straysofthesierra

[straysofthesierra]

Hey, anybody still here lol.

I have been busy but now that I'm taking a break from my other project I wanted to return to my doggies. I thought some fresh new character lineups would be a good place to start!

Naturally started with the leadership of each pack!

Little reminder notes under the cut since its been a while:

The Falls Pack Leaders (Left to Right)

Robin

Raven

Dove (Lead Dog)

Hawk

The Forget-Me-Nots Pack Leaders (Left to Right)

Birch

Cypress (Lead Dog)

Rue

Wolf

The Shepherds Pack Leaders (Left to Right)

Bud

Bluebell (Lead Dog)

Holly

Widow

The Mist Pack Leaders (Left to Right)

Shadow

Storm (Lead Dog)

Tempest

The Tides Pack Leaders (Left to Right)

Wade

Clay (Lead Dog)

Marsh

[straysofthesierra]

Took a little break from story art to do some concepting! Specifically, I wanted to nail down roughly what each pack's base camp looks like! (This does not represent their entire territory, just the area where they make their shelters.)

A little about each camp:

The Fall's camp is built into a deep gouge in the mountainside that was caused by a landslide a long, long time ago. Way before they even settled there. Their shelters are built into the little hills/cliffs that were created from it.

The Forget-Me-Not's camp is in a beautiful little grove that's nestled against a cliff at the base of the mountains. The entrance was formed by a fallen tree that has been covered by overgrowth over the years, shielding them from the weather.

The Mists make their camp in a cave higher up the mountains. They set up their beds in various smaller cavities throughout, which are covered with hide curtains for privacy.

The Shepherds set up their camp out in the open, on the grassy plains that make up the base of the valley. Nearby on another part of the territory they have a fenced pasture where they keep their livestock as well as their herb garden.

And last but not least the Tides make their camp, as you might expect, near the shore of Shale Lake. This one is pretty self explanatory!

[straysofthesierra]

CW: Discussions of pregnancy

(And minor hints of how it came about. Friendly reminder that this project is intended for mature audiences!)

Have some more pre canon stuff cuz that's just where my mind has been lately I guess lol!

-

“Are you alright Fern? You look tired.”

Fern startled, glancing up at the rest of the patrol who were staring back at her with looks of concern. They had been coming back from clearing and resetting all the traps on the territory and she had fallen a few lengths behind, struggling to catch her breath. She paused to set down the rabbit she had been carrying so she could respond. “Oh, yes, I’m fine,” she gasped. “I just… must not have gotten enough sleep is all…”

But Maple looked unconvinced. “You look like you’re about to keel over. Maybe you should see Camelia when we get back.”

“I told you, I’m fine!” she snapped. She scooped up her rabbit and marched past them while they watched her go in shock. Juniper gave Maple a questioning frown, to which she could only respond with a shrug, and they all continued on back to base in awkward silence.

Privately Fern was already regretting becoming short with them. They were only worried about her, after all. But the truth was, she really had been feeling off recently. Her appetite was all over the place, and she was somehow always run down even when she hadn’t been doing anything strenuous. She had a guess as to why, but it was something that she didn’t want the rest of the pack to know. At least not yet. She was still in a little bit of denial about it herself.

One thing was for sure though; Maple was right, she did need to go see Camelia to confirm her fears once and for all.

Camelia hummed softly to herself as she sorted her herbs in the medical tent. They had just gotten a large batch of brand new ones from Ginger and Daffodil, fresh from the Shepherd’s garden. She was just bundling up a thing of chamomile when Fern shuffled inside, looking over her shoulder warily.

“Hello Fern! Can I help you with something?”

Fern whipped her head around to give Camelia a wide eyed stare. “Oh, um, yes…” She closed the entrance of the tent and sat down, sweeping her long, plumed tail around herself. “I’ve just been feeling a little… off lately.”

“Hmm, off how?”

“Nothing specific, just not normal,” Fern explained. “I’m feeling tired all the time, and I don’t feel like eating much. Things like that.”

Camelia hummed thoughtfully, tilting her head at her. Fern squirmed under her gaze, as if she could tell what was going on with her just by looking. “Is it alright if I examine you?” Camelia asked.

“Oh, sure, I guess…”

She walked over to the bed, which Camelia was patting with a reassuring smile, and settled down in the soft fur. The caretaker started by sniffing her, then ran well practiced paws over her side in search of anything unusual. “Hmmm… oh!”

Fern cringed.

“Fern, have you been seeing anyone lately?”

Fern sat back up with a sigh and a grumble. “Yes. There is this sire from the Mists that I’ve been seeing for a little while.”

“And have you two been… physically active with each other?”

“Yes…”

“Well,” Camelia began, keeping her voice light so the other dog didn’t feel cornered or judged. “Then I’m sure you can guess what I’m going to say next. ” She paused for a moment and Fern lowered her ears, a cold wave of dread washing over her. “Based on what you’ve told me, the only conclusion I can come to is that you’re pregnant.”

It was just as she thought. “Oh, I can’t believe this is happening, we were so careful!”

