Heartlands' Story - Tracker & Lore

Started Jan 4th, 2021. Inspired by Nelthyen's pack tracker, I decided to make an entire story surrounding my pack, the Heartlands Kingdom. Not really a Kingdom, though. It just sounded cool. Anyway, my thread will be written in story format, and will be an inspiration of what happens to my actual characters. That means not everything that happens in the story is a reflection of what happens IRL. For example, I acquired Redpaw and Sootpaw on the same day, in good health, contrary to what the story says.

Some things to note: Heartlands is loosely inspired off of Warrior Cats, mainly in certain traditions and naming conventions. Please do not reply to the thread--if you have any comments or questions, feel free to PM or add me!

Feb 19th: And here are some other lore threads and pack trackers other people have made! I love reading these v-v

Shiawase Clan, Fierce Grace, Tribe of the Great Rushing Rivers, Jackdaw's Flight, Lumineers, Duskglow,

And then here are the ones that haven't been updated recently that I'm lowkey hoping becomes active again: Burning Winter, Eldwood

March 15: Changed thread's name from "Heartlands' Lore Story" to "Heartlands' Story - Tracker & Lore"

Days 1-10 (Dec 26th-Jan 4th, 2021)

In the beginning, Barnaby was a simple wolf with simple wants. He was born to two rogues struggling to make ends meet, along with two sisters--Smoke and Riley. Smoke was grey-coated, much like her mother, while Riley took on a dark brown appearance. Barnaby had an overall dark grey coloring. Over the next year of his life, his sisters perished to the unbiased coldness of life, but he lived on. His family grieved for them, as anyone who had a soul would, and he decided to channel his grief into a desire to help others. Thus, when he turned three seasons old, he set out to help others in need.

Along his travels, Barnaby came across many people. Some he was able to help, others he could not, but he could at least point them in the right direction for help. And then, the /other/ others, simply could not be helped at all. Over the following season, Barnaby came to the realization that all this traveling and rogue-life was limiting his potential to help others. With this realization, Barnaby continued his journey with a second purpose now: to form a pack.

The Heartlands Pack is created.

With the help of a fellow wandering rogue named Tala, Barnaby finds a safe place within the Deciduous Forest, and immediately comes across a rogue named Austin, a golden and white male. Austin is a lively fellow, much like Barnaby, as he had been searching for a pack to join and give his all to. Together, the two soon find a woman named Jessie, her pretty cream features prompting some strange feelings within the dark grey-toned leader. She is friendly towards the group and, not having much else to do, decides to join them along their journey.

After the three find a place to make dens, Barnaby goes out to recruit more people while Austin and Jessie stay behind to clean out the immediate area of danger, taking a few home with them to store as food. Barnaby finds Rowan, a rather skinny brown-coated fellow who claims to be looking for his sister. Looking too weakened to do much of anything, Barnaby brings him home.

The wolves make a good place for themselves. As Rowan rests and recovers, the others spend a lot of time with each other. Sometimes Barnaby and Jessie hang out alone with each other...Austin doesn't mind. He finds their budding relationship to be cute.

A new member, Ourwin, joins them in their ranks. By the time Barnaby finds yet another member--Harry, a big, lithe male with a white coat that seems to be covered in snow--Rowan is well enough to continue his journey. He thanks the Heartlands members for their hospitality, and carries on his way.

With Barnaby as lead explorer, and Austin leading the first hunting party, consisting of Whitestorm and Jessie, life is going good!

One day, Austin suggests a fancy idea: what if we create a unique hierarchy system? Something no one has ever thought of before? He put it this way: all pups born will have the word 'pup' attached to the end of their name, with the prefix being something like an adjective or verb, and then when they turn into adolescents, they get 'paw.' Finally, as adults, they get some random noun or whatever to replace the 'paw.'

The idea sounded absolutely ridiculous! Why would we do that? But Austin kept persistence, offering new ideas and tweaks to it. He came up with holidays they could use, the idea that each pup in the pack would have a mentor to personally train, alongside general pupsitters, and all sorts of interesting things. Eventually, Barnaby agreed to /most/ of the ideas. He refused to change his name. So did everyone else, except Harry, who changed it to Whitestorm.  Austin was okay with this.

Several months after the Heartlands' creation, Jessie gives birth to two pups...wonder whose father they are? The answer is obvious. The female, a grey pup who looked eerily similar to Barnaby's sister, Smoke, was named Stormpup. Her brother, who took on more of her mother's appearance, sported a creamy coat laced with grey. He was named Willowpup. Embracing the culture Austin made for them, the pups had wet ash put on their chests in the shape of a heart, and each member of the pack would bend down to lick the pups' heads, offering their blessings and good will.

By now the pride was well established, but Barnaby had not forgotten his previous goal. He had been regularly searching for those in need of help still. One day, searched the forest for anyone in need, but could not find anyone. However, he did find one wolf...she was as dark as night, barely distinguishable from the night and shadows, yet her bright yellow eyes were clearly visible. She proved aggressive at first, meeting Barnaby's friendliness with a snappy attitude and sharp tongue, yet she was trespassing. He felt it right to remind her of that, his friendliness waning, but she eased up and apologized to him.

