Scarlett trotted through Bearclaw, as a gamekeeper she would have to keep track of the game they had in the valley. Since there was only one way in or out there weren't a lot of new herds coming in. They had one heard and they would have to make sure to not deplete the whole herd. But since Bearclaw was surrounded by such high walls it also worked as a coral so all the deer were still there after the storm. Scarlett was happy. To give them a break she went out of the valley. As a lone wolf she couldn't hunt deer on her own, the open field of Wapun meadow offered rabbits and other smaller prey animals but she didn't feel like walking in the blazing summer sun. She made a left towards the forest close to their territory.

On a casual trotting pace she moved into the shadows of the thick forest. She wasn't sure what she was going to find, but the mother wasn't too bothered by it. She kinda liked the aspect of the unknown. Maybe she would bring home a fox, or a raccoon. That way her children would learn there was much more besides deer and rabbit to eat from. She was pleased. Her pure white coat was standing out because of the dark forest. It was only pure white because she recently bathed herself. With all the mess the puppies left in the den she was often more dirty than clean. Oh well. Her red eyes scanned around the forest floor, curiously wandering without making too much sound.

It has been days since Arverk's disappearance, but grief impaired one's passage of time. Tatsuya did not know how many days have come to pass, having slept a full twenty-four hours before waking up and throwing himself into his duties. Admittedly, he made a habit of marking the less noticeable areas of their bounds before slipping free of Sawtooth Spire's soaring shadow. His search would not end until he found solid evidence of their missing associate. Nanuk, Echelon, and Iqniq could man their borders. If something ever came up, the Epsilon was but a stone's throw away.
INDENTHis pack mates may or may not notice him coming and going. Given Nanuk's orders though, he was positive he could do as he damn well pleased right now. The scope of their search needn't only be within the spire...Which brought him to the Tormented Tarns. Having spent an extensive amount of searching in this area, he moved on to Blackfoot Forest. Tatsuya had not spent much time in this area; it was nighttime back then and the blackness of the forest screamed danger. Cutting through the woodland by sprinting, he had went on with the search. Returning now with the sun high in the sky would be his best bet at finding clues if there was any within the forest. Tatsuya carried on his search glumly, pessimism weighing upon him.
INDENTDipping into an array of wooden and ivied bushes, the Epsilon did what he came here to do. Luminance filtered through the canopy, burning as he passed through each beam of light. The sun was harrowing today. So much so the Epsilon considered staying put within the chilly summits of Sawtooth Spire. Succor paled in comparison to the never-ending worry of the absent whale.
INDENTCrown jolted to the well-known snap of sprigs, sunburst orbs probing. Partially obscured large leaves and shoots and stalks, the giant peeked out through the gaps of lush leaves and bramble. The pale incandescence of fur earned his attention, fixing on to a runty female. It would be unenviable to hide with such a dazzling coat, but the female did not seem concerned with staying hidden. No, she looked the part of an errant traveler taking in the sights. To the female, she would see two flaming eyes staring from the bushes. The sight alone was enough to cause a shudder to rack those of weaker inclination or bristling indignation at being spied upon. Which would this woman be, he wondered.

Scarlett continued her path into the woods, keeping the same casual trot as she was scouting for some foxes, maybe some raccoons. The latter were always nice and fat. Her tail swayed behind her since she was rather confident and happy. Without the male drama in her life she was doing pretty okay. She loved her babies, even Leo who they adopted. Her teats weren't so heavy anymore since none of the five drank from her anymore. They were still visible under her thin summer coat. She didn't mind. She was a proud mother. Hopefully all would turn well after she dealt with Kove, 'dealing' was a big word, talking was a better one. She disliked conflict.

Disliking conflict conflicted with trying to be more tough. The female was always terribly kind. Her warm voice was probably wanted by most mothers. But lately she realized that being kind didn't always helped. Scarlett wasn't so great at being mean. The woman was so in thought that she almost missed those volcanic eyes staring at her. She happened to just glance that way as she caught a scent. Her blood red eyes fell into the other's eyes. She was a bit shocked at first. She wanted to greet him kindly, but then she realized that is not being tough, right? Should she even start a conversation? The troubled female ended up stopping in her path and just staring at the other. Great, now she was probably seen as a weirdo.

