UNDYING RESOLVE

  Nalligik-Paunngak Kutsutak-Ijik slowly regained consciousness, her senses returning one by one to reality. Her body ached with a deep, unrelenting pain that seemed to radiate from her side and shoulder, where her fall and the posek’s double-fanged knife had left their wounds. Each movement was a struggle, and her muscles felt stiff and unresponsive.

  She attempted to shift her position, but the snow beneath her was thick and unforgiving. Her vision was hazy still, but as her eyes adjusted, she could make out the thick layer of snow that surrounded her, its glittering surface rounded along the edges from her chaotic descent. An entire day had passed since the fall, though the world around her remained cloaked in the deep quiet of night. The snow had continued to fall lightly around her, its soft flakes building on her fur, only melting against the faint warmth of her eyes and muzzle.

  Her memories came back to her slowly, piece by piece. The fall had been abrupt, and the force of it had sent her sliding down the snowy incline, her body scraping against the cold surface. The snow had softened the fall to some extent, but it was still a painful and jarring experience. The chilling realization of her survival became clear by the intense pain that rocked through her body.

  Her breath came in shallow, ragged gasps as she fought to stay conscious. The world around her was a blur of white, with the sound of the wind rustling through the trees barely reaching her ears. The fight with the posek and her desperate struggle to defend herself crystalized in her mind, but the aftermath and the chilling, unyielding snow along with the pain that threatened to overwhelm her, was now a pitiless truth she had to confront.

  The direhound tried to assess her situation, her amber eyes scanning the surroundings despite the blurriness. She could see that the snow was deep and that she was partially buried, which had likely helped to cushion her fall; but, her injuries were severe, and she was far from safe. Her side throbbed with each heartbeat where the wound from the posek’s knife had left a gaping and stinging gash.

  With great effort, Nalli shifted her weight, attempting to push herself into a more upright position. The snow shifted around her, and she winced with every movement, her body protesting against the strain, gasping in the process. She knew she had to find shelter and tend to her wounds if she had any chance of survival.

  The memory of the posek’s mocking words and the fate of her people fueled her resolve. Even in her weakened state, she felt a surge of defiance and determination. The fight was unfair, and far from over, and while her current condition was dire, she refused to surrender to the despair she was now facing.

  As she continued to struggle against the pain, Nalli focused on the immediate need to find help or shelter. The wilderness surrounding her was vast and indifferent, but she knew that with perseverance, there was still a chance to find safety, and perhaps, eventually make her way back to the path of her mission. For now, however, survival was her primary concern, and every ounce of her strength was devoted to overcoming the agony and navigating through the snowy expanse to seek refuge from her wounds and the harsh environment.

  Nalli fought through the overwhelming pain that engulfed her body, drawing on her sheer willpower to focus on the immediate task of survival. The intense suffering from her side and shoulder ignited her grim situation, but her determination to make it through pushed her forward.

  With painstaking effort, she began to move, her limbs heavy and uncooperative. The snow around her was relentless, but it also provided some insulation from the biting cold and the shock of her fall. Despite the discomfort, she forced herself to crawl, then stagger to her feet, leaning heavily on the snowy ground, then found a nearby tree to steady herself. It creaked with protest against her weight but it held even after she pushed forward with her first stride. Each step after was a battle against the pain and the exhaustion that was threatening to overwhelm her. Her amber eyes were still blurry from the poison and fatigue, but she scanned her surroundings regardless for the safest path down the mountainside. Her original route through the Frostspire’s was now indisputably moot. She couldn’t climb up the cliff-face and the mountains would be impossible to traverse in her state. Additionally she had to be cautious, her every movement premeditated to avoid another injury.

  As she made her way down the incline, Nalli’s fears of the posek returning were gradually diminished. She reasoned that even a skilled and relentless hunter like The Black Thorn would likely avoid the risk of navigating the treacherous cliffside, especially in the snowstorm's relentless gail. The danger of another attack was real, but the posek surely would be unlikely to risk a perilous descent just to confirm her death. The realization gave Nalli a glimmer of hope, albeit a small but significant factor in her new and sudden struggle for survival.

