~Storm Raven~ Death of The Ancient Hunter (Firestorm and anyone else)

((Music to listen to while reading this: I Am Here by Fox Amoore and Aurora by Fox Amoore Somehow they just fit.))

((Firestorm, if you would mind playing the dead Cold Mountain for a bit, and I would really love to see Black Ear if that is alright. Anyone else can join after this gets going a bit))

((Time setting: This will have taken place after the out-of-territory hunt, maybe a week afterwards or so.))

Night had settled over the swampy Black Mountain Packlands and most of the wolves had turned in for the night, retiring to their sleep. Such was also the case with the elder Storm Raven as well. Her den was quiet and dark as she dreamed her last dream, filled with the memories of the life she had lived. Snippets of scenes it seemed to pass through her dream’s visage; of when she joined Black Mountain, of taking care of young Playing Robin and watching him and Great Rock play, becoming mates with Cold Mountain, watching Playing Robin grow into Night Owl, the war between Black Mountain and Swift River, the Journey, her and Cold Mountain’s children, Corvus, Stone Fur and Amaranth’s children, and many others. A fond, wise smile crossed the she wolf’s now white face as her eyes fluttered open. The calm blue that was Storm Raven’s alone was mottled by cataracts in her old age, though right now; she could see perfectly. She stared at the white wolf in front of her. The antlers on his head gave him away for who he was. Regarding Pulse Wolf quietly, the huntress did not speak. Storm Raven had hoped dearly that Cold Mountain would’ve been able to come with Pulse Wolf to guide her. But such was not her luck, it seemed. The spirit in front of her gave a small but sad smile, nodding lightly to the huntress. There was no choice, it was time to go. Storm Raven stood, finding that she now could as she had in her youth now that she was free of her aged body. It seemed that she had for all intents and purposes been restored to her youth. The cataracts in her eyes were gone. The white mask that had marked her undoubtedly as an elder was gone, replaced by the original silver grey and the ‘crown’ marking on her nose. She turned slightly, looking to her now empty body, the shell of herself that had lived her life with no regrets. It seemed a small comfort that Storm Raven had died with a comfortable smile on her face and another smile crossed her once-more youthful face as she thought of her children. All three of them were grown, it was true. But that did not mean that they would not take her death any less hard than they all had Cold Mountain’s only a few winters beforehand. It was only after her father’s death that Silver River became so extremely introverted as she was now, so shy, hard to reach, and hard to encourage. But…she was sure…they would alright. Black Stag, Silver River, Black Ear, and Corvus would all depend on each other; they would help each other through it. The former huntress turned and looked back to Pulse Wolf, feeling a sense of division between her children that were still living and her mate, who was beyond the ether. She stared at the spirit, once again feeling lost like she had many times in her long life. Nodding slowly, Storm Raven finally seemed to relent as she stepped closer to the horned spirit. Pulse Wolf nodded, smiling lightly even as a few tears slipped from his inky black eyes. A blur was really the only thing that Storm Raven could perceive as they went to what she knew was the Mountain in the Sky. Everything seemed…upside down and inside out. Time was nothing, the world was there but then again it wasn’t. There was nothing but then there was everything. Storm Raven opened her eyes slowly as it now felt like they were no longer moving. It took some moments for her eyes to adjust to the light as she looked around, her eyes questing over everything. A broad smile split across her silver grey face as she gasped, much like a happy pup. This place…. It was beautiful. Nothing back home could’ve matched what Black Wolf had built. Looking above her, Storm Raven noticed the sky was streaked with the yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks that signaled that the sun was rising. A breeze flitted past her, ruffling her silver grey and white fur with air that warmed her from the inside out. She breathed deeply, gazing at her surroundings once more. Pulse Wolf and herself were standing in a small field, covered in grasses and various flowers of different colors and trees grew around the outer edge. Storm Raven turned the Pulse Wolf, speaking for the first time. “Do you know where Cold Mountain is?” The former huntress did not truly expect an answer; Pulse Wolf did not seem a spirit of many words. He smiled gently at the huntress, his inky black eyes shining as he looked across the field, looking towards a white wolf that undoubtedly waited for her. Storm Raven turned slowly, she was sure that she had looked over the entire field when she arrived. Still turning, she saw what Pulse Wolf was looking at, or more importantly; who he was looking at. She could not the soft gasp or the tears of happiness that sprang to her eyes when he looked at him, simply sitting there. If her heart could fly any higher, it would’ve given her wings to soar. Only a moment more she stared before she took off, leaving Pulse Wolf standing there, who only smiled warmly at the scene before he turned and left. She however, didn’t think that she could feel happier. He was here. He had waited for her. Cold Mountain. As many times in life, no wolf would’ve been stupid enough to stop her now. And just as in life, Storm Raven launched herself into her mate with such fervor that to those watching, it may have seemed that she was attacking him. The former huntress yipped and barked and whined and nuzzled him, feeling herself fly in her happiness. It was him! He was here! Once Storm Raven seemed to calm herself, she rested her silver grey head against his strong white chest, seeming to both smile and cry at the same time as she inhaled his scent, letting it fill her mind with the memories that they had shared, of both of their lives and their family. “Cold Mountain.” She breathed deeply, trying her best not to cry in her happiness anymore but to no avail. “I missed you.”