“I know, I’m sure you were.” If it were from any dog other than Camelia it would have come off as condescending, but Fern knew that the large white dam was being genuine. “Things just happen sometimes. Did you not want pups?”

“It’s not that, it’s just… I always thought it would be in the future, you know?” She was only three cycles old, after all. Her adult life and career had just barely begun. She had considered being promoted to Point someday! And sure, having pups wouldn’t stop her. Many other high ranks had families. But she’d always thought that she would be older and more settled by then, more able to handle the struggle of juggling it all. Not to mention that, disregarding even all that, raising pups was just hard. She had always wanted to be absolutely sure she was ready before she thrust herself into parenthood.

But now…

“Hey.” Camelia placed a steadying paw on Fern’s, coaxing the other dam to meet her eyes. “I know this is a lot to process, and I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but it will be ok. You know the entire pack will be there to help you.”

“Yes, that’s very comforting,” Fern growled sarcastically.

Camelia frowned.

“Sorry, I know you’re trying to help. I just… need to be alone to think.” Fern sighed.

“Of course. Feel free to come back if you need anything.”

Fern nodded, speeding past her and out of the medical tent. Camelia watched her go sadly.

Fern, meanwhile, started heading straight across camp toward her own tent, mindlessly weaving through other dogs who were going about their day. She very nearly ran into Arrow who was working on mixing some new paint. The base keeper wrinkled their muzzle at her when she stomped by without so much as a sorry, but softened when they noticed her tense stance. They attempted to call out to her but their concern fell on deaf ears.

Fern burst into her tent, collapsing into her bed and covering her face with her paws. Curse it all, what was she going to do now? Was she really ready to be a mother? She sure didn’t feel like it. And what was Rain going to think? Did he even want pups?

Oh no, Rain! She was going to have to tell him!

A deep sigh escaped from her and she straightened up, her gaze creeping toward the cracked flap of her tent. Her mind strayed up into the mountains, where the Mists made their territory, and a small smile crept onto her muzzle as she thought back to their last meeting. Even though it was what got her into this predicament in the first place, she couldn’t bring herself to regret it. He had made her feel desired and adored, like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.

They hadn’t really talked about officially becoming mates yet. But they had been seeing each other for a couple seasons now. She certainly liked him enough. He was such a sweet and thoughtful sire. So unlike all of the other brutish and arrogant males in the Mists. She just knew he would make a great father.

It startled her how easily she could picture it. Her, Rain, two or three young pups running around their paws. It startled her even more that, when she really thought about it, she realized that… she liked the idea of it. Liked the idea of having a family. Liked the idea of having a family with him.

She still needed to talk to him about it, of course. There were still a lot of uncertainties, and there would still be a lot of challenges in the future. But she was starting to believe what Camelia had said, that things might be… ok. Maybe she could do this after all.

She took a deep breath and pushed herself up.

Well, first thing first. She had to get over to the Mists.

[straysofthesierra]

CW: Discussions of pregnancy

(And minor hints of how it came about. Friendly reminder that this project is intended for mature audiences!)

Have some more pre canon stuff cuz that's just where my mind has been lately I guess lol!

-

“Are you alright Fern? You look tired.”

Fern startled, glancing up at the rest of the patrol who were staring back at her with looks of concern. They had been coming back from clearing and resetting all the traps on the territory and she had fallen a few lengths behind, struggling to catch her breath. She paused to set down the rabbit she had been carrying so she could respond. “Oh, yes, I’m fine,” she gasped. “I just… must not have gotten enough sleep is all…”

But Maple looked unconvinced. “You look like you’re about to keel over. Maybe you should see Camelia when we get back.”

“I told you, I’m fine!” she snapped. She scooped up her rabbit and marched past them while they watched her go in shock. Juniper gave Maple a questioning frown, to which she could only respond with a shrug, and they all continued on back to base in awkward silence.

Privately Fern was already regretting becoming short with them. They were only worried about her, after all. But the truth was, she really had been feeling off recently. Her appetite was all over the place, and she was somehow always run down even when she hadn’t been doing anything strenuous. She had a guess as to why, but it was something that she didn’t want the rest of the pack to know. At least not yet. She was still in a little bit of denial about it herself.

One thing was for sure though; Maple was right, she did need to go see Camelia to confirm her fears once and for all.

Camelia hummed softly to herself as she sorted her herbs in the medical tent. They had just gotten a large batch of brand new ones from Ginger and Daffodil, fresh from the Shepherd’s garden. She was just bundling up a thing of chamomile when Fern shuffled inside, looking over her shoulder warily.

“Hello Fern! Can I help you with something?”

Fern whipped her head around to give Camelia a wide eyed stare. “Oh, um, yes…” She closed the entrance of the tent and sat down, sweeping her long, plumed tail around herself. “I’ve just been feeling a little… off lately.”

“Hmm, off how?”

“Nothing specific, just not normal,” Fern explained. “I’m feeling tired all the time, and I don’t feel like eating much. Things like that.”

Camelia hummed thoughtfully, tilting her head at her. Fern squirmed under her gaze, as if she could tell what was going on with her just by looking. “Is it alright if I examine you?” Camelia asked.

