since i didn't get a chance to reference it yet, germ has been hunting about in the tri pack area!
kvarsheim on the wind.
germanicus had not returned in some time, certainly not when he had seen that the path of the woman moss was meant for the stone circle.
but aquillius still healed, and so the eagle would not follow the witch.
the scent of gunnar's wolves came upon germanicus as he dragged the remains of a bear-killed fawn from the valley and into the meadow.
he meant it for ravens. he straightened at the sight of the lupine pair, making no effort to hide himself though he also did not approach.
The scraggily boy kept quiet the majority of the mission, only gruffing to grab Tauris's attention at the sake of pointing her towards something of interest.
He had not meant to stay long- but somehow here he was; A theif turned wolf of Kvarsheim. Gunnar had given a task and Ikaros took it with no objection. It was nice to be busy, even more so to felt needed. He can't remember the last time he felt such things.
but,
"No, unfortunately," his shoulders and neck were hunched forward in defeat. He hadn't seen hide, hair, nor scent of the wolf. Turthfully, ikaros knew very little of what the man smelled like let alone looked like.
"What is this about anyway?" he questioned, raising his head up from the earth to look towards Tauris.
She senses his hesitance, that which they share, and gives him a thin smile, remembering briefly the hunt for beavers in early springtide levity. What a difference the months have made for them both, and here they are, together again. This time hunting for wolf.
“A man residing as guest to Kvarsheim went out on a mission to track down a dangerous woman. She’s an active threat to a nearby allied pack, Swiftcurrent Creek. He lied about letting her go before disappearing, resulting in the injury of at least one Swiftcurrent wolf,” And a danger to her personal friend, Reverie, though she withheld this.
“As far as I know. I trust Gunnar and Taktuq to pass fair judgment.” She pauses then to look solemnly into the paleness of his blue eyes. “They are good, Íkaros.” She does not know why it is important for him to hear this, but it is.
Underfoot there’s a twist of rootlets, and something thicker upon the shed of air. Calf with a bundle of loose hairs, blood, and wolf. She draws the scents again, evaluating each one before seeking Íkaros’ endorsement with a throaty huff. Then she’s off, cutting through the veld, out into the noonday glow, tasting the tracks as they neared.
And suddenly, there is the ranger.
Right under their noses, unassuming and quiet, dark as the ravens that circle around him. He’s been a simple find, in the end. She isn’t sure if she should feel grateful, or disrespected. For he must know his sleight against the packs of this valley? Of course he does, why else disappear without word passed to Móðir or Faðir? Or the diplomats of the Creek? Or is this little clutch between teeth meant to curry peace and gloss over misgivings?
For the passing of one moment, they stand almost leveled in silence, her thoughts reflected only in the tip of a ticking tail. Is this not what she had sworn she would never do? To wave another wolf’s banners; fight his battles? Draw lines for “us” and “them”?
Only, then she thinks of Íkaros, of Gunnar and Taktuq. Of Skáld. The us worth protecting. Upon him she fixes her posture.
“Germanicus,” she addresses finally, raising to match his golden stare. “ You are wanted in connection with crimes against the pack of Swiftcurrent Creek. Your presence is demanded in Kvarsheim; Faðir requests to speak with you.” She bids her tail to half-mast and tempering her tone even as it threatens to waver upon delivery. In every way she and Íkaros are outclassed. If he wants to turn from them, he will do so.
He remained silent through Tauris's explanation, his blue eyes catching hers; an unspoken affirmation hung upon his dry lips.
Good wolves.
Ikaros imagined himself in Germanicus paws; Had their roles been reversed and Ikaros sent to track down Tauris, and in failing to do so would he too be branded as a traitor? His mouth felt fuzzy, his gut twisting in worry.
Wasn't Germanicus a good wolf if he spared the life of another?
How close did Ikaros come to this man's fate upon stepping past the border and stealing food?
He reminded himself none of this mattered at the moment. They had a job to do—and easy as it was to spot the wanted man, they weren't done. Not yet.
Watching with a covered gaze, head hung low to the earth in an attempt to hide the soft part of his neck less things get messy, Ikaros looked between the two. Tauris was strong, but he doubted she could take on a wolf of this size. Ikaros wasn't built for fighting, nor did he have any experience.
Luckily the man appeared calm, and positioning behind him, Ikaros waited for Tauris to lead the way.
Gunnar was quick to arrive and he gave both the younger wolves nods of appreciation and a small smile. For Germanicus he looked him over and spoke softly.
Have you eaten Germanicus?
He wasn't a cruel male. He wouldn't have the man go hungry. He waited for denial or affirmation then he'd move on to the business at hand.
There has been a call of betrayal and I will hear all sides before i allow judgement to be made as for the moment you are Kvarsheims ward and you have helped us well. There will be a meeting as soon as our runners can go to packs and bring the leaders here. You will stay with me for now. I don't believe you'll leave, but it is better to be wary. As a man of war you understand I hope.
Gunnar inhaled softly. Aches upon his shoulders and his hip, but he ignored them. Steel grey eyes moved to Tauris and Ikaros.
Please go rest you two you've done well. Thank you