-Silver River-
In the world of the living, Silver River stretched in the rising morning sun, her silver tipped tail swaying in a passing breeze while her grey tipped ears folding themselves back as she yawned. Taking a moment to shake herself out, the elite hunter looked upwards at the sky, noting the beautiful colors streaking across the sky this morning in particular. And deep in the pit of her stomach, Silver River got that horrible gut feeling that something was going to go wrong today.

Though she ignored it and began to head to her mother's den, which wasn't too far away. She always enjoyed spending time with her mother, talking about anything and everything. As her mother's den came into sight, Silver River noted with some worry, that Storm Raven was not outside sunning herself yet. It was quite warm already.

"Mom?"

Silver River called quietly as she approached the den, poking her head inside, green eyes questioning as she spied her mother's form and smiling face.

"Mother?"

Slowly, she entered the den, going to her mother's side. Perhaps her hearing....

It was only after a few moments that Silver River noticed: Storm Raven's chest was not rising and falling in sleep rhythm. "Oh no." A sort of numb feeling overtook Silver River as she nudged her mother's cheek, finding that she was only lukewarm to the touch. Her green eyes began to fill with tears as she hung her head, finding herself helpless here. She sniffed lightly as her tears fell, but she did not break into hysterics as some would have expected her to.

She needed Black Stag, Black Ear, and Corvus. It was now that Silver River felt she really needed her big brothers.

Looking from the entrance of her mother's den to her mother again, Silver leaned down, nuzzled her mother as she had in life, the few tears that fell sinking into Storm Raven's age-whitend fur. She sighed deeply, not being able to help the horrible pit that had sunk into her stomach, almost rendering her rooted to the spot. But she stood, turning from her mother as she exited the den and raised her head.

Her howl was long and low. A sad sort of song. She needed her brothers. A few more tears fell slowly as the loss really began to settle in her heart. Storm Raven was gone...

Wind Feather

The young Spiritual had been up for awhile now, having been awakened by an odd sensation when the sky was still dark. The feeling that had woken her from her slumber had been a deep throbbing in her chest...a pulsing that was not of her own heartbeat. She had sat up, tilting her head, as a deep 'lublublub' sound reached her ears. Ever so faint, as if she were an unborn pup within her mothers womb, hearing her heart beating. It was a sound only she..or Silver Eagle..could hear. It was the distinct sound, and feel, of Pulse Wolf's presence. Someone was going to the Mountain in the Sky this morning. Slowly Wind Feather had rose and exited from her den, which was a simple structure. One side of a double-trunked tree had been struck by lightning some summers ago and had snapped in half. The broken end of the toppled half had skidded most of the way down the tree, but at the point where the double trunk met to form a single base, the jagged end of the broken log caught fast. It was now beginning to grow into the living side of the tree, securing it forever in that position and providing a safe if meager roof overhead. There was nothing to keep rain or snow from dashing in from the sides, but Wind Feather's coat was plenty thick enough to shield her from the precipitation.
Wind Feather had then slunk silently through the forest, passing the main Camp area, as she followed the feel of Pulse Wolf's presence. The throbbing in her chest intensified the closer she drew to him, the sound lubbing in her ears ever louder until she saw the otherworldly glow of his white coat. His antlers were a majestic sight to behold upon the dome of a wolf. Wind Feather stood there, silently and in shock as she saw who he was here to take away. She'd been positive that he'd come for Sage Ghost long before he came for Storm Raven, but then the Spirits worked in mysterious ways. A tear leaked from one of Wind Feather's brown eyes as she watched Storm Raven seem to hesitate.
It's okay, Storm Raven. she thought silently to herself, noting that one of Pulse Wolf's ears flicked back in her direction. She knew he heard her, but in turn he knew who she was. More tears slipped down her white and orange cheeks as Storm Raven finally stepped towards Pulse Wolf. There was a brilliant white flash, then, that nearly blinded Wind Feather and caused her to squeeze her eyes closed and turn her head away. When she looked back a second later, they were gone. It was done. The Spiritual took a deep shuddering breath as she attempted to collect herself before turning and slowly making her way to Camp. By the time she got there, dawn had just barely broken and by the time she settled in a spot in the main area and composed herself she heard Silver River's mournful howl echo through the lands. She could not help that one last tear fought its way to the surface to slide down her still wet cheeks.

