Hushed Willows Lift Me Higher

Backdated to the 11th hoping for @Sunny and/or @Cortez but all of elysium is welcome!

The time had come for Kaistleoki to make themselves known to the wolves that lived within a reasonable distance from their stream. Three had crossed the Constable's mind when prompted by @Evergreen. Of course Easthollow, it was her home for so long and the wolves that resided there would continue to be family in her mind. They had been allied with Lost Creek Hollow which laid right next door, an easy enough journey, and then there was the pack that had been ever so friendly.

Elysium had once been quite the trek to make, but now it was one of the closer claimed lands. That's why Ira had suggested they started with the openly friendly pack that rested just across the mountain pass. Finding the border started with some blind wandering and a general idea, she had visited only once moons ago from a different direction, but soon the familiar scents would hit her and she motioned to her companion to pause before they accidentally crossed the borders.

Sending a howl for the wolves that laid beyond, Ira sat glancing to Evergreen. If I recall, the leader I had spoken to once before went by Lily. I believe they too have more than one leader though.

Ira takes the lead in their first mission, and Evergreen simply here to escort and learn from the roan Constable. He trusts her greatly, so when she announces their first stop will be at Elysium, the bearish wolf lifts round ears curiously and follows in tow. Once Greyback mentioned the pack invited them to a festival, focused around fertility, and while Evergreen had not attended, he committed the name to memory.

Their adventure to Elysium’s borders does not take as long as Evergreen expects—the trek over the mountain’s ridge hazardous yet doable nonetheless in the summer months. Fortunately, no ill circumstances befall the Kaistleoki duo. He halts alongside his Constable, a step behind to allow her the reins. She calls for their leaders, and the bearish wolf hums at her information.

Despite how friendly they seem from other perspectives, Eve is nonetheless nervous.

The pack was in the throes of grief, everyone felt the heavy weight of loss and Sunny...well Sunny was doing his best. They had appointed him Lily's replacement, the new Satori, the one who handled interactions with other packs. Sunny was normally a good option, he was a good man with a big heart and a hatred for conflict but...his big heart had way too much to handle. 

Even so when he heard the call for leaders he stood and made his way there, looking scattered and exhausted as usual though he forced a welcoming smile to his maw, the intention to be friendly genuine though it didn't quite hide the level of mental exhaustion. "Hello, How can I help you both?" he asked curiously.

It seems their call was heard and their wait would not be long as a male soon emerged to greet them. He outwardly greeted them with a smile, yet something seemed amiss. Ira would simply wave off the feeling as she did not know this wolf, perhaps pups were keeping him up at night.

The roan woman would dip her head with respect as a friendly greeting as they were questioned. Greetings, we have come to introduce ourselves as neighbors and speak with the leaders of this pack. Might you be one of the rulers here or know if one might be near?

It was the female who took the lead and so he turned and focused on her while she spoke, his eyes brightening at the news that they had a new neighbor. "I am yes. I am Sunny, Cortez is the other leader. May I ask where you are located?" he asked curiously, trying to remember how it was to have to handle pack interactions and speak for his home. He didn't want to let too much information slip before he learned about how this new neighbor ran their pack. He had seen trouble between packs before and Elysium had enough to deal with at the moment.

Hey, Chey! Please don't skip me & Eve ❤ He's more so in the background, but I'd still like for him to participate.

New posting order: Ira > Sunny > Evergreen.

The roan Constable takes the lead as planned, and Evergreen is ever curious to observe the passing of information between them. Of course, he will participate as need be. Being a workaholic meant that there were times when Eve could not resist butting in. To keep the conversation flowing, the bear speaks up; We are located over the mountains, west of Elysium, in Whitefish River. I am Evergreen, the Count, and this is Ira, our Constable. He leaves their name for Ira to fill in where she pleases. Perhaps it is not so wise to give their location so easily, but he's always heard and seen Elysium as a sanctuary... and doubts they will use this information unwisely.

The mountain wolf nodded to the information Evergreen provided as he introduced them and where they were based. She wasn't too worried about it since Elysium had always been friendly. I was in Easthollow when Lily came for an alliance. We are not currently seeking out those types of relations as we settle in more and get acquainted with those around us, but perhaps in the future, we can look towards a closer friendship. Ira's eyes drifted to Evergreen briefly before turning her full attention back to Sunny for any other questions he might have.

He made note of their location to tell Cortez later and then turned his attention to the she wolf who spoke of Lily having sought out an alliance with Easthollow. They didn't offer their friendship but Sunny found it smart and he made note that they were being respectful. He gave them an easy smile and nodded "That's understandable. We try to mind our own business and get along with everybody, I am sure we won't have any trouble. Normally we have events where our Allies come but it is open borders to anyone during the event itself. Unfortunately Elysium is currently going through loss, we had a bear attack us recently. We lost many including Lily and my wife so whether or not we have another one soon is to be seen" it was a subtle mention of a possibility of working on getting to know one another, one that he offered up just to keep in the spirits of how friendly Lily was as Satori.

His head nods after his Constable, agreeing with her. For Kaistleoki is too new, and the relationship unknown enough that the bearish man is wary of creating alliances with uncertain foundations. Perhaps in the future it would be an option, but for now, they wish to place themselves out there—an opportunity to lay down that first step and grow the foundation into something strong and steady.

A gasp escapes Evergreen’s lips. “My condolences.” His round ears flicker back, saddened to hear that Elysium has lost multiple to a recent attack. It pulls at his heartstrings, knowing fully how terrible loss is. “Perhaps there is an arrangement we can make between Kaistleoki and Elysium, to extend well wishes and… to honor those you have lost.” His mismatched green eyes flicker to Ira, hoping the idea goes well with her, too.

A frown tugged at her lips at the horrid news. She did not know Lily well, but she had been kind and curious. I am so sorry for your loss. A bear attack. What a horrible way to go. The constable could only hope that it was quick.

Evergreen was quick to respond and offer their help to which she agreed. If there was anything they could do or offer they should do so as good neighbors. I agree. Should we be wary of this bear as well or did you take care of it? It would be even worse if the creature got away. The last thing Kaistleoki needed was an attack so soon and while they were expecting pups.

The sadness slipped freely into his expression as they gave his condolences and he gave a small nod "Thank you both. It's tough but we'll come back from it" he said wondering if he personally would come back from it. He'd been wrecked when Keoni died and even worse when his dad died and he knew if Aliac didn't return he would be even worse. He focused back in as Ira asked if the bear had been taken care of and his eyes flashed with anger "It escaped wounded. It had already been wounded when it came here, I think it's attacked packs before" he hoped by now someone had taken care of the lumbering beast and that nobody else had been harmed. "I've been thinking about maybe holding an event in the name of the deceased. If you want to check back in a few weeks you'd all be welcomed to come regardless of not knowing them" he offered that to Evergreen, who had suggested an arrangement. He wouldn't ask them for anything when they didn't know the ones lost but he could extend an invitation to come celebrate the lives of wolves lost.

Wrap up? <3

He is thankful Ira is here, for he hadn’t thought about the potential threat the bear may still have… if it is running rapid attacking packs as Sunny hints to, then perhaps it will be on Kaistleoki’s doorstep before they know it. His guard hairs stand on end, and the bear glances worriedly towards his Constable.

“