Wolf RPG

On the back of a raven's wing flowed whispers of ice and snow inland, where the chill of the Earth could be felt once again. The snowcloud tucked a strip of dried caribou in the fork of a leaf-bare tree as a token of gratitude for the spirit's guidance. The bird was good company; she hoped it would stick around for a while longer yet she knew the pull of adventure was likely as strong for it as it was for her.

Nevertheless, it pained her to leave the ocean, knowing that once she did she would be leaving a piece of her spirit behind to roam alone. Waves thrashed, the spirits moaned - an antler bone marked with seals blood rides the surf until it disappears into the deep. Tulugak could only pray Sedna would be generous until her return.

Rocky peaks gave way to a sprawling glacier, a beacon of white amongst the autumn colours below. Oh how gorgeous it was to find a piece of home in the southlands! Tightening the caribou fur at her shoulders, the scout muttered a prayer of safe passage before beginning to pick her way with practiced caution across it's undulating body.

Ariadne had been watching the stranger begin her ascent up the glacier. She didn't recognize them, but she watched with curiosity and awe—and just a dash of jealousy. She wished that she could be climbing, but, instead, she was stuck on the ground with a broken leg.

Finally, after watching for a few minutes, Ariadne decided to call out. AYA! she hollered and began to wave her casted arm, knowing that if anything, waving it around could get her attention. Snowwoman, can you hear me?

All of a sudden, her peace was shattered. A shout from down below and the snowcloud stopped in her tracks, twisting herself around until she could see the ground below. Chunks of ice dislodged themselves in her hurry to see who owned such a powerful pair of lungs - "heads up!" she called out, hoping that whomever it was was had ample time to move and avoid potential injury.

Once she was sure no heads were damaged, meltwater eyes scanned the base, lips tightening in confusion until a blur of movement allowed her to pinpoint a woman. A second holler confirmed her position and Tulugak replied with a cry of her own. "I hear you, ground-dweller!" There were people here! Unsure if the woman would follow her up, she decided to stay put for now, enjoying the coldness of the glacier under her pads as it seeped into her skin making her shiver pleasantly.

There were no injuries, but Ariadne learned an important lesson about living on a glacier—no screaming! She hadn’t realized that doing so would put the other in danger and would be careful about using her voice in the future.

Are you okay, glacierclimber? she asked, being mindful of how loud she was. No snow fell on you?

"No snow," she grinned, "and the spirits still sleep." Tulugak too kept her voice at reasonable pitch - loud enough to be heard but not so much as to disturb the glacier more than they unwittingly had.

As the adrenaline began to wore off, the snowcloud thought about the best course of action. The red woman had made no move to climb and for good reason too. "I will come to you, it is safer to talk that way."

For she had just demonstrated how experience meant nothing when it came to careless mistakes, loath to let another follow on shaken confidence. Leaving her perch, she began a careful descent until her paws touched solid ground again.

"No snow, and the spirits still sleep," Tulugak reported.

What a relief, she replied, breathing deeply and sending a silent prayer of thanks to Sedna. That makes my heart happy to hear.  They were playing with fire; snow could fall at any given moment, and the other wolf decided to descend so they could converse. She nodded in agreement, thinking that was the best plan.

I will send a prayer to Sedna for your safe passage, she said. Thankfully, she hadn't made it too far up, so the walk back would be quick.

The woman's prayer combined with Tulugak's own summited to the snowcloud's unscathed arrival at the foot of the glacier. Relief washed over her and she gave her pelt a quick shake before trotting to greet the red wolf with a smile and wave of her plumed tail. However, her expression soon softened to one of concern as meltwater eyes fell on her bandaged leg.

"The glacier has already scarred you, red one?" she nosed in the direction of the cast. It was no wonder she had stayed on the ground! Though she may still be a stranger, the thought of an injured wolf in such a place made her stomach turned. The Gods were not always as kind or forgiving as they had been today.

Ariadne watched as Tulugak safely descended the glacier and greeted her. She smiled and wagged her tail in turn before saying, I am pleased that went as well as it did, and breathing a sigh of relief.

No, Ariadne answered, shaking her head. The glacier has been a place of healing—a place where both my heart and body have been given a much-needed break. She glanced at the looming peak, and her smile broadened. It is nice here.

I am Ariadne—I intend to claim this land in the name of village Moonsong, she looked at the stranger, briefly admiring the fur she wore before asking, Who are you?

"You have seen and felt much pain," she empathised, gaze softening as she spoke. Though she would not press for details, she found herself inexplicably drawn to the soft-worded glacier woman who's body and soul had found peace here. 