-Black Stag-
He'd been tending to his den area when he had heard Silver's howl. Black Stag had dug a den beneath a thick line of bushes. Unless you looked for the entrance, you were likely to miss where he entered. In the middle of removing dead vegetation that had fallen nearby, impeding him from leaving, his ears cocked upwards, calm blue eyes wide as he listened to his little sister's mournful message. He couldn't help the pit that sank into his stomach, the feeling that his world had just had a hole punched through it.

Without regard to the repair of his den, Black Stag took off running, wondering where their brothers Corvus and Black Ear were.

As he came closer to Storm Raven's den, Silver River sat outside, her head to the sky but her eyes were closed. He approached slowly, his white toes placing themselves in all the right places. Black Stag touched his nose to her neck, to get her attention. Silver River opened her eyes and looked at her eldest brother. Her eyes watered, and Black Stag did not move nor make a sound as she nuzzled him, crying into his grey chest fur. His white ears fell back, but he did not move...

-Corvus-
The bird marked wolf had been up early that day, out trying to hunt some small meal. He'd chanced on a scrawny little rabbit, who took off as soon as it saw Corvus. He of course, had given chase, and he had kept good pace and was barely a jaw's length away from breakfast. Corvus had not given much attention to where he was running, which would lead him straight through the camp. He ran past Wind Feather, a blur of black and flying white birds.

Silver River's howl came only a few moments after he'd passed the Spiritual. Corvus put his paws to the dirt and skidded himself to a stop as he listened to his adopted sister's mournful howl. Breakfast long forgotten, Corvus could not help it as he dropped to his haunches, his head down as he felt something inside him break. It seemed to pain him twice as much as it should have, the tears stung at the corners of his closed eyes as he grit his teeth; bi-colored ears folded backwards.

Then he raised his head, and released his own mourning howl; taking no heed of Wind Feather as he tried to wrap head around Storm Raven; mother, hunter, protector, friend, and companion, was no longer here.

Corvus seemed to howl a long time, tears tracking a shining trail down his black and white face. His howl was a strange one indeed, this particular howl did not sound like the rest of his. Somewhere in the undertones of it, barely heard; seemed an older voice, howling alongside him; if not sharing his vocal cords as the twice painful sadness washed over Corvus.

He lowered his head, ears still pulled back before he slowly stood, glancing upwards once more before he made his way to Storm Raven's den, to pay his last respects to her, the one that had saved him as a pup...

Summit Shadow was the last one to arrive. His responsibilities as Delta kept him up early, before the sun each morning, and he'd been further away than his brothers, but he came quickly, knowing deep inside what had happened.

It was the same as it had been before. That sweet, sad song his younger sister sang... a song of mourning. He'd known better than the others how his mother was slowing up. He'd seen it in her eyes, how tired she was, and a part of him had wanted to urge her to let herself go, but Storm Raven had been ever stubborn, refusing to give up until she was forced to do so.

The large wolf moved to the entrance of the den, passing by the Spiritual and his sister and brothers, stopped only by the elderly Stone Fur.

