The grey-scaled stone happened to be making her way through the territory when she picked up on an unfamiliar scent. It wouldn't take too long for her to catch another wolf's voice as she padded through the growth. Something about being lost? Ira slowed as she made her way closer, eventually spotting the lighter coated female. She would trot out, her tail raised as she approached. Halt, who travels here? If you are just passing through it would benefit you to know that you are currently passing through pack grounds. If you need assistance making your way out of the territory I can ensure you make it on your way.
Hearing that this...strange wolf was among their ranks, Ira lowered her tail although she did keep it out. A new wolf? I see...I must have missed you then, I've been keeping myself rather preoccupied.
Maybe it should be known when we have newcomers joining us. You may call me Ira. Were you exploring the territory? You can follow me on my patrol if you wish to see more.
Usually the female would have preferred doing this alone, but she hasn't run into any wolves she really enjoyed the company of yet aside from Valette. Plus if this wolf was with Easthollow now, she should at least make the effort to know her new packmate.
She cast her eyes away at the comment about her name. Thank you--
I picked it myself... Well, you aren't too far away from the border. If you follow me I can take you to the edge. How long have you been with Easthollow?
She turned now heading back through the forest to return to her usual path around the territory. As she walked she would rub up a few trees or mark spots along the border, every now and then glancing back to make sure Aerasha was keeping up.
The grey female looked back puzzled, You do not know when you arrived here?
Perhaps something was wrong with this wolf. She was acting rather strange and her voice carried an unusual, almost teasing tone.
"I had aaa mountain carry meeee here.~"
That caused the wolf to pause in her tracks. Ira spun around ready to inspect the other female or even propose she was sick off of something until Aerasha continued. Greyback-- She felt repulsed by the name, even more so at the idea of him being "cute". The look on her face probably echoed her thoughts as she tried to repress the urge to vomit. Let me guess. The mountain is Greyback? Do not waste your time even breathing the same air as him.
The grey female could only roll her eyes at the other girl, although... she never did take a good sniff at him. Ira shook her head, No it's not that. The reasoning is mostly personal, I'll admit that much, but he's not as great as everyone seems to believe.
She cast a side glance back at the cream colored wolf. If you have high opinions of him, I will not try to change your mind as it would look bad on my part, but I will warn you to watch your back. He might not hurt you directly, but he is bound to do something foolish.
She hummed at Ira's comment, "buuttt," Aerasha started, "isn't ittt, tiring to watch yourr baack over a mountain man?~" She didn't know their past, but personally would've find it too tiring to constantly watch her own back. She wasn't taking the warning seriously either, as she made a comment with a carefree tone. Nothing comes from being stressed.
"Heeeey, have you seen these floowers thouugh?~" And she of course, already went off track and wandered herself toward a patch of blue flowers. They smelled nice, and were quite pretty.
The female snorted at Aerasha's comment. I've grown use to watching over myself. It has been more handy than not.
It was clear her words did not matter, but that didn't really matter. She gave her warning and that's all she intended to do. Ira noticed the lack of footsteps following and turned only to see the cream colored wolf wandering off talking about flowers. Excuse me? Is there actually something wrong with your head?
The grey wolf sighed as she too wandered off her path to follow after her packmate.
Ira's confusion only grew as she watched the other female. Everything about her was offputting and she had never encountered another wolf like her. One who swayed while they walked or spoke in such an airy way. When Aerasha finally spoke, Ira's questions only continued to storm her mind. 'Enjoying life' was not a response to if something was wrong with you and now the stone colored wolf could only look to their surroundings hoping this was some bad prank or looking for literally anyone else who could handle the other wolf.
Ira was well aware that she was not the best when it came to these situations. She was never one for consoling and she had never dealt with a challenged wolf (assuming Aerasha might be) until now. Perhaps we should head back towards the rest of the pack? The patrol can wait a while longer...
The tall stone gave a small shake of her head. I have far too much to do for me to lay around and relax. If you wish to rest you should stick closer to the pack.
Ira grimaced to herself as she pondered just leaving to continue on with her patrol, but if something was wrong with the coffee wolf, then it would be on her head if something were to happen to her. Unfortunately, that made her decision clear.
Perhaps giving in and allowing Aerasha to lead her off somewhere would get whatever was in her system out. Then she could take the lighter colored wolf back towards the stone circle and continue on her with her life. It was not her ideal use of her time, but it might be a way out. Ira sighed closing her eyes, Although, if you know of a place nearby I suppose it would not hurt to take a small detour.
Andddd they were back to the beginning. She could only sigh as she hung her head in defeat. Fine. Sure. We can go on a walk through the forest, perhaps even mark some of the borders while we are at it.
The stone wolf hated how this whole situation just went in a full circle. Why was she even bothering? She could probably walk away and lose the other wolf to the clone forest.
she knew at this point there was no use fighting the female. She knew it and it pained her that she was stuck with either an incompetent or sick wolf. Luckily the coffee colored wolf did not know her way around the territory as well as her so she could probably swing “wandering” with her usual route... minus some obstacles.
when she was addressed again, Ira turner an ear to listen and think over the question. What were her likes? Did the carefree wolf mean her hobbies or relationships? Truth be told she didn’t really have either. If she had to like something it was her work, she loved being busy. It made her feel complete like she had a purpose and was filling her role in the world.
She knew some saw her as a stick in the mud because of this, but she really didn’t have another answer. Aside from her trip to easthollow and days as a pup, she’s always busied herself for the betterment of her pack. I don’t follow...I like helping my pack if that counts. Fighting always gave me a rush as well.
The female snorted at the proposed idea. To her, a rivalry was really only used between kids and someone fighting for the attention of a possible future lover. Both of these were not applicable to the mountain wolf. For what? Sparring? In that case it would be a sparring partner and no rivalry would benefit me or the pack, so no.
Ira pressed her cheek up against a tree as they moved, grateful to be back on her path. Aerasha was proving to be a challenge, but at least she was close to the great stones that marked Easthollow's inner territory and the end of her patrol.