[size=x-small]For anyone really but would be cool for him to meet
@Pura or
@Saena because he's looking for Junion.[/size]
It had been some time since he had seen Junior and her scent had gone stale near the beach. He had headed towards her former home, hoping to be able to find her there. It worried him that his foster sister was no where to be found. She hadn't sought him out in some time and though he didn't hold it against her, it did smart a little bit.
So with a brief goodbye to his parents, he had headed this way. He would be lying if he didn't say part of his reason for leaving was that Gyda was back and it upset him. It was strange ot see his sister again after not seeing her and he didn't quite know how to take it. He was both pleased and angry at her. So very angry at her for leaving, but so very happy to see her. So he took a breather and went towards Junior the one sibling he had left to speak to about Gyda, even if they weren't blood.
He found her borders and made sure to stay far away from them. He wasn't about to start a turf war for traipsing all over another's lands. He sat himself down at the borders edges and lifting his muzzle to the sky he called for Junior or any who could tell him of her disappearance.
Due either to age or her sudden change of tune, Saena was far more protective of her home than she had been in the past. She was too small a wolf to be a suitable Warden—fighting would never be her forte—but that didn't mean she avoided the borders. Her patrols were usually short and conducted from the higher edges of the territory so that she could see what was happening below, and today it happened to be the approach of an agouti male wolf.
She'd no doubt been told about the wolves who took care of Junior in Stavanger Bay, but Saena wouldn't have recognized them if faced with them, so she was already loping defensively down the towpath when Gunnar's howl went out. Curiously, he was calling for Junior, earning a suspicious stare from the foxy Blacktail as she drew up in front of him. He was much larger than she, but she managed to square her shoulders and puff out her fur all the same, proving she was not afraid of him... or at least giving off that impression.
"She isn't here anymore," Saena said in response to the message in his howl. Admitting that was enough to make her deflate slightly so that she no longer looked so stern, though she didn't notice it. "How do you know her?"
Gunnar sat near the borders settling in for a long wait. But he didn't have long to wait really, his howl had barely even made it across the grasslands, before a she wolf appeared. He studied her, she was a very pretty she wolf, he supposed if he was looking he'd tell her so, but he was still too young to really pay attention to such feminine details like that. Though he found her markings pleasing, he felt not so alone for he too bore strange markings.
A small smile played about his lips at her territorial display. He gave her props for standing up to a wolf at her borders, especially given that he was larger than her. She gave him a fully loaded stare and he simply gazed back with wide and playful slate grey eyes.
His bearing changed a little bit, his tail did not wag and his shoulders dropped a little. Really I was hoping to speak with her. Gunnar tilted his head to look up at her and peruse her softly, wondering why she asked him. Was she one of the other siblings that Junior had spoke of, he couldn't remember their names. He shifted and dipped his muzzle to the ground. Forgive me I'm Gunnar Ivarr Loðbrók though most know me as Tveir. I am the son of Thistle Cloud and Ragnar Loðbrók we took Junior in when she disappeared a while back. I consider her my sister in all but blood.
His gaze had a strange quality to it that made Saena feel just slightly self-conscious, but she brushed it off as best she could. It wasn't like she could know that she was, probably for the first time, nervous to be in the company of a boy. She'd never been in the company of a boy her age, after all, save for Pura. Her brother scarcely counted, being more machine than wolf in mannerism and lacking the ability to make any young teenage girl feel self-conscious, least of all his sister.
Gunnar introduced himself, his long and exotic name slipping instantly out of her mind's grasp. She frowned, mouthed his first name and then nodded when he identified his parents and why he was searching for Junior. "Right, she told us about you guys." Saena never would have remembered that name if Gunnar hadn't mentioned his parents. She remembered Thistle Cloud, though, and how the fawn-coated woman had helped Hawkeye and the two sisters out of a bind with a mountain lion.
"I'm Saena Blacktail," she said by way of introduction, her indigo eyes never leaving him as she attempted to portray more confidence than she really felt, "her sister." Her real sister, Saena almost said, but had the sense to keep it out. She was more exclusive with her family and wouldn't have called any non-family her family, but then again, she'd never been lost and found before. "She was injured recently and went missing. We haven't been able to find her." Her voice fell flat at the end as the rage she'd felt at Dante and Blue Willow for being responsible rose and then fell. She knew it wasn't really their fault, even if they'd been the catalysts for Junior's shame and subsequent disappearance. "Sorry," she added hastily, glancing away now in a vain attempt to hide some of her own pain from Gunnar's scrutiny.
