Stone Circle turn your head towards the storm that's surely coming along

HI! this the thread for the discussed puppy field-trip / playdate! sorry this took so long to get up oof. keeping the participants vague bc not sure who is accompanying and who is staying home; @Xan @Laurel @Lucas @Nunataq @Piper @Marten @Merrick

"stay close," the redleaf woman instructed, feeling the bump of merrick at her heels. behind her the small caravan of puppies spread out - all of them under the watchful eye of of xan, who quietly pulled up the rear. a few times @Wyatt had broken the procession and romped off to new discoveries - each time he was brought back grumbling by an adult.

indra was glad easthollow was only a short jaunt - traveling with distractable puppies was a handful and not at all for the faint of heart. if it wasn't one gallivanting off to impending doom, it was another one testing the limits of their mortality -- in other words, constant work for their care-takers.

the walk was pleasant at least, and the air clean and breezy. through the thinning mist-covered trees indra saw a stone-studded valley that looked tranquil, and doused a rich summer-green. it was then xan instructed them to halt. indra glanced over the band, making sure all were there, and then she threw back her head in a howl, hoping for friendly faces.

Greyback smiled as he strolled slowly through the meadow, the blades parting in front of his body and below his feet as he steadily made his way towards the howl. He assumed with the recent events in the territory that there would be a meeting, however he was surprised to find a small brown colored female, a sturdy white male, a ruffled brown female, and several pups; the scent of Bearclaw Valley sticking to them.

Giving a humble smile he bowed his head, his front forepaw bending with his weight before he stood up and towered over them. Greyback was no stranger to his size difference around other wolves, and hoped that he didn't come off to intimidating to the band of youngsters and their watcher.

"Greetings to you and your young," His voice was soft and yielding as he spoke, though the depth still vibrated deep within his throat. "How may I help you, Miss..?" The man paused, not knowing the lead female's name. He glanced downwards at the pups, his eyes shining softly as he took in their small appearances. Never before had he seen so many in one place, it was quite entertaining.

whispers noting rq that xan is neither lithe nor small. he’s a big boi™

Though his instincts often drove him to take the lead on things, the journey beyond his land did not inspire the same sort of response. Too focused on his children and their cousin, he didn’t have time to linger on things such as who was walking ahead of someone else. He kept his eyes on the children and ushered back those that tried to stray away from the group, as well as checked their surroundings every so often to be sure that danger was not approaching from any direction. All the while he remained relatively silent—and when he did speak, it was to the pups—content to otherwise keep to himself.

Once they arrived Alexander looped around the group, counting heads and nudging back any that might be too curious. When finished, he returned to standing behind them, still cautious and watchful of the young—so cautious that his hackles were quick to raise when a male answered Indra’s call. His body became rigid and he stood tall, gaze set on the stranger. It wasn’t until after he spoke that the Inuk relaxed, detecting no threat.

“We’re here to see my sister, the leader here,” he answered, though the question was not directed his way. “And her children.” They must have already grown into their full heights by now, he thought; he could not recall just how long ago it was that he’d last seen Desna’s children, thus his thoughts were nothing more than mere assumptions.

Lucas trailed along obediently, dancing along as always, sometimes breaking off to do a little solo, other times just strutting along amidst his siblings. The change in scenery would have excited him more if he hadn't already come out this way on his own; the wildflowers were familiar to him now, so he didn't wander away from the group to investigate or cause trouble. He did spend a good deal of time staring at Xan, the neglectful father whom Lucas didn't know because he never so much as visited, though the boy didn't think of him so harshly as that. He thought of him as a stranger, and only knew him for the pack's leader because his mama had told him so.

The only change came when they approached Easthollow's territory and the towering stones became visible even from the outskirts. Lucas leaned up on his toes to peer at them in the distance, tail waving with interest as he whispered, "how'd they get there?" to his nearest cohort. They were met by a vast mountain of a grey wolf with a huge slash of exposed skin across his face that was impossible for the plump pup to ignore. He stared openly at it and for the first time ever, felt queasy and unsteady on his paws. He was too polite to ask about it, but not quite polite enough not to look at it for longer than was socially acceptable, since it was so new (and bothersome) to him.