  The direhound’s thoughts shifted to the unfinished mission she had been tasked with. The Black Thorn’s decision to leave her for dead was a mistake that she was determined to make him regret. If she could survive long enough to recover, she knew she would have a chance to complete her mission and prove that her direhound spirit and resolve were far from broken.

  With each laborious step, Nalli pressed forward, the snow providing a tenuous grip on the mountainside. The descent was slow and arduous, but she focused on moving steadily, using her instincts and strength to guide her path through the night. Her progress was marked by frequent pauses to catch her breath and steady her aching body, but she refused to let the pain defeat her.

  As the mountainside gradually leveled out and the terrain became less steep, Nalli found some relief. The snow-covered ground, though still challenging, was less punishing than the cliffside. The harsh winter air stung the rough, exposed skin beneath her claws, so she tucked them under her arms to help keep them warm while doing her best to put pressure on her wound using her elbow.

  With a final, determined push, Nalli continued her descent, each step bringing her closer to the possibility of safety and recovery.

  She stumbled to the edge of the forest, the cold air stinging her eyes and filling her lungs. The snow here was thinner, and the ground was less treacherous, but her injuries continued to sap her strength. As she emerged atop a rocky outcropping, the view ahead of her opened up and her amber eyes fell upon a sight that made her heart sink.

  Before her lay the northern outskirts of human territory, and the distant human city of Tribute, with its steam-powered airships and intricate machinery, rose in the distance. It looked foreign compared to the natural beauty of the Frostspire’s forests she was used to. The dwellings nearby were clearly human, their architecture foreign and imposing. The sight of them was harsh and yanked at her consciousness. It reminded her of how much had changed since the days when her people roamed freely across the lands of Ardraelion long before her time. Now, the direhounds of the Nightmoon Veil were confined to the safety of the Frostspire Mountains after humanity’s expansion, their soaring peaks and extreme altitude a natural fortress against their rival’s best technological advantage: Airships. Because of this discovery, the Frostspires became her people’s last stronghold and a long war of attrition followed before an eventual peace was brokered.

  But beyond those peaks, far in the north, an even greater danger stirred, and if she failed in her task, that threat would descend upon the Frostspires, shattering the fragile sanctuary her people had clung to for so long, and leaving nothing but desolation in its wake. Nalli shivered at the implications of what may happen if she failed.

  Her blood boiled with a mix of anger and desperation. “Humans... detestable chain-makers,” she muttered to herself in human-tongue, a skill she had learned more out of necessity than any inward desire. Her speech sounded rough and strained as she continued, “I must tread carefully. Humans won’t think twice about shackling Anirnaq.”

  Nalli’s gaze darted nervously between the city and the surrounding terrain. The presence of the human settlements meant that she had to be cautious. Her mind raced with thoughts of the fate that awaited her should she be discovered. The fear of being captured and enslaved added undue stress to the physical pain of her wounds.

  Despite her resolve, her condition was grim. The wound in her side throbbed incessantly, and each step was painful, and the numbing-poison, though its toxic effects less potent now, still coursed through her veins and made every movement a struggle. It left her vulnerable in a way she couldn't afford. Her progress was painfully slow as she tried to navigate towards the open ground, staying as hidden as possible behind the shadows of the gradually thinning trees and wild bushes along the valley descent. In her state, she held no chance of traversing her natural home. She came to the conclusion that the Frostspire’s were too steep, too uneven.

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  She would be forced to navigate on more even footing.

  The forest's eventual edge provided only a scant amount of cover, and the open space before her felt like a vast expanse of danger. She needed to find shelter quickly, somewhere that would offer protection and allow her time to tend to her injuries. The human city, with its bustling activity and confusing technological marvels, loomed in the distance. It would only take one human to announce her presence and she’d have an entirely different problem to confront.

