Remembering Old Times

[Meoquanee]

The old crone sat beneath a low hanging pine branch, safely concealed from the high hot sun save a few dappling rays of light that managed to weave through the forest canopy to reach the ground below. Her grizzled head rested on lumpy arthritis-ridden paws, graying eyes watching the blurry forms of some pack member or another skittering about Camp. She flicked an ear, the appendage singling out a conversation here, then a fluttering of paws there. That was one thing she'd retained as well as she'd had in her youth, SharpThistle's hearing had not yet even begun to fail. As the younger, more able bodied wolves of The BearSkull Pack moved in and out and all around the Elder's mind began to wander back to her younger days. Then, she'd been full of energy and life. Quick on her paws and quick of mind. Anymore, however, that was all gone. Bones were stiff and painful, fur grayed, eyes dimmed and one became of little use other than being able to recount stories to those who would listen. SharpThistle sighed and shifted slightly, feeling the grind in the nearly non-existent cartilage between her joints. She had a few years left at best, assuming she kept free of sickness, hunger and injury and even then who knew? The old grump snorted in irritation. The golden years, what a crock! A light breeze puffed through, gently teasing the pine needles above her and SharpThistle shivered slightly. When did she get cold so easily? In her youth she would have relished a cooling breeze on a day as hot as this.
Oh stop whining you old coot! she chastised herself in her mind, You lived a good life, and most of your children are still alive. That's something to account for, right? Rare as it was that she saw them.

[Blackie]

He yawned lazily, his tongue hanging out in a pant as the brute lay in the shade near his den. Storm Rage was a little to uncomfortable in this weather, his soot black pelt soaking up the warmth of the sun above. The bodies of the other wolves in the pack trotted by him, and he huffed. The young Alpha narrowed his dull green eyes against the bright light of the sun, looking around once more. Most of his pack were just trying to stay cool, while others were trying to remain busy, and helpful. Storm Rage grunted at the laziness of his pack, but then again he wasn't one to bark. He, himself was simply laying around camp trying to cool off as well.

Finally Storm Rage got to his paws, and padded out into the middle of the camp. "Aright! We need to gather for a hunt! C'mon now!" he barked, ending his sentence with a slightly irritated growl.[/color]

[Meoquanee]

SharpThistle's ears snapped up at a booming voice that echoed around Camp. She recognized it instantly as the Alpha, StormRage. A hunt? Something she couldn't participate in, but it'd be something to watch anyways. The rusty furred lady slowly, creakily, got to her paws and ambled towards where the wolves were gathering. She situated herself a little away from the group, lest Storm Rage think she was trying to join in, and focused her ears and strained her eyes to try to see. Maybe they'd bring home a nice fat elk. SharpThistle's mouth watered at the thought of the fresh, rich meat and her stomach knotted some. Yes, they needed a real meal. Lately all that'd been on the menu had been smaller prey and all she got was what her children managed to hunt down themselves and bring to her. She was far too fragile and slow to hunt on her own anymore, not to mention her sight problem. It's not that bad. she told herself, knowing deep down how it was a lie. She waited a moment more, then decided if she wanted a decent meal from this hunt she oughta make herself useful.
"I'll watch anybody's pups so they may participate." She called out in her shaky voice.

[falcon248]

Autumn Feather walked around the camp, the heat was to much for anyone to bear. So, she went to find water but was sidetracked by all the herbs and flowers that flourished around the pack's territory. She stayed there lying under the shadows of the trees. {Surely no one will mind if I stayed here for a little bit, I mean it's not like something's happening} She thought. It was only ten minuets later when she heard sounds of wolves talking. She walked back quietly and stood next to Sharp Thistle. "Sharp Thistle, What's going on?" She asked puzzled to the now growing group of wolves around another wolf, no, It was the alpha who was standing there. {What is going on???}