05-13-2018, 05:20 PM
[align=center][div style="max-width: 600px; text-align: justify; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10pt;"]There are many things which Melantha is not. A good conversationalist, for one. An optimist is another. And just generally anything which involves a bright and pleasant disposition. Although she is a thoughtful creature with a good heart, her charisma skill is depressingly low. By taking a more pragmatic approach to life, her logical mind often acts as an obstacle to the empathy which generally enables an individual to get along well with another. Words simply flow from her mouth, usually as shockingly clear as a winter breeze. But where she lacks socially, Melantha makes up for in other areas. Incredibly duty-bound, she is perhaps one of the most reliable creatures when it comes to getting stuff done. She is also a noticer--her shrewd attention to even the smallest details allows her to become aware of things most people tend to miss during the hustle and bustle of every day life.
As such, most people would not notice Harrison's absence. Why should they? He is a bright, adventurous child who is often seen bouncing around various areas of the territory. In their rush, it is not uncommon that others might assume that the child is simply out exploring like he usually is. After coming across Jacob having a panic attack the night before, Melantha decides to stop by and make a wellness check on the Chief. But he is not home. Nor is Harrison. She pauses for a moment before turning to leave. And then--she stops. Mel takes in a deep breath, parting her powerful jaws to taste the air with the olfactory sensors on the roof of her mouth. Several weeks have passed since she first crawled onto Snowbound's territory, half-alive and as thin as a rail. She likes to think that she knows every resident's scent by now. And if that is true, then who does this unknown smell belong to?
"Harrison?"
A quick glance around the Wickliffs' den reveals no sign of a struggle. Her heart rate increases. She needs to hurry. Following the scent trail through the maze of tunnels, she eventually finds herself standing at the mouth of the cavern, gazing out onto the open tundra. A late snow quietly falls upon the grasses. Although Summer will be arriving anytime soon, it seems that it is still cold enough to support snowfall for a while. The weather is beautiful, but it hinders her search for the clan's favorite child (at least, Harrison is Melantha's favorite). "Has anyone seen Harrison?" she calls. Her voice wavers, brow furrowed with obvious concern. Where her plain visage would normally be that of a stone cold emptiness, Melantha does not even bother to disguise her panic. Very few things in life manage to tug on the cougar's heart strings, and children are among the few. She takes several paces out into the fresh snow, doing her best to follow the scent trail. But for as amazing of a hunter and tracker as she is, her naked senses are no match for the disguising power of nature.
As such, most people would not notice Harrison's absence. Why should they? He is a bright, adventurous child who is often seen bouncing around various areas of the territory. In their rush, it is not uncommon that others might assume that the child is simply out exploring like he usually is. After coming across Jacob having a panic attack the night before, Melantha decides to stop by and make a wellness check on the Chief. But he is not home. Nor is Harrison. She pauses for a moment before turning to leave. And then--she stops. Mel takes in a deep breath, parting her powerful jaws to taste the air with the olfactory sensors on the roof of her mouth. Several weeks have passed since she first crawled onto Snowbound's territory, half-alive and as thin as a rail. She likes to think that she knows every resident's scent by now. And if that is true, then who does this unknown smell belong to?
"Harrison?"
A quick glance around the Wickliffs' den reveals no sign of a struggle. Her heart rate increases. She needs to hurry. Following the scent trail through the maze of tunnels, she eventually finds herself standing at the mouth of the cavern, gazing out onto the open tundra. A late snow quietly falls upon the grasses. Although Summer will be arriving anytime soon, it seems that it is still cold enough to support snowfall for a while. The weather is beautiful, but it hinders her search for the clan's favorite child (at least, Harrison is Melantha's favorite). "Has anyone seen Harrison?" she calls. Her voice wavers, brow furrowed with obvious concern. Where her plain visage would normally be that of a stone cold emptiness, Melantha does not even bother to disguise her panic. Very few things in life manage to tug on the cougar's heart strings, and children are among the few. She takes several paces out into the fresh snow, doing her best to follow the scent trail. But for as amazing of a hunter and tracker as she is, her naked senses are no match for the disguising power of nature.