Tala was exhausted. The events of the long day were taking their toll on her, as the fight continued to play in her mind over and over. Her body was worn and she really just wanted to get some sleep and forget about it, though, she knew she couldn't simply forget. It was her job as future leader to make sure she remembered each battle that took place, and take away something from it so as to be better prepared for the next battle, whenever it happened. She knew that this battle was not the last, altough it was unexpected, and frankly, unnecessary.
She passed each den, and peaking in she realized many of the wolves were also turning in for the night. Tala stopped when she came to the pup's den. She peeked in at Firefly and was happy to see she was alright. Tala let out a sigh of relief, and continued on towards her own den. She stopped when she heard foot steps behind her. One of the lead hunters in the pack was approaching, a look of concern on his face. "Are you alright Tala?" He asked sincerely. Tala smiled and nodded. "I'm fine. I just need to gt some rest." She said.
Then, smiling a wry sort of smile, and raising a brow "But don't worry. It's gonna take more than a couple of tigers or a pack of rogues to bring us down." She laughed, a sort of half tired laugh, yet a genuine one. The male laughed as well. "Alright, well goodnight then Tala." He said, turning and heading towards his den. Tala watched after him a while, her mind wandering, then turned to enter her den. Her father had been waiting up for her. Neither of them said a word, but both acjnowledged one another with a saint smile. Tala then plopped down next to her father, letting out a deep sigh. Her father layed his head down and both were soon asleep.
Just then, a fearful sound shot off from the distance. A cougar's roar had pierced the quiet that had only just settled over the Catori Clan. Heavy paws could be heard rushing for the camp, and one of the nightwatch wolves saw it. He let out an alarming howl.
Back in the den, Tala's eyes shot open. She jumped to her feet. Running out of the den, she was expecting to ask what it was. No need. The cougar was in plain sight, and was rushing right for Tala. Her eyes grew wide, but she regained herself and stood her ground. Just seconds before the cougar was to strike, a black flash rushed right past Tala and crashed into the large cat. The two rolled around and rumbled with each other. The black wolf was hard to see in the dark night, but Tala soon realized it was Coal.
The wolf and the cat fought, and Tala looked on. Coal was able to get the cat off of him, and as he had apparently injured it, the cat was limping slightly and both were breathing heavily. "Leave now!"Coal commanded with an unmistakably authoritative tone. The cougar snarled and hissed, but obeyed.
Tala watched as the cat ran off in a full sprint. She turned to look at Coal, but couldn't find the words to say. She felt so confused, looking at him. She didn't know what to think of him in fact.