The night was relatively silent, with only the sounds of bugs and nocturnal animals drifting by on a light wind. The medicine she had received earlier from Gallifrey was still in effect, and Alnitak felt somewhat grateful to the Night, even if she was still unsure of her overall opinion on the male. Their initial meeting had not been the best. She still was unsure how she felt on his addition in to the back, but his actions earlier made her believe he would at least come in handy in some way. The events of the past left a sour taste in her mouth. So much loss and pain, and should anything similar happen once again a healer could be the difference between the packs survival or downfall. it did seem he knew his stuff, at least in this matter.
“We will see how he fares in times to come.” She spoke softly to herself, fiery eyes staring fiercely ahead as she made her way around the edges of the pack’s territory. The thought was pushed aside however as her pace slowed. The Baraza paused for a moment to catch her breath. The herbs had certainly helped, but she was still not as full strength, even under their effects. Perhaps they had not fully kicked in yet, as that could be the case, however she still disliked this temporary weakness that had befallen her. It would surely be worth it though. The litter she carried within her would help to strengthen the pack, and if there was one thing she felt the pack needed it was some strength.
After her moment of rest she continued on, her pace slower than she would have liked, but easier on her body in it’s current state. She couldn’t let this distract her though. Her skin twitched at the thought of some danger sneaking up on the pack while she was lying idle in her den. She couldn’t have that. She wouldn’t. Determination crossed her visage as she trekked on. If she could manage to take these herbs then they should be able to keep her going, until she absolutely could not do her patrols. A list of possible replacements filed through the Baraza’s mind. The pack was few, and even fewer she really trusted. A small sigh escaped her maw at this thought.
The colossus were certainly a capable lot, of this she was sure. They would keep the borders safe during her downtime, not that this made her feel any better. Alnitak gazed slowly around. Her progress was slow, but it was a quiet night, one that was disappearing faster than she could make her patrol. She spotted ahead a Colossus, and as she passed by the large dog she gave him a nod, though stayed silent.
Alnitak slowly made her way towards the dens that had come in to sight. Her patrol was finished and she was now looking forward to a rest. A meal also sounded quite good at this moment. She would have to see if any of the Howlers had brought anything back yet. As she entered the inner part of the pack’s lands it was still quiet. Though there were other dogs moving about, going about whatever business they each had, there was nothing out of the ordinary. It was another calm night, which suited her just fine.
“Howler!” She barked out as a hunter passing by. The dog stopped, looking somewhat startled, though they turned to face her.
“Yes, Baraza?” The dog asked, curious as to what this particular leader wanted with them.
“Has tonights hunt gone well?” She questioned. Fresh meat sounded good at this point, and she was not particularly picky at this time what sort of meat it was. The patrol took more out of her than she had thought, though the herbs had helped she was certainly feeling some strong pangs of hunger.
The Howler nodded quickly. “It was, Baraza. We managed to bring back a zebra, and another team has gone out.”
Alnitak nodded dismissively at the wild dog before turning to go search for said meat. It didn’t take long before she came across the group of Howlers. She could smell blood. This was surely the team that had just returned, and she needed no other confirmation than that. The red female entered the cave from which the group of Howlers had just exited, and waiting inside was the zebra that had been brought back. it had yet to be set upon by the rest of the pack, and for this she was grateful.
She wasted no time taking her fill of the meal. As she finished and stood to leave other wild dogs had started to show up. As she walked out they made way for her, and she simply, and silently, nodded at them. Alnitak turned her gaze to the sky as she exited the cave. The sky was just starting to lighten on the horizon. It would still be a bit of time before the sun rose, but she was realizing just how much of the night had been wasted due to her current state. A sigh escaped her maw as she made her way back to her own den. The day had tired her out more than usual. It was a fact she was not happy with. Alnitak entered her den and lay down, lying to face the den’s entrance. She silently watched the sky outside, sifting slowly through her own thoughts. What had happened, what will, what might. The ‘might’ weighed more heavily on her than anything else, and she could not help but wonder on the various dangers that could fall to the pack.
These thoughts slowly drifted away as Aln drifted closer in to sleep. She tried her best, fighting against the weariness falling over her. The thought of danger slowly drifted off, just like the rest of her thoughts, until her mind finally quieted down. It would be fine. The pack would survive without her, if only for a short time. It would be safe. It had to be. With that thought the Baraza fell asleep, a fitful one that, like her mind before, slowly quieted down in to a restful sleep.
(Word Count: 1040)