“Oh, sure, I guess…”

She walked over to the bed, which Camelia was patting with a reassuring smile, and settled down in the soft fur. The caretaker started by sniffing her, then ran well practiced paws over her side in search of anything unusual. “Hmmm… oh!”

Fern cringed.

“Fern, have you been seeing anyone lately?”

Fern sat back up with a sigh and a grumble. “Yes. There is this sire from the Mists that I’ve been seeing for a little while.”

“And have you two been… physically active with each other?”

“Yes…”

“Well,” Camelia began, keeping her voice light so the other dog didn’t feel cornered or judged. “Then I’m sure you can guess what I’m going to say next. ” She paused for a moment and Fern lowered her ears, a cold wave of dread washing over her. “Based on what you’ve told me, the only conclusion I can come to is that you’re pregnant.”

It was just as she thought. “Oh, I can’t believe this is happening, we were so careful!”

“I know, I’m sure you were.” If it were from any dog other than Camelia it would have come off as condescending, but Fern knew that the large white dam was being genuine. “Things just happen sometimes. Did you not want pups?”

“It’s not that, it’s just… I always thought it would be in the future, you know?” She was only three cycles old, after all. Her adult life and career had just barely begun. She had considered being promoted to Point someday! And sure, having pups wouldn’t stop her. Many other high ranks had families. But she’d always thought that she would be older and more settled by then, more able to handle the struggle of juggling it all. Not to mention that, disregarding even all that, raising pups was just hard. She had always wanted to be absolutely sure she was ready before she thrust herself into parenthood.

But now…

“Hey.” Camelia placed a steadying paw on Fern’s, coaxing the other dam to meet her eyes. “I know this is a lot to process, and I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but it will be ok. You know the entire pack will be there to help you.”

“Yes, that’s very comforting,” Fern growled sarcastically.

Camelia frowned.

“Sorry, I know you’re trying to help. I just… need to be alone to think.” Fern sighed.

“Of course. Feel free to come back if you need anything.”

Fern nodded, speeding past her and out of the medical tent. Camelia watched her go sadly.

Fern, meanwhile, started heading straight across camp toward her own tent, mindlessly weaving through other dogs who were going about their day. She very nearly ran into Arrow who was working on mixing some new paint. The base keeper wrinkled their muzzle at her when she stomped by without so much as a sorry, but softened when they noticed her tense stance. They attempted to call out to her but their concern fell on deaf ears.

Fern burst into her tent, collapsing into her bed and covering her face with her paws. Curse it all, what was she going to do now? Was she really ready to be a mother? She sure didn’t feel like it. And what was Rain going to think? Did he even want pups?

Oh no, Rain! She was going to have to tell him!

A deep sigh escaped from her and she straightened up, her gaze creeping toward the cracked flap of her tent. Her mind strayed up into the mountains, where the Mists made their territory, and a small smile crept onto her muzzle as she thought back to their last meeting. Even though it was what got her into this predicament in the first place, she couldn’t bring herself to regret it. He had made her feel desired and adored, like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.

They hadn’t really talked about officially becoming mates yet. But they had been seeing each other for a couple seasons now. She certainly liked him enough. He was such a sweet and thoughtful sire. So unlike all of the other brutish and arrogant males in the Mists. She just knew he would make a great father.

It startled her how easily she could picture it. Her, Rain, two or three young pups running around their paws. It startled her even more that, when she really thought about it, she realized that… she liked the idea of it. Liked the idea of having a family. Liked the idea of having a family with him.

She still needed to talk to him about it, of course. There were still a lot of uncertainties, and there would still be a lot of challenges in the future. But she was starting to believe what Camelia had said, that things might be… ok. Maybe she could do this after all.

She took a deep breath and pushed herself up.

Well, first thing first. She had to get over to the Mists.

[straysofthesierra]

MEET THE NEW MEMBER OF THE VALLEY!

Thats right, a brand new character! This will not happen often, outside of children of the current cast, but one of my good online friends came up with a character and I just loved her so much I couldn't resist making her canon!

Meet Whisper. She is actually not a member of any of the packs, but instead a stray who makes her home nearby and regularly trades resources and information with them. The valley dogs are very fond of her and love when she comes around to visit.

She is a self reliant kind of dog who prefers being on her own, hence why she has not joined any of the packs, and isn't above using light flirting and sex appeal to get what she wants. She's not a bad dog though, just free spirited and resourceful.

[straysofthesierra]

CW: Implied Verbal Abuse

'You're an entitled piece of shit You're just a pot smoking, good for nothing Kids today, yeah, they don't want to work I made mistakes, I'll admit I gave you participation trophies Maybe I'm to blame, maybe I'm not All the books I read proclaimed That they had cracked the secret Of instructing me on how to raise a man And yet a quarter century elapsed And what have you to show for it? You play with the piano while I work' Fein - Loved

No prose today, just vibes. Storm is a bad dad.