The healer shook his head and moved down into the den. At this point it was all formality of course, but he wanted to examine Storm Raven's body to be absolutely certain. That and... he wanted to tell her goodbye. He'd known her most of his life, afterall... longer than virtually any wolf still alive. Her body was already cold by the time he reached her, and he gently leaned down, brushing his nose against her cheek. "Sleep well, brave huntress," he whispered. He turned to leave just as Summit Shadow came inside

Ever the skeptic, Summit Shadow had to see for himself what he already knew. It was a hard thing to take, seeing his mother, his beautiful, smart, dutiful mother laying there in such a state. He knew she had died happily, and yet... he couldn't shake the feeling that she'd been robbed of something. Afterall, neither he, nor his siblings had yet taken mates. What... what about her getting to see her grandchildren? He clawed idly at the ground before returning to join his siblings while Stone Fur took his place next to Wind Feather.

"We should make preparations for her funeral and burial immediately," he said softly.


============================

Cold Mountain wasn't very much how Storm Raven remembered him. His body was still strong and built, and he still carried his silver patches, but everything that had marked him as an outsider: the missing chunk of his ear, the slashes in his shoulder, the scars of battle, and even his trademark scowl.... all of them were gone. Instead, for the first time in her many years, Storm Raven could see her mate as the wolf he'd once been. He laughed as he found himself tackled and pinned beneath her, leaning up to nuzzle against her.

"I promised I would, didn't I?" he questioned, "I may be many things, my Storm Raven... but I always keep my promises."

((Whispering Owl is the pack's Delta.))

OOC: Okay, this is going to get confusing quick. I'm color-coding my characters.
Black Stag: PALE BLUE
Twilight: TAN
Silver River: BRIGHT GREEN
Corvus: ORANGE

"We should make preparations for her funeral and burial immediately,"

Silver River turned her head to look at her black eared brother. She didn't speak and her tears seemed to have slowed. But her eyes, those green pools were so dark, so sorrowful and it seemed she had retreated into herself.

"I will help you bury her, if you wish for it."

Black Stag turned his head as Twilight stood towards the edge of the scene, keeping her distance, Corvus followed his gaze and looked at the elite soldier in confusion.

"Twilight, what..." Black Stag had started.

"You helped me bury my father, Black Stag. I promised you that day that I would help you do the same if you needed it. And your mother was as good to me as my father had been."

Black Stag turned his calm blue gaze to his siblings. She had promised, he remembered. Silver River didn't seem to mind and Corvus shrugged lightly. Storm Raven was already at peace, far as he was concerned but her burial seemed something that should've been confined to the family. However, Storm Raven had been a friend and mentor to many a wolf as the years had worn on. Something about her seemed to draw others to her. Black Stag was a little torn on the issue between family only and those that had known her so well. He looked to Summit Shadow, as it seemed his thoughts would be the deciding factor.

Silver hadn't seemed keen on talking too much, afraid her voice would quiver and break. Her head shot up, green eyes wide as she suddenly remembered something.

"CrystalStream! We have to send a messenger to CrystalStream! She'd want to know! She'll probably want to be there."

-Amaranth-
The elderly wolfess had followed Stone Fur to the den, and took a seat by her mate. She nuzzled her mate lightly, as if to comfort him. Storm Raven had been a dear friend and mentor to herself and others, but Stone Fur had known her nearly his entire life. Amaranth looked over as Corvus came towards them. He seemed...different from the other three wolves that could call themselves Storm Raven's children. They were still young, but Corvus sometimes seemed older than his years. He also seemed to be somewhat nervous around Stone Fur, or any of the older packmembers for that matter.

-Corvus-
The black and white wolf slowly walked away from his family, leaving them to their decision and made his way over to Stone Fur. He did indeed seem nervous, because there were memories of the healer that he shouldn't have, the memories of a puphood long lost.

"Excuse me, uh Great Rock?" Corvus stumbled over his words a moment as he said the wrong name. Why had he said that? "Sorry, I meant Stone Fur." he said, scratching at his white left ear. "I wanted to ask, you've known Storm Raven that longest of those here, which way should we face her in the burial ground? I was thinking towards the Black Mountains, but I don't know, I was wondering if you could think of a better idea?"

