Overture Downs Survival is my middle name

@Steady and other Easthollow members - @Boženaa if you want to :)

With morning came the urge to explore. It had always been a part of him that was not fully explored just yet - with the Monos he had not gotten an out for the war until his mission, and after his days in the dungeons he had been too weak to leave his caretaker's side. But now, he was finally free. No more war and torture - just him and the old witch he had gotten to know. With the freezing cold, he was glad he had found a companion in her, despite her first rather rude way of shooing him away from her cave. What had changed her mind, he had yet to figure out, but he was glad that without words from him everything worked out fine. With his exploration mission, he was bound to find some frozen prey as well which he planned to take back "home" for the witch and him.

He crossed a river, but luckily did not get drenched - his paws were cold nonetheless, but it was snowing less hard than the day he had found the witch. Through the woods and into the open fields did he go - his ghostly coloration making him near invisible in the snow that lay as a blanket on these lands. The clouds were thick and full of more snow for the upcoming days, he knew that for sure while he had never paid great attention to the sky. Winter was only barely beginning, and already he had seen enough of it for now. He wished for spring to come sooner, but knew that a mere ghost like him could not just decide that. The world destroyed to create a new, every year again, and perhaps he should be thankful for it.

Mara was hesitant to exit Easthollow, a whisper in her head kept repeating the chance of her abadoning her home again, but she would stay, she held no desire to leave and now had no excuse too. Though, she couldn't be contained to one area for long and had to stretch her legs from her newly given abode. Her eyes wandered along the snowy canvas laid out among her, only to break by every footprint she added in the snow. Her time spent in Silvertip was slightly regretful, but she regretted leaving it even more. Fortunately, she was given a third chance to join the family again, and so far she was fitting rather well. Despite being extremely awkward around the unknown members. 

She was so delved down in her thoughts, she didn't realize how far she traveled, nor the stranger practically hidden within the frozen fields. Instantly, a wave of anxiety ran through her, but she stayed still in case they would speak. The wolfess couldn't help but send a small smile to the outsider, as even though she was apprehensive, she would always be as kind as can be, unless given reason otherwise.

@Mara Susi Shadow posted you! Whoops!

She was grateful that she would not spend the winter alone. While she had been largely isolated most of her life, she was never truly alone. The tribe was still there, still close, even though they had pushed her away. She still had wolves to talk to, people to make her day interesting. But ever since her tribe had been scattered to the winds, there was no one, no one but the spirits to make her company. And they were not good friends.

The light pink aura that eminated around the pale wolf she named Camlo — gentle, dear — was muted, much like he was. She did not know the extent to which he was silent, having not seen the missing tongue yet, but she filled the silence with her own accented speech, not caring what he thought. Veenters 'ave ne'er been zis cold. Somezhink had been happenink to make zis much cold. She hobbled over the river that Camlo so swiftly crossed, still babbling all the while. Makes one vonder if dis is being a curse, čo? Some one must 'ave wronged zhe spirits very much to be havink such bad effects.

That was purely speculation. She knew of land-wide curses — droughts, storms and the like, — but never one this large, this major. She pondered if it was simply a quirk of the land, for Nature was fickle like that. A part of her knew that she would never know the truth, and instead focus on the present, as to where they were going, for instance. Oi! Camlo! Vhere are you takink us, hlupák? The cave was plenty fine. They could have weathered out the winter there and lived much longer than they would travelling about. The old Chovahani snorted at the sight of a sheepishly smiling girl, scowling at the scent of pack in the air. Vhat you vant, rakli​?

Anyone from Easthollow is still free to jump in :)

With a goofy smile, he ran ahead of the witch - staying active was the best way to keep warm when the winter was this cold, he had noticed. With his slender frame he jumped through the snow, almost like a dolphin would in water, and was indeed having fun. He had learned to react to the name "Comla", for the witch had so generously given it to him, and was delighted with how it sounded each time. A name! I've been named! He was still very much a young boy when it came to these seemingly mindless gifts, but could never truly tell how much he enjoyed being given a distinct name. That meant one was interested in him! A name! A name! I have a name! He would still refer to himself as "Calloon" in his head, but still. Being given a name was not just something. It was so special to him.

He nodded many times to show he agreed with his friend, although he did not know how exactly her religion worked. He was keen on knowing, but that would come later when they were back home. Upon him learning she had no idea where he was taking them, he stopped so she could catch up. Then, he opened and closed his mouth a few times - biting the air with delighted throat sounds one would make when eating something quite delicious. He hoped his explanation would be understood, for he had no more time to try and move his body in ways that would show what he meant.