[straysofthesierra]

CW: Implied Verbal Abuse

'You're an entitled piece of shit You're just a pot smoking, good for nothing Kids today, yeah, they don't want to work I made mistakes, I'll admit I gave you participation trophies Maybe I'm to blame, maybe I'm not All the books I read proclaimed That they had cracked the secret Of instructing me on how to raise a man And yet a quarter century elapsed And what have you to show for it? You play with the piano while I work' Fein - Loved

No prose today, just vibes. Storm is a bad dad.

[straysofthesierra]

CW: Implied Verbal Abuse

'You're an entitled piece of shit You're just a pot smoking, good for nothing Kids today, yeah, they don't want to work I made mistakes, I'll admit I gave you participation trophies Maybe I'm to blame, maybe I'm not All the books I read proclaimed That they had cracked the secret Of instructing me on how to raise a man And yet a quarter century elapsed And what have you to show for it? You play with the piano while I work' Fein - Loved

No prose today, just vibes. Storm is a bad dad.

[straysofthesierra]

A fun little ask game!

So I was listening to music and associating them with characters, as you do, and thought it might be fun to do over here! So, send a Strays character and I will give a song that I associate with them!

If you don't know who to pick here's my regular reminder that you can read about all of them over on Toyhouse!

[straysofthesierra]

CW: Miscarriage/Stillbirth

"It wasn't your fault," Mole reminded her. "Dandelion said these kinds of things just... happen sometimes..." "I know..." Tulip murmured. That didn't make it any easier. "We still need to name this little one," he pointed out, gesturing to the single squirmy newborn at her belly. "What do you think? Did you still like Beetle or Bee?" "Actually, I was thinking... maybe just... Bug? To sort of, represent both of them?" She glanced at him nervously. "What do you think?" He gave her a soft, sad smile and licked her cheek. "I think that's a wonderful idea... Little Bug."

Something a little different today. If you've taken a look at the Toyhouse profiles, you might remember that Tulip and Mole lost one of the pups in their first litter, their son Bug's littermate. I just got to thinking about it, and it led to a realization about where Bug's name could have come from.

[straysofthesierra]

CW: Miscarriage/Stillbirth

"It wasn't your fault," Mole reminded her. "Dandelion said these kinds of things just... happen sometimes..." "I know..." Tulip murmured. That didn't make it any easier. "We still need to name this little one," he pointed out, gesturing to the single squirmy newborn at her belly. "What do you think? Did you still like Beetle or Bee?" "Actually, I was thinking... maybe just... Bug? To sort of, represent both of them?" She glanced at him nervously. "What do you think?" He gave her a soft, sad smile and licked her cheek. "I think that's a wonderful idea... Little Bug."

Something a little different today. If you've taken a look at the Toyhouse profiles, you might remember that Tulip and Mole lost one of the pups in their first litter, their son Bug's littermate. I just got to thinking about it, and it led to a realization about where Bug's name could have come from.

[straysofthesierra]

CW: Miscarriage/Stillbirth

"It wasn't your fault," Mole reminded her. "Dandelion said these kinds of things just... happen sometimes..." "I know..." Tulip murmured. That didn't make it any easier. "We still need to name this little one," he pointed out, gesturing to the single squirmy newborn at her belly. "What do you think? Did you still like Beetle or Bee?" "Actually, I was thinking... maybe just... Bug? To sort of, represent both of them?" She glanced at him nervously. "What do you think?" He gave her a soft, sad smile and licked her cheek. "I think that's a wonderful idea... Little Bug."

Something a little different today. If you've taken a look at the Toyhouse profiles, you might remember that Tulip and Mole lost one of the pups in their first litter, their son Bug's littermate. I just got to thinking about it, and it led to a realization about where Bug's name could have come from.

[straysofthesierra]

It was a perfect, clear night. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the moon shone proudly, illuminating the way for the dogs of the valley as they gathered to celebrate the coming of another season. Despite the evening chill biting through his thin coat, Finch was practically bouncing on his paws as he approached Shale Lake with the rest of the Falls. The Fire Feast was his favorite time of the season, especially since he got to see his friends from the other packs.

He scanned the crowd with a whip of his head, then turned to his parents. “I’m gonna go look for Lake and Loon.”

“Alright, have fun!” his mother Starling replied. 

Without another word he turned and sped away. He carefully bobbed and weaved through the dogs all clumped together in groups, laughing and chatting and catching up with each other, but he didn’t see hide nor hair of Lake or Loon. Maybe they decided not to come to the feast this season? His tail dropped in disappointment. He was just about to turn around and head back to his family when something slammed into his side, nearly knocking him to the ground.

Loon laughed as he grunted under her sudden weight on his back. She nipped at his ear and he smirked in recognition, pulling himself out from under her and turning to face her as she wagged her tail at him. “What’s up, bird brain?” 

He matched her delight and reared up to ruffle the fluffy fur on her ears. “Not much, how about you, fish breath?”

They bounded around each other, growling playfully until Lake finally caught up and joined them.

“How are you guys,” Finch panted, sitting down to catch his breath.