  Nalli moved with as much care as she possibly could, her senses heightened as she remained vigilant for any sign of human patrols or the presence of their damned mechanical monstrosities. She recalled the terrible stories from home about the human chain-maker machines, terrible creations designed with the sole purpose of capturing and subduing her kind. Many direhounds who ventured away from the Nightmoon Veil and came too close to human territory often never returned, or so she’d been told. The troubling thought elevated the risk of being discovered, and her injuries left her with little room for error.

  As she navigated the terrain, the forest began to thin out further, offering even fewer places to hide. The direhound’s focus remained steadfast, but her strength was waning. The constant pain and exhaustion were taking their toll, making every step more arduous than the last.

  In lieu of the mounting challenges, Nalli clung to her determination. The thought of completing her mission, knowing that she was the only one who could deliver the information she carried, drove her forward. She knew that survival in human territory would require every ounce of her cunning and resilience. The journey ahead was fraught with danger, but the fight for her freedom and her people’s future was worth every hardship.

  With a final glance in the night toward the distant lamp-lit city, Nalli continued her careful advance, hoping to find refuge and recuperation before any humans spotted her.

  As Nalli struggled through the underbrush, her senses, though dulled by pain and exhaustion, caught a hint of something familiar and enticing in the breeze. The sweet, fragrant scent of berries drifted through the cold night air, standing out from the metallic tang of her own blood and the sharp sting of her wounds.

  Her stomach growled as if suddenly aware of itself. A deep, gnawing hunger had been growing steadily since coming to consciousness. The fight, the subsequent fall down the cliffside, and the exhausting trek through the snow had left her depleted. The thought of fresh berries and fruit was a comforting and distracting lure. Especially a food that she has enjoyed since her youth.

  Carefully, Nalli followed the scent, keeping her movements deliberate and cautious as she navigated the terrain. The night maintained its presence, casting deep shadows and providing a cloak of darkness that she used to her advantage. The light snowfall, though cold against her fur, was a silent ally as it drifted lazily through the night air. It muffled the sound of her large footfalls and subdued her scent, ensuring she remained concealed from human eyes or the sharp senses of other animals. The cover of a small grove of trees and bushes nearby further aided her, allowing her to approach the source of the scent with relative stealth.

  The aroma grew stronger as she neared, and soon the outline of a human vineyard came into view. The rows of grapevines silhouetted against the dark sky, and the distant, faint glow of lights from the human dwelling provided some illumination as it reflected off the snow. The vineyard and dwelling made her heart pound with anxiety. She was in human territory, a place fraught with danger, but in her predicament it also promised a potential source of much-needed nourishment.

  Nalli carefully made her way towards the vineyard, using what little foliage she could find to conceal her movements. The wound in her side continued to throb incessantly, but the promise of food drove her onward. She moved slowly while keeping her senses alert to any sign of human activity.

  As she approached, the scent of berries and fruits became more pronounced, mingling with the earthy smell of the vineyard soil. She could see some of the ripening fruits still clinging to the vines, and they were a tempting sight. The vineyard’s proximity to the human dwelling made her wary, but her need to fulfill her hunger outweighed her fear.

  She positioned herself in the shadows of a large tree near the vineyard’s edge, peering cautiously towards the rows of grapevines. The vineyard was quiet, but she knew better than to let her guard down. She waited until she was certain that the area was clear of human patrols before moving closer. Yet there was none. This area, it seemed, was particularly quiet.

  With great care, she reached the edge of the vineyard and began to harvest some of the ripe berries and fruits, mindful of her movements to avoid drawing attention. The sweet taste of the berries was a welcome relief, soothing her hunger and providing a momentary reprieve from the pain. She ate slowly while using her ears and sharp senses to stay alert. She savored each bite, knowing that the nourishment would give her the strength needed to continue on her journey.

