Bearclaw Valley flying high

The path to Bearclaw Valley was a winding one, carved through dense thickets and rocky outcroppings that Cole knew like the back of his paw. The air here felt different—cooler, fresher, alive with the quiet hum of the valley's pulse. As they crested a rise, the sprawling territory revealed itself below, its towering pines swaying softly in the crisp wind, the shadows long and lazy in the late afternoon sun.

Cole paused, his amber gaze flicking to @Tvar. The younger wolf had followed without hesitation, his sharp blue eyes betraying an unspoken curiosity, even if his steps remained guarded. Cole huffed softly, a sound that was equal parts approval and anticipation.

This is it, he said simply, the faintest hint of pride touching his drawl. His gaze lingered on the heart of the valley for a moment before he tilted his head back, letting loose a deep, resonant howl that echoed off the rocky cliffs and filled the air with its commanding timbre.

The call was meant for one wolf.

When the sound faded, Cole lowered his muzzle, his eyes scanning the horizon. He didn’t need to say much; his stance, the way he held himself, said it all. They would wait here—patiently, deliberately—until @Ameline came to meet the wolf he’d brought to her doorstep.

Tvar stood beside Cole, his sharp blue eyes fixed on the valley below. The sight was unlike anything he’d seen on his long and aimless journey—towering pines stretching toward the heavens. He didn’t say anything, but his gaze lingered, taking in the scene with a mixture of curiosity and... something else.

When Cole’s howl cut through the air, Tvar’s ears flicked back instinctively. As if he hadn't been expecting it, for some reason. He glanced at Cole as the call faded, noting the way he stood—steady, assured, as though this valley was an extension of himself. It was a look Tvar envied but wouldn’t admit to.

He shifted his weight, the frost clinging to his fur catching the fading sunlight as he turned his attention back to the valley. “It isn't what I expected,” he said quietly, his tone measured but sincere. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he added, “Better, though. Much better.”

He fell silent after that, his gaze scanning the horizon for any sign of movement.

There was a tension in him now, not quite anxiety but close, as he waited to meet the wolf who would decide whether this valley could truly be the solid ground he needed—or just another place to pass through.

Having more pack members was a change, which allowed Ameline the chance to be relieved more often of sentry duty, and spend time with her growing children. She coached her daughters daily, taking them on small hunts within the valley, overseeing fair spars so that they learned how to defend themselves.

As Regina, however, she was never completely off-duty. So when Cole called, she sent the girls to continue their hunt without her participation, and headed for the pass, her shadow stretching before her toward the valley's lone entrance. Ahead in the distance she spotted the guardian, and alongside him another male wolf. From a distance, and with the wind at her back, she wondered if it was Akavir that had come to visit. She squinted; no, Akavir wouldn't be quite that tall, not next to someone the size of Cole. 

She liked the look of a tall, muscular man. She'd happily collected Cole, and would take a dozen more like him if it meant that the Valley could develop a reputation for strength and devotion. Cole, she greeted, before she looked to the newcomer, appraising him with a cool, elevator- up and down. An' thith ith?

The snow whispered through the valley as Cole approached once more, this time with Tvar walking at his side. The air carried a weight of purpose, the presence of the man beside him adding an unfamiliar but steady rhythm to the scene. Cole’s golden gaze met Ameline’s as they reached the towering tree, where the ceremony had just marked a significant turning point in his role within the valley.

Cole stopped a respectful distance from Ameline and inclined his head slightly before gesturing with his muzzle toward Tvar. Regina, he began, his voice steady but carrying a note of purpose. This is Tvar. He’s been traveling for a while, and he’s expressed interest in running with us here in Bearclaw Valley.

He paused briefly, glancing at Tvar, then back to Ameline. He’s a capable wolf, Cole continued. I believe he’ll prove to be a valuable addition if given the chance.

The sandcastle man stood firm, his stance relaxed but unwavering as he awaited her judgment, his expression calm but watchful. The falling snow softened the moment, yet the significance of the introduction weighed clearly between them.

Tvar straightened slightly under Ameline’s scrutiny, his posture effortlessly composed, as though he were standing before a court rather than at the entrance to a valley. His vivid blue eyes met hers evenly, carrying no arrogance, only the poise of a wolf well-acquainted with decorum.

“I have traveled far,” he began, his tone articulate, precise, and laced with a subtle note of deference. “I do not take lightly the opportunity to stand here, much less to speak of joining your ranks.”

He glanced briefly toward Cole, acknowledging him with a faint nod, before returning his gaze to Ameline. “Cole speaks highly of Bearclaw Valley, of its strength and the values it holds. That is something I respect deeply—a foundation worth defending and a pack worth serving.”

Tvar paused, his expression calm but resolute. “I may arrive here with little to my name, but I offer you my loyalty."