“Glad to be done with the seasonal chores,” Lake grumbled, curling her lip in disgust. “I was stuck on fish cleaning duty. I’m never gonna get the smell out of my fur…” To illustrate her point, she bent over and gave her leg a few licks.

“Glad it wasn’t me!” Loon teased. 

“Ugh, yeah. I wanted to go on the hunting patrol but my dad said I’m not ready yet, so I got stuck on cleaning duty with Sparrow,” Finch grumbled.

At that, Loon became suddenly and uncharacteristically subdued. “Oh, speaking of Sparrow, I wanted to ask… did she, um, come to the feast tonight?”

“Um, yeah? Why?” Finch blinked at her, but then realized what she was getting at and rolled his eyes. “Oh good grief, are you still panting after her? I told you it wouldn’t work out, she’s not interested in dams.”

Loon stomped her paws. “I knoooooow! But hey, I can dream, can’t I?” She chuffed. “What about you? You’ve been chasing after that sire Rowan from the Shepherds since we started training!”

“Hey!”

Lake, who had been mostly quiet through their bickering, finally piped up. “Ugh, can you both put your tongues back in your mouths? Nobody cares!”

They paused and gave her twin glances of surprise and confusion. 

“Oh come on, don’t you have anybody you’re interested in?” Loon asked her.

“No, not really…?” Her ears pulled back as she suddenly became very self conscious. Courting and mates had been something she just… never really thought about. As her peers grew older and started noticing other dogs in that way, she would just watch in confusion, unable to relate. In truth, it sometimes made her feel a little bit alienated from the other trainees. Like there was something wrong with her. After all, everyone else seemed to get it. Why not her?

Her fears only seemed to be confirmed as an awkward silence fell over the trio. Finch and Loon were now staring at her like she’d grown three heads. She huddled in on herself and stared down at her paws. “Um, nevermind… Can we just talk about something else?”

Luckily, she was spared some embarrassment by the leads addressing everyone from the Council Rock.

“Welcome everyone. It’s wonderful to see you all again,” Dove, the lead of the Falls, began. “I trust you all had a productive end of season, but the time has come once again for us all to take a well deserved rest and celebrate the coming of another.”

She paused to allow a wave of celebratory howls to flow through the crowd.

When they died down she stepped back Cypress, the lead of the Forget-Me-Nots, stepped forward to continue, her pregnant belly swaying underneath her as she moved. “As usual, it is time to start the sparring matches. Any dogs who wish to participate, please make your way up here to the sparring pit!”

“Yes! I’ve been looking forward to this all season!” Finch bowed forward, tail wagging, and took off toward the shallow pit dug into the ground near the Council Rock.

“Wait-!”

Lake and Loon both rose to try and stop him, but it was too late. One moment he was bounding away, and the next he was stopped short by a muzzle full of fur as he ran into another dog.

“Oof!”

He stumbled a moment, then gave a little shake once he’d righted himself. “Oh my, I’m so sorry! I was just -  o-oh…”

“Woah, where’s the fire?” Rowan chuckled. 

But Finch’s tongue had turned to stone and he couldn’t respond. All he was able to do was stand there, hypnotized by the glow of Rowan’s golden eyes in the light of the bonfire. By the time his brain had finally caught up with him, the only thing he could think to say in response was, “Um. Over there?”

He grinned awkwardly at his bad attempt at a joke, but Rowan just frowned, the warm liquid gold of his eyes turning to fire and burning through Finch’s pelt. Behind them, Lake and Loon tried very unsuccessfully to hold back their laughter at the whole scene. Well, Lake was trying to hold herself back at least. Loon was just shamelessly guffawing, clearly taking great joy in Finch’s embarrassment.

Rowan moved back a few steps, his gaze flitting to and fro. “Riiiiiiiight… Well uh, gotta get to the sparring pit. Don’t wanna miss the matches! Happy season!” He gave a tight, toothy smile, trying to be polite, but as soon as he got the chance he turned and left.

“Heh, yeah! Happy season!” Finch tried to return his smile, but as soon as he started walking away it wilted. When he was far enough away to be out of earshot, he sank to the ground with a long, pathetic wine, crossing his legs over his face. 

Meanwhile Loon was still laughing away. “Well that was about as smooth as a porcupine’s behind,” she gasped out in between her chortles. 

“Oh shut up!”

“Oh come on, it wasn’t so bad. I thought it was kind of funny?” Lake tried, walking up to him and placing a supportive paw on his back. Finch, hearing the hint of a smirk still on her muzzle, peered out from under his paws to glare at her. 

“That’s it. It’s over. I can never show my face at the feast ever again. Just leave me here to die,” he moaned.

That made the two dams giggle.

“Come on, I thought you were gonna spar.” Loon nudged his side. “What if you get matched up with Rowan.”

Sparring with Rowan? Getting up close and personal? Feeling his thick, soft fur against him? The power of his muscular legs that he had only ever been able to admire from a distance? The thought made Finch’s ears burn. “If that happened I would actually die!”

“Come on!”

“Go on, you can do it!”

“Go get him!”

“Show him what you can do!”