If Gunnar had known he caused her distress in some way, he would have quickly looked down and away. He wasn't challenging her or making any threatening motions and he hoped she didn't feel that way. Realizing he was staring and remembered the lesson his grand uncle had told him, he quickly averted his gaze to a lower region. He simply watched her muzzle, rather than her eyes. Though they were extremely expressive those eyes of hers, they were also a strange color. Blue like his mothers, but an all together different blue.
He chuckled as she mouthed his name, a rich sound. I'm sorry you can just call me Gunnar or Tveir if you prefer, it's a rather long name and I only go by it fully when i'm in trouble. He was young yet, but there was a maturity to his age. I'm glad she did.
Well Met Saena BlackTail. She didn't speak outloud the words, but he felt the message implied and he laid his ears to his skull for a moment, but kept his maw shut. He considered her his sister as he had been young when she had come and turned his world around. The next words though caused his ears to stand straight up and the rest of him soon followed, he probably looked imposing, but it was mostly shock. Did anyone look for her? Gods why didn't she come to the bay we would have given her shelter. Father told her she was welcome any time. Tell me Miss which way do you think she went I can search for her maybe. he wasn't sure he'd be able to find her, but he'd do his best. He heard the quiet uttered Sorry And he stopped moving to study the she wolf in front of him, he shifted foot to foot and looked at her slowly No it is me that should be sorry. You clearly know her very well and I imagine your pain is insurmountable. I apologize for bringing up such pain if I have. I merely wanted her advice, I thank you for letting me know.
"Gunnar, then," she said slowly, finding that the other word was a little too strange for her tongue. She was wholly English, having descended from the American DeMonte family, and therefore foreign words were not only a mouthful, but almost impossible for her to pronounce properly. "We looked for her, but her trail let to a dead end. We have no idea where she went."
How Junior had managed such a disappearing act was truly miraculous. If Saena'd been a little more levelheaded at the time, she would have mentioned the hidden cave at the back of Pied's den and suspected Junior had gone that way. It hadn't crossed her mind and still didn't, though. Junior's scent had ended before the den, anyway, at least as far as any of them could tell. The girl had vanished, like she'd grown wings and flown away.
"I wish I could tell you where she might have gone, but she never gave any indication she was going to leave. She just... left." Maybe, like Atticus, Junior had crawled off somewhere to die of her injuries. Saena swallowed that bitter, painful thought. "It's okay," she said when Gunnar apologized, "you didn't know she was gone and it isn't your fault. She's been gone for a few weeks. I just wish she'd said something first." Especially because she was pretty sick, she silently added. She could have given advice, maybe, but it was Junior who would've given the best advice. The girl was stubborn and wild, but she probably had better advice than Saena did.
Gunnar gave her a small smile and a tilt to his chin to let her know he was glad to be called by his first name. He hated formalities, they drove him crazy, but he also knew the need for them. he sighed and again thought of Gyda and Mercury both his siblings had left, only Gyda had returned.
Gyda had disappeared and no one had known where she went then the other children had gone. And Julooke and Verrine were gone. The world was a fickle strange place and he didn't know half the time what it was going ot throw at him, but he'd come up growling and biting if needed.
Gunnar stepped a little closer but was mindful to stay away from the border line. He wanted to offer comfort somehow. However, he was entirely unsure how to, so he backed up again. I know how you feel and it gets better the hurt. My sister Gyda left and then my brother Mercury went in search of her. We haven't seen them, though my sister just came back. I don't know how to behave I'm so angry with her. That is why I came to see Junior. I'm sorry you have to go through this. It's not fair and it really does hurt and most of the times the parents they don't realize how affected you are. Oh they try, but their usually hurting too. he didn't know that the others were not with their parents anymore that Peregrine had left on bad terms. he knew he wasn't here, but he didn't know it had ended badly.
Saena took note of Gunnar's shuffling, but made no motion to cross the borders toward him. They were perfect strangers, he and she. Though they seemed to share some experiences, as he revealed in the next breath, Saena was much too closed off to offer comfort to strangers, and somehow too detached to notice his own pain. A quiet wind swept past them and combed through her fur, and it was all the comfort she needed for the moment.
"You're preaching to the choir," Saena quipped, "but I have you beat. My mum died when I was born, my dad didn't care enough to act like a dad and he eventually left. Junior's parents adopted me, but our mum just up and left one day. Our dad recently abandoned us because his new wife is more important to him than we are, he hasn't even visited or anything, and didn't want us to go with him either. My uncle left and probably died, and my aunt also disappeared not long ago. Our sister Tytonidae, who said she hates us, is gone too." To anyone that hadn't been through it, it really sounded like some sort of terrible curse. All were destined to leave, or at least that's how that story seemed to end.
"Wolves leaving is getting pretty normal, actually," said Saena as she wrinkled her nose. "I just never expected Junior to be one of them." After a pregnant pause, she tilted her ears comfortably back and said, "I'd be mad at her too. At least she came back, though. She could've left forever. I think that's worse."
