Down the rabbit hole
06-03-2019, 07:16 PM
Cannival There wasn't much interesting to do in the Rustling Thicket, but Cannival was happy to stay regardless. She'd spent her first few hours prancing around, exploring every nook and cranny, familiarizing herself with the many rocks, bushes, and trees that resided in the expansive territory. Birds called to each other overhead, and from somewhere nearby she could hear the gurgling of water. It was a beautiful day, as far as Cannival was concerned. She'd decided that now she'd become familiar with the boundaries of the Rustling Thicket, that it was time to venture further inland away from the perimeter. The lioness had put off this venture for some time now, she knew that there was a much higher risk of stumbling upon one of the Abaven wolves the deeper she went into the territory. Frankly, Cannival wasn't sure she was ready. What would she do, if a wolf were to see her and run screaming- even worse if one of the alphas received complaints. Enough was enough, however. Cannival had to stop acting like a cub and grow up, she'd not find safe haven in these lands by remaining a stranger to it's inhabitants. She followed the ever thickening scent of wolves through the middle of the Rustling Thicket, headed south-east, towards Monument Rapids and Serpent Plains. Of course, she'd not dare to cross outside of the thicket. Cannival knew better then to disobey the alphas, even if they weren't reallyher alphas. As she walked the multitude of chirping birds grew quieter, and the rushing sound of water more noticeable. She listened hard, enjoying the peaceful symphony of nature. It was so different then back home. Suddenly sad cries broke the lioness's concentration, and she lifted her head in concern. What could possibly be going on in this haven that someone could make such depressing noises? Cannival didn't stop to think long, and immediately turned to bound swiftly towards what she'd heard. Could someone have been attacked? This far in past the borders? Impossible, but if so the lioness was determined to get there and help. Surely she wouldn't have to fight anyone, right? From the reactions of others she'd met on her journey, she figured just the appearance of a lioness would be enough to drive away an intruder. She quickened her pace, and as she rounded a tall expanse of bush she nearly slammed head first into a trunk. The lioness wasn't sure what was more perplexing; that there was crying in Abaven, or that the sound seemed to come from above. She looked up into the tree, and there hung a small wolf pup wedged painfully between the trunk and a thick branch. "Oh!" She exclaimed suddenly. "I got you! I got you!" Cannival took a moment to survey the tree, and then jumped upwards to latch long claws into the bark of the trunk, just underneath the pup. For once she was thankful for feline flexibility, as it was easy to stand against the tree with her back legs still on the ground below. She wasn't sure how best to rescue the pup without injuring it further. Pulling her downwards could tear more skin, and the branches were too thin for Cannival to scale above and lift the wolf upwards. The lioness used her front paws to wrap around the trunk and stood taller, stretching her neck so that her nose could push against the struggling legs. Confident she had the height, Cannival moved her massive head up against the youngling's feet, and then under her belly. The safest way to dislodge the pup would be by having her take the same route as her fall, and so the lioness continued to shove the small form until her body was up above the space. "Hold on." She told the youngling, knowing full well that the pup really had no other choice. Once she had freed the wolf pup from the branches hold, Cannival nudged and lightly shook her head until she felt the weight distribute atop her skull, little legs hanging down on either side of the lionesses oversized head. Carefully, she pushed off the tree and lowered herself, strong neck keeping head still so the pup would have a smooth ride. Her forepaws finally touched the ground, and the feline bowed deeply, still holding her head horizontal. It wasn't until the wolf pup was mere inches off the ground that she dipped her skull forward to allow her small form to slide off down her face. "All set!" She sang, exceedingly pleased with herself. |