Another woman - who seemed oblivious to their presence at first - stood across from them. Calloon's tail immediately shot between his slender hind legs and he stopped walking. He scented her - he scented of what she came from, and he did not like it. Were they close to her home? Had she been sent to take him to even more dungeons - but this time give him the witch's head? His ears dropped so they joined his highest hackles, looking sideways to see if his friend knew how to deal with a stranger. What is a "rakli"? Could this female tell them where the food was? Could she be a friend?

Steady caught the scent of Mara Susi on the borders of Easthollow, and wondered why it was heading outwards. Was she leaving, for a third time? He had put his trust in her that she would stay this time, but maybe the third time wasn't a charm. 

But, he wasn't going to let it go. He ran after her, his intention to call her out on her leaving without a word. He wasn't going to let her slink off again. 

He finally saw her figure, and in the distance two others. His tail was held neutral, though his ears were perked as he came to Mara Susi's side silently. One wolf spoke up, though not in a friendly manner. Steady's lip curled, but he did not growl. He didn't want to start a fight without any back up, but he wasn't against showing his displeasure in the other's attitude.

ooc- Krypton to the rescue for backup!

the snow was deep, but Krypton didn't feel like letting the weather stop her. She was out and about in the snow after the large storm had passed, though her paws were well hidden. However, her beastly figure was still visible and quite intimidating. She was out and about marking the borders until a scent caught her attention. The tank of a wolf smelt her alpha, knowing he was out and about. That perked her curiosity, why would he be out when he has children to tend to?

whatever it was, it didn't sit well with krypton. Besides, Steady usually left but told everyone where he was heading when he was in his normal mood. With a steady stride, she pushed off to a long trot after him, covering the ground with ease.

the scents of others grew stronger as she continued until she finally caught sight on something-- er, someone(s).

she saw two wolves she did not know, Mara standing there, and what looked to be Steady. Krypton headed closer to him, letting out a small chuff that was so slight, it was almost inaudible. She let him know she was there and was ready to support him. She joined him at his side, holding herself in a lower position but had her ears pinned a little, of course, not at Steady but rather the others she did not know, along with Mara.

she did not hate the wolf, but she was skeptical of her loyalty to the pack after her leaving twice. Was she attempting to escape again one last time?

Mara was shocked by the sudden gesture of agression, no matter how miniscule it was. It was them who were on the border of a pack, if anything she should be the one raising her hackles, not vice versa. She stepped back, not wanting to be attacked, she already knew of Day and Steady's encounter with another unfriendly wolf, she did not need to add to the injured members of Easthollow. Then, suddenly the jet wolf appeared by her side, she glanced at him, quickly getting a one over of his body in case he was still wounded. When Day told her of Steady being hurt, she instantly felt a sense of panic, but he seemed healthy enough and she relaxed knowing he was by her side in case the ivory stranger decided to attack. 

Seconds later Krypton, a wolf she barely knew but had worked with with Zaria stood by her Alpha's side, another sense of relief fell over. They were going to be fine. She answered the female's chuff with one of her own, even though it wasn't directed towards her at all. Mainly an attempt to tell Steady she held no intention to leave. God, she hoped he didn't think otherwise, she didn't want to be what she used to be, but she knew well her reputation changed in the minds of the members of Silvertip, even when they carried to Easthollow. Truthfully, when leaving the grounds she hadn't even realized with her lack of smell, but it was clear she was no longer among their territory. 

The second wolf beside the ghostly one looked strange, and spoke even odder. "Nothing, what is it you want?" She questioned. Why would she seek anything when she held no idea of their presence? Once again, it was far more plausible to think they held something of desire so close to the Hollow, not her.

As soon as her question rang in the air, the woman who they question was joined by two more wolves, a young male and an older woman. The witch huffed, feeling slightly uneasy. She still, for the life of her, could not trust these kinds of packs. They were stagnant, unmoving, unchanging in a way that felt unnatural to her. The herds moved, and so should they. She glared at them, her yellow eye quivering as it tried to focus on the three wolves. She stared at them, watching their auras come to life around. The two that just arrived were clouded for the moment with distrust and anger. The male's, at its core, was a royal blue, despite his current emotions. The bulky woman had one constant dark, muddled green, which worried her. The woman's was taken aback rather than aggressive, her aura pulsating dirty brown around her like a shell. She huffed, her silent diagnosis complete.