After a talk, the female admitted she had been booted from her previous pack due to lack of space, and was in need of a new home. Barnaby offers her an invite to join Heartlands, with one exception: she must change her name to fully be embraced into her new life.

The female, now known as Yellowfang, is welcomed into the new pack. Her off-putting attitude makes her immediately go into a stagnant relationship with Austin and Ourwin, but Whitestorm does not seem to mind. He can handle it. Not wanting any unnecessary fights to break out, Yellowfang agrees to Barnaby's proposal to act as their scout.

As the days go, Barnaby comes across what looks like a pure-white female named Snow. Like many others he'd met, she's rather friendly, and was looking for a home. Barnaby accepts her, and she changes her name to Snowtuft. Rather fitting for the pretty young she-wolf. She seems to get along well with Yellowfang, surprisingly, and the two often go out together to explore the surrounding lands.

Barnaby meets two adolescent males--one day apart from each other--who both come from different packs. They both struggled to hunt for themselves and had various wounds, prompting Barnaby to realize that they needed a wolf knowledgeable in herbs soon! The first teen, Soot, was a monochrome-furred and rather bossy individual, and refused to follow any orders to the point that Yellowfang suggested he be kicked out. But Barnaby refused, knowing that all the boy needed was a little bit of love and management, and he'd grow up an upstanding citizen. Kilter, the dark red-furred one, looked strong and capable. He was snappy and impulsive, saying whatever he wanted to his elders.

He refused to change his name at first, but Barnaby falsely threatened to have him kicked if he didn't. Besides, Barnaby thought, why keep the name you received from a pack who abandoned you? With that, two apprentices were made: Sootpaw, apprentice to Austin, and Redpaw, apprentice to Whitestorm. The crowd around them would shout their new names, and the mentors would press their noses against their new apprentices. They'll all learn to get together.

As if the heavens had bestowed her upon them, a wandering herbalist with a dark gold pelt agreed to stay in their pack. Though she enjoyed hanging out with Jessie and Barnaby, the shy healer found the aggressive nature of Sootpaw, Redpaw, and Yellowfang unnerving. The hunting party provides for her for as long as she was staying, which was only until Redpaw and Sootpaw's wounds were healed. As planned, the moment they got better, the herbalist left the scene. Barnaby would make sure to remember her name. Honeymoon.

Willowpup and Stormpup were growing up well! They took on their parent's personalities. Stormpup was very sociable and excitable towards everyone, and Willowpup was friendly and open, though a bit more reserved. Stormpup would often get her and her brother in trouble by trying, and sometimes succeeding, in leaving the watchful eyes of their mother and the pack to explore. Stormpup seemed so interested in the life of adventure, just like her parents are.

On one faithful day, Barnaby comes down with an awful illness. It leaves him bedridden and unable to explore, prompting Yellowfang and Snowtuft to search the lands for Honeymoon or someone else to aid them, but they could not find the former. Instead, they came across a she-wolf named Robin, who claims to be an herbalist who can help them. The wolves quickly invite her back, and she tends to Barnaby as best she can.

The process goes well, and within a day or two Barnaby is looking good as new. He offers her an invitation to join, which she gladly accepts, and does not mind taking on a suffix to her name: wish. Robinwish. Robinwish is accepted happily into the pack.

Long ago, Barnaby had found an old wolf he helped from the past: Asmodeus Morningstar, who now lead his own pack, a flourishing place called the Morningstar Kingdom. They had almost twice as many members as the Heartlands Kingdom, and lived far off into the mountains. Through regular visits, Asmodeus opened Barnaby up to a trading network, and the two grew closer together. One day, as a gift of friendship and for the sake of stronger alliances, Asmodeus offered one of his own children to join Heartlands, a barely weaned boy with russet fur and beautiful cream and black markings. Not wanting to deny his friend's offer, Barnaby takes the boy home and names him Sleekpup, for the shiny, sleek pelt he possessed. As per customs, the boy's chest was smeared with wet ash in the shape of a heart, and each member--both old and new--took part in the ritualistic grooming. Welcome to your new home, Sleekpup.

~~~

Leader: Barnaby (Lvl 7/264)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish (Lvl 3/222)

Scouts: Yellowfang (Lvl 7/315), Snowtuft (Lvl 6/319)

Hunters: Austin (Lvl 5/241), Whitestorm (Lvl 4/235) (Apprentice: Redpaw (Lvl 1/393)), Ourwin (Lvl 5/256), Sootvine (Lvl 1/297)

Pupsitters: Jessie (Lvl 4/229)

Warriors:

Pups: Willowpup (Lvl 1/185), Stormpup (Lvl 1/188), Sleekpup (Lvl 1/242)

Day 11 (Jan 5th, 2021) Summer 1

Early summer marks the time when Sootpaw officially becomes an adult. His impulsive behavior has been lessened over the months, but still remains. Austin is relieved of his duties as a mentor, and Sootpaw is officially given his final name: Sootvine! As per the culture, Sootvine spends a whole day walking along the entire border of Heartlands in silence, to help him think about and be grateful of the path he walked to get where he is: an honorable member of the Heartlands Kingdom.

Barnaby ponders the future of the pack. They are all very young, save for Snowtuft, who is middle-aged, yet no one has stepped up to become official second in command. Probably too early to think of that kind of stuff, he supposes. There is plenty of time to think about it.

Sometime during the half-moon long timespan, Barnaby officially names himself, Austin, Ourwin, and Whitestorm as both the Founders of Heartlands and the Council members. Members are especially to treat them with respect. Yellowfang scoffs at the idea, especially making fun of Austin and Ourwin's flaws, but does not mention Whitestorm. Surprisingly, newly made hunter Sootvine agrees with her, causing Barnaby to have to put them both in place with a display of dominance. "Remember how much this pack has given the both of you," he bares his fangs, "and remember who brings in the food that keeps this pack fed."

Robinwish later comes to the Council members with an interesting bit of information: she knows how to make fire. "It is traditionally made for the worst of wounds that need to be cauterized, but perhaps we can use it to add on to Austin's summer feast festival?" Austin smiles and wags his tail at her, further reassured that his ideas were good ones. Barnaby and the rest agree to let her teach them, "but tell no one else. I do not want to come home to a forest fire." They have until the rest of spring to learn.