Had the wolverine been of some renown, he might have rushed her as soon as their eyes met. However, nothing resembling defiance or dominance welled within her. Quite the opposite, in fact; gazing into him, torn between inviting and inaction. She did not know what to do with this new presence. Tatsuya did, acting where she remained inert. Stepping forth from his verdure cover did the Epsilon reveal himself, stately and stoic. Some greens have found recluse within his silken hackles and springy mane. He shook to be rid of them, approaching Scarlett with bewitching eyes and deliberate strides. Halting a safe distance away (about seven feet), he inspected this curiosity audaciously.
INDENTShe had these carmine gems for eyes, stippled with maroon and red. An uncommon color that could lead inferior beings into a trance. Her coat advised northern heritage but her muscular structure – while petite – hinted something else. Her ears drove home his hunch that she was not, in fact, of Arctic blood. They were too long, and not as insulated a northerner's was.
INDENTIn his time surveying her many attributes, she may have taken the time to inspect him too. He was a lot to take in in the literal sense, looking every bit a mindless brute. It was these misconceptions that aided him in understanding others. Dullards were generally looked down upon. For good reason, save for some rare cases. But that plucky gleam in his eye suggested he was not some lumpish, insentient beast. He may come off as base now but it was for a good reason. The carriage and distinctiveness of wolves conveyed much in elementary motions and sounds. Words might prove useful in some settings but Scarlett's dubiety called to his baser nature.
INDENTKapvik extended his neck as far as physically possible, nostrils spasming ravenously for scent. Many have left their mark upon her, but from this distance, they were ambiguous. Experimentally, he slowly placed one paw forward as if to say may I come closer? The question need not be answered by words. Actually, he would much rather not hear her speak at all. Not unless it was through comprehensible postures.

Scarlett stepped away from the bush she saw the eyes. It didn't take long for the other to decide for her. A big sized wolf wolf came from the bushes, that was something she hadn't expected. He was far bigger than her, which was clear to see. She was reminded by Burke of Black Feather woods. He was big too, and Raziel was also fairly large. Her red eyes scanned over the other. His scent was different from any pack she scented before, or had she? She wasn't certain so she wasn't making any judgements. Scarlett was the last wolf to judge anyone really. She had befriended the dark queen Meldresi after all, Burke's mate. Plus this male might look like a brute but he could be an intellectual for all she knows. At least he wasn't attacking her so that was nice. Scarlett decided that she needed more training in being tough. Though she had a feeling that she would never be tough looking.

Her eyes fell on the dark furred paw moving forward. Her ears fell back, unsure for a brief moment. But then the female sat and dipped her nose down. He was sniffing her out, and Scarlett was doing the same now. Her nose clearly moving, trying to find out if she had ever scented this before or not. What pack was he from? He smelled strongly of other wolves so he must be in a pack, just like that she scented of her pack and especially her babies. There was no clear scent of a mate since Kove was mostly gone, and she didn't allow Raziel to put that kind of scent mark on her yet. By sitting down the female made clear that she allowed him to come closer. She raised her chin a bit though. She was from an upper rank, the beta female. She should behave like one, instead of a submissive runt of the pack.

Even more ambivalence. Kapvik was beginning to think she fell short of a wolf's innate disposition. She quickly put that assumption to rest, inviting him nearer. Were they in a communal setting, he would have charged her for that lifted chin. But these lands had no ruler and she, no power. Not here. Kapvik neglected her display in lieu of slowly drawing nigh. His nape burred and he barred his throat by lowering his muzzle. This proximity between two strangers was rife with risk. She does not know him and he has only just begun to know her. For all Kapvik knew, she could be putting on an act. What for? To kill him, of course. After all, he was a competitor. For food and for able bodied recruits. Kapvik knew their scriptures, but he did not always obey them. If he wanted to kill her, he would not have revealed himself. Would she realize this even as his nose teased the hairs of her scruff, her ribs?
INDENTHe would be peaceable towards her. Would remain so she did not make any sudden moves.
INDENTThe many scents her coat withheld was revealed to him. She has pups (recently if the teats were anything to go by), she has a pack, she has rank (Alpha or Beta?), and she has met up with a lot of wolves. A social butterfly? It that what she was? To have so many mark her...Kapvik did not shelter more than three scents, at most! Given the petulance between Iqniq and himself, Kapvik made it a point to avoid touching him or his markers. Iqniq kept his distance as well. He has been more absent of late with Tartok's newfangled initiates, but then, so has Tonravik. That bothered him. The Alpha Female frazzled his nerves from time to time, but he savored her fellowship. More so now that he reverted to feral mannerisms in part to Arverk's absence. Ah, but she was doing her job as was expected of her right now: protecting and nourishing her pups. Didn't mean he could not miss her.
INDENTDone deciphering Scarlett's aroma, Kapvik stepped away from her. Cordial enough to keep him within her sights, he backed up to hold her gaze. Any mistrustful hints faded from him now, fur smoothing back into its glossy state. Canting his head to the side inquisitively, he broke the silence. Only so much could be disclosed in bearing and perception.
INDENT“What's a mother doing away from her cubs?”