  As she fed, her thoughts became a whirlwind of strategies and plans. Her immediate goal was to find a safe place to rest and tend to her wounds. The vineyard offered temporary solace, but she needed to remain vigilant for what lay ahead. The human presence was always a threat, and she couldn’t afford to be discovered.

  With her hunger somewhat satiated, Nalli gathered what she could and placed a handful of the berries into the pocket of her leather-skin loincloth before preparing to leave. She paused, tilting her head to peer up at the sky. Through the shifting veil of winter clouds, she caught a faint glimpse of Nuni Lunikk’s position.

  Just past the Moon Mother's zenith…

  The thought steadied her mind as she convinced herself that it was just after midnight, and the cover of darkness would continue to help her along her journey. She knew that her survival depended on her ability to remain hidden and to navigate the dangers of human territory with caution.

  As Nalli prepared to leave the vineyard, a glint of metallic sheen caught her eye as a beam of moonlight broke through the winter clouds above. She followed the source of the reflection and saw the human's strange irrigation equipment snaking through the vineyard, leading towards a large, secluded barn at the rear of the field. Her curiosity was piqued. The sight of the equipment was intriguing, and the shelter was more than large enough for her, promising a potential refuge from the biting cold.

  Navigating carefully through the shadows, she approached the barn. The door, to her surprise, was not locked as she tapped the metal mechanism with her sharp claw. With a cautious push, she entered the barn and was immediately struck by the sight before her. The interior was a marvel of engineering beyond her comprehension, filled with an array of steam-powered machinery, gears, a workbench on one side of the barn, and rows of large, wooden barrels on the other. The complex network of pipes and cogs moved rhythmically, hissing softly as steam escaped in warm, gentle puffs.

  Her attention was soon drawn to the rows of wooden casks to her right. The aroma of grapes and berries emanated from them, mingling with the scent of the barn's earthy surroundings. Nalli approached one of the casks, her curiosity getting the better of her. She had never encountered a substance that smelled so sweet before, but the familiar smell of fruit was enticing and ignited her hunger.

  Carefully, she tapped the cask and, using her claws, pried open the wooden lid. She lifted the barrel with ease and took a tentative sip, her eyes widening as the liquid touched her lips. “Berry water?” She said, quietly. The taste was surprisingly pleasant. Not only was it sweet and rich with the flavors of grapes and berries but it was also warm and soothing, an unexpected comfort in her current state.

  With her thirst mounting and the chill in her bones persisting, she didn’t hesitate. She took a deeper swig, savoring the warmth spreading through her insides. The substance had an immediate effect, dulling some of the pain and exhaustion she felt. She drank more eagerly, gulping down the liquid and allowing the warmth to envelop her.

  The direhound's previously careful demeanor began to wane as she continued to drink. The wooden cask, though heavy and cumbersome, was soon tilted and drained. The liquid’s effects became more pronounced as the warmth coursed through her, dulling the harsh edges of her pain and fatigue. The sensation was a welcome relief, easing her aches and calming her frazzled nerves.

  Nalli felt the strange effects of the berry-juice beginning to take over her senses. The warmth from the drink spread through her, easing the bruises and pain in her side while dulling the fatigue that had weighed heavily on her. The barn and its array of steam-powered equipment, seemed even cozier now, the warmth from the machinery adding to the comforting atmosphere.

  Inebriated, she decided to explore, making her way to the back of the barn. While doing so, she misjudged her size, and bumped into a metal illuminating fixture hanging overhead, leaving it bent at an awkward angle. She then looked forward, where her gaze fell upon a warm-looking great pile of hay in a large stall spacious enough for her to fit in. The sight of the soft, inviting bed of straw was too tempting to ignore. The numbing effects of the berry substance, combined with the exhaustion from her harrowing journey, had created a powerful urge for rest.

  Nalli spoke to herself, her voice slurred slightly from the drink, “Maybe it won't hurt to try and get a little rest. But I cannot sleep, not here.” With a mix of relief and weariness, she made her way to the hay and sank down into its comforting embrace.

