[Chr24] A Royal Mission

"Are you sure were going the right way?", a soft voice rang through the crisp night air. The padding of multiple paw steps sounded out as the group navigated the dimly lit forest. Moonlight peeked through the trees branches as a light wind brushed past, rustling the branches above them.

A sigh escaped Bastains maw, "For the last time, yes, were going the right way. Dont you feel the hum in the air? If anything, were getting closer to the Spirit Tree with every step." He rolled his eye, although noone wouldve noticed with his thick fur in the way. This was a time where he found himself grateful for his thick yeti coat. 

"Yeah yeah, ofcourse I feel that but. . . I dont know. Something feels off." Layla snapped back before trailing off. Her eyes narrowed as her ears folded back ever so slightly. There was the usual humming in the air, as she had done this trip many times before, but something felt different this time. It felt oddly quiet, so quiet that she could hear her own heartbeat. Maybe they were still a little ways out? Or maybe the Bucks already at the Spirit Tree were of a calmer demeanor than usual.

"Alright you two, knock it off. Your bad energy is going to spoil the Sweei." Matri huffed, brushing past the two. Her large frame settled next to an even larger companion. Matri glanced over at Roland,

"What do you think? Anything feel off?" 

Roland took a moment to respond, his gaze remaining forward. His heavy foot falls thudding in the snow with a stride of confidence. 

"Dont think so." were the only words that escaped his ever quiet lips. They were in his mother tongue, which only Matri vaguely understood. She pursed her lips in response, returning her gaze to fully focus on the path ahead. As she did so, her smaller companion peeked their head out for a moment. A small squeak escaped its little form, blue eyes sparkling in tbe moonlight. Matri had brought her newly found Vulpip along, trying to form a sort of bond with it. Its presence was a little comforting, aside from Rolands shit off demeanor and Layla and Rolands bickering. The sight of her new friend was a welcome one.

As they neared the Spirit Tree, the scene became increasingly concerning. Layla started to fidget, her eyes glancing back and forth as they entered the clearing. 

"I genuinely think somethings wrong-- there should be others here-" 

"Maybe they couldnt stand the cold anymore, or, maybe they got tired of waiting for us." Bastian interrupted, his brow furrowed under his heavy coat.

"Okay then how do you explain-"

"SHH SHH SH", Matri sputtered as her hackles raised. Something was extremely wrong.

The scent of copper drifted to her nose, causing it to scrunch up.

*clack clack clack*

Her eyes widened as her ears pushed forward, straining to locate the source of the noise. 

*clack clack CLACK*

The noise became louder and louder, causing a sharp ringing within each of their ears. Matris vision blurred, she became disoriented by the loud sound- it sounded practically like a gun shot. But, nobody would have that sort of weapon within this area, it was a space of neutrality  and calm- she saw it.

In the faint glow of the moon and spirit tree, there was an enormous figure. One that was larger than them all, even if they were to stand on eachothers shoulders. Her mouth became dry, whipping her head around at her companions. Layla stared in horror, mouth agape as her eyes glazed over with tears. Bastain and Roland also stared with wide eyes, yet Matri couldnt tell if they were struck with absolute fear or confusion. 

*CLACK CLACK*

The jaw of the beast moved in what felt like slow motion, the loud sound ripping Matri back to reality. They needed to run, hide- though she doubted they would survive such a creature.

Just as she regained her senses, she heard shouting from a familiar voice. 

"RUN!" Roland belowed in common tongue before he whipped his body in the direction from where they came. Layla hesitated, only flinching at the sudden shout. Her eyes were fixated on the creature, watching as its dagger like horns shone in the faint glow of the spirit tree. She saw its teeth, sharp as razors, covered in a thick crimson substance. As she registered the scene displayed before her, she heard a faint mutter of a single word. 

"Help!. . ." A single cry escaped from a Buck that was near the tree line. How did they not see them before?. . . How were they still alive? Before anyone could do a thing about them, the creature whipped its head to the source of the cry. Apparently, it didnt want to leave any loose ends. With a loud crunch, crimson sprayed across the alabaster ground. Layla felt a surge leave her throat, her screams filling the empty air around her. The tears that she fought so hard to keep at bay fell from her eyes and soaked her cheeks. Matri lunged at her, grabbing her by the scruff and yanking her around. Pushing her with her head, Matri yelled at her with a mix of fear and frustration. 

"GO!”

As her feet scrambled to regain her footing, Laylas breath sped up as she panicked. Running in the same direction of Roland, Layla and Matri ran with their sides pressed together, Matris vulpip now hidden within her satchel once more.

Bastain, who was left behind in the rush, stood staring at the creature. His hidden eye peeking through the long tufts of fur in his face. He had been the one carrying the most Sweei within his satchel.

His gaze darted from the creature to the spirit tree, he could make it. As tension rose, Bastain bolted in the direction of the tree. 

*CLACK CLACK CLACK*

A shrill screech came from the maw of the bone faced creature. Loud thudding of steps followed him as the blue coated Buck ran like his life depended on it- it did depend on it. 

Within the moments of the creature giving chase, Bastain managed to make it to the water surrounding the tree- throwing himself into the deeper waters. His satchel soaked through, and momentary relief set in. Unfortunately, that relief was immediately replaced by panic as the creature nearly threw itself into the water as well. 

*CLACK CLACK*

Its maw snapped at Bastain, yet it dared not touch the water. It could not reach the now shivering Buck. With heavy breaths and strong kicks, Bastain pushed himself towards the tree, gripping the bark with his curved claws.

Turning his head, he stared at the creature with baited breath. Would it still come for him or would it turn and go after the others? Maybe it would just disappear back into the treeline- As these thoughts raced through his head, Bastain watched as the creature seemed to scowl before turning back towards the treeline. Hopefully, it deemed its prey no longer worthy of chase- atleast, thats what he initially believed.