Scarlett liked to think she was a social butterfly when she was a Duskier Glacier she had made a lot of friends in the packs by wondering. Ever since she was kicked out and started her own pack there wasn't much time for that anymore. But the female was a very chatty wolf. She would make sure to chat with everyone in the pack. She had been alpha at first, and not a very good one. She was more of a follower than a leader. Once she had the babies she stepped down to Beta. It was so much easier. She had more time for her young.

Scarlett tugged a smile on her lips when he mentioned her babies. Maybe she should have been offended or distant but there wasn't really any denying that she wasn't a mother. Plus her babies were so cute, she had to smile when she thought of them. "A proactive mother that likes to hunt herself to feed her young," she explained. She didn't think it was a crime to leave them alone. They were surrounded by other wolves. She was lucky to have pup-sitters and there was a river between the den and the only exit of the valley. They could only roam one side of their lands. It was perfect, at least Scarlett thought so.

"But I can see you aren't a mother hunting for young. Are you just scouting the area or also keen to get a meal?," she tried to joke a bit, her voice so warm instead of distant. Oh right. She shouldn't be nice to strangers. She shouldn't care about them. Being tough was so difficult!

Kapvik meant no offense. Could have worded that question better though. Good job genius. He has never claimed to be a savant in social matters. Meeting others was his favorite activity. Within each and every one of them lied new causes and new designs just waiting to be brought to light. Stripping motive and reason by the gentlest pinprick of emotionalism...it was art and his craft. Living with Tonravik and her ilk did not afford many opportunities in which he could ply his trade, but it was no less rewarding when it happens.
INDENT“Actually, I'm searching for someone.” What better way to pinpoint Arverk's whereabouts than asking the locals? “Have you seen a wolf blundering 'round anywhere? Black fur, ocean blue eyes, scar on his left flank? Bleeding to death?” That last one may have been over the top. The evidence was overwhelming sadly.

Scarlett's face fell slowly into a frown. Bleeding to death? Nope she didn't saw such a being. The description did remind her of Meldresi but she had a blue violet color eyes, she had a wound on her side, but wasn't bleeding to death. Plus this male spoke about a male not a female. "I did not. If it was bleeding to death then he might have passed already," she spoke, trying to think logically. That reminded her that she should visit the mate of her best friend, Burke. He could toughen her up for sure.

"Was he your friend or foe?," she asked out of curiosity. Maybe there was an interesting story behind this, Scarlett wouldn't mind a story. It would give her something to think about. Her red eyes fell into the male's volcanic eyes. He was interesting her for some reason, maybe it was because he didn't reveal much. Mystery was always making her curious. She had no clue that this male was their new neighbor.

Her halcyon, upbeat countenance waned to curiosity. Arverk's disappearance was not a subject open to discussion. It pained him to think about it, let alone speak about it. Scarlett drove a stake right into the heart of his pain. Acquitted verses that stung like fangs laced in poison. There was a finality in her words that could not be disputed.
INDENTOutwardly, Kapvik's mien hardened. Stoicism came to him naturally; a reliable pretense to hide depression. But what's the point in being emotionless right now? Truly, there was no reason. Scarlett did not run with him. She was not connected to the activities (or lack thereof) in Sawtooth Spire. She held no sway there, nor affiliation. This and this alone caused a suspire to shudder past his lips, a insouciant “yeah” thrown in to equalize the grief. Scarlett would pick up on this, however. There was no way she could not.
INDENT“Pack mate, actually.” Friendship was an unfit (and tenuous) term for his lacking brother-in-arms. Kapvik felt as though Arverk's nonattendance left a hollow in his happiness, raw and resounding. The Roman had been a half to his whole; a stable, tried and true fellow who might have spoke up for him if the contention between Iqniq and himself boiled over again. And it will happen. One way or another, he will clash with Tonravik's mate again. It's only a matter of time. But here and now, the wolverine did not have the drive to fight with anyone. Least of all the ember. The whale's absence wore away at his determination, his defiance. Course this might tie in with Iqniq's coming and going.
INDENT“What a mess,” he sighed, sunburst regard locking with Scarlett's crimson ones. Wait...did he just speak? Shit. “Don't ask.” It was not any of her business, really. “So. Yeah.” He was the epitome of social finesse, having mastered the art at a young age. He has also perfected bullshitting apparently. Urgh. Here comes the awkwardness. Hello darkness, my old friend...

