seemed fine. Just a dream- or was it a sign? Were they all heading in the correct direction?
Moon was also awake, he was staring off into the distance. "Why are you up so early?" Ice asked taking a seat by the young hunter. Moon gave a sad sigh, shaking his head solemnly. "I feel like I'm slowing everyone down, my paw is still injured from yesterday."

Ice grimaced, reassuringly resting a paw on his shoulder. "Tenshi is strong enough to carry you, you won't slow us down. We need to work as a pack here, we help those who need it." Ice's words were very reassuring to the young wolf, but doubt still infected his mind.

Slowly everyone rose from their slumbers and joined the two at the edge of the clearing. "I can go out and hunt on my own." Tenshi spoke stretching. "I'll come! It may be good to learn some hunting," Lotus offered. "I can come too," Crow jutted in.
"Sounds good!" Tenshi chirped leading them into the forest. Ice sighed beginning to clean his fur lazily. Moon and Ice now sat away speaking lowly to each other as he wrapped the younger wolf's injured paw.

It did not feel long before Tenshi and the other two returned with a doe. "Sorry it took so long, it tried to get away." Tenshi apologized as everyone slowly gathered. "It didn't feel long at all," Ice muttered, mainly to himself.
The group began to scarf down the prey, grateful Tenshi was chosen to come. As it shifted from early dawn to morning, the group set off once more.

They managed to make it out of the forest, looking around for a direction. "The sun rose there, so we should head this direction." Lotus said looking off at an empty field with long grass. Tenshi froze, he looked uneasily at it.
"We should avoid there as much as possible, I had a dream warning me. We need to head through the forest." His voice shook, pale blue eyes carrying seriousness.

Ice shook his head, "We'll get lost in the forest, we should go around it through there." He had pointed to a cluster of the hairless den's. Everyone hummed in agreement. "We can stay on the outskirts as to not make ourselves noticeable." Raiga advised as the seven made their way over to the nests.
Ice felt anxiety twist in his belly, although he suggested it, worry still clawed at him.
Moon took notice as he lay on Tenshi's back.

"I think we could take a chance in the forest." Moon spoke up. "No, it's far more risky, we could get really lost." Lotus told her brother gently. He sighed, shutting his maw and just relaxing on Tenshi.
The closer they got, the more their anxiety rose.
Sticking to the edge of the fences they made their way towards where the sun sets.
Turns out- the trek wasn't all that long. The seven were now in an open field once more. Joyously Cloud started cantering, giggling as the wind tickled her.

Moon got down, limping less, joining her. Lotus did as well, the Raiga, Crow, and finally Ice joined in. Most were laughing as they raced around, leaping and spinning. The group felt closer than ever, like they were truly a pack. The field stretched for what seemed liked forever. Tenshi sat solemnly, feeling dread eat away at him. Something was very wrong.

Soon the sun began to set, but the group's energy and spirit was still high. "Let's keeping going until the moon is at it's peak!" Moon suggested jumping around. "We didn't cover as much ground as we should have yesterday, we can keep going." Ice nodded.
Tenshi and Crow led the group, Moon and Lotus behind them. Raiga and Cloud right in front of Ice. He looked around at the moonlit field. Moon felt warm inside- never had he felt like he belonged more. The insecurities of his skill faded away. Everyone here was strong in their own ways. Though he did miss home, this was his pack now... at least for a little while. His eyes watered thinking of his mentor looking proudly upon him at his return, joined by his siblings and parents. Their forms seemed to dance in the stars.
Moon wiped away the tears running up to join Lotus and Ice. The night was still young when they came across a split path. One lead to mountains, the other, to an abandoned barn.

"The barn is our safest bet, it could have shelter and food." Lotus advised, a silent and tired agreement came from them all. Only moonlight lit up the barn- but only barely.
A shuffling was heard, and the tapping of claws. It was... an old domesticated dog? The group looked at one another confused. "Oh visitors," He smiled his country accent thick. He had a red bandana around his neck, it was tattered and dirty. His ears were perked up, and he had somewhat long fur. "I'm Louie!"

"I'm Ice, and these are my friends, Lotus, Moon, Tenshi, Crow, Cloud, and Raiga." He introduced the group. "Y'all aren't from 'round here are ya?"
The group shook their heads in unison.
"Well come on in! Wolves, dogs, same ol' thing!" He barked leading the group in. "So what brings y'all 'ere?" The old dog inquired eating a sparrow.

"We are on a mission, to find new territory for our packs." Crow answered cheerfully, clearly entertained by Louie. "Seven packs all in one area, wow." Louie spoke wide-eyed.
"No, only five packs, Cloud and Tenshi are from the same pack, same with Lotus and Moon." Crow chuckled nervously.

"Alright, now that makes more sense! Anyways, if you all wanna rest here go ahead, I'll get you somethin' to eat when dawn breaks." Louie wandered out of the barn.
Clearly confused, everyone found a respective spot and curled up. The exhaustion had them fall asleep swiftly.
Though, day break felt ages away.

Moon gazed out the barn window longingly, he had always felt inspired by the stars, yet intimidated. What else could be out there for him? He let out a long sigh, finally laying his head down for rest.