Stone Circle Honey, I'm home

Looking for @Valette, but AW! Set Oct 22nd, one day after Sunspire moves in nextdoor.

Tail wagging, Rueger left the secure borders of Lost Creek Hollow and headed over to their neighbor's place, Easthollow. While he understood Treason's worries about what might go wrong in their new home, Rueger had only focused on getting back to Easthollow to visit it's beautiful leader. 

Nose to the ground, he knew the instant he came close to the borders and stopped his forward motion. He wasted no time in tipping his nose to the sky and howling for Valette. He sat back on his haunches, ever the patient visitor as he waited for her.

Valette had been home for a few days after her visit to Morningside. She hoped their friends would be alright. She would make sure someone would check on them later. The female lifted her head when someone howled for her. She remembered the tones but couldn't really place it. She had heard this howl before. The female grew curious and then made her way to the borders. She instantly recognized the male that was at their border, Rueger.

Valette trotted close, her tail not lifted as dominantly. She knew the male, she had recently seen him when the Sunspire pack offered her a gift. The wonderful bearskin. "Hello, Rueger. What brings you here? Did you guys settle in well?" she asked.

His eyes scanned the area around him as he waited, waiting to see her familiar outline before him. Or maybe it would be someone he didn't know. He was aware that other pack members often heeded the calls of visitors, even if the calls weren't for them. Still, he hoped Valette would show.

He bother to hide a smile when his eyes finally landed on her. He stood, though was careful to keep his tail lowered, even as it waved side to side behind his back legs. Some males might have taken the liberty to give her a nuzzle, but Rueger wasn't so forward. Hey, Valette, nice to see you again, as always, he replied. He nodded to her questions. Yes, the trip went well! We arrived yesterday, and everyone seems to be settling in well, he assured her. There were a few changes to our leadership, but nothing upsetting, he added. He wasn't really sure if allies liked to be update on if Alphas and Betas changed, but he didn't think it hurt to tell her.

For a second, he looked a little unsure of himself. Rueger didn't often court females, so it wasn't something he was confident in doing. Still, that wouldn't hold him back. Actually, I'm here on... personal matters, he confessed, with a bit of a grin on his maw. We haven't got to speak much on our lives outside of business, and I hope you don't think me too forward, but I was wondering if we could... hang out... together... sometime? Hang out? Was that the proper term? Rueger didn't even know. He lost whatever courage he had at the beginning of his question, and it was apparent by the end of it. He then realized he had never even asked her if she had a mate. His eyes glanced behind her, fully expecting one to pop up then. Boy, would that be fun. Not.

Although the howl wasn't for him, Greyback couldn't help but be pulled towards it, his body on autopilot. When it came to Valette the male's focus was constantly on her, the urge to protect overpowering his others. It was odd for him. Never before had Greyback been so focused on another female since his late mate, but he wasn't aware of this.

Following the call to the border, the male was met with the figure of Valette and another. They carried a smell that was unknown to the older, but he knew based on Valette's body language that they were at least acquainted. Walking over with his head held high and tail limp, Greyback greeted Valette as he normally did with a nose prod to her shoulder before looking at the male and bowing.

Greyback was larger than him, and did not hesitate to make it known as he caught the end of the question. The Easthollow wolf was older, he was experienced, and was not blind to the posture of the younger, nor the grin and question. However, he knew hospitality was due and smiled down diligently. "Greetings, I hope I am not interrupting."

Valette offered a smile to him when she greeted her back. She was glad that their move went well. Soon this valley would be filled with friends. Valette felt more powerful just thinking of it. She felt that the valley would be safer in general with all these neighbors being of alliance with Easthollow. Her eyes widened when he spoke about a change in leadership. "Oh, change in leadership? Why? Did something happen to Rannoch and Liffey?," she asked, the latter she met only recently at Easthollow borders.

Then Rueger confessed the reason why he was here. He wanted to... hang out with her. Valette blinked. Did he just ask her out? She didn't want to assume, that would be very vain. As she was about to reply Greyback turned up behind her, which was signaled with a quick twitch of her ear, followed by a glance over her shoulder. The female offered her packmember a smile when her shoulder was nudged. Valette felt a bit flustered when Greyback asked if he was interrupting. Because to Valette, he would never really be an interruption but if she got Rueger's question right then it would mean that he had interrupted.

"Rueger wanted to get to know me better," she explained kindly to Greyback while looking at the agouti male. It was not a lie and perhaps the most strategic answer. Though with her losing Stark recently she wasn't sure if she would want to have anything romantic at the moment that felt awfully personal to just tell the two. "Sunspire just moved closer to us. They will be neighbors, and hopefully good friends," she spoke, now turning to Greyback. But that didn't mean that she had answered Rueger's question. She would love to get to know him better but she wasn't really sure if she would jump to dating right away. Did news travel that quickly that her mate was gone? Rueger couldn't have known that, right?