Ever since the odd encounter with the two foreign wolves and a little white cub in the meadow, Nunataq had been more attentive to her brother Marten. Fear was not something that had ever been a problem to her (aside that one time, when Lucas had fallen onto her), but she began to notice traces of it in others. She did not always understand, why was it so, but this made her feel as if it was her job to take the responsibility in these cases. Not only she was the first to go and investigate, if there was something supposedly scary in the vicinity, it was also obvious that, whenever Xan visited she followed his every movement and tried to mimic it as well. And often she would watch him depart for the borders with longing in her eyes. There was a job out there that she did not yet have a name for, but her heart yearned for it all the same.

So today, when all of the family set out for a little journey, not only Nunataq was unusually obedient, but it was evident that she tried very hard to act like grown ups did. With alert eyes and ears perked up she would scan the area, she would make sure that their numbers were the same and that no one had strayed away. And, when they finally stopped, she broke away from the group to slink after Xan, when he went over to meet the unknown wolf. She was not afraid of the scarred beast that was towering over her small frame, but it was evident that her posture lacked the same confidence and calmness of the adults. She was a kid feeling that something important was going on, wanting to be part of it and yet not being entirely sure how. And when the stress of the situation she did not yet know, how to handle properly, she searched for Indra with her gaze, to get the reassurance. That she was doing the right thing. That all was well.

merrick had no idea where they were going, but he was completely present for it.
today he and all his cousins were being taken over the border, and the boy scampered behind his mother. from time to time, unable to help himself, the child glanced back at the massive pale creature drawing up the rear of their procession — who was that? what was his name? merrick could not recall meeting xan, and marveled anew at the bearclaw leader.
he too wished to run away, but seeing wyatt caught dissuaded the boy. instead, he busied himself with attempting to categorize the various scents of the air. and when indra paused, merrick ran full into one heel and hurt his nose.
glaring at her, rubbing his offended snout with one paw, the pup forgot quickly his annoyances in shock.
a stranger, a scarred man; merrick elbowed his way forward to stand alongside nunataq, staring between his silent older relatives and the newcomer. feeling no such social compunction, in the next moment, merrick questioned "what happen on you face?" of the easthollow wolf, eyes burning with an uncontrollable curiosity.

Valette didn't need to be called. She had been at Stone Circle watching over the plains when she had seen the group come closer from afar. She often watched the herds out on the plains, but when the prey moved away in typical patterns she knew enough. She changed her outlook and watched as Greyback greeted them. Valette first thought it was another family wanting to be in their pack but she recognized the movement of her own brother.

Valette trotted in the direction of the group. She had not seen her bother in awhile which was mostly because she had been busy with her newborns and with Stark's illness next to leading a pack. Things were really no different than they were when she was raising her first litter. The dark female approached the group. "Xan!," she greeted. After all, she hadn't expected her brother. The female then glanced at the female, and then the set of pups. "I'm Xan's sister, Valette," she introduced.

Her hazel green eyes stayed on the pale child with one blue and one red eye. He looked like her Arlette, only did she have two red eyes. It would be good for her to see another pup with red eyes as it had been such a big deal for her mother growing up. Now she thought about it, she wondered what Xan would think when seeing Arlette as she looked exactly like their mother Scarlett. "What brings you to Easthollow? A family visit?" Valette wondered.

It was super awkward visiting Xan's family. Laurel didn't feel much like it but she also didn't feel like leaving the pups to their own devices. She wanted to be there to protect them should it be necessary. As they reached Easthollow Laurel waited alongside the pups and Indra and Xan. It felt awkward considering things between the two alphas were still tense. They'd never worked things out between them. The good thing was that Laurel had the same distraction Xan did: counting heads and making sure the pups were safe.

Then distraction luckily didn't let them wait for long. Laurel instructed the pups why they waited at the borders and told them a thing or two about packs and borders as they waited. Then, as Xan reunited with his sister, she let Indra or Xan take the word.

o: !! do we want a post order following, or rounds? i can do whatever the people want

up until her howl, indra had remained silent and on guard. with laurel and xan besides her (wholly aware of the tension between them) despite the fact they were a small brigade traveling into somewhat foreign land, indra was not scared. the puppies needed it - they needed the enrichment, the social growth -- if they were limited to interactions inside their pack only, they would stagnate and never grow at all.