"I promised I would, didn't I?""I may be many things, my Storm Raven... but I always keep my promises." Storm Raven laughed lightly, a much freer laugh than the past few years had granted her. She continued inhaling his scent, continued to remember. "So you did, and you have." As the mournful howls began, Storm Raven could not help her ears lowering and her eyes becoming soft again. "Oh Cold Mountain, I feel so bad! I wish I didn't have to leave them there. Summit Shadow is most like you, but Silver River misses you most, I think. She's so shy now, and she's so frustratingly hard to reach. Black Stag, I swear I do not know what goes through that boy's head. He's as stubborn as a mule and just as much of a pain. And Corvus..." She looked to Cold Mountain again, her calm eyes wide. "Is Night Owl up here? Was he reincarnated?" Storm Raven had been a staunch believer that Corvus had been Night Owl's reincarnated form. Some had called her crazy, but she was hoping that Cold Mountain's answer was that Night Owl's soul was no longer here on the Mountain. There had been too many coincidences, too many strange incidents for Storm Raven to have not believed so. Hell,when Corvus' instantly recognized of Stone Fur and calling him by his pup name, Great Rock; had sent her mind reeling. The descriptions of his nightmares, of the one's where he dies and Storm Raven's crying. His habit of scratching his white ear only, of stumbling over words, preferring rabbit over most other meat. She had been almost entirely convinced of his former identity, but there had always been that bit of doubt. "Please tell me he's not here."

Like Storm Raven, Cold Mountain could hear the mournful howls mourning from below. It was a familiar sound... a sound he'd heard not long after his own passing, but he quickly leaned down, brushing away the tears from her eyes with his nose. "Yes you did," he said, "You lived a long, good life, Storm Raven. You redeemed me. You made it possible for me to come here... You helped our pack through tough times, and you provided four wonderful, beautiful pups who grew into fine, strong young wolves... and you haven't left them alone. You will still hear their prayers, my love, as I listened to yours every night."

He gazed downward. "Summit Shadow will go far, I think... he has my ambition, and your dedication. Silver River will be just fine. She's got to find herself, but I think Deepening Shadows will see to that... Black Stag... well, we'll keep watching him." He chuckled softly. "And as for Corvus... Well... look." Indeed, in this form, Storm Raven would find her vision far more clear... She would be able to see not only the wolf, but the soul... Corona was clearly Deepening Shadows deep inside, but Corvus' soul was far less clear... as if the merger between Night Owl and him had not been quite as smooth. "I think your son will be just fine."

Meanwhile, below Stone Fur listened to Corvus' request. He raised a brow briefly when Corvus referred to him as Great Rock. He'd not gone by that name since he was a young adolescent, and that Corvus knew it seemed to confirm the late huntress' suspicions about is identity. Still, the Spirituals had said nothing, so neither would he. "The Black Mountains," he agreed, "Along the river, where she and Cold Mountain met.. Yes, that would be most appropriate."

Summit Shadow listened to all this silently as he often did, the Elite Warrior wishing he had someone with whom to grieve, but as was often the case, he was alone. He would throw himself into his duties more, try to forget his pain.

"The Black Mountains,""Along the river, where she and Cold Mountain met.. Yes, that would be most appropriate."

Corvus noted the healer's raised brow but was thankful that he didn't say anything regarding the exchanged name. Here would not have been a place to start delving in the wolf's psyche. He smiled and nodded lightly, thankful for the opinion of someone else who had known Storm Raven longer than Corvus had. Along with the strange memories of Stone Fur or Great Rock, he had a fair few with Storm Raven but you couldn't know someone from some memories. It was living with them that allowed you to know them. He'd always had this sort of magnetic pull to Storm Raven, but he hadn't understood why. His oddness as a pup had been strange, true; though it had never really been brought up with the Spirituals or the older wolves. Duties always came first for Storm Raven and Cold Mountain. Aside from Storm Raven telling them about Night Owl, Corvus didn't know who he was, what true significance he held for some of the older members of the pack.

"Thank you Stone Fur." Corvus looked at Stone Fur a moment before he turned back to his family. Unbeknownst to Corvus, his eyes were the same burning orange that had been Night Owl's as well. They had never changed, though if he knew, it would've explained why Storm Raven often stared at his eyes when he'd been a scrawny little pup.