Her head turned, the dark eye locked on them as she scratched her left ear and cheek, as she muttered. Dis one, Camlo, vas leadink me 'ere, She nibbled in between her toes for a brief moment before she faced them squarely. 'e can't talk. But I am zinkink 'e vants to join dis foro — dis pack. She turned to squint at the pale wolf

It was foretold, at one point or another, that the witch and him would encounter more souls. Everything was carefully crafted into one, but Calloon felt that this was not the best planning the Wise had ever done. His friend's displeasure for the female had been clear, and he knew why. He, too, did not like to be cooped up somewhere for long periods of time. He had done enough of that in the dungeons - the dark dungeons that were engraved in his tender, young mind like dark grey sluggish creatures sucking up his potential. His doe-eyes flickered from the witch to the female, golden rings following every movement, until more came to join their little gathering. He pressed his ears further down, as if he wanted to make a cape to drape over himself to hide.

The question was returned, which earned a deeper glance from the ghostly boy as he tried to make eye contact - slowly going down the row of strangers before settling on the dark male. His white brows lifted, as clouds that had released their final raindrops. He looked strong - steady, as a tree. The mute tipped his head in question. Had their presence angered him? Why did he not say so?

His head swivelled to his friend as his given name - Gods bless anyone who gave him a name - came from between her lips, explaining their situation. She thought he wanted to join these souls? Panic and confusion shot over his features as he whined and moved himself further behind the witch. He did not know them - he was scared of them, in a way, not because they were unfriendly - but because of what they could do with him. He was like an alien in these lands, though abducting anyone he would never. He chuffed softly. He opened and closed his mouth a few times again - trying to show that he had been looking for food as he made the delighted throat sounds. With a flick of his tail, he tried to pull the attention to his show of emotions and silent explanations.

The female began to stare, and it unnerved Steady. As Alpha, very few wolves were allowed to meet his eye level without consequences. His hackles began to raise, but then Krypton arrived, and he was at ease with more of his family here. The strangers were outnumbered now and it settled him to know the odds were in their favor, should anything physical happen.

The stranger female spoke, and his ears perked to try and catch her words, but her accent was heavy and it was difficult for him to understand what she was saying. However, her body language came through as relaxed, so he didn't think she was saying anything off-putting. He glanced first to Krypton, then to Mara Susi, before his eyes went to the pale male. He said not a word, but his language spoke volumes. He was submissive, and obviously not going to start anything. 

He kept replaying the female's words in his head, trying to figure out what she had said. The last few were the only ones that made any sense to him. He's looking to join a pack? Steady questioned, curious. With the betrayal of two of their own, adding to their numbers was vital if the pack was going to survive. 

She paid close attention to the others, tail swaying behind her slowly as coldness gently nibbled on her body. The female, much older than any of the wolves here, spoke with such a thick accent that it was almost difficult for her to understand. She picked up a few words though and was able to make sense of the sentences. The male before the three of the Easthollow wolves was looking for a home. His body language spoke clearly, he was submitting and looked almost fearful. Perhaps he could not speak and was mute? Whatever the case was, the agouti stayed close to her leader.

The unknown's sounds held no aggression, his movements held no anger. He was afraid, submissive, and almost... hungry? She tilted her head at him, came close to locking eyes before looking away. They were quite pretty. She looked towards Steady as he looked towards her, then to Mara. She stayed quiet throughout the exchange of words, though decided it would be a good idea to say a few words before anything bad broke loose. "He is Camlo?" she first, asked making sure that she caught his name correctly. She looked at Steady before whispering to him "he looks like he's scared."

The coffee pelted woman spoke, and each word made Mara's ears twitch, working hard to understand what she was saying. She glanced at the ghostly male when she finally grasped the accented wolf's words. The ivory silhouette hiding behind her was looking to join a pack, but based on his expression it seemed otherwise. Krypton seemed to catch on and mentioned his apprehensive behavior. "Yes, is he alright?" Mara questioned, true worry spread across her face, mixed in with confusion. What would be troubling the mute so much?

She glanced at Steady when he looked at her, before refocusing her gaze upon the two strangers before them. A sense of concern arose, why was he so stressed? Perhaps the foreign wolf was assuming something he did not want.