He could understand her concern, but hoped to quell them. Rannoch and Liffey are fine. They've just decided to promote Treason to Beta since Wraen decided to not make the move with us, he explained. As far as he knew, there was no animosity between Treason and Valette, but he really hadn't been with the pack long enough to know. Would this change that?

Then, it was as if Rueger had conjured the man up. His gaze flickered, and the large male came into view. Rueger's grin turned into a full-fledged smile as he watched the male nose Valette, and then bring himself up to full height. Rueger, obviously, could do nothing negative or else he'd risk the alliance between the packs. But! That didn't mean he was going to give up. So, he agreed with Valette. Yes, we hope to be very good friends, he replied with a smile. There had been no mention of a mate yet, and so Rueger pushed just a bit, his gaze going back to her. So, what do you think? Will you allow me the honor of getting to know you better? His attention may have been on her, but he kept the male in his sights, just in case things turned south.

"Rueger wanted to get to know me better. Sunspire just moved closer to us. They will be neighbors, and hopefully good friends,"

Greyback turned to Valette, still smiling, and then back to Ruger; still not pleased by the matter. With Stark's disappearance he doubted she wanted to be caught up in a romantic squall, especially between a new neighboring pack. He also hadn't been aware that Sunspire had moved close to Easthollow and wondered if this was some attempt to 'unite' the packs. The thought made his eyebrow twitch.

"So, what do you think? Will you allow me the honor of getting to know you better?"

"That's a wonderful idea, Rueger," He added, still smiling. "Though im sure Valette is quite..." He glanced to her with a puzzled expression, trailing her body language up and down before continuing, "..Tired. Why don't we let her rest and get to know each other instead?" He cocked his head to the male and hoped Valette would permit it. "I'd love to  know more about your pack. After all, any friend of Valette is a friend of mine."

Ira was later to the call than she would have liked, something unavoidable when she was patrolling at a different end of the territory. Although she expected someone else to answer the call by the time she arrived, she was displeased to see her father had beat her to confronting the strange wolf. Definetly not someone from Easthollow then...

She managed to catch the end of the other wolf's words, he just wanted to spend some time with Valette? Definetly weird for a wolf not a part of the pack, but he might be from one of the allied packs she has been hearing about. Listening to Greyback's response she noticed his pause as he searched for an excuse. An excuse for him, not her alpha. If Valette wishes to get to know someone are you really one to stand in her way? If the small group hadn't noticed her presence yet they would now as she moved closer to get a better look at their visitor.

I believe she can make her own decisions. She's a smart wolf. She shot a glare back at her father. I see what you're doing here.

Valette was relieved to hear that Liffey and Rannoch were fine. She could not imagine stepping down but everyone was different. She just dipped her head to let Rueger know she understood. Now there was just a difference in leadership. Perhaps she should visit the new leadership. What if they lacked interest in being allies? Maybe it was worth to visit their new territory after they settled.

Then the situation seemed to escalate after Rueger asked to get to know her better. She wanted to reply to him but Greyback decided to reply for her. Her ear turned to him, followed by a confused glance as he said that she was tired. Did she look tired? Or did she look unwell? She hoped that Greyback didn't mean to call her out. She thought she hid her loss of Stark pretty well. Then again, tired was different from 'her mate left her'. And he did seem to want to get to know Rueger himself? Or was that because of other reasons?

However, before she could reply, Ira joined the conversation as well. Her head turned as the female called out her father. Valette glanced between the two males. Did Greyback not want her to get to know Rueger because he wanted to spend time with her? "Ira," she greeted. "I don't think Greyback meant it that way," she tried to avoid conflict between father and daughter. Ira probably knew as well that Stark left. She turned to Rueger. "My mate just abandoned me. So Greyback was only looking out for me," she assured Rueger but also Ira. She offered a quick smile to Greyback. Though, she was hesitant with it. Not entirely sure now if this was truly the case.

Valette looked slightly sad when thinking about Stark. She was a bit conflicted herself. She had no problem getting to know Rueger but if Greyback had other intentions and wanted her then... Was she even interested in getting to know the Sunspire male? She bit her lip. All was unsure and unclear what she was feeling. "I would love to get to know you, Rueger. However, can it be another time in the near future? I need to mourn the loss of my mate," she told the agouti male. This was also a test, a test for Greyback to come forward and make his own feelings clearer to her as well. As now she was unsure if Greyback wanted her all for himself or he was just looking out for her.