Instead of following her gaze, Tulugak traced the youthful lines of the stranger's face, noting that despite her injury she seemed wholly undeterred by what life had undoubtedly thrown at her so far. "When I first saw it, I thought I was in a dream." And when she smiled, the raven couldn't help but smile too. "A wonderful dream. It reminds me so much of home."

As the red woman - Ariadne - spoke of the foundations of a new village, Tulugak's mouth opened in a surprised "Oh!" What an interesting twist of fate. "Tulugak, from village Kangirsuk - a scout for my people. How has your settlement grown so far?" Intrigue, longing; a silent tell me more.

"You have seen and felt much pain," Tulugak said.

I have, Ariadne agreed, her expression softening. My heart would hurt much more if it wasn't for village Moonsong. She'd kept her grief for sistraa's death at bay by busying herself with the village's creation. But now I move forward, away from the pain and into the light, she said.

Tulugak introduced herself and offered tidbits of information that interested Ariadne; she had questions she'd save for later. Tulugak, from village Kangirsuk—I welcome you here, she said, committing the words to her memory. We are small, but our base is strong. We grow daily, scouting these lands, preparing caches, and making ourselves at home. We hope to be fully settled soon. She smiled and quirked her brow in silent questioning; what else does your spirit wish to know?

Ariadne's woes resonated strongly with Tulugak, who nodded in understanding. "May the light welcome you," she breathed softly, touching her nose lightly to red cheek should she be allowed. Her heart both ached for the woman, yet swelled with new hope; a sapling breaking the snowcrust for the first time. Perhaps she too could find peace in Moonglow, at least until the snowmelt.

She divulged glimpses into life in the glacier village and the raven listened intently. "And what of the prey here? Does it run well?" Would it disappear like it had up north? "Perhaps you are in need of an extra set of hands." A suggestion, light and curious.

Ariadne gently placed her paw on Tulugak's shoulder as her cheek was nosed and smiled; there was an unexpected comfort the pale woman caused, which she relished.

Yes, the prey seems to be plentiful, but I have heard from my scouts that the glacier's slopes are treacherous. We are still working on finding our home base, They'd find it. It was just taking longer than she'd initially expected. But we will, I'm sure.

Tulugak then offered to join, and Ariadne's expression brightened noticeably. I would love that, she said, breathless as her mind reeled. But what of village Kangirsuk? Don't they need you?

A soft smile too settled on the face of the snowcloud as she melted into Ariadne's touch. "It is as you saw," she nodded in regards to the dangers of living on a glacier. "Even an experienced climber can lose their footing." Though the red woman had soothed her doubts about prey, it was imperative she found a safe place for her settlement. "Usually the foothills make for great iglus." After all, there was a sense of duty in making sure things were done properly. If only Taqtara was here.

It was as if Ariadne had read her mind as the topic  shifted to her home village. Muzzle formed tight lines as she thought of what to say. "They move south as the season progresses. It is... a difficult situation but I am confident they have enough stores to last the winter." It had been a while since she had begun her journey; she only hoped that her father's words had been true. "Once the snow melts and I return, I shall tell them all about Moonglow." Pulling back, eyes shining with apparent excitement.

The foothills are less dangerous, Ariadne said, nodding in agreement. There is a chance there will be children born when the snow melts, so we must also consider their safety. What a weird thought; she'd experience her first season next year.

Tulugak explained her home situation, and Ariadne felt it was a solid plan. Well then, I welcome you to village Moonsong, she said, touching her nose against the other's forehead if allowed. Come, we will go to my ulaq, warm ourselves from the cold, and eat in celebration.

"Children?" A question not meant to pry, Tulugak's stomach knotted in excitement as she grinned. While she herself had never bore them, nor had any plans to, the thought of new life brought hope for the future of the red woman and for Moonsong alike. How wonderful it would be if Sedna blessed their village with an expansion in the snowmelt! "Anything you need to ensure their safety - everyone's safety - you can call upon me for."

A familiar touch to the forehead brought a faint sense of homesickness that was quickly replaced by an invitation and responded to with a jestful, "does dried meat take your fancy?" She would support Ariadne if needed as the two made their way back to her ulaq, a new sense of purpose taking the raven by storm.

Ariadne wasn't sure how she'd find a husband before her time came, but that was an issue for later rather than now. There were other things she was far more focused on; the other stuff could wait. I appreciate it, she said, tone grateful, as she looked upon the village's newest member.

They headed north toward her ulaq, and she grinned at the question. How did you know? she asked, now excited to eat. They snacked on dried meat and shared stories once they returned to Ariadne's home, talking well into the evening.