Their encouragement managed to coax him out from under his paws, and a small smile onto his muzzle. They may poke and prod at each other, but that was just what friends did. And when push came to shove they really were wonderful friends. “Yeah, okay…”

He pushed himself up while they cheered, pressing themselves to his sides. The three of them trotted away like that toward the sparring pit, their steady presence filling Finch with newfound confidence. He straightened up, puffing out his chest and striding into the crowd.

The other trainees had better watch themselves, because this season, he had something to prove.

[straysofthesierra]

It was a perfect, clear night. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the moon shone proudly, illuminating the way for the dogs of the valley as they gathered to celebrate the coming of another season. Despite the evening chill biting through his thin coat, Finch was practically bouncing on his paws as he approached Shale Lake with the rest of the Falls. The Fire Feast was his favorite time of the season, especially since he got to see his friends from the other packs.

He scanned the crowd with a whip of his head, then turned to his parents. “I’m gonna go look for Lake and Loon.”

“Alright, have fun!” his mother Starling replied. 

Without another word he turned and sped away. He carefully bobbed and weaved through the dogs all clumped together in groups, laughing and chatting and catching up with each other, but he didn’t see hide nor hair of Lake or Loon. Maybe they decided not to come to the feast this season? His tail dropped in disappointment. He was just about to turn around and head back to his family when something slammed into his side, nearly knocking him to the ground.

Loon laughed as he grunted under her sudden weight on his back. She nipped at his ear and he smirked in recognition, pulling himself out from under her and turning to face her as she wagged her tail at him. “What’s up, bird brain?” 

He matched her delight and reared up to ruffle the fluffy fur on her ears. “Not much, how about you, fish breath?”

They bounded around each other, growling playfully until Lake finally caught up and joined them.

“How are you guys,” Finch panted, sitting down to catch his breath.

“Glad to be done with the seasonal chores,” Lake grumbled, curling her lip in disgust. “I was stuck on fish cleaning duty. I’m never gonna get the smell out of my fur…” To illustrate her point, she bent over and gave her leg a few licks.

“Glad it wasn’t me!” Loon teased. 

“Ugh, yeah. I wanted to go on the hunting patrol but my dad said I’m not ready yet, so I got stuck on cleaning duty with Sparrow,” Finch grumbled.

At that, Loon became suddenly and uncharacteristically subdued. “Oh, speaking of Sparrow, I wanted to ask… did she, um, come to the feast tonight?”

“Um, yeah? Why?” Finch blinked at her, but then realized what she was getting at and rolled his eyes. “Oh good grief, are you still panting after her? I told you it wouldn’t work out, she’s not interested in dams.”

Loon stomped her paws. “I knoooooow! But hey, I can dream, can’t I?” She chuffed. “What about you? You’ve been chasing after that sire Rowan from the Shepherds since we started training!”

“Hey!”

Lake, who had been mostly quiet through their bickering, finally piped up. “Ugh, can you both put your tongues back in your mouths? Nobody cares!”

They paused and gave her twin glances of surprise and confusion. 

“Oh come on, don’t you have anybody you’re interested in?” Loon asked her.

“No, not really…?” Her ears pulled back as she suddenly became very self conscious. Courting and mates had been something she just… never really thought about. As her peers grew older and started noticing other dogs in that way, she would just watch in confusion, unable to relate. In truth, it sometimes made her feel a little bit alienated from the other trainees. Like there was something wrong with her. After all, everyone else seemed to get it. Why not her?

Her fears only seemed to be confirmed as an awkward silence fell over the trio. Finch and Loon were now staring at her like she’d grown three heads. She huddled in on herself and stared down at her paws. “Um, nevermind… Can we just talk about something else?”

Luckily, she was spared some embarrassment by the leads addressing everyone from the Council Rock.

“Welcome everyone. It’s wonderful to see you all again,” Dove, the lead of the Falls, began. “I trust you all had a productive end of season, but the time has come once again for us all to take a well deserved rest and celebrate the coming of another.”

She paused to allow a wave of celebratory howls to flow through the crowd.

When they died down she stepped back Cypress, the lead of the Forget-Me-Nots, stepped forward to continue, her pregnant belly swaying underneath her as she moved. “As usual, it is time to start the sparring matches. Any dogs who wish to participate, please make your way up here to the sparring pit!”

“Yes! I’ve been looking forward to this all season!” Finch bowed forward, tail wagging, and took off toward the shallow pit dug into the ground near the Council Rock.

“Wait-!”

Lake and Loon both rose to try and stop him, but it was too late. One moment he was bounding away, and the next he was stopped short by a muzzle full of fur as he ran into another dog.

“Oof!”

He stumbled a moment, then gave a little shake once he’d righted himself. “Oh my, I’m so sorry! I was just -  o-oh…”

“Woah, where’s the fire?” Rowan chuckled. 

But Finch’s tongue had turned to stone and he couldn’t respond. All he was able to do was stand there, hypnotized by the glow of Rowan’s golden eyes in the light of the bonfire. By the time his brain had finally caught up with him, the only thing he could think to say in response was, “Um. Over there?”