Heading back to the other three wolves, he looked to Summit Shadow a moment before looking to the others. "I think we should bury her facing the Black Mountains. Stone Fur knew her longer, he agrees. He knew mom even longer than we did. It seems fitting."

-Black Stag-
He nodded to Corvus lightly. Mom and dad had always love the river, and they met in the original pack lands, the Black Mountain valley. Looking towards their sister, Black Stag spoke.

"If we are going to send a message to CrystalStream, perhaps we should send you; Silver. You are the swiftest of us. You could make it there and back in only a couple of hours I'd wager."

Silver River stared at her eldest brother with wide eyes for a moment before he slowly nodded. She wanted to object, but it seemed better that family should deliver the message. CrystalStream was their sister. Half-sister, but nevertheless. The white and grey wolfess stood, passing by those gathered as she made her way to the Swift River borders; and to CrystalStream...

-Amaranth-
The ebon elder watched the exchange between the two with a quirked eyebrow. When they had finished and Corvus walked away, she looked at her mate. "That boy is so strange. He seems older than he really is, and he stumbles over names a lot; doesn't he?"

Amaranth, while intelligent; had never met Night Owl, and didn't know Corvus' backstory as well as Stone Fur would have. She wouldn't have been able to see the similarities between the wolf that had died and the wolf that now stood mourning with his family.

"Yes you did,""You lived a long, good life, Storm Raven. You redeemed me. You made it possible for me to come here... You helped our pack through tough times, and you provided four wonderful, beautiful pups who grew into fine, strong young wolves... and you haven't left them alone. You will still hear their prayers, my love, as I listened to yours every night." Storm Raven smiled lightly, allowing herself to find comfort in Cold Mountain; as she always had. "Summit Shadow will go far, I think... he has my ambition, and your dedication. Silver River will be just fine. She's got to find herself, but I think Deepening Shadows will see to that... Black Stag... well, we'll keep watching him." The silver and white huntress quirked an eyebrow as Cold Mountain mentioned Deepening Shadows. She smiled lightly."Really? Deepening Shadows? Of all of the wolves. And pray tell, how do you know this?" "And as for Corvus... Well... look." Storm Raven looked towards Corvus, as he was speaking to Stone Fur. Her vision was much more clear here, and she could see the differences between the two reincarnated wolves. Deepening Shadows' soul was clear, eyes, markings, and all. Looking at her son, she could see the markings of the two fade in and out, like Corvus was not one or the other. But his eyes, his eyes had always been the same burning orange that was Night Owl. That had not changed. "I think your son will be just fine." The huntress nipped at Cold Mountain's nose, a mock growl on her face. "You were as much of a father as I was a mother, so you stop. Our son is more apt." But the huntress smiled again, laying her head on his chest once more; sighing deeply in relaxed contentment. "Gods, I missed you."

Cold Mountain gave a knowing smile when Storm Raven questioned how he could know that Deepening Shadows would provide the support their daughter needed. "Just... call it a father's intuition," he said, "And though Corvus is our son, Night Owl never shared that bond with me... Your son, Night Owl, will be just fine." He hoped he was being clear, but he relaxed himself for the time being and leaned down to nuzzle her.

"For now my love, relax... This is not a place of sadness, but of contentment and rest. There is always a chance Black Wolf may choose to send either of us back for a reason, but until then, we wait... we keep watch over our loved ones. And you, my Storm Raven, have earned a long night's sleep."

----------------

Summit Shadow watched all the discussion take place, and nodded in agreement with his younger brother. "I will begin preparation immediately," he said, "and return in time to give Mother a proper vigil."

-----------------

Stone Fur smiled softly. He had forgotten that his mate never knew Night Owl. "That boy is older than he believes himself to be," he said, "His memories are from another time... Great Rock was my name as a pup." He looked down, smiling as a tear dripped from his eyes. "He was my best friend once," he explained, "His name was Night Owl, and to him, she was perhaps the only mother he knew. And then when the great fire came that ravaged our home, Night Owl was one of the casualties... He died. For some reason Black Wolf sent him back, and none of us are sure why... but the transition is far from clear... It's like one soul merged with another and created Corvus... He's confused in many ways, and perhaps he will always be, but it... it's good to know my friend walks among the living, even if his body is far younger than mine."