~~~

Leader: Barnaby (Lvl 7/264)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish (Lvl 3/222)

Scouts: Yellowfang (Lvl 7/315), Snowtuft (Lvl 6/319)

Hunters: Austin (Lvl 5/241), Whitestorm (Lvl 4/235), Ourwin (Lvl 5/256), Sootvine (Lvl 1/297), Redtail (Lvl 1/393),

Pupsitters: Jessie (Lvl 4/229)

Warriors:

Pups: Willowpup (Lvl 1/185), Stormpup (Lvl 1/188), Sleekpup (Lvl 1/242)

Day 12 (Jan 6th, 2021) Summer 2

Just as the weather begins to grow hotter, Redpaw is officially deemed an adult when he reaches one year. The prideful wolf listens eagerly as the others chant his new name: Redtail! Redtail! Whitestorm was successful in mostly taming the boy's behavior, but the high confidence is here to stay.

During a hunt with a boar, Austin is injured and finds his back left leg to be of no use. When Redtail comes back from his journey around the territory, Barnaby thinks it a good a time as any to have him and Sootvine pair up to practice their hunting skills while Austin rests up. Even if they are not very successful, the pack boasts a vast assortment of food that will last them for quite a while before successful hunts are needed.

Austin takes to spending more and more time with Robinwish, and helps her try to remember the process her old pack used to make fermented fruit. "It'll be for adults only. Some of the cooked meat can have a bit of the fruits on them!" Austin seemed thrilled when she proposed the idea to Barnaby, who accepted it under the condition that if his children managed to get their paws on it, they would both have to deal with it.

Speaking of Stormpup and Willowpup...Stormpup seems to talk about and question nonstop what's beyond the borders. At five months old, they are still too young to travel out there for very long, and are especially not allowed out there on their own. These restrictions irritate Stormpup, who sometimes warns of sneaking away in the night. They are growing fast, but Barnaby refuses to risk them wandering on their own outside of pack territory.

Meanwhile, Barnaby travels so much that he doesn't have much time to hang out with Jessie, but now that Whitestorm is temporarily relieved of his duties, he takes to spending that extra time filling in on Barnaby's absences, something she appreciates.

During one of his travels, Barnaby comes across what seems to be an auction party. He's heard of such events before, but has never been to one until now. Most up for auction are children and teens, though there are also some females with children and a few adult males as well. Wolves from what looks like all over the world are here. Barnaby's eyes catch the icy-colored tones of a female and her two pups, not even weaned! Feeling especially sympathetic of her, Barnaby asks for the price.

"It'll be ten silver cones." said the seller, an exotic looking with warm-tone fur. Silver cones? He was running low on that, but he had exactly 12 silver cones foraged from all over, and so he promised he'd return to her to bring her with him.

The exchange went without a hitch. Barnaby helped to carry one pup while the female--who said she had no name--carried the other. He informed her of their naming customs, and she agreed, just grateful to be in a pack that'll hopefully accept her. The female was renamed to Owlfrost, while her children were named Swiftpup and Pricklepup. Swiftpup was a soft, golden toned and skinny male, while the other was a mottled female that looked like she could be the offspring of Barnaby and Jessie, what with the grey-cream shadings.

It was the middle of the night by the time they arrived. Everyone had been sleeping while Redtail and Sootvine were out hunting. At the sound of the whining pups and smell of unfamiliar wolves, the members creeped out of their den to see what was going on. "Who's she?" Jessie asked, then her eyes went to Pricklepup, "whose pups are they?"

Barnaby explained, "She and her pups were being sold at an auction. I do not know whose pups these are." Surely she didn't think they belonged to him? He and Owlfrost were both monochromed wolves, but Pricklepup looked like she could be both Barnaby /and/ Jessie's child, and Swiftpaw looked nothing like him. Still, Jessie seemed reassured by his words. "I'll help you get settled then," even though Jessie's children had been weaned, she and the pups remained in the Nursery.