indra hung close to her children, both biological and adopted; and she kept a sharp eye on laurel's brood, having immense fondness for them. the first to come to great them was a mountain of a wolf -- his stature greater even than xan's, though indra would never articulate it. she steeled herself from shrinking back, though the kindness of his gaze and the devotion in his sunfire eyes spoke of a fondness of children that was benign and hopeful. as he addressed her, indra wished to speak, but xan spoke for her -- dipping her head carefully, indra mustered a smile before bumping nunataq in reassurance, having caught her unsure gaze.

before indra could offer much more in dialogue, merrick had boldly spoke; she winced to hear his words - they were inquisitive but rashly placed, for he was a babe ungroomed by societal customs. her ears splayed in apology, and she swept her gaze to greyback meaningfully as she placed a paw around her mouthy babe, and pulled him towards her. before she could utter apology or explanation xan's sister arrived; indra glanced to laurel once as if to exchange silent surprise; for the female, other than her lordly carriage, resembled xan very little.

"a family visit - " indra found her voice then, affirming with a polite nod-- "i'm indra, xan's beta -- this is laurel -- " she motioned towards her sister then with a paw, though she did grapple a moment with the proper introduction -- "the alpha female alongside xan. these are our children;" indra stepped back with pride, looking upon all of the puppies present with immense fondness. "this is lucas, of laurel and xan's get --" she motioned towards the cheery cub, and then turned to wyatt; "and wyatt, his brother..." a pause was given then, as indra's gaze stayed affectionately on the resilient and dark dub. "this is nunataq, my bright little dove --" she canted her muzzle in her perpetually-energetic adoptive child's direction .... "and this mouthy child is merrick." a soft lick was placed on his head, and then indra looked to valette humbly: "it was time, i think, that they met their family outside of the vale."

Hope im not over-posting anyone ^^' Are we going to wait for the other two BCV wolves? Im fine with whichever posting order we go!

“We’re here to see my sister, the leader here and her children."

The white male, whom he guessed was the alpha by his body language, was the first the speak. Greyback didn't know much about Bearclaw Valley except for their blood ties to Valette and several other Easthollow wolves, but found it awfully rude of him to speak over Indra. Did the males of the pack normally speak first before the females? Greyback wanted to wrinkle his nose at such a concept, but kept his smiling facade regardless, knowing that hospitality was due.

"How'd they get there?"
"What happen on you face?"

He heard two small voices asking various things, but was unable to notice who it was. He looked at the bunch, finding a plump piebald pup and tiny black blob staring openly at his face-his scar. He cleared his throat with a hum after a few seconds of silence and looked to the side, glancing to the stones before turning back to them.

Bending down to give a loud whisper, he spoke "Those are secrets, but how about I tell you little ones later once everyone is settled, okay?" Greyback gave them a small wink before raising up, a smile never leaving his face. It was then that he noticed Valette join, her dark pelt easy to spot from his peripheral vision. 

He listed to Laurel speak afterwards, introducing herself and the small band of wolves around them. He made an effort to look at each one of them as they were called, giving a nod of his head to acknowledge them. It was only when she was done that he bent his right forepaw and bowed deeply to them. "It's a pleasure to meet you all, I'm hoping your travels went well?"

Children spoke and, as each voice rose, he looked to them. Xan, having few social manners himself, did not see a problem with the questions asked, and so he did not make any attempt at correcting them; to be blunt was not necessarily a bad thing, after all. Surprisingly, though, Indra did not see things the same way. When her son spoke he was silenced soon after, and the albino wondered if he should do the same—only to realise that it was too late now, anyways, and he still didn’t see the importance of not asking such personal questions. He did look to Laurel, too, however, to see if she agreed with her sister but looked away but a second later; their last encounter hadn’t ended too well and he, being the stubborn man that he was, couldn’t just admit that he’d been in the wrong all along.

Snapping his attention back to his sister, he nodded as Indra spoke and added, “Yeah, the pups needed to get out. And I haven’t seen my nieces and nephew in awhile, so it was time.” He looked from Indra to Laurel, then over the children, before settling his gaze back on his sister and her pack mate. “You needed to meet them, too,” he stated, muzzle then used to point out the sisters. He only nodded in response to the other male, though the motion was short and his attention remained, primarily, on his family members.

Nunataq wagged her tail in response to Indra's reassuring gaze. So she was doing the right thing after all. On the other hand the longer she stayed in Greyback's company, the more aware she was of her own small size and it took a lot of will-power for the otherwise fearless and rambunctious puppy to remain, where she was and not go and stand behind her caretaker, where at the moment she very much preferred to be.