((I haven't made out the special areas of the territory yet, FS, but there will be a cemetery where the passed wolves will be buried. It's a decent sized clearing with a single pine tree standing tall in the very center of it. It's located somewhat in the western portions of the lands.))

Wind Feather sat up and looked over at Stone Fur and nodded gently. "Yes. we'll let her children mourn over her for the time being. Let's tell Hailstorm and Corona, then we'll get Silver River, Summit Shadow, and Black Stag to choose her burial spot." The Spiritual stood and turned to go get the Alpha and Beta immediately and moved away.

"I will begin preparation immediately,""and return in time to give Mother a proper vigil."

Black Stag watched his brother with his mother's eyes, that calm deep blue that she was so known for. "We will make the preparations, brother. There is no reason for you to do it alone. Corvus and myself will help."

The eldest wolf turned to look at Twilight. "I think we will be okay, Twilight. As for that promise, you may count it repaid simply for you having been here and remembering it." Most times when young wolves made promises, they tended to forget them, and promises made in times of great sorrow were usually forgotten as well. It spoke volumes to Black Stag that regardless of the fact that Twilight had made the promise on the day Saeros died, while digging his grave, in the rain no less and that she had remembered and been willing to fulfill it regardless.

Twilight nodded to Black Stag before she turned and left the area, her fiery orange tail tip swaying lightly as she went.

-Amaranth-
"That boy is older than he believes himself to be,""His memories are from another time... Great Rock was my name as a pup.""He was my best friend once,""His name was Night Owl, and to him, she was perhaps the only mother he knew. And then when the great fire came that ravaged our home, Night Owl was one of the casualties... He died. For some reason Black Wolf sent him back, and none of us are sure why... but the transition is far from clear... It's like one soul merged with another and created Corvus... He's confused in many ways, and perhaps he will always be, but it... it's good to know my friend walks among the living, even if his body is far younger than mine."

Amaranth smiled lightly as Stone Fur recounted the life of Night Owl. Ah, that would have explained the problem with names, it seemed. She cocked her ebon head in thought a moment. If Storm Raven had been the only mother that Night Owl had ever known then Night Owl must've been Storm Raven's first son, and oldest. The ebon huntress had met Storm Raven after her pups had been born. She had always seemed happy in the presence of her family. But alone, she seemed to have moments where she lost herself in bits of sorrow. Then, Corvus had shown up; and that had so far as Amaranth knew, gone away.

"Maybe Black Wolf sent him back for his mother. Nothing breaks a mother's heart like the death of her child before herself. After Storm Raven found Corvus, her sorrow seemed lessened, if not gone I think."

She looked to Stone Fur again, nosing away the tear that fell down his face.

"Have you ever talked to him? Corvus seems a kind wolf, I don't think that he would begrudge you a chat or two."

"Just... call it a father's intuition,""And though Corvus is our son, Night Owl never shared that bond with me... Your son, Night Owl, will be just fine.""For now my love, relax... This is not a place of sadness, but of contentment and rest. There is always a chance Black Wolf may choose to send either of us back for a reason, but until then, we wait... we keep watch over our loved ones. And you, my Storm Raven, have earned a long night's sleep." Storm Raven smiled back as Cold Mountain gave her that knowing smile, chuckling. Alright then, father's intuition it was then. The former huntress sighed lightly, a smile on her lips as she cuddled next to Cold Mountain, as she always had in life. "I think I'll sleep right here. You've always made a good pillow, Cold Mountain."

Stone fur shook his head. "I've spoken little to him," he said, "I always wonder what I would say... Would I speak to my friend? Would I speak to Corvus? He is a good wolf, but I don't wish to add to his confusion. Best his fractured memories stay that. Whether or not his soul is that of Night Owl, Corvus is his own wolf... I don't want to risk changing that, making him into something he's not."

He turned his head to Wind Feather. "Will you inform the alphas?" he requested, "I should stay here to help make preparations for our departed huntress."

Wind Feather

Wind Feather had already gone to fetch Hailstorm and Corona by the time that Stone Fur had asked her to inform the Alpha. It took some time, but soon enough Wind Feather returned at a trot behind Hailstorm. She cast a glance over her shoulder to see if Corona was following.