The Nursery was a large area surrounded by thick, tall bushes, with trees overhead blocking out most of the weather. One side of the thicket had been stripped away, save for the taller hanging vines, lichen, and leaves, to serve as a semi-concealed entrance. Inside, the area was covered in nests made of many soft materials like feathers, moss, smooth leaves, and other items. Any sharp twigs, rocks, and prickly leaves had long since been removed from this area.

Jessie took the pup Barnaby was carrying and showed Owlfrost to the nursery. Hopefully they'll get along with her. Owlfrost will help raise all of the children alongside Jessie, and the children's birthing ceremony will be held as soon as Owlfrost and the pups get better.

~~~

Leader: Barnaby (Lvl 7/264)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish (Lvl 3/222)

Scouts: Yellowfang (Lvl 8/333), Snowtuft (Lvl 7/334)

Hunters: Austin (Lvl 5/241), Whitestorm (Lvl 5/249), Ourwin (Lvl 5/256), Sootvine (Lvl 2/304), Redtail (Lvl 2/399)

Pupsitters: Jessie (Lvl 4/229), Owlfrost (Lvl 1/257)

Warriors:

Pups: Willowpup (Lvl 1/185), Stormpup (Lvl 1/188), Sleekpup (Lvl 1/242), Pricklepup (Lvl 1/219), Swiftpup (Lvl 1/219)

Day 13 (Jan 7, 2021) Summer 3, Y1

Preparations for the Summer Festival is underway! But before that, Barnaby announces two new apprentices: Stormpup and Willowpup have officially reached adolescence. Stormpaw insists on having Yellowfang or Snowtuft as her mentor. “Anyone who sees beyond the territory often!” Stormpaw is a brave little soul, so she becomes Yellowfang’s mentor. The latter’s snappy attitude will only harden Stormpaw’s skin and make her an even stronger wolf. Willowpaw becomes Ourwin’s apprentice.

The gathered crowd shouts their new names. Stormpaw! Willowpaw! Stormpaw! Willowpaw! They touch noses with their respective mentor, before bounding off happily.

Redtail and Sootvine seem to do well hunting together, but they get exhausted quickly. Still, with the combined efforts of Redtail and Austin’s teams, there is plenty of food for the Summer Festival Feast.

On the morning of the event, everyone leaves camp--save for Owlfrost and her pups, who stay behind. The new location is not far, residing in a shaded part of the woods next to a decently sized lake. The Council members, thanks to the help of Robinwish, successfully build a wide fire on which to cook meat over. The wolves gorge on the delicious meat and savor every bite they take. There are weasels on a stick, tenderized beef, spicy chicken, and herb encrusted mutton...mmm… By the time early evening arrives, Robinwish, aided by Austin, bring in crushed fermented fruit, teas in bowls, and other delicious drinks. Of course, the teens and pups are only served tea and water. “I don’t think Sootvine or Redtail should have any of the fermented drinks,” comments Snowtuft to Barnaby. Before he can speak, Yellowfang shouts from a few yards away, “Oh stop worrying! They’re both adults, according to Barnaby and Austin. Right guys?” Barnaby gives Snowtuft a sympathetic shrug, before they both watch as Yellowfang personally grabs a cup for Sootvine to drink from.

Late into the evening, Whitestorm--the only one except Barnaby--is asked by the latter to check up on Owlfrost and her pups. “They’re all good.” All of the wolves seem to have drank a bit too much of the fruit...or maybe Robinwish made it too strong. Yellowfang and Sootvine are asleep on the ground, one on top of the other, while Austin and Ourwin dance around each other in circles, singing unknown songs out of tune. Snowtuft is merely tipsy, having mostly had tea, but Redtail is bloated and sickly, and Robinwish is nowhere to be found. “Where’s Robinwish?” the leader asked Austin, who had been with her up until recently, “I dunno. Probably with Sleekpup…” and then he continues his wobbly dancing.

Barnaby tracks both the wolves by scent heading back to camp. He is relieved to find Sleekpup helping Robinwish with some herbs. “She’s making something that’ll help cure the bellyache Redtail’s feeling. He really liked the special juice.” said the pup. Barnaby smiles. By the time the night is over, everyone’s back in their dens, though not everyone got there on their own means. The curse of the hangover is strong, and Barnaby decides to excuse them all of their duties for the morning. 

In the days following, Stormpaw wastes no time in exploring the lands with Snowtuft and Yellowfang. She speaks of her findings to Willowpaw, who’s glad her sister is happy and no longer includes him in her shenanigans. Willowpaw finds himself with Ourwin most of the time, enjoying the training and hunting sessions they do often. “The boy’s got real talent towards catching prey,” Ourwin comments to Barnaby one day, “he’ll make a fine hunter.”

In an attempt to help out more people, Barnaby spreads the word to neighboring packs that Heartlands is opening a Daycare for all overwhelmed packs to come and drop their children off to. The wolves who know are thankful for the service, but so far no one has come forth to ask for their help. Meanwhile, the pack creates another den site nearby the main one where all the pups and teens can live together. Due to the potential of having many daycare pups at a time, the mentors will have to work alongside the pupsitters to have scheduled group trainings rather than the usual one on ones. Sootvine and Redtail, after being told they must also help, scowl at the idea, although Sootvine doesn't seem to mind as much as his red-tailed friend.