Scarlett's perfectly shaped ears perked up curiously at the sudden sad tone. Her empathic nature instantly felt the sadness. Her eyes turned a bit sad too, so show that she was feeling it along with this male. This poor thing! He lost his pack mate! Part of his family probably. Scarlett had no strong connections with her family, her biological family, but her Bearclaw Family was really close to her and she would mourn when a member would pass. Her mind went to Néa. Scarlett remembered the time that she went looking for her, the endless searching was still fresh on her mind.

Scarlett hopped on her four paws with such little effort and she trotted forward to give him a lick over his muzzle before tiptoeing back again. He was still a stranger but Scarlett shared a moment with him and she liked to share that she cared. She completely forgot to be super tough. This male was going through something she went through. She just smiled warmly, looking so kind. Her red eyes kept on the male. She wasn't going to ask him anything or to pry. The lick was more that she appreciated that he shared something with her, and to show that she knew what he was feeling. And maybe also to give him a bit of comfort. "I tell you what. I looked for a packmate for two months if not more, I gave up hope and then suddenly she reappeared again. Heavily injured but alive. So don't lose hope!," she spoke with a positive tone. Raziel would probably have a ballistic fit if he would know that she was out licking strangers, correction, she was totally comforting him.

Empathetic or not, Scarlett's closeness made him jump. What? What is she –Her assuasive tongue brushed across his muzzle, leaving a wet heat behind before tiptoeing away. Astonishment trumped awkwardness. W-what? Torpidly, her words barely reached him. Kapvik looked down, wide eyed and rattled, not knowing what to say, think, or do. The woman before him was little more than a stranger and yet she was consoling him? He has turned to the wilds in search of his friend. It was the perfect time to grieve, away from the faultfinding eyes of his pack mates. To them, emotion was weakness. In some circumstances, the wolverine would wholeheartedly agree, but now? Kapvik did not need nor want such abrasiveness. He needed compassion and certainty.
INDENTNo one back home has approached him to bestow either. True, he has not spent as much time there lately but neither has he averted their fellowship. Why would he? Rather, he is greeted by distance each time he slips back into Tartok's borders. No addressing, no sureness. Nothing. And yet, he prevailed. Why? Isn't it obvious? I don't fucking need their approval. Nanuk could stay up Iqniq's ass since she obviously preferred to be there. Echelon...well, he has no dispute with her, but her continued aloofness was unbecoming. Aegeus was a vagrant who rarely took part in providing for the pack. Tonravik...there was nothing wrong with her. Ever. She might be blind to her innermost circle's actus reus – and he may have to spell it out for her in the future – but she has done nothing to curry disfavor from the Epsilon. She and she alone is what made him stay.
INDENTSome might say he even loved her.
INDENT“Um...” Frantic, trembling eyes looked into Scarlett's own. What should he say? What should he do? Closing his eyes, he took a profound breath before letting it go with a mitigated smile, eyes reopening. All the polarity, the strain – melted away in that moment. “Thanks. I...needed that.” More than you'll ever know.

Scarlett almost had to giggle at the look that the male was giving her. He was clearly not used to any type of affection or comfort. Maybe more the latter than the first. She sat down and curled her white tail around her paws, she looked rather cute and adorable like that. Scarlett almost looked proud with what she had done. When his words confirmed that he needed that she smiled warmly. She knew it! She might throw 'toughening' her self up out the window because her kindness now might make her live another day. "You are welcome," she hummed happily. Her tail patted lightly against the ground.

"You almost looked scared for a moment," she admitted. "I get that you don't want to talk about it but, if you want to I am listening," the girl offered. "If not, that is also okay. I'm glad I could make you feel better though," she hummed, smiling again. She was like a ball of sunshine. This was something she vowed to herself when she was at Duskfire. She would want to be the shining or guiding light in other's life. She realized that now. How could she even forget that?! By making herself more 'tough' she would only dim that light, right?

Looking away, he timidly derived Scarlett's movements, sitting and wrapping his tail around his lower region. Willingly he has disclosed this vulnerability, but that did not bar the possibility of assault. Kapvik was predisposed, always on the offense. Be it by teeth or tongue, he was ready to return it twofold. So common were these occurrences fresh out of High Moon that he began to grow accustomed to backhanded comments and blatant abuse. Thankfully, he grew up in the span of a few months, finding his worth in a rogue's lifestyle. That was when he realized no other could slander him. No, not anymore.
INDENTGlutton. Idiot. Weakling. Being alone had its merits. You did not have to bow your head to no one or to any single campaign. You could live as freely, as chaotically as you want. No scriptures or principles to live by. It was just you against the world. In those moments of living alone and sustaining oneself did Kapvik find who he once was and much more. He hunted and ate when and where he could. This did not make him a glutton, but a survivalist. He experimented with herbs and poisons, he used tricks to keep himself alive, he avoided costly scenarios and situations...He was the farthest thing from a fool. As for being powerless...that was self explanatory.
INDENT“I'll keep that in mind,” he verbalized bashfully, gaze going back and forth between her bushy tail and her blood jewel eyes. It was nice to have someone to talk to, seeing as his preferent pack mates were in currently engaged, missing...or dead. He swallowed thickly at the thought of a dead or dying Arverk; made him starve for the tenebrous depths of his den. There, no one could witness him mourn. There, he could attain some semblance of peace. Within and without. “I-I think I should be heading back, but, uh...will I be able to seek you out? If I need you, I mean.” Gods. He sounded like a lost pup in front of it's mother, famished for attention.
INDENT“Never mind. I'll just...go...after I get a name.” How could he forget? Scatterbrain. “I'm Tatsuya.”

Scarlett smiled warmly when the male asked her how to reach her if he wanted to talk she would always be open for it. She even saw it as a compliment. Her red eyes scanned him for a moment. "Nice to meet you Tatsuya," she spoke with a hint of a smile. "I am Scarlett, Beta Female of Bearclaw valley. We are located south-west of Wapun meadow. There will be a valley with steep rocky walls. There is only one entrance and it is difficult to find. Though if you howl into the valley it will echo throughout and I will hear you," she explained on the same calm tone.

Her kind eyes traveled over him once more. "Now you know my name and where to find me. Be warned because the Alpha is rather protective of me," she spoke, almost looking amused. The idea of having Raziel react to an outsider male howl for her might get on his nerves. Hopefully she would see him again. She wouldn't mind giving him some more advise. She got back on her fours and wagged her tail in a gentle manner. "See you," she greeted a goodbye.

So cordial, so warm. Was she like this with everyone? Surely not every wolf appreciated her kindness for what it was...Then again, Tatsuya believed the populace of Teekon Wilds to be savage or crooked individuals. Being a loner, underhandedness was a must so that could be excused. In any other situation, the wolverine would trust them as far as he could throw them. That was likely never going to change.
INDENTShe was Scarlett, Beta to Bearclaw Valley. A most fitting name, but Beta? Maybe this Bearclaw Valley did not demand gruffness and violence to move up in the world. Each pack was different after all. It just so happens that Tatsuya's pack required these things. Tonravik wanted to run a conventional pack, no? Traditional was all she understood. But her underlings – all of them – were the farthest thing from time-honored. He and many others were a testament to how multifaceted 'traditional' truly was. The Epsilon wouldn't change it for the world, either.
INDENT“Okay, Scarlett.” Ghost of a smile tugged at his lips as she turned to leave. “Safe travels,” he called after her, rising onto all fours. He knew where Wapun Meadow was, but this Alpha she spoke of was cause for concern. Tatsuya would not come close to this Bearclaw Valley. He would not even dare skirt their borders. To do so invited opposition and that is the last thing he wanted. Turning around, he padded deeper into Blackfoot Forest, resuming his search for Arverk while also heading home.