Gunnar didn't hurt as badly as he had. Now he was just angry and a little jealous he supposed if he thought about it. Gyda and Mercury had always been the golden children. Gyda the pampered princess and Mercury in line for the throne, or so he thought. But he also missed them, it was like a limb was missing.
Gunnar raised a brow and then shrugged. I suppose you do have me beat. My sperm donor knocked up my mom and left too. I never even knew him, so there's that. But my parents are still together and I don't foresee them parting anytime son their both too stubborn and too in love. I'm sorry you had to go through all that. He shrugged unsure what else to say, he did however sit to his haunches. He was tired of standing still.
Gunnar shrugged I don't know what's worse right now, just that it's weird. I'm not sure what to do really about it.
Saena was unable to stop a giggle from bubbling up. "Sperm donor?" she said, almost snorting. "Like, your dad wasn't your... dad?" It probably wouldn't have been as funny to her if she'd known her uncle was as much a leaver as her father was. She'd heard of Crete, of course; the male had been mute, and had left the Plateau without announcing his intentions shortly after Peregrine was made Alpha. That was the extent of the introduction, though. She never would've imagined that Crete would father a litter and abandon them, nor that her father would do something similar over a longer time period... but that's what had happened.
Saena shook her head when Gunnar said he wasn't sure how to feel and said, "I wouldn't know either. Y'know, when my sister—not Junior, my other sister—left, she said she hated us. I was pretty upset she was gone at first. Now that I think of it, though... I think I prefer it." What treason! Saena missed Tytonidae, of course, and would have been happy to see her sister return to the Plateau, but there was also a small part of her that was glad Ty wasn't there. The girl had been strange and, as selfish as it might be, Saena was glad that the adults weren't fawning over Tytonidae and passing off her strangeness as normal anymore.
Gunnar nodded his head yea the man who knocked up my mom his name is Crete. He left pretty soon after from what I understand. I don't even know if he knew she was pregnant. Gunnar didn't deign to know why his real father left or even if he should care. He supposed a small part of him wondered if he was that unwanted, but his real dad the one who raised him and loved him, he had filled the void. He was a stern and no nonsense man, but he was also for the most part a good one, though savage and feral and perhaps a bit blood thirsty.
Gunnar nodded Gyda didn't say anything to anyone she just left. SHe was just here one day and gone the next. Maybe thats why I'm having such a hard time with it. I haven't looked for her to ask about it, maybe I should I don't know. Gunnar had enjoyed being the only son for a while, but he had missed his siblings. he had gotten all the attention or what could be spared, but the bay had so many hardships lately so there hadn't been that much attention.
Saena didn't mean to disregard what Gunnar said next, but as soon as the name Crete left his lips, it was almost impossible to listen to him. Her tail stopped mid-stride and fell in slow motion to neutrality at her hocks and her aghast expression was fixed on him. It was possible he meant another Crete and not her uncle, but it was improbable she didn't even entertain it. The pieces lined up, for Crete her uncle had left, and so had Crete his father.
"Crete?" she repeated a bit dumbly, then said, "that dick's my uncle!" This exclamation was followed swiftly by a kick of regret, the origin of which she didn't know. Perhaps it was just that Gunnar's father had left before he'd even been born. "Oh, Gunnar, I'm sorry. At least my parents were there when I was born. Crete left us all without saying anything, too, least that's what d... what Peregrine told us. He was... is... a shitty wolf."
Gunnar watched with mild mannered interest and a little bit of amusement as she stopped moving in mid movement. She stared at him strangely and he felt a little awkward. He shuffled his feet softly at her scrutiny. He wasn't used to such open eyed attention.
Gunnar jumped at her loud screech, Umm I know? He had known that already, but hadn't really thought about it. He slowly fit the pieces into his minds eye. Peregrine was Crete's brother, Peregrine had raised her so therefore he was her uncle. He had known this, it just hadn't exactly clicked at first.
Gunnar shrugged self consciously Ah it's alright. My dad's pretty awesome, he stepped up when Crete left and he's a good father. He expects a lot, but you know it's okay. He tilted his head and kicked the dirt softly, a little embarassed by her concern. Peregrine told me he was a good wolf and wouldn't have expected this from him. I mean but it's his brother so he has to say that right?
She ducked her head a little when he claimed to already know of their relation. She certainly hadn't known, or at least hadn't remembered. Now that she did know, she thought it wasn't very surprising that he'd left. The Redleaf-DiSarinno wolves were turning out to be a bunch of selfish dicks lately (unfortunately, Saena had lumped the absent Atticus and Osprey in with their two siblings, even though their departures were unexplained), so Crete really wasn't any different than his brothers or sister after all.