Leader: Barnaby (Lvl 7/264)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish (Lvl 4/233)

Scouts: Yellowfang (Lvl 8/333) (Apprentice: Stormpaw (Lvl 1/188), Snowtuft (Lvl 8/351)

Hunters: Austin (Lvl 5/241), Whitestorm (Lvl 5/249), Ourwin (Lvl 5/256) (Apprentice: Willowpaw (Lvl 1/185), Sootvine (Lvl 2/304), Redtail (Lvl 2/399), Owlfrost (Lvl 2/263)

Pupsitters: Jessie (Lvl 4/229)

Warriors:

Pups: Sleekpup (Lvl 1/242), Pricklepup (Lvl 1/219), Swiftpup (Lvl 1/219)

Day 14 (Jan 8th, 2021) Summer 4, Y1

"The day of Sleekpup's apprenticing ceremony has come!" Everyone gathers around as Barnaby calls them forth. Sleekpup is appears from the Nursery alongside Jessie, having expected this day and waited with fervor. Sleekpup bounds over to his Alpha, who places a paw upon his head as the boy closes his eyes. "From this day forth, until you have earned your final name, you will be known as Sleekpaw. I will be your mentor."

Whitestorm and Austin show their surprise. Will he have enough time to spare? In the days leading to Sleekpaw's ceremony, Barnaby had not told anyone within the Council who would be Sleekpaw's mentor, like what he always did. "I hope to pass down all I can to you, so that you may grow up to be a strong and capable member of the pack." The two touch noses in a familiar bond, the crowd cheering Sleekpaw's new name. Willowpaw and Stormpaw bark the loudest, proud that their brother has made such an achievement.

A few days after Sleekpaw's ceremony, Barnaby appoints Whitestorm to watch over the pack while he and his apprentice travel to the Morningstar Kingdom. Asmodeus, alongside two vaguely familiar females from Barnaby's past visits, meet him at the border. "Don't tell me--is this the son I gave to you?" Asmodeus smiled at Sleekpaw. The boy knew for a long time now that Jessie was not his real mother, nor that Stormpaw and Willowpaw were his siblings. Sleekpaw had never shown any strong desire to meet his real parents, comfortable with his life in Heartlands, but was always curious who they were. Now, the day has come.

"This cannot be the boy we gave to you all those moons ago, surely? He looks so strong and healthy," one of the females, a lithe looking she-wolf with black patches along her red and cream body, said incredulously and with admiration. "Son--ah, what did you name him?" Asked Asmodeus. "Sleekpaw." "Sleekpaw? Quite an odd name." "It's a tradition my best-mate Austin made, to add suffixes to everyone's name. When he becomes an adult, he'll shed the 'paw' in favor of something more unique to him."

Asmodeus looks pleased. "Sleekpaw, this is your mother, Zephaniel. And this is Remiel, one of my hunters." Sleekpaw is excited to meet them all, sharing his tales of life in Heartlands with captivating words Barnaby didn't even know he knew. Remiel continues patrolling the borders while the rest go back into camp. It is there Asmodeus speaks to Sleekpaw about life in the Kingdom, and the boy happily takes it all in.

By the time everyone's exchanged stories, had dinner, and met some members, it is dark and the moon has risen. Asmodeus invites the two to spend the night, an offer eagerly accepted. At sunrise, the wolves leave.

Leader: Barnaby (Lvl 7/264) (Apprentice: Sleekpaw (Lvl 1/242)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish (Lvl 5/243)

Scouts: Yellowfang (Lvl 9/354) (Apprentice: Stormpaw (Lvl 1/188)

Snowtuft (Lvl 8/351)

Hunters: Austin (Lvl 5/241)

Whitestorm (Lvl 6/265)

Ourwin (Lvl 5/256) (Apprentice: Willowpaw (Lvl 1/185)

Sootvine (Lvl 3/314)

Redtail (Lvl 3/406)

Owlfrost (Lvl 2/263)

Pupsitters: Jessie (Lvl 4/229)

Warriors:

Pups: Pricklepup (Lvl 1/219)

Swiftpup (Lvl 1/219)

Notes: So I realized in an earlier entry that I did not mention Jessie as a Founder/Council member, when I should have, so just pretend that entry also mentioned her :s

Day 15 (Jan 9th, 2021) Summer 5, Y1

The days are mostly uneventful, with few things of particular interest happening. A fox here, a badger there… Nothing close enough to worry about.

Robinwish even points out that the hunters haven't even been getting injured lately! As a joke, Austin promises to break his leg next time, prompting a laugh from the blue-eyed herbalist. Sootvine and Redtail rough house on their free time, something they have a lot of due to the stockpile of food. Winter seems like a far away dream, but colder breezes remind everyone of the incoming autumn.

Owlfrost's pups are fully weaned. Personalities begin to show. While Pricklepup often tries to get Swiftpup to play with her, Swiftpup seems content with just laying there and letting her pull his ear. It is an amusing sight, and though they no longer need Owlfrost to be in the Nursery with them anymore, she insists on staying anyway. "I trust Jessie with my pups," she comments, "but I still want to be with them as much I can."

Meanwhile, Sleekpaw, Willowpaw, and Stormpaw’s training continues to go well. "Of course they're good hunters and scouts! They came from me and Jessie!" Barnaby boasts jokingly. "And Sleekpaw is destined for greatness, coming from very strong parents."