Rueger had been looking to Valette for an answer, but when he got it, it wasn't from her maw. Her gaze turned to Greyback, who was audacious enough to answer for the Alpha. Not only that, he said she looked tired, and offered up his own company instead. Rueger was very careful to keep his expression neutral, though it was difficult. 

Before he could give his own answer, another female showed, and effectively put the large male in his place. Rueger didn't crack a smile, but he was laughing on the inside. The male deserved it for answering for someone else. Valette spoke up then, and Rueger's gaze went back to her. What she said angered him, but even that he did not show. I'm so sorry, Valette, I didn't realize, he replied back earnestly. Of course, take all the time you need. I am not here to rush you. He realized then that it might be some time before Valette would call on him for company. No worries, as Rueger was a patient wolf. 

He looked back to the large male. In the meantime, you and I can hang out, he said to the male. Rueger wasn't stupid. He didn't think Greyback wanted anything to do with him except get him away from Valette. It would give Rueger a chance to get to know some about Valette, just indirectly.

Greyback, now aware of Ira's presence, turned to her with a stern expression. He had not expected to her be around, nor to come into the conversation with such gall towards him. With perked ears he listened to her continue, staying silent till she was done. The relationship between them had been getting worse with each passing week, and the man found himself becoming increasingly annoyed with her attitude. This was not the way to treat other members in the pack.

Before he could respond he listened to Valette greet his daughter with kindness, speaking on his behalf. He was glad the alpha attempted to steer his daughter's judgement away, but felt guilty he had perhaps overstepped. Looking silently at his daughter, then to Valette, back to Rueger he was aware how Easthollow might look to the Sunspire wolf. It wasn't a very good one.

Then the subject of Stark made Greyback's fur raise in detest. The normally calm and contained male found himself angered at the actions of Easthollow's past beta. He knew Stark was sick for a long time, but the fact he had run away and left not only the pack, but Valette- his mate and children alone caused something deep within Greyback to turn rotten. At least the pups and her had Easthollow.

He was sure Valette must of had a clue by now of why Greyback was acting the way he did around her, but questioned it as she spoke to Rueger and Ira about him looking out for her. While it wasn't 100% true, it wasn't false either. Looking to Valette, he eyed her silently, wondering what more she was thinking as she went quiet.

Rueger's voice broke his stare to her, and he looked at the male with a continued calm expression. He was glad Rueger had accepted what Valette had said, as well as agreeing to hang out with Greyback. "I look forward to it." He replied.

Heat rised under the female's pelt as Valette diffused her loaded words. She did take a jab at her father, but she stood by what she said. Of course, Ma'am. If I misunderstood then that is my fault for jumping in mid conversation. I just thought you were capable of speaking for yourself. No matter what the truth was, she was avoiding the stare she felt on her pelt from Greyback. Instead she focused on the stranger that stood before her who was now agreeing to spend time with her father.

Pardon my intrusion, Sir. We have never met, but based on the interactions I witnessed before stepping in I am assuming you are with one of our allied packs? Ira had never actually run into a member of their allies. Maybe her intervening was not the best idea now, but she could only hope her past actions would not make Easthollow look bad. What happened already happened, she just had to carry herself better moving forward.

Valette offered a kind smile at Rueger. He couldn't know that this happened to her mate and that she would have to deal with it. "You couldn't have known," Valette assured him. She didn't take offense in asking her out. She was rather flattered. "Thank you," she spoke to Rueger when he was understanding of her situation. She did like that about the male that he was patient and not a complete hot head.

Greyback stayed quiet only confirming to Rueger that he would look forward spending time with him. He didn't look too happy with his daughter. Valette had never seen him angry or looking annoyed. How curious. However, Ira apologized to her and that took her attention. "Not to worry, Ira," she spoke. "Thank you for looking out for me and I most certainly can," she smiled.

Valette did agree with Ira that she could speak for herself and that Greyback had been a little forward talking for her. Then again, she felt that he was only trying to help hence why she could easily forgive the male. Then the female introduced herself to Rueger. She would let him talk and confirm to Ira that he was from an allied pack. Perhaps now it was best for Valette to excuse herself. "Rueger, thank you for visiting me. I will be in contact as soon as I feel a bit better," she promised and then dipped her head before turning and trotting into the territory.

Rueger was quiet as things got sorted out amongst the Easthollow wolves. He liked the new female's brazen response to the other male, but it seemed he couldn't figure out the rank of the other two since they weren't exactly submissive in Valette's presence, and he knew her to be Alpha. Maybe Valette was lax on such things, or maybe they were Betas. Still, part of him found it disrespectful, but part of him like the other male being put in his place.

