She was back home again after her latest venture. What was next? Time to check back on those at home. Okay, wasn't like she'd just gotten back, she'd been back, had a night's sleep and was now back towards the borders for patrol. Though her trip had been blessed with reasonable weather, it had seemed like she'd made it back in time to meet the storm. Not that she was sure if the rain was going to get any worse, too early to tell -- the snow had thinned at least.
And regardless of the weather, there was work to be done. Borders, hunts to plan. All that. An ordinary day before she'd get to decide how to put this pack together one way or another. They were so close, and had been for so long. What else was needed? She'd give it a thought as she prowled along.
Valdemar is getting used to being a home-body, while others were fretting about and hard at work, the hybrid took to enjoying the change of pace; striving to be diligent and picking up habits that he’d long forgotten with his trips on the road.
Nomadic life is quite different, but he finds he prefers this a lot more.
Going about an adventure, he manages to bump into one of Legion’s, the big boss herself. An eyebrow quirks, and the bear-like wolf treads forth with an easy-going grin.
Workin’ hard I see,
he says in lieu of a greeting; Anythin’ I could help out with? Or maybe I could keep ya company.
Arbiter still wondered about her daughter's tastes -- and motives -- but she'd at least gone and done something for the pack, so that was far better than some of the others. Spook at least tried to hunt, but it was all small things -- Brou was still playing catch-up in the grand scheme of life.
But the one her daughter had recruited was now joining Arbiter, it seemed. She nodded to him as he approached, watching him with cool curiosity, Always am. It's what's needed.
Arbiter was a creature of routine and duty. How unsurprising that it was her answer. She looked ahead then, at the section of border that would be her path today. You can join me on patrol if you wish, if you don't mind the rain. Perhaps you can tell me what you seek in your future.
It was such an open ended request, but it was one that she did her best to ask all those under her leadership.
Makes sense, lotta pressure on your shoulders.
Valdemar notes it, but it is far from a bad thing. Arbiter wears the badge of leadership well—he figures that even if she weren’t at the helm, the work would never end for her. Eventually she’d be at the top. That’s just the sorta vibes he got.
Sure, rain never hurt me before. Doubt it would today,
he jests, and gestures for her to lead the way. As for her interest in his future? Well, Valdemar basically explained that bit to the little miss already, and doesn’t see any harm in being open about it.
Wanted to join Legion here to settle down a bit. I was with a nomadic pack before, we never really stopped movin’. The life was fun, but it ain’t me anymore. So my future here? I’m hopin’ to do my part, see where I fit—chase out anyone who doesn’t, and maybe find someone to start a family with.
How ‘bout you? What do you want outta Legion?
Outta us loyal subjects.
Or did Brou have taste? His reply drew another careful glance from her. He wanted children, hm? Well, he'd certainly have to prove himself -- or at least he certainly would have to Arbiter herself was involved, if Jomyo, she expected that the scout probably had standards of her own. Couldn't have followers melting.
Her ideas for Legion were sort of hard for her to put to words -- it was one of those things where she'd know it was right when she got there. How would she phrase it? I grew up in an army. I want to build that dedication and loyalty again, that respect, even if it's not the same sort of banner. All those here will be here to learn and improve, to become great. Even those who might not be warriors. A place for my children.
Which was a bit of a touchy subject still at times to her -- Terance, even if now she just assumed he was gone for good. She took the moment to lower her head to examine the scents along the main game trail that lead across the borders here. If he didn't have a comment, she'd have a question to ask once she was sure she kept her tongue in check.
An army, eh? It makes him think back to Rothskel, where everyone sorta involved themselves with military exercises once upon a time—depending on how fortunate you were, or in most cases, on the potential in physical prowess.
‘Cept he hopes that Legion goes without the slavery bit—too much of that around the Empire sunk anyone’s spirit.
The military was a big thing back where I grew up, too, most who had the potential were enlisted—not all out of their own will, but… sounds like Legion is more than just desire for warring. A home to untap that unknown potential in people, eh?
As Arbiter dips her head, Valdemar mirrors—a purposeful move. His nostrils flare, and the lingering scent of deer lurks on their path.
Arbiter probably did need to figure out a better way to describe the pack. "Army" was apparently a particularly loaded word -- but how was she to otherwise explain it? She knew what she knew.