"Speaking of Jessie…" chimes in Ourwin one day, "I notice you two don't hang out as much. Actually, you haven't really hung out with her since a while after the pups were born. I always thought it was just because you were busy, but even then, we all find the time to hang out and do things we love doing." Ah, Barnaby knew this inquiry would come up at some point.

"Yes, I admit I haven't been giving her special attention in a long time. I think… I don't think me and her were meant to be, you know? After we met, all those months ago, I felt something special, and she felt it too. But I think that feeling was based on childish curiosity and lust rather than love. I was barely an adult then. I'm barely an adult now." Barnaby trusted Ourwin with his words. He'd been with him from the beginning, much like the other Council members. Ourwin simply nods, seemingly satisfied with the answer, and walks away. There is nothing more to be said.

Yellowfang and Whitestorm begin to hang out more, finding time between their schedules to wander the territory alone and do whatever it is they do. Yellowfang has been less aggressive for the past few days, and judging by her new scent, Barnaby knows why. Perhaps he should expect pups this autumn? Whitestorm is a respectable, strong, level-headed wolf. There was no doubt he'd be able to tame the fiery attitude of the black she-wolf. If he ever fathered pups, his children would probably be large just like him. Redtail is also a large individual, almost dwarfing members like Owlfrost and Jessie, and he hasn't even finished growing. Whitestorm was the tallest and heaviest of them all, but if Redtail continued to grow, he would surpass even him.

Okay so I'm too lazy to continuously update them leveling up, so I'll only list names and roles from now on.

Leader: Barnaby (Apprentice: Sleekpaw)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish

Scouts: Yellowfang (Apprentice: Stormpaw)

Snowtuft

Hunters: Austin

Whitestorm

Ourwin (Apprentice: Willowpaw)

Sootvine 

Redtail

Owlfrost

Pupsitters: Jessie

Warriors:

Pups: Pricklepup

Swiftpup

Day 16 (Jan 10th, 2021) Summer 6, Y1

Woops forgot to post this hehe

Austin has come up with a random idea. "So you know how we always have our unique hunting parties and rolls? Well I have some cool new names for them. The team me, Whitestorm, Owlfrost, and Ourwin are on will be named the Sunseekers, Redtail and Sootvine's team will be the Frostfangs, and if we ever make a third team, they'll be called the Redcapes."

"Where did you get these names from?" Asked Ourwin during the Council meeting where the idea was brought up.

"Oh, nothing. Just a little dream I had…"

The days continue to be uneventful, with no significant news or problems. The pack even begins to collect quite a stash of Cones...the location of which only the Council members know.

Redtail asks Robinwish to teach him how to make fermented drinks. Having learned from her mistake at the summer feast, she makes a much less intoxicating formula. Now having the knowledge, Redtail and Sootvine occasionally take to having a drink here and there, in healthy doses. It does not seem to impede their work, so Barnaby lets it be.

Leader: Barnaby (Apprentice: Sleekpaw)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish

Scouts: Yellowfang (Apprentice: Stormpaw)

Snowtuft

Hunters: Austin

Whitestorm

Ourwin (Apprentice: Willowpaw)

Sootvine 

Redtail

Owlfrost

Pupsitters: Jessie

Warriors:

Pups: Pricklepup

Swiftpup

Day 17 (Jan 11th, 2021) Autumn 1, Y1

There is no question now that autumn is upon them. The days are chilly and the leaves have turned their vibrant shades of golds, browns, and reds. Another season and it'll mark the anniversary of the official forming of Heartlands. One day, Barnaby asks if Austin has come up for a holiday for autumn. "Nope," he admits, "but maybe someday I will. Until then, we've got the Summer Festivals, and the Tournament of Champions!"

"Tournament of Champions?"

"Oh--it's basically a tournament-style brawl amongst the adults and adolescents. We want our pack to be strong and capable, don't we? So this'll help them be strong and capable. Basically it goes like this…" And Austin goes on to explain the new holiday he's made.

There will be an adult division and a teen division. Wolves will fight 1v1s and reach the next round if they win, to fight another wolf who has also won their previous round, until there are only 2 or 3 wolves standing. Then, it is either a 1v1, or a 1v1v1. Between each fight, wolves will have one week to heal from whatever wounds they have. There will be no maiming or attempted death-locks, but there will definitely be wounds. The winner will be given a custom prize, have first dibs to food alongside the current leader for the rest of the season, and gets to host unique activities and say beef during the following Summer Festival. The Tournament of Champions is set at mid-spring.

"Why mid-spring and nowhen else?"

"Winter will be hard no matter what we do. Plants will die, food will be scarce, and warmth hard to come by. Autumn is...meh. Summer is already taken. Mid-spring seems like the best option because we'll have plenty of food and herbs to keep our health up."

Barnaby thought about it. Making a Tournament-style fighting system would have a number of benefits, and having it during spring meant the least likely chance that there wouldn't be enough resources to provide for everyone.