Tvar. She was always relieved when she met wolves whose names she could pronounce. Cole seemed to think he would be a good fit, though it ruffled Ameline somewhat to see the man straighten, and make himself taller, rather than bowing his head in a greeting. His eyes found hers, and the longer he kept his gaze, the colder hers would become.

His words, however, were flattering. Perhaps he wasn’t as proud as she thought, and the tone of his voice seemed earnest enough. He seemed to believe in their values, to the point where she believed he felt relieved to have found such a place. 

Loyalty ain’t a little thing, She responded. It’th thomethin’ we value here; if you do truly come with loyalty, then it will be proven with time. Her gaze was slightly warmer now, and her tone brightened. If Cole voucheth for you, you will begin ath a Claw; it’th our rank for joinerth. She explained, sparing a glance for the man who might confirm Tvar’s integrity. You have any particular thkillth I should know about?

Cole sighed softly, the kind of exhale that carried both amusement and mild exasperation. He reached out with one large paw and gave Tvar’s shoulder a firm knock, leaning in close enough to mutter under his breath, You're supposed to bow, idiot.

He straightened back up, his golden gaze flicking to Ameline with a subtle grin, as though to smooth over his companion’s mistake. Tvar here’s solid, he said in a tone that was steady, if not outright reassuring. Good instincts, quick on his feet. Not afraid of a little hard work.

His gaze shifted to Tvar, eyebrow raising slightly in silent encouragement for him to answer Ameline’s question. Cole might have vouched for the man, but he wasn’t about to let him off the hook entirely.

Tvar felt the firm knock on his shoulder and heard Cole’s muttered words, a faint flicker of embarrassment crossing his face. He dipped his head toward Ameline, trying to hide the awkward flick of his tail between his legs. “My apologies,” he coughed out. “Old habits.”

He straightened again, glancing at Cole briefly with a faint, amused smirk before turning his attention fully to Ameline. Her question gave him pause, and for a moment, his expression turned contemplative.

"Well," He trailed off, pausing for a moment. When he spoke again, his eyes settled on Ameline, careful to not linger upon her eyes too long. He couldn't help the eerie crawl that went up his spine when he did.

"I’ve trained for strategy, survival, and defense. While my memory of my past is... fragmented, those instincts remain.” He hesitated briefly, then added, “But I'm quick to learn. Whatever role you see fit for me, I’ll do what’s required.”

The cue was appreciated, and what she took from the situation was that Cole felt comfortable reminding a newcomer to have manners, and that Tvar could be easily corrected. His humility was a relief- not all wolves took so well to being pushed around, or showing respect to a wolf while knowing nothing about them but their reputation. Cole had obviously spoken well of her, and of Bearclaw Valley; all she had to do now was fill those expectations. 

She had to wonder if the two knew each other. Like Cole, Tvar seemed to have a muddy recollection of his past. She felt lightly suspicious that they might have come from a similar situation- but she had already given Cole a pass, and no harm had come to them. No one had come looking to collect a debt, or seek revenge- so why not one more? She was not so paranoid as to entertain the idea that this might one day lead to a coup d'état but she was intelligent enough to realize that there might be more to the pair that her eyes told her. 

Well, yuh future ith what matterth at thith point, She said, Tho long ath the patht don't come hunting for you, A wry smile given, but a gleam in her eyes suggested that the pack would not tolerate war, should it be brought to their doorstep on his account. Murmurs of such things had spread throughout the hunt, and she had chosen not to get involved. We could uthe anothuh guardian, which will put you in Cole'th pawth, She said, looking to the man who had been appointed as their guard. The chance for him to earn a future promotion would depend on his ability to manage others on their patrols and sentry duties. But if you ever want to exthplore another trade, She shrugged. You jutht let me, or my mate Anthuhlin, know. Got it?

Tvar dipped his head in acknowledgment, the faintest flicker of a smile crossing his lips at her measured words. “I understand,” he replied, his tone calm and precise, the weight of her warning clear. “The past is behind me, and I’ve no intention of bringing trouble to your borders.”

He straightened again, his sharp blue eyes briefly flicking toward Cole. The prospect of working under the guardian didn’t seem to faze him—in fact, there was something almost reassuring about having a clear role to begin with. “A guardian’s duties suit me well,” he continued, his voice steady. “I’m accustomed to vigilance and protection.”

Tvar allowed himself a moment to glance toward the valley again. He turned his gaze back to Ameline, inclining his head slightly. “If there’s more I can do, I’ll make sure to learn what’s needed. You have my word.”

He glanced at Cole again, the faintest glint of humor returning to his expression. “I trust I’ll be in good paws under his guidance,” he added, though the subtle smirk suggested he was well aware of the ribbing he might endure along the way.