A chuff from her side, from Camlo, startled her. She turned to him, blinking at him curiously. Vhat now? She squinted. That's why he led them here, right? To join a pack? No matter how much either of them despised the idea, it was better than just holeing up in a cave for the rest of the winter.  After the winter passed, when the cold ended, they could leave. 

No, 'e eesn't Camlo, She said sarcastically, her normal eye rolling in disdain. Who else could she be referring to? There was no one else there. Gadjos were so idiotic and thick-headed. 'e's just hungry. Ve both are. She was barely skin and bones to begin with, and he was just as thin as her. They would not survive the winter by themselves.

Many more assumed things from him - so much that he wanted to shout. No - don't take me! Božena, help me, help me! His brows furrowed atop his forehead, but he managed to calm down. Slow breaths. Slow breaths - no dungeons, no caves anywhere. Silently, without a squeak, his breathing slowed. The mist that had first formed around his muzzle rapidly was becoming less and less and he was able to calm his spirit. He sniffed in deep - nostrils flaring and doe-eyes closing. These were the Wise Ones testing him. They had planned something again. Perhaps this time, they would do him good. With little confidence did he step forward again, nodding a few times at the male. So big - so powerful, and yet somehow kind. Not a rock, not a rock.

The tank of a female spoke up - her voice rough and yet somehow pleasing. For a moment did his golden ringed eyes linger on her underfed form - on her scruffy yet charming coat of browns, tans and blacks - a dessert ground, albeit a bit darker. Again his name - his given name - rang through the air, and he nodded at the question before his friend spoke up sarcastically. A worried look was cast on the male now. Did she anger him? What did not anger him? So rough, so rough.

He did not notice the whispering - too unnerved still to follow much. He knew though, that they must care if they still lingered near. The idea of family was not pleasant - not at all. His parents had wanted warrior only and had little time to care for him and his siblings due to the war. He could understand - he did understand, and he knew not better than that. He did not know how to function in a family. I can try, I can try. As long as they don't give up on me, I can try.

The wobbly eyed witch spoke again - a statement this time, which he eagerly agreed to with various nods. Hunger was what they both suffered from - what many suffered from. Perhaps a team was not so bad. They could work together to survive this winter and after it then... Well, he did not know what would come after. The Wise Ones seldom revealed their plans, and he was not keen on losing a toe or his tail to alter it. He would let this all play out - he would let them have him so he could learn and teach - bring them new thoughts and new questions. A smile now came upon his young face. Not so bad, not so bad.

It was at her sarcastic tone and eye roll that Steady bared his teeth. Your attitude leaves much to be desired, he said openly. She then had the audacity to claim she, and her submissive companion, were hungry. You won't get any food from us, acting like that. And if that's all you seek, seek it elsewhere. It's hard enough to find it, we won't simply give it away, he said firmly. His pack had worked hard to ensure they had enough food to survive, and the Alpha would be damned if he simply gave it to a rude, ungrateful heathen as the one before him. 

The females to either side of him had attempted to be nice to these loners, and so far had gotten nothing but insulting comebacks in return. One more brash comment, and Steady would see himself and his family back to Easthollow, ensuring the pair did not follow.

the sarcasm rolling from the old witch's mouth made Krypton pin her ears and lift up a lip to expose sharp teeth. normally she would have patience, but with the situation at hand, she couldn't help but feel a bit irked. however, she took a breath and let it go. she spoke of Camlo willing to join a pack and that was the main focus, not running around and chasing each others' tails. she took another breath, much deeper, before turning to steady. she looked at him, unsure if his quick decision was the right one. 

of course, respect was needed to a wolf of his stature, he was an alpha for crying out loud. but perhaps these wolves were not used to such social hierarchy between packs and families, did they not know? Or, perhaps they were just thickheaded just as the witch thought. but with pack members low, new members were needed. Camlo was at least respectful, but unknowing. If they female wanted food, she could eat her own body for all krypton cared. but for the ghost boy, she desired to give him something because he didn't show any signs of rudeness. 

however, if they had ideas about jumping out after winter ended, they wouldn't be allowed to join. hopefully, if they attempted to lie, they would be rooted out quickly.

Skepticism arose out of the members of Easthollow, and the hazel wolf had yet to show any signs of submission, unlike her snowy friend. She did have to agree Steady was slightly harsh, but then again she was rather soft herself. A leader would have to be stern, so she decided his tone wasn't out of line. She glanced at Krypton, trying to read her reaction, it seemed very annoyed but quickly flatlined into something else, but she couldn't quite tell what it was. 