Yellowfang and Stormpaw have spotted a new den of snakes, hidden deep within their caves. Upon arrival, a warning is issued to avoid that part of the territory.

Barnaby and Sleekpaw continue to bond. Despite being somewhat younger than Willowpaw and Stormpaw, he still displays excellent skills and learns fast. He even seems to be maturing fast! To prove it, he managed to diffuse a possible fight between Sootvine and Owlfrost, the latter of which knew about his drinking and worried would end up becoming an addiction. "Sootvine's drinking has not caused any problems so far, but you're right to be concerned. We all know how it made the adults feel last season… But since then, the effects haven't been as strong, so he's doing that right.

"I wouldn't worry about it for now. Barnaby will step in if his hobby ever becomes too detrimental to the group." Both wolves seemed reluctant, but were nonetheless satisfied with the answer. Pleased to hear the good news from Whitestorm, Barnaby gave Sleekpaw first dibs of food during the next lunch get-together, something they do everyday, once a day, as a form of bonding.

And lastly, the first members to join the Daycare have arrived! Gratefulflower and her three pups will be staying for an indefinite amount of time until her home pack can make more space for her and her family. She is welcomed into the pack as if it were a second home.

Leader: Barnaby (Apprentice: Sleekpaw)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish

Scouts: Yellowfang (Apprentice: Stormpaw)

Snowtuft

Hunters: Austin

Whitestorm

Ourwin (Apprentice: Willowpaw)

Sootvine 

Redtail

Owlfrost

Pupsitters: Jessie

Warriors:

Pups: Pricklepup

Swiftpup

---

I'm making OOC notes now :D Because I really wanted to say that the snake is a thief and I want my feathers back ;-; he asked for 1 grouse carcass, and 2 different feathers (I think it was duck and something else) I had 4 duck feathers and 8 feathers of the other type...and he took the whole stacks! That scrub! >:[

Later edit: Also omg I didn't realize I was posting Willowpaw and Stormpaw with their wrong mentors this whole time! *angrily goes back to correct everything*

Day 18 (Jan 12th, 2021) Autumn 2, Y1

"Robinwish! Robinwish, come quick!" Ourwin bursts through the camp in a frenzy, startling awake all those who were there, "It's Willowpaw! He's been bitten by a snake!"

"What?!" There's no time to waste. Robinwish quickly searches for the bundle of herbs she'd packed in case of emergencies, the various plants enclosed in a large, bowled-shaped, hardened leaf, and runs across the clearing to meet with Ourwin. Whitestorm, Austin, Jessie, Barnaby, and Sleekpaw follow close, with Owlfrost staying behind in camp to watch the pups.

Ourwin desperately leads the wolves back to the scene of the crime: the same area where the nest of snakes from weeks ago had been discovered. He weaves expertly over bushes and around trees, having memorized the territory for a long time now. When they arrive at the site, Ourwin skids his paws against the cold earth and speaks between heavy breaths, "I don't know what he was doing here…"

Robinwish races over to Willowpaw's twitching body as the others crowd around. He was wheezing heavily, mouth agape although nothing but a hoarse sound barely came out. By now he was on his side, tongue lolled over and eyes glazed, staring out at something ahead of him, "...I told him to go hunt a porcupine and practice his defensive posture. We weren't anywhere near here. I started hunting myself, but I had finished a while ago and he was nowhere to be found. So I started to look for him."

Robinwish finds the site of the bite mark on his leg to be swollen and red, a rash having spread far from the site. She'd never had to treat a wolf of snake venom this bad. Suddenly her heart began to race, looking desperately within her herb patch for something that could help. Cobwebs for bleeding? No. Poppy seeds for the pain? She couldn't even get it down his throat.

"He can't breathe!" Shouted Sleekpaw. "Robinwish! Do something!"

But she did not know what to do. She had never seen a case so severe before. What could she use, to get him to breathe?

Suddenly an idea came to her, sparking her into action as she cupped the boy's maw and began to perform mouth-to-mouth. Everyone watched in terror and concern, the healer frantically trying to put life back into his body, but it was not working. The venom is still in his system. She could not keep doing this forever. For as long as he struggled to breathe on his own, she could do nothing else.

But she tried; she kept giving him more and more of her own breath, keeping his head up and ordering Ourwin to apply a disinfecting paste to the wound between breaths. For a moment, it almost seemed as if he would pull through. The hoarse noises were growing less desperate. But this was a sign of something else. What little movement he displayed grew more and more rare, and his glazed eyes began to roll back into his head, “Stay with us,” she said lightly shaking him to get him focused, “Stay with us!”

But nothing more could be done. Willowpaw was dying. Even as he took his last, pained breaths, she kept offering her own to him, watching with despair as her efforts were in vain. It was only until many moments after his last feeble attempt at life did she stop and order Ourwin to do the same. Looking down on his lifeless body, she spoke, “He’s dead.”