Another she-wolf had joined them, but since adults seemed to have taken over the part, where a contact was established, Nuna took this as a sign that she can relax a little. Therefore she sat down and let her gaze wander from one stranger to the other and finally to the lands beyond the two.

not sure if there was a posting order; tossing this in

many things happened. first, merrick was seized and dragged away from the main hub of attention by his mother. finding this rather rude, he struggled in her grasp but his movements were altogether futile. now fuming at her side, the equivalent of a toddler who has received the "wrong" colour dish, and has crossed his arms to wait out the siege, merrick huffed. there was going to be a secret, and he was going to miss it.
"mahmee!" merrick whined after roughly seven seconds of baleful silence. "i wan' go up DERE!" with his muzzle he gestured to the promised land of activity from whence she had snatched him. "mahmee, i goin'!" and with that, merrick sought to dart away from indra once more.

Valette was greeted by a female called Indra. She introduced herself as the Beta, funny enough, the alpha female she introduced didn't talk. Valette scanned over the family as each child was introduced as well. The alpha female hummed. Who knew she had so many nieces and nephews. She glanced at Xan. Were they all his children? Guess that he hadn't kept himself to one female. As traditional as she was, she wasn't sure if she approved. She did respect the females that they were willing to share. She would not be able to do that. "Merrick is a nice name. I named my own son Merrit," she spoke to the female with a light chuckle.

Xan spoke then, about not seeing his nieces and nephews. She didn't realize Xan already knew about her latest litter, however, with Stark being her new mate he could of course assume. Valette dipped her head. "There are some more now. @Steph, Clary, and @Ezra are over a year old now," she smiled. "But I had a litter of three once more. @Keen, @Merrit, and @Arlette. Let me call them," Valette spoke. She followed with a howl to her children. Valette thought it was a wonderful idea to let their pups play together. Valette wagged her tail. One of the children didn't seem to like the discipline their mother was giving them. He seemed excited to explore, as curious as every young child.

Arlette heard her mother call for her. She had not been too far away. The red-eyed girl had been exploring around the stones, sniffing them out and giving the moss a closer look when she heard the call. The female's body instantly grew excited with the thrill of being called. Probably doing something fun! The girl perked her ears in the direction it came from and then looked down from the hill. There was her mum! And Greyback! She loved Mr. GB. But her red eyes also noticed a lot of other wolves. Interesting!

The girl instantly started a gallop into the direction of her mother. The girl was usually quite excited and eager to play. These were all new play buddies in her eyes. She ran towards them, a bright white ball of fluff becoming slightly bigger with each stride. As Arlette came closer she noticed that all the scents were a bit overwhelming. She dashed to her mother. Arlette was small enough with her three months and small size to fit under her mother. Wide-set yet curious red eyes looked around the group. Her tail wagging tentatively. Who were all these wolves?! She glanced up at her mother and then at Greyback for an explanation. 

feel free to skip Laurel unless addressed :)

Laurel listened as Indra and Xan talked to this Valette person who was related to Xan. Considering she and Xan were still not on very good standing, Laurel felt uncomfortable being around his family. A bit like being in the lion's den. Laurel listened as they spoke though she seemed distracted and dreamy, as if she wasn't all there, and simply watched the meeting as a spectator.

omg i did not realize it was my post SO SORRY - last one for indra

indra was distracted, between attempting polite discourse and wrestling with the urge to tether her miscreant puppy. she fell into silence herself, perfectly content to let xan and greyback perform the rest of their conversation. a quiet look was shared with her sister before she committed a headcount -- just in time to see merrick bolt for whatever destination he had deigned his to conquer.

indra wasn't going to stop him; if the wolves of easthollow objected his presence she would certainly scoop up his troublesome ass and carry him home (of course, after they had instilled a lesson in him) but she wasn't, at this point, going to prohibit his play.

Last one from me too.

The way adults were dealing with things soon began to bore Nunataq, therefore a puppy from Easthollow joining their party was a welcome distraction. She side-stepped away from Indra and her father and tentatively closed the distance between herself and the albino girl. She took in every detail of her, because she was the very first kid that Nuna met, who did not belong to her immediate family. And little did she know that as time would pass Arlette would become one of her best friends.