She scraped at the earth -- the smell of wet dirt was nice, but the overall dampness from the melt and rain buried the older scents a bit. She spoke as she did so. My father was a warlord, I was trained to follow in his footsteps. But here, in the Teekons? There isn't particularly much use for a true army. Just the ability to bring together the proper soldiers if danger is near. Many here are quiet, tame. I know fighters, if a person isn't going to be one but they are otherwise loyal, they can at least be good at something else. A different spread of strength, I suppose.
A look to the outside world. Work with what's provided, make the best of it.
She moved along. Next spot ahead.
A sort of sigh as she thought, I want to build loyalty. Kinship, if not all by blood. Build what a pack should be
It’s a lot of useful information at once. Valdemar soaks it in, trained ears and memory doing it’s work—by now, you’d think stories would start to muddle together in his brain, but those worth hanging onto he remembers in clear detail.
I like the sound of that,
he compliments, lips broaden into a bigger grin. Not after conquering the entire Wilds, eh?
A quiet joke, but nonetheless a curious interest that Valdemar wants to sus out before he gets too comfy with the way things are. He moves in step with her, striding towards the next spot with ease.
They moved along the border here, a delay at the odd bush here and there, a stop to scrape at the ground. It was all fairly typical stuff. Where a grove crossed the border up ahead would be more of a delay, but thus far there was no sign of anyone coming near to trespassing or otherwise marring the pack borders.
An amused snort, I don't think it'd even be worth it -- most other packs nearby are meek and resources here are plentiful. There isn't a reason to try. It's better to just focus on ourselves.
A pause, Besides, there's enough to figure out here in the short term. Of those of you who joined recently, it needs to be decided where you all stand.
She looked to him to see if he'd give a hint of just how intently he might be interested, Much of that is up to what you do, the choices you make. A few that left have opened up more opportunities than there otherwise might have been.
But would it entice him to do more? She didn't know. She just knew that there was only so much time out there to work in.
Not out for world domination, that’s a nice sign. He can bury his heels deep in the Bypass—though where Arbiter pointed, he’d go if need be, it’s nice to get a feel that he’d be able to settle as planned.
Opportunities, eh? What might they be?
He is intrigued, had planned to pull his weight and then some. After all, Valdemar’s muscles aren’t just for show, he’d take to lifting a couple wolves on his back if need be. Fortunately their patrol has been quiet, casual—the rain pouring on, but it’s nice to see others are respecting Legion’s boundaries.
The trees got closer. At the closest she paused, sniffing at its base. There were some scents missing from it that she wished had been present. How unsurprising. A fresh mark of her own on top of it before she started towards the next one.I always try reward those who work for the pack. I lead alone. I wasn't planning to. Eventually, I will fill those ranks beside me, but that's long term. Shorter term, the way I want to arrange things, there are several lower tiers and several that will assist with other organization there. Stepping stones. I appreciate those who seek more and are willing to work for it.
As long as they respected her supreme authority. There was no wiggle room there.
When in doubt, be bold. With my mate gone, I have to look again for someone to sire my pups.
A more pointed look to him. But that isn't a quick choice.
If there was more time, he'd certainly be far more selective. Perhaps next year she could make a good game out of it. Right now she was trapped again in the universe of "the best she could find."
Sorry for the wait! Not used to the long work shifts & adjusting to running around doing the drive up orders LOL Next two days I am off though so I should be quick to reply during them!
Nearing the bundle of trees, Arbiter takes to the nearest, so Valdemar adventures to the next—inspecting with his large nose before he adjusts his position and lifts a leg. It helps to get the patrol going further, and partly why he is here. The main reason rests on wanting to learn more about her.
I can promise you I’ll be workin’ hard, doin’ my part at the very least, but you can point me in any direction and I’ll go.
He says, a touch cheeky with a wink that follows his inital response. What follows after catches him by surprise, however, enough that the hybrid pauses in step.
After meeting Brouhaha, he’d thought Arbiter was shacked up already—though he hadn’t met the Mister, so… yeah, that sorta makes sense. He feels bad knowing what mateship bonds can be like, but it’s… also an opportunity that he is interested in snatching.
Well, don’t gotta look too far.
He jests at first, and makes it obvious with his expression. Definitely worth thinkin’ about and seein’ who works best for you though. I’m sure you got lotsa options, but if it matters any, I may be interested in throwin’ myself in. I’ll be around for “long term”, so it ain’t gotta be a rush decision.
They ought to get to know each other outside their professional attitudes first, too.
