Negligence

Faint moonlight lit the tundra landscape as Farkas watched his travel companions. Vilkas and Majni lead the way along the cobblestone road toward Falkreath, discussing the different types of prey located within Solstheim. Aela was busy managing her new tag-along; Rakel. The foreign shewolf was clearly in awe of the Huntress of The Companions, and clung to every word that slipped from Aela's lips. Sivanna had been watching the newcomers thoughtfully, her lips pursed. She cock her head and waited for him to catch up. "Farkas," Sivanna whispered. "How did you find these other wolves?" The two of them slowed their pace, falling even further behind in the group.

"I didn't.", he whispered in return. "They just showed up one night. Wasn't even enough time to get a word."

Sivanna's eyes widened. "Truly?"

"Mmhm.", Farkas looked to the trees growing ever nearer, where at least two werewolves were hiding. He hoped Akar and Hjordis kept well out of sight, this whole mess could be trouble for The Companions. "Vilkas tell you why they came?", he asked.

Sivanna nodded. "A pack member is missing."

"Not only missing, Majni said there was an 'incident' with some humans.", he lamented.

She let out a small gasp. "Incident? Like a mauling?"

"Never said. Must be bad, if they came all this way." he said with a shrug.

Sivanna paused for a moment, thoughtful. "There are two ways that I have seen folk react to our kind; disgust and fear. If this lost wolf had no control, he could set off at any time, especially around frightened humans."

Ice trickled down his spine at the thought, is that how Brynn would feel if she knew? There were two wild wolves at her doorstep, and she wasn't likely to balk at the chance to hunt them. They had already shown their distaste and contempt for her... The huntress was in danger!

"Farkas, you're pale as milk!", Sivanna said, her face screwed up in concern.

"Remember the tracks I showed Vilkas last full moon? There's a human huntress, lives beside the lake. She tried tracking me down, found one of my wolf trails."

"Oh no... Farkas, she knows?", Sivanna's eyes were wide with horror.

"No, but she thinks that killing something that big would earn respect from Hircine."

"It would.", Sivanna said with a solemn nod. "What will you do? What if she brings more hunters?"

Farkas frowned. "I can't see her sharing a hunt with others, she's...", he paused, searching for the right words. "different than most."

Sivanna looked anything but convinced. "There are going to be signs of many wolves, if she's skilled, she'll find one. Most likely you."

"That's not what bothers me most. The other frostmoon wolves, the wilder ones, are somewhere near my camp.", the words came out in a rush, his chest thudding with growing apprehension.

"Are they in danger?", Sivanna asked, her eyes wide.

"No, Brynn is.", he said.

He heard Sivanna whisper the name in puzzlement as he hurried ahead to find Vilkas. The two pack leaders were silent as he came upon them. The group was well into the forest now, if Vilkas would allow Farkas to shift, he could check on Brynn's safety.

"Brother,", Farkas panted. "A moment."

Vilkas frowned. "You can go on ahead, Majni, we will be along shortly." He waited until everyone save Sivanna had passed them by, watching Farkas intently. "What is it?", he asked, his voice betraying concern.

"Majni's other wolves," Farkas started, "the human huntress that lives nearby could find them."

Vilkas cocked his head, brows furrowed. "A huntress, here?"

Farkas shook his head fervently. "Lives beside me, knows no fear. Majni's pack would tear her apart."

That got the alpha's attention. "We can't have that, I'll suggest Majni call his pack together."

"No.", Farkas said. If she were out there and could hear them howling..."Let me run ahead, I could find them, bring them back."

Vilkas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Farkas, you know I don't have the authority to demand another pack leader to follow my orders. I can't just tell him that he is to stay put while you leash his wolves."

"Have him send Rakel with me.", Farkas suggested wildly. "Spin it however you can, you're better with words."

"Vilkas,", Sivanna said, breaking her silence. "You could recommend that we send them scouting."

The alpha's lips cracked into a faint smile, "Very good, lass." Vilkas said and he began a purposeful walk toward Majni. Sivanna gave a curt nod to Farkas, and he set off to inform Rakel of their plan.

As always, Vilkas's honeyed words had paved the way for his pack. The two alphas permitted Rakel and Farkas to search for any sign of Akar, Hjordis, or Sinding. The newly dubbed scouts shifted immediately, leaving their armor with the remaining warriors, and Farkas led Rakel through one of the many paths to the lake. She trotted dutifully beside him, scenting the air and lolling her tongue in delight. He wished he could share her sunny disposition, but his innards were tied in knots. He should have tried to warn Brynn off. Send her somewhere else with the promise of rich game. The thought of the huntress dying because Farkas hadn't been as careful as he should, was cold and creeping. She might be little more than a stranger, but she did not deserve to die for his negligence.

When Farkas caught the frostmoon scent, they were still far from the lake. This pleased him, he doubted Brynn would venture this far in the middle of the night to hunt. Even she knew better than to hunt a predator this far from camp in the middle of the night. In his haste, he tumbled right into the straw-furred form of Hjordis, who snarled and snapped at him. Her teeth nipped his ear and he yipped in surprise. The hulking ginger form of Akar nosed them apart with a growl, fixing Farkas with a suspicious glare. Rakel barked just then, chin on her forepaws and tail wagging in the air. Akar and Hjordis shared a dismissive snort, but relaxed at the sight of their sister. Hjordis, still shooting a mutinous glare at him, nosed a worn set of wolf tracks. Farkas inspected the trail, it was old, but werewolf it was. It smelled of fear and human blood. He raised his head in alarm, then noticed the excited exchange between the frostmoon wolves. Apparently, this was Sinding's trail.