Hailstorm

The Alpha slowed her steps as she neared the solemn group, ears falling down as she approached the siblings. She gazed first at Silver River, sadness apparent in her own eyes as she gave the only daughter a gentle nod. Then to Black Stag she looked, and another nod was given to his presence, and lastly to Summit Shadow. Hailstorm paused there the longest, and the sadness in her eyes seemed to deepen.
"I'm sorry for your pain." she whispered. Though it was intended to be directed at all of the young wolves, she didn't take her fiery orange gaze from Summit Shadow. Hailstorm turned her head to stare into the blackness of Storm Raven's den. She had to see for herself. The Alpha crouched and stepped into the blackness. Her eyes adjusted almost immediately and there lay the pale grey and white body of the old hunter. Hailstorm stepped gingerly as she neared the body, eyes falling first on the serene face. All of the muscles were lax, and the chest did not rise and fall as Hailstorm half expected it to. After all, she was still young and had not seen many deceased wolves. Indeed, the lady was gone. Hailstorm exhaled softly and turned to exit the den. The sunlight, dull as it was, was blindingly bright at first, and she squinted against it until her eyes adjusted once again. The female turned to the siblings once more,"Have you decided where to bury her in the cemetery?" her voice was soft, but commanding. She grieved for their loss, but she was still Alpha and had to show it.

As Storm Raven's offspring and others gathered to mourn, and as Wind Feather took off to retrieve the alphas, the elder spiritual sat quietly in the shadows. He had seen what happened just as clearly as Wind Feather. But as others grieved, Silver Eagle was only reminded of his own mortality. The eldest hunter in the pack had passed, and his time would be coming too...and it would be sooner than he expected. But then, everything came sooner than one expected...

As Hailstorm approached, the elder rose to his paws and slowly stepped out toward the group. As Hailstorm stepped out from the den, Silver Eagle waited off to the side patiently until she had cleared the entrance. As she spoke with the siblings, Silver Eagle took just a single step into the den and poked his head inside. As his old eyes adjusted to the light, he could make out the lifeless body that rested on the floor of the den. In a way, she looked at peace, like the passing had been easy...just like falling asleep.

Sleep. It sounded so good.

For a brief moment, Silver Eagle closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. For a very brief moment, he thought he felt the peace and serenity of where Storm Raven was now.

"It feels so...good," the spiritual mumbled to himself.

His aged blue eyes re-opened to once again gaze upon Storm Raven's body. After letting out a soft sigh, he said his final goodbye.

"Sleep well, old friend."

With that, the elder turned and stepped out from the den. He set his tired eyes for a brief moment on the siblings before merely giving them a respectful nod. Now was a time for them to grieve. They didn't need to listen to him babble on about how she was in a better place. He then stepped away and slowly moved toward Wind Feather to be near her as Storm Raven's offspring made arrangements with the alpha.

-Amaranth-
"I've spoken little to him,""I always wonder what I would say... Would I speak to my friend? Would I speak to Corvus? He is a good wolf, but I don't wish to add to his confusion. Best his fractured memories stay that. Whether or not his soul is that of Night Owl, Corvus is his own wolf... I don't want to risk changing that, making him into something he's not."

The ebon elder smiled lightly and nodded before she nuzzled Stone Fur. "A wise choice, though I do wonder what he remembers of you. I had heard a couple of times from Storm Raven that you were quite clumsy as a teen, my dear."

-Corvus-
"Have you decided where to bury her in the cemetery?"

The bird-marked wolf turn to the look at the alpha, his orange eyes burning as they always did. It was in these moments that Corvus seemed older than his years, as very distant memories of Storm Raven surfaced and faded here and there. Cold Mountain had been buried in the cemetery when he had passed, facing the Black Mountains and the river. Storm Raven had chosen the spot, and now it was apparent that the choice in direction had been intentional.

"We are going to bury her facing the Black Mountains and the river, next to Cold Mountain. It seems the most suitable place. Stone Fur agreed, given he here of all of us had known mom the longest. Silver River has gone to inform CrystalStream and OceanStorm. She should return shortly."

Corvus watched Hailstorm for a moment, and he didn't seem himself as he watched her for a moment. The look disappeared as he turned to Black Stag, who was looking towards the Swift River Clan Packlands, like he was hoping to hear someone howling in the distance. Black Stag sighed, "We should begin digging I suppose."