She shook her head when Gunnar suggested he was a nice guy. "Nobody in that family is a good wolf. They all abandon their kids and their loved ones. Peregrine did the same as his brother did, to our mom and to us, just took him longer," she said bitterly. "You're lucky to have a good dad." She'd also had a good dad, but she couldn't see past her grudge now. It had started with Fox, but it had spread to her father very quickly after his departure. In fact, she hardly even thought of the wolf who'd started it all; her bitterness seemed exclusive to Peregrine now, him and his siblings, rather than Fox at all.
Gunnar hadn't been trying to make her feel bad. He hadn't even really realized it until she just pushed the last puzzle piece back together for him. He wasn't sure what to say now, it was a little bit awkward. He didn't hold any grudge against his absent sperm donor. Yea he held others to a higher standard because of it, but he didn't hate the man. How could he hate a man who had given him life? Yea he'd been pretty freaking absent, but he had still gave forth the juice to bring him and his brother and sister into being.
Gunnar blinked Really? I thought he left for a good reason? He didn't really tell me much of why he left just that he did. That really sucks I'm sorry Saena, that's not cool. Gunnar hadn't realized until just at this very moment that Peregrine had left them all badly. Yea I guess I am. I'm sorry you don't...
"He abandoned us for his new woman," she said sourly, "but that's okay. We don't need the likes of him." It was a harsh reality, but Peregrine's children were growing up without him. In fact, they were in a more stable environment than they'd ever been in before. Pura didn't feel it was stable, but Saena certainly did, and she was settling well for the first time. Peregrine had brought a host of unneeded drama into their midst what with his split up, his brand new wife mere weeks after the fact, his homosexual fling (which Saena now understood was unnatural), and his sudden departure despite his mate being completely fine. It was best for his children that he was gone.
That wasn't to be confused with forgiveness, however. He would never deserve that in Saena's mind.
"You should get back to them," suggested Saena, in no way wanting to be rid of Gunnar, but feeling she understood the position he was in. "You're their stable kid. They're probably dealing with all sorts of feelings over your sister... you should be with them. They can rely on you, at least. It will make them feel better." She didn't have kids of her own and couldn't begin to understand the feelings of parents, but she knew if she had one reliable wolf in her life, she would lean on them in trying times. Gunnar seemed like the sensible one in his family. Junior had got along with Mercury most, but Saena could see herself in Gunnar. Perhaps they, too, would be friends long after this moment. "Sorry bout Junior. If she ever comes back, I'll let her know you wanted to see her."
Gunnar frowned and shook his head i can't stand abandonment I have not patience for it. ANd he didn't especially if it was a wolf abandoning his mate or a wolf he had loved and then left. Those wolves he would end them himself if he could even if it was just verbally. The only drama Gunnar had in his life had been his father's polygamy relationship and he had been certain his mother was going to up and leave them one day. He was sure she thought about it, but she had persevered.
Gunnar gave her a boyish smile Thanks Hey listen if you're ever up my way along the coast stop and say hi okay? I'll promise to stop by when i'm this way too if you like. Gunnar knew that Junior had preferred Mercury, most wolves did. He was fairly certain if the Saena had met him she'd prefer him too. And he was okay with this, after all Mercury had it all the looks, the charisma and the aggression to go far, Gunnar didn't. At least he hadn't found it out yet anyway. Yea thanks you do that for me. It's been wonderful to meet you Saena BlackTail. He dipped his muzzle gently as he turned towards home, but he waited for a moment to listen if she had anymore to say.
She nodded in agreement with his statement. Probably due to the events of her life, Saena had no patience for abandonment, either. She harshly judged those who would leave their kin behind, especially so quickly for a reason so stupid as a mate. Her memory of that day was warped—she did not remember that Peregrine had even offered to have others accompany him if they wished. Because he hadn't bothered to bid his children a personal goodbye, and instead rushed his departure with a meeting and the barest of attention paid to them, Saena did not remember that he'd said anything but "peace out, bitches". He'd confirmed his indifference when he visited the pack and didn't even call upon his kids, at least in her mind.
"I will," she said smilingly with a genial sweep of her tail in a friendly wave. "I'll make sure nobody beats you up if you come by." She paused a moment and then grinned, revealing that she was only kidding. Blacktail Deer Plateau wasn't very aggressive, especially now that the most aggressive wolves—Peregrine, Fox and Junior—had left them. Their buffer zone was not as wide or strict as other packs tended to be, likely by Blue Willow's will. "It was nice meeting you too, Tuh-fear slash Gunnar!" she called after him as he turned and walked away. She watched him walk for a short while before turning back to the plateau and ascending the natural staircase with a strangely buoyant step.