He grinned awkwardly at his bad attempt at a joke, but Rowan just frowned, the warm liquid gold of his eyes turning to fire and burning through Finch’s pelt. Behind them, Lake and Loon tried very unsuccessfully to hold back their laughter at the whole scene. Well, Lake was trying to hold herself back at least. Loon was just shamelessly guffawing, clearly taking great joy in Finch’s embarrassment.

Rowan moved back a few steps, his gaze flitting to and fro. “Riiiiiiiight… Well uh, gotta get to the sparring pit. Don’t wanna miss the matches! Happy season!” He gave a tight, toothy smile, trying to be polite, but as soon as he got the chance he turned and left.

“Heh, yeah! Happy season!” Finch tried to return his smile, but as soon as he started walking away it wilted. When he was far enough away to be out of earshot, he sank to the ground with a long, pathetic wine, crossing his legs over his face. 

Meanwhile Loon was still laughing away. “Well that was about as smooth as a porcupine’s behind,” she gasped out in between her chortles. 

“Oh shut up!”

“Oh come on, it wasn’t so bad. I thought it was kind of funny?” Lake tried, walking up to him and placing a supportive paw on his back. Finch, hearing the hint of a smirk still on her muzzle, peered out from under his paws to glare at her. 

“That’s it. It’s over. I can never show my face at the feast ever again. Just leave me here to die,” he moaned.

That made the two dams giggle.

“Come on, I thought you were gonna spar.” Loon nudged his side. “What if you get matched up with Rowan.”

Sparring with Rowan? Getting up close and personal? Feeling his thick, soft fur against him? The power of his muscular legs that he had only ever been able to admire from a distance? The thought made Finch’s ears burn. “If that happened I would actually die!”

“Come on!”

“Go on, you can do it!”

“Go get him!”

“Show him what you can do!”

Their encouragement managed to coax him out from under his paws, and a small smile onto his muzzle. They may poke and prod at each other, but that was just what friends did. And when push came to shove they really were wonderful friends. “Yeah, okay…”

He pushed himself up while they cheered, pressing themselves to his sides. The three of them trotted away like that toward the sparring pit, their steady presence filling Finch with newfound confidence. He straightened up, puffing out his chest and striding into the crowd.

The other trainees had better watch themselves, because this season, he had something to prove.

[straysofthesierra]

It was a perfect, clear night. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the moon shone proudly, illuminating the way for the dogs of the valley as they gathered to celebrate the coming of another season. Despite the evening chill biting through his thin coat, Finch was practically bouncing on his paws as he approached Shale Lake with the rest of the Falls. The Fire Feast was his favorite time of the season, especially since he got to see his friends from the other packs.

He scanned the crowd with a whip of his head, then turned to his parents. “I’m gonna go look for Lake and Loon.”

“Alright, have fun!” his mother Starling replied. 

Without another word he turned and sped away. He carefully bobbed and weaved through the dogs all clumped together in groups, laughing and chatting and catching up with each other, but he didn’t see hide nor hair of Lake or Loon. Maybe they decided not to come to the feast this season? His tail dropped in disappointment. He was just about to turn around and head back to his family when something slammed into his side, nearly knocking him to the ground.

Loon laughed as he grunted under her sudden weight on his back. She nipped at his ear and he smirked in recognition, pulling himself out from under her and turning to face her as she wagged her tail at him. “What’s up, bird brain?” 

He matched her delight and reared up to ruffle the fluffy fur on her ears. “Not much, how about you, fish breath?”

They bounded around each other, growling playfully until Lake finally caught up and joined them.

“How are you guys,” Finch panted, sitting down to catch his breath.

“Glad to be done with the seasonal chores,” Lake grumbled, curling her lip in disgust. “I was stuck on fish cleaning duty. I’m never gonna get the smell out of my fur…” To illustrate her point, she bent over and gave her leg a few licks.

“Glad it wasn’t me!” Loon teased. 

“Ugh, yeah. I wanted to go on the hunting patrol but my dad said I’m not ready yet, so I got stuck on cleaning duty with Sparrow,” Finch grumbled.

At that, Loon became suddenly and uncharacteristically subdued. “Oh, speaking of Sparrow, I wanted to ask… did she, um, come to the feast tonight?”

“Um, yeah? Why?” Finch blinked at her, but then realized what she was getting at and rolled his eyes. “Oh good grief, are you still panting after her? I told you it wouldn’t work out, she’s not interested in dams.”

Loon stomped her paws. “I knoooooow! But hey, I can dream, can’t I?” She chuffed. “What about you? You’ve been chasing after that sire Rowan from the Shepherds since we started training!”

“Hey!”

Lake, who had been mostly quiet through their bickering, finally piped up. “Ugh, can you both put your tongues back in your mouths? Nobody cares!”

They paused and gave her twin glances of surprise and confusion. 

“Oh come on, don’t you have anybody you’re interested in?” Loon asked her.

“No, not really…?” Her ears pulled back as she suddenly became very self conscious. Courting and mates had been something she just… never really thought about. As her peers grew older and started noticing other dogs in that way, she would just watch in confusion, unable to relate. In truth, it sometimes made her feel a little bit alienated from the other trainees. Like there was something wrong with her. After all, everyone else seemed to get it. Why not her?