Valette made her leave, and Rueger bowed his head as she departed. His eyes gazed after her, thoughtful. He didn't like that she had been abandoned- who did that?! But, he would not pry. He would simply be patient as she took her time to heal. Greyback accepted his offer of a possible friendship. In the back of his mind, Rueger was interested in finding out the dynamics of the pack, too. 

He looked to the female as she questioned him, and he nodded. I am. I'm Rueger, Guardian of Sunspire. We've just moved next door, explained.  He didn't ask if it was a problem, as he assumed the leaders of the two packs had talked that through before they moved.

Still continuing to be silent, Greyback glanced between the three wolves. He looked at Ira as she explained, his gaze softening. He couldn't stay mad at his daughter for such a thing, her anger might not be justified in his eyes but she was allowed to feel. Perhaps in time he would talk to her again and attempt to patch up their relationship...again.

As Ira and Ruger exchanged words he glanced at the male with a blank face, his ears forward. Now knowing that Rueger was competition, the male was on edge. He hoped with time the Sunspire wolf would grow tired and retreat from his mission to court Valette. If he didn't, Greyback would make sure not to let him succeed. It was selfish, he knew this, but after the events of Stark Greyback would see to it that Valette was with someone who wouldn't do her wrong.

As Valette turned to leave he spared his daughter and the allied wolf a smile. Perhaps they would become friends, he knew ira didn't have many despite the time she had been with the pack. "I must be parting now as well," he stated. "Ira, Rueger." He gave a nod to the male and the brush of his tail against his daughter's as he followed Valette.

He would travel to Sunspire another day and speak with Rueger.

Ira listened to the male's words carefully, only to have her attention pulled by her father's departure. A frown found its way across her muzzle as his tail brushed against hers, but she pushed him out of her head. Rueger. I see, it's a pleasure to meet you then. I go by the name Ira. The grey-scaled wolf quickly looked over Rueger trying to determine what kind of land he and his pack had come from before. What caused your pack to move here? Were you affected by the fire too?

While she was aware of allied packs, she still has yet to find where exactly they all reside or the way the other packs were run. Easthollow was more of a family unit, not exactly unusual, but it also lacked some structure in an authority standpoint. Perhaps the neighboring packs ran the same way? Surely the female had questions, but they could wait. There was no reason to overwhelm Rueger with questions.

Rueger gave a nod back to Greyback as he left, his gaze following the male. Interesting. Rueger wasn't a jealous fellow, but he sure wish he could be the one following Valette. He wondered how pushy the other male was going to get, if at all. 

His attention turned back to Ira, as she introduced herself. Nice to meet you, Ira, he replied. He shook his head side to side at her question. No, we didn't get any of the fire, he confirmed. It was mostly food shortage for us, he explained. Have you been in Easthollow long? he asked. He figured if she was willing to talk, he was willing to listen, help him get more insight on their allies.

She seemed to ponder the thought for a moment, Food shortages are only going to grow worse as winter nears. You better see to it that your pack is stocked up before we all struggle. Ira closed her eyes and tilted her head in thought. I have not been around for too long. I was wondering up until about two months ago. Satisfied with her answer, the female looked back to Rueger, although she was starting to feel the burning urge in her paws to be more productive than stand around and chat. She could spare a few more moments though, it was worth the effort to know the wolves surrounding their territory. How long have you been with Sunspire?

She stated that food shortages were only going to get worse as winter came upon them, and he nodded. Yes, they are. It was going to be difficult for three packs in one area to find enough food to sustain themselves. Would that cause tension? He sure hoped not. 

She admitted she had only been in Easthollow a couple of months, wandering before then. He wondered if asking about her past would be rude, since they were still mostly strangers. So, he opted to ask, How do you like it so far? Maybe she wouldn't answer honestly if she didn't like it, in hopes of keeping issues inside the borders. Not like he would know right now if she was telling the truth or not. 

He thought a moment about how long it had been since he joined Sunspire. Oh, about 4 moons now I guess, he replied. He hadn't really been keeping track. It was still summer when I joined, he said, not that it narrowed down the timeframe any.

The female went silent again as she thought over what to say. Things were not horrible after all, she was starting to settle in and maybe even call this place home. Although part of her felt like she might never belong. It's been fine. Things were after all, right? Her blood did not matter here, although she never really paused to think about things. Easthollow piqued my interest so I decided to stay. It has a very lovely territory and...interesting wolves. Aside from her father, the cast of wolves she had met certainly fit the definition of interesting. What do you like about your pack? Is there a reason you joined?