  The hay was surprisingly soft, and the warmth of the barn made it feel even more inviting. As she laid down, the exhaustion hit her with full force. The combined effects of the berry-water and the intense physical strain she had endured were overwhelming. Her vision blurred, and her breathing became slower and more even.

  Do not sleep, Nalli… she reminded herself.

  Almost immediately, however, the massive direhound succumbed to the pull of sleep. Her body completely worn out and battered, finally found peace in the pile of hay. The numbing effect of the strange human drink provided a sense of detachment from her pain, and the exhaustion from her ordeal made it impossible to stay awake. Despite her cautious nature and the danger she faced, her need for rest was too great to resist.

  The barn, with its mechanical wonders and the sweet, soothing effects of the berry-water, became a temporary sanctuary where the direhound could finally rest and recuperate, if only for a short while. Within moments, Nalligik-Paunngak Kutsutak-Ijik drifted into an unexpected, deep slumber. The warmth of the hay and the gentle hum of the steam-powered equipment lulled her into a state of unconsciousness.

  A

  AkKalajuks – Ants

  Anniasuitik – Shaman of Medicine

  Anirnaq – The First Direhounds

  Anirniq – Soul

  Anga – Yes

  Atsinguak – Gift

  Auka – No

  I

  Ijik – Eye(s)

  Ikialuit! – Damnit or damn you, depending on phrasing.

  Ilisimaik – Craziness

  Ipatsik – Understand

  Ipvit – You

  K

  Kaijuuti – Coyote Tribe

  Kakiannangituk – Unpleasant

  Kavinguak – Much noise

  Kulgoskarrik – A lizard, known for dropping its tail when frightened with a sudden loud burst

  Kutsutak – Yellow

  Kuviasotikak – Ridiculous

  M

  Mitappuk(s) – Joke(s)

  N

  Nakummek – Thank you

  Nalligik – Love(s)

  Nokel-katantik – Honorable

  Nuni Lunikk – Moon Mother

  Nunivak – Pick berries

  Nutaqq – Child

  O

  Omajualuk – Monster

  P

  Paunngak – Berries

  Pattangaititsik – Protecting

  Piujuk – Good

  Piunngituk Silatsuak – Bad Earth

  Pijagia-keh – Different

  Pilluak – Smart, clever, skillful

  Pitsatujuk – Powerful

  Q

  Qilakpaangut – sky-eyed wanderer who flies like a startled birdling

  Qimmit – Dog (or like a dog)

  S

  IkKumanngituk – Stupid

  Siku – Ice

  Siitani – Star cycles, or revolutions around the sun

  Sungittotanuk – A symbol

  T

  Tatannamek – Amazed / How Fascinating!

  Takutsuapuk – Kindness

  Tatsika Napattulik – The Darkened Forest

  Tillia-Kattak – Vermin (More than one meaning?)

  Tikatsiak – Strong twine

  U

  Ukalik – Hare

  Ukausik – Language of Direhounds

  Ukiuq – Winter

  Ullak – Morning

  Nalligik-Paunngak Kutsutak-Ijik (Nalli) – Love(s) Berries Yellow-Eyes

  Akkitu-kumik Taggana-Tak (Umbra) – Soft-Scratch Shadow-Side

  (Uvaguk or Uvak)-kaik sollu pitsiak. Pik sivo-ganik – (We or I) Come as kin. Do not fear.

  Sakkik sollu pitsiak! Ipvut napaq kunulik… Amarik! – Appear as kin! But stand with… enemy!

  Qamut qimmit! Pilluq! – Cowardly dogs! Move!

  Sunas pait mittsikappuk, atiq? – What is your real/true name?

  Nuti Nannguk Kunnak – Great Fault of Kunnak

  Takutsuapuk aje atsinguak – Kindness is a treasure

  Vine & Fang posted for free reading. Redistribution prohibited.