Her fears only seemed to be confirmed as an awkward silence fell over the trio. Finch and Loon were now staring at her like she’d grown three heads. She huddled in on herself and stared down at her paws. “Um, nevermind… Can we just talk about something else?”

Luckily, she was spared some embarrassment by the leads addressing everyone from the Council Rock.

“Welcome everyone. It’s wonderful to see you all again,” Dove, the lead of the Falls, began. “I trust you all had a productive end of season, but the time has come once again for us all to take a well deserved rest and celebrate the coming of another.”

She paused to allow a wave of celebratory howls to flow through the crowd.

When they died down she stepped back Cypress, the lead of the Forget-Me-Nots, stepped forward to continue, her pregnant belly swaying underneath her as she moved. “As usual, it is time to start the sparring matches. Any dogs who wish to participate, please make your way up here to the sparring pit!”

“Yes! I’ve been looking forward to this all season!” Finch bowed forward, tail wagging, and took off toward the shallow pit dug into the ground near the Council Rock.

“Wait-!”

Lake and Loon both rose to try and stop him, but it was too late. One moment he was bounding away, and the next he was stopped short by a muzzle full of fur as he ran into another dog.

“Oof!”

He stumbled a moment, then gave a little shake once he’d righted himself. “Oh my, I’m so sorry! I was just -  o-oh…”

“Woah, where’s the fire?” Rowan chuckled. 

But Finch’s tongue had turned to stone and he couldn’t respond. All he was able to do was stand there, hypnotized by the glow of Rowan’s golden eyes in the light of the bonfire. By the time his brain had finally caught up with him, the only thing he could think to say in response was, “Um. Over there?”

He grinned awkwardly at his bad attempt at a joke, but Rowan just frowned, the warm liquid gold of his eyes turning to fire and burning through Finch’s pelt. Behind them, Lake and Loon tried very unsuccessfully to hold back their laughter at the whole scene. Well, Lake was trying to hold herself back at least. Loon was just shamelessly guffawing, clearly taking great joy in Finch’s embarrassment.

Rowan moved back a few steps, his gaze flitting to and fro. “Riiiiiiiight… Well uh, gotta get to the sparring pit. Don’t wanna miss the matches! Happy season!” He gave a tight, toothy smile, trying to be polite, but as soon as he got the chance he turned and left.

“Heh, yeah! Happy season!” Finch tried to return his smile, but as soon as he started walking away it wilted. When he was far enough away to be out of earshot, he sank to the ground with a long, pathetic wine, crossing his legs over his face. 

Meanwhile Loon was still laughing away. “Well that was about as smooth as a porcupine’s behind,” she gasped out in between her chortles. 

“Oh shut up!”

“Oh come on, it wasn’t so bad. I thought it was kind of funny?” Lake tried, walking up to him and placing a supportive paw on his back. Finch, hearing the hint of a smirk still on her muzzle, peered out from under his paws to glare at her. 

“That’s it. It’s over. I can never show my face at the feast ever again. Just leave me here to die,” he moaned.

That made the two dams giggle.

“Come on, I thought you were gonna spar.” Loon nudged his side. “What if you get matched up with Rowan.”

Sparring with Rowan? Getting up close and personal? Feeling his thick, soft fur against him? The power of his muscular legs that he had only ever been able to admire from a distance? The thought made Finch’s ears burn. “If that happened I would actually die!”

“Come on!”

“Go on, you can do it!”

“Go get him!”

“Show him what you can do!”

Their encouragement managed to coax him out from under his paws, and a small smile onto his muzzle. They may poke and prod at each other, but that was just what friends did. And when push came to shove they really were wonderful friends. “Yeah, okay…”

He pushed himself up while they cheered, pressing themselves to his sides. The three of them trotted away like that toward the sparring pit, their steady presence filling Finch with newfound confidence. He straightened up, puffing out his chest and striding into the crowd.

The other trainees had better watch themselves, because this season, he had something to prove.

[straysofthesierra]

Welcome New Followers!

Wow, we've gotten quite a few followers the last couple of days! Welcome friends! I hope you enjoy yourselves!

Don't forget to use the navigation to look around the blog and peruse the lore and characters, and to hop into the ask box if you feel so inclined!

[straysofthesierra]

Can I ask 1, 8 and 13 of that ask meme for Bluebell?? EYES EMOJI

Oh the pride month ones? Those were from a while ago but hey why not! I am always excited to answer questions!

1. What's your oc's gender identity? What's their relationship to their gender?

Bluebell is a cis female! She is pretty neutral toward her gender identity, but she does enjoy thinking of herself as a mother/caretaker to her group.

8. Have they had struggles with their identity, be it due to internal or external reasons?

Hmmm, I don't think so. I think she's pretty comfy in her identity!

13. Would your oc be open to a poly relationship? Why or why not?

I don't think its something she's ever thought about, but she might be down to give it a try if her mate brought it up?