No prob! I shall attempt to get my brain all functional again so I can post too XD
So eager to please.
Good. I'll be looking forward to seeing you demonstrate your skills.
She continued to weave her way around, checking for signs of other wolves besides those she knew. She added with a little humor,
Feel free to impress me, I won't mind.
His choice as to how. A sparring partner might not be bad...
The reactions between the two men -- it had seemed that Kaertok was only interested in the practical, short term side of things if that. Valdemar did have the disadvantage of being a relatively new member... But if he was planning on staying around, perhaps he was an option she should shape the way she wanted for next year -- assuming he didn't run off. It was worth contemplating.
Mm. I'm in no rush to gain a new mate, but short term may end up being more... practical than anything. -- What I know is that next spring will not be like this one has been.
She peered at him, curious,
Or do you only want to wait to see if you'd get a more typical family experience?
It would make her decision for her if one was only for short term and one only for long.
Sorry for the wait! Not used to the long work shifts & adjusting to running around doing the drive up orders LOL Next two days I am off though so I should be quick to reply during them!
Ah, he’ll keep that in mind. A waggle of his eyebrows is all that Valdemar gives in respond to her cheeky comment of impressing her. Perhaps he will be able to—it depends if Valdemar also wants to.
It is a commitment that he isn’t certain of, and he understand the necessity of not putting all of ones eggs in one basket. Arbiter does not know him in the same way he does not know her; he would not tie himself to the first woman he meets, but would rather enjoy the gradual development that could come if equally desired.
I’ll be honest, I’m after startin’ up a family and settlin’ down, but that don’t mean it has to be normal per se.
Valdemar has never experienced what many perceived as “normal”. His own household is different from others, and he’d been one of three raised by a single mother. But I’d prefer to be a father involved with my kid’s lives.
If that isn’t what Arbiter is after then, it wouldn’t work out for them—there are plenty of men out in the world willing to be a donor, a lusty night stand sort of relationship. Valdemar is more a family man that digs his heels in. He doesn’t have to love his wife in the way others do, but by damn he’ll love his kids and help raise them proper.
Had to edit based on other thread. squinty @ that
They were two very different men. Valdemar seemed more like Terance -- which was perhaps good and bad. What did that do her ability of trust? More questions. Risk another leaving like Terance, or take the safe option of knowing there would be no attachment there? Risk of injury versus convenience.
The other man in the pack who'd be in the running seems more businesslike about it all. So question becomes, do you risk doing things in the reverse order you'd prefer and run against him? Or do you take the other road and see what the future holds?
It was an interesting insight to who he might be. She stopped then and look back to him. The former would be if he was up for a challenge. Then again, Arbiter was a challenge in herself, wasn't she? Her tone was this sort of not quite playful but also totally flat. Some sort of nuance of humor.
It’s a lotta decisions to make all at once, but Valdemar’s always rolled with the punches. He goes with the flow more often than not, which is good and bad.
Nice as it would be to go about the traditional route of sweeping a gal off her feet, most don’t seem too keen on that,
he chuckles—glancing towards Arbiter. I don’t mind goin’ about it in an odd order so long as I could be a part of the kid’s lives as I mentioned—but I’m in the long haul unless someone sweeps me off my feet.
Or maybe, he’ll get to know Arbiter and find that his heart beats a touch fast for her. Who knows what the future holds.
Shall we wrap this one up? Can start a new one? >D
She wished she'd gone and had these discussions much earlier in the year. It would have been very nice to not feel like she'd be rushed to make a decision. But that was the way life was. She sniffed around another tree.
We shall have to see how things go, then. It did seem like you impressed my daughter at the very least, so doesn't seem like you're hopeless at least.
It was sort of teasing, but not overly so -- there were things she was intense about, but joking around wasn't one of them. Arbiter didn't have to worry about her daughter spawning a litter of puppies this year -- though it was something she'd have to keep in mind to warn the girl about in another eight to ten months or something. Probably not looking forward to that conversation either.
At least for now she didn't have too much more to ask, but there was more patrol to do. He was free to ask more on his end if he wanted.
Sounds great to me! Apologies on the delay. It's been rough recently due to the transition from one job to another LOL
He managed to secure a spot within Legion’s home, and for now, Valdemar can understand waiting to see how the situation unfolded. He is eager to further continue his own plans, but it is not one meant to be rushed.
There is that,
he says with a wink and a grin. Content to continue their patrol and learn more of who Arbiter is, he follows on.