“No!” Shouted Barnaby, who moved from the crowd to get closer to him, “my boy…” Robinwish stepped back to let him bury his muzzle into the neck fur of his child, “Willowpaw…”

The forest is silent, as if it was mourning the loss of Willowpaw too, save for the groans and cries of those there, Barnaby and Jessie the loudest. Each of them find the space to bury their muzzles into his fur, taking in his scent and his warmth as it faded from his body.

“My son...my sweet, sweet child…” Jessie weeped, licking the dirt from his face as if he were still a pup. The mournful atmosphere continues for moments longer, the wolves griefing from the loss. It is not until moments later that Sleekpaw speaks for the first time.

“Why couldn’t you save him?” the wolves gathered look over to the boy, who watches Robinwish with furrowed eyes, “Why didn’t you save him? He...he couldn’t breathe, and you could have helped him. But you didn’t!” He rises now, the hackles along his neck spiking in anger. The boy bares his teeth, prompting Ourwin to speak.

“She tried, Sleekpaw, but there was just...nothing she could do.”

“Yes there was! You’re a healer! How do you not know how to save him?!”

“I don’t…” Robinwish sniffles, “I don’t know how to treat snake bites that bad…”

Sleekpaw seems not to hear her words, “And you,” he looks vehemently at Ourwin, “Why weren’t you watching him? Who are you to say he does so well during training, when you don’t even watch to make sure he’s okay?”

“Sleekpaw, that’s enough,” Barnaby’s voice, strained with distraught, speaks sternly at him, “Robinwish doesn’t know everything. No one does. She did her best…”

But Sleekpaw refuses to believe it, “She’s a healer, yet she couldn’t even save him…” The anger seems to fade with his words, becoming replaced with sadness as his hackles fall and his eyes grow glossy, “He was my brother...and you couldn’t save him…” Sobs choke his last words. Stricken with grief, the boy runs back to camp.

“...Whitestorm, can you watch him? We’ll carry Willowpaw’s body back to camp,” Barnaby could tell Whitestorm was barely holding it together, but he was the most emotionally stable one right now. He nods, and follows after the boy. Barnaby breathes in Willowpaw’s scent one last time, before lifting him off the ground, aided by Ourwin.

By the time they arrived, the Frostfangs and scouting parties had returned as well. Stormpaw was questioning the saddened Sleekpaw when she noticed the body they carried on them, and shouted her brother’s name as she raced forward. After he was put down at the center of the clearing, Ourwin left to retreat into the main den. Here, the rest of the wolves had time to mourn. Owlfrost’s pups, with worried but curious expressions, asked their mother what was happening beyond the Nursery entrance, “One of the wolves, Willowpaw, will be joining his ancestors amongst the stars soon.”

“But why?” it was Pricklepup who asked, “Why doesn’t he stay? They look so sad.”

Owlfrost, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes, said, “Sometimes we don’t always get to choose when we leave. But we’re never truly gone. Our ancestors watch us from above, giving us hope and love until we meet them again.”

“I can help bury the body, when you’re all done,” offers Whitestorm softly.

“So can I. I’ll miss that darn pup,” Yellowfang, normally so snappy and aggressive, was reserved and spoke softly. Even Redtail and Sootvine, who always had something mean to say, kept their mouths shut as they watched from a distance. Barnaby nodded his thanks towards the two.

“I want to help, too,” Stormpaw said, her words low and subdued.

After everyone said their farewells, and the body had been buried, only Jessie, Barnaby, and Austin had remained. The former two looked hazily at the fresh mound of dirt, and there was silence for a moment.

“We should put seeds over his grave,” Austin suggested. Barnaby remained silent, “It could be a thing we do...we came from the dirt, we go back to the dirt, and like the things that have died to fertilize what we use to live, we give back to nature by fertilizing her land, give back to what still remains walking this earth.”

“You do that…” Barnaby says dismissively after a moment, before finally walking away.

Leader: Barnaby (Apprentice: Sleekpaw)

Heir:

Herbalist: Robinwish

Scouts: Yellowfang (Apprentice: Stormpaw)

Snowtuft

Hunters: Austin

Whitestorm

Ourwin

Sootvine 

Redtail

Owlfrost

Pupsitters: Jessie

Pups: Pricklepup

Swiftpup

OOC: Yeees, I’m sorry, but it had to happen. Realize I haven’t had the Pair Bonding quest happen yet, so when it does, there’s gonna be a baby boom, and I need that space. Anyways, what happened to Willowpaw? In-character, he was bitten by a venomous snake (I’d like to think it was a cottonmouth, but I didn’t feel like doing too much research on snake bites), and died from anaphylactic shock because *gasp* he was allergic to snake venom. Out-of-character, I actually chased him. Or I will. Idk maybe there’s a tiny chance someone will take a wolf like him. Also, I got rid of the Warriors role. Originally it was supposed to be ICly wolves who patrol the border and deal with particularly dangerous foe, OOCly wolves w/o ranks that I kept bc of good appearance/stats, but the role is no longer needed. Now, unranked wolves not destined to be anything in particular will probably just become Pupsitters.