Cloudbreaker

'We have the numbers. Velvet wouldn't dare turn on us.' These thoughts and similar ones had been floating through the zorse's mind as she lead Kovu down from the Ruins and out to the stretch of boggy floodplains that sprawled past Pike's Lake. Mindful of the reptiles that called this place home, Cloudbreaker was careful where she placed her hooves as the ground grew damper and softer. With her head lifted eye, she had a decent view of the marshland, and gave a hearty whinny just to see if anyone would answer. Every now and then, she'd glance back to keep an eye on where the lion was.

Kovu & Others

Even though he wasn't fond of water he moved through the marsh without much hesitation or problem.

Ko a barn owl, Poker a saw whet owl and Saruna a Great horned owl watched the two. who do we have here?Spoke the great horned owl.

Cloudbreaker & Others

One of Cloud's ears swiveled towards the voice, and she stopped abruptly where she was. The zorse turned to look in the direction of the voice, and her eyes quickly caught the brilliant white face staring back at her. "Just an owl." She breathed to herself, "I'm Cloudbreaker." She didn't immediately offer a name for the lion that traveled with her, her mind already spinning with thoughts. They had Dally as their eyes in the sky, but darkness rendered the falcon useless, leaving the Haunters more vulnerable at night. And owl, though... "Can I ask what your name is?" She hadn't yet noticed the other two owls.

Kovu, Ko, Poker & Saruna

Kovu stepped up next to the horse.I am KovuHe said but let the horse do the rest of the talking.

Ko studied the horse.I am koHe said.

Poker hopped down a branch.Ko we shouldn't talk to strange creatures of the dayHe said to his larger friend.

Saruna just eyed them from her branch.

Cloudbreaker

Cloudbreaker was caught off guard by the other two owls, spotting them when Poker hopped down and gave away his position. She was impressed by their ability to camouflage amongst the foliage. "Ko, it's nice to meet you." Eyes swept to Poker then and she bowed her head to the other avian, "We mean you no harm, and I apologize if we've disturbed you. I do have an offer you might be interested in though." She gave the trio a moment to digest that before continuing, "We're part of a group called the Shadow Haunters, and we're in need of members who can fly and who have keen vision, such as yourselves. Would that interest any of you?"

Ko and others

They were a strange bunch themselves, usually owls were solitary. Oh shut it pokerHe said calmly. would there be alot of other owls?He could deal with another female of his species same with poker and a male for saruna's but they wouldn't be happy with many others.

Poker hooted but said nothing.

Saruna listened.

Kovu looked up at them . I would think perhaps we could limit our invitations to owls if it suits youhe said glancing at cloudbreaker.

Cloudbreaker

The zorse shook her head, "There is only one falcon that lives with us, and he wouldn't be a bother to you." She didn't know that up in the mountains to the west, Darkia and Lupanare had found an eagle. Cloud glanced to the lion then when he offered a compromise, and she nodded to that, "Kovu has a sound proposal. You would be the only owls that would we admit into the Haunters, if that's what it takes to gain your acceptance."

Ko

Ko listened easily to the zorse.Then Isuppose we will join youHE said.

Poker would go where ko went.

Saruna preened her featherThough a male of my species I would welcomeShe said.

Kovu listened.we could find you mates if that is what you need, im sure there are others of your species somewhereHe said.

Cloudbreaker

"Yes, that wouldn't be too much of a problem." Cloudbreaker agreed with Kovu, seeing the benefits of such a deal. Not only would they double their owl population by bringing in three males, but those resulting offspring could be part of the Haunters as well, further fortifying the pack and adding that many more watchful eyes to their night shift. "Welcome to the Haunters then, my friends. Kovu and I must continue our search, but you're welcome to ride with me unless you know where the Ruins are?"

Ko

Ko listened.Perhaps you should wander back this way at dusk we will not move from here till thenHe said calmly.

Cloudbreaker

"Ahh, creatures of the night." Cloudbreaker murmured to herself before nodding in understanding to the owl. "We'll be back at dusk. Until then, we'll leave you to your sleep." The zorse began to trot away from the owls and their tree, moving further into the marsh.

After she'd put some distance between herself and her feathery new allies, Cloud turned her head to Kovu, "That was a good start, Senka and Tersek should be pleased. But I still haven't picked up any traces of our former packmates." She uttered a quiet snort, expelling a quick breath of air through her nostrils in exclamation of her frustration. "Does your nose find anything? If not, I saw we give it another mile or two here, then head to the Eskers."

Kovu

He shook his hed.I know no one from your previous group, I pick up many different scents as ishe said.

Cloudbreaker

"I'm eager to get out of this mire either way." Cloudbreaker announced, not liking how the mud would suck at her hooves and threaten to pull her legs down deeper into the muck with every step. Her striped limbs were now spattered brown, and her creamy belly speckled with the same color. Even her blonde tail had clods of gunk stuck at the ends of it, irritating the zorse to no end. Shifting her direction, Cloud began to press her way out of the Marsh, and on to the Eskers.