If their only reason to join a pack was to feed their bellies they had come to the wrong pack, here required loyalty, something Mara fortunately was given more than one chance to prove. Though she hadn't left because her stomach was full, and to be no benefit to the pack was simply not allowed. Everyone here was close, or at least attempting to know one another and to have an antisocial or rude wolf would be out of conduct and treated harshly. 

Part of her pitied the mute, his friends sarcasim shouldn't affect whether or not he was to join Easthollow, though she wasn't sure if they two would part or not. Hopefully, in such a case, the strangest of the two would be more apprieciative towards Steady.

Where her wit and bite would have gotten her immediately accepted in a natsia, she knew that her chances were low with the Gadjo. Here, in their foroe, things were rigid, precise. She had to give the large male respect just because he was leader. He had done little to prove such things, even with the color of his aura. No, her chances were slim indeed. But Camlo's were not. She gestured to the mute, Zhen give 'im a chance, She had little respect for herself and her own wellbeing after her family disappeared. She had no natsia, no allegiances to anyone in this land, except Camlo, brief as their union was. He vill be more useful to you in zhis veather den I vill. Zhere is nozhing I can do to 'elp until snow is meltink and plants are growink.

Click coloured text for a pose reference <3

The rock-like male was mad - Calloon could tell. He was mad at his friend, but Calloon knew it had not been a smart move to make such a sarcastic comment. Besides, he was not really Camlo at all... If only he could say something - defend, explain. Why must I be this way? Why must we? With a whimper he let the others know he felt bad about the situation as his tail pressed even further underneath his nimble, frozen form. He wanted to do something - he had to if he wanted to follow the Wise Ones' wishes. He had to join them - feast not only upon the food they would gather, but also on their company and friendliness. He could be social without saying a word, and he would prove it.

But then came the comment of his friend - the wobbly eyed witch who had so generously let him into her cave. She wanted him to go with them? but then she'd be all alone... Or did she not want him around? My friend is worthy too - we are both! With a more confident look in his golden ringed eyes did he step forward - toward the group that had gathered. He did so in a submissive way, head low to the cold ground and tail between his slender hindlegs. Every now and then did he look back upon the dark witch - his eyes glimmering and almost saying "Let me handle it". Finally nearby the tall male did he whimper - whine, pleading for their acceptance. It was obvious that he also meant his friend as he looked back between the male and the witch with a pleading look.

Please, sir, don't let us die. We will be loyal - we will be proud. Let us stand with you. As a cherry on top did he let his ghost-like frame fall to the ground - rolling onto his back without much trouble. It was a cute sight, surely to melt some hearts.

The female seemed to understand that she was getting nowhere with the Alpha male, and most likely wouldn't. However, she continued to offer up her submissive companion. To Steady, her determination in getting him accepted was her only redeeming quality. The mute male began to close the gap between himself and the trio and Steady watched with a curious gaze. Though the other male said no words, his body language spoke volumes. 

The boy laid before him on his back, spread out, completely at Steady's mercy. The Alpha lowered his head, sniffing at the male's underbelly, both knowing he could slash it open with little effort. But, he didn't. He accepted the submission from the male. Turning his gaze back to the female, he spoke his decision. He can come with us. You may seek us out in the spring, if you wish. He would not accept her now, since by her own admission, she could nothing for them until them.

the older female continued to speak on behalf of the ghost, wanting the EH gang to take him in and treat him as one of their own. though krypton was still a bit irked by the woman, she couldn't hold the boy against such actions when he did not commit any crime. she stood silently, watching him as he slinked forward towards the group in a submissive posture. the female wanted to straighten her own, but she could not due to the alpha being at her side.

she instead watched him closely, before seeing him roll onto hi belly and expose his very being to the three wolves. she watched him dully, remembering how she had exposed her neck to Alastor when she first joined and met him. something about him.... reminded krypton of herself in ways she could and yet couldn't describe. she gave him a slight nod of the head to show she appreciated his submission. she waited until steady gave his final verdict, the boy would join EH. the woman was given a chance to join in the spring, but for now, would be alone. 

"then it is settled. let us take him back with us," she suggested lightly, looking towards the ghost and motioning him to stand up and walk with them. he would fit in just fine with the family. he would have to teach others he couldn't speak, but for now, they would have to take baby steps together.