forward dated a few days since she was just at rosing's borders
Disappointed that her trip across the Wilds had proved fruitless, Starbuck went next to where her heart told her. Donnelaith, by the sea, where the wolf-witch Deirdre lived.
She arrived at nightfall, the last of vestiges of a brilliant sunset bleeding, pale, into the horizon. Stars were visible above, a cornicopia of stars whose constellations weaved a thousand stories of a thousand heroes and monsters. The stars held the hopes and history of every beast that had looked up and seen stories in the sky. Starbuck drew from that power and used it to bolster herself and, when she felt steady, she tipped her nose to the sky and called for whomever led Donnelaith's attention.
Even at night th guardian didn't stop his trek. His path was becoming familiar, knowing when to step over a branch or root as he had in Poughkeepsie. The call caught his attention and he circled back from where he had just been to intercept the female. She was smaller than he was, which was not a surprise at all. As he approached he'd he was silent, his blue eyes combing her figure for any injuries. He could find none which was a comfort given the last creatures to press upon their borders.
"You called?" Castiel asked, deep voice a little rough and gravely. He wasn't cruel by any meals, but he wasn't soft spoke either.
As she waited, Starbuck hummed to herself and gazed up at the stars. It was uncomfortable, sometimes, to crane her neck so, but she delighted in the crystalline beauty of the night sky. And besides, she did not have to wait for long.
The wolf that emerged eclipsed her greatly in size. This was no small feat, but he was notably larger. Still, she was unafraid. After all, this was the pack where Deirdre lived, and she had come with good intentions. I did,
Starbuck said, bowing low to show her respect. I seek to join you and yours, if you will have me.
The stars were beautiful - it was without a doubt. Castiel never strayed too far from a place he could see the stars, his eyes fondly shifting from the heavens back down to the earth where the stranger was respectfully bowing to him. That was a good sign. The last one he had greeted had not. Immediately Castiel was pleased by the prospect; he was not vain however he was particular about rules and respect.
"We might have space, but I am curious - what prospects do you have for our pack?' Castiel asked, blue eyes shifting across her form again - as if somehow he might draw the information he sought with just his gaze alone.
Starbuck watched with keen eyes as the Donnelaith wolf glanced between her and the stars. The question was a standard one when one approached a pack, seeking membership. Just as due respect was a standard. Starbuck answered gladly. Do you, too, take delight in the stars?
she asked, the question rhetorical. Then, you are wise to. They are privy to much more than we are. With skill you can coax their secrets from them. This I am skilled at, as well as plantlore and the healing arts. I can give much and more to Donnelaith, if you will have me.
She finished with a soft smile and hoped that she would be enough. She was so tired of being alone.
Aria arrives late-- again, and as usual, it seemed-- and takes her place beside Castiel. She gives him a friendly nudge on the shoulder before listening to the others skills. "A naturalist, then?" she offers the woman, her ears pricking with interest. They had a number of those-- she thought. Perhaps this woman would be an asset... or was it just mandatory that she accepted everyone into their borders? Regardless, she saw no reason against it.
She waits now, for Castiel to speak or for the woman to further address her rank, displayed in her stiff posture and raised tail.
The guardian couldn't say aloud that he bought into the mystics. He couldn't admit such a thing with his pride still on the line and his job intact. He knew whispers of how some of the pack felt and behaved but it was nothing he had witnessed first hand. Instead he focused on the words she offered after, of the tasks she could complete and what they would offer Donnelaith. Aria made her quiet approach and Castiel gave her a little nod of greeting. "Ma'am," He offered quietly. "The naturalist hasn't offered a name, yet." Though it was said with a good natured tone - they hadn't gotten that far yet.
Another wolf arrived, a she-wolf white as the clouds above and the snows of winter. She was beautiful, a quality Starbuck had begun to associate with the women of Donnelaith. From the way she held herself and the deference awarded to her by the male that had greeted her.
I am more than a naturalist, my lady, though my skills may encompass such a skill. I am a Seer,
Starbuck corrected. Here she ducked lower, so as not to seem rude, and smiled sweetly at them both. I am Starbuck. I do not fight well, but I can care for your young and your wounded.
"Donnelaith does not fight," is the first thin the alphess says. The words come as somewhat bitter, and perhaps this confuses them both, but it is not their place to ask right now. "We guard our territory and care for others. We are a sanctuary." It is clear, after this comment, that her demeanor has changed.
"I am Aria January, this is Castiel. You are welcomed inside our borders with open arms-- do your best to maintain Donnelaith's ideals." This time, her words come as monotone, and she does not offer the gentle touch that she always does. Instead, she gives a soft dip of her head and gives Castiel another nudge on the shoulder before she turns and heads back into the territory-- tail twitching irritably.
If he wanted, Castiel could show her around, he knew that. She didn't need to tell him anything he didn't already know.
last for me. sorry, aria's sorta salty lately... welcome!!
Castiel noted the change in her demeanor and was silent. His gaze shifted briefly from Aria back to Starbuck before he gave a curt nod. He didn't know Aria well enough to question how she was or if she needed something - instead all he could do was wait for her decision. in the end she decided to accept Starbuck - she had no reasoning to reject the female after all.
When Aria departed he offered a little nod towards the forest. "If you'd like, ma'am?" He offered before leading her further into the packland.
Last post for me! Welcome :3
thanks for the thread!!!
At Aria's words, Starbuck dipped her head lower, her body lowering into further submission. She did not know what she had done to displease the woman, but it was clear in her tone and her body language. Irritation was writ in her every word and every twitch of her tail, and only when she left did Starbuck raise herself up.
She recovered quickly, attributing Aria's displeasure to some other woe based on the reaction of Castiel. With a little roll of her shoulders, she smiled pleasantly.
I would be delighted. You are kind to show me about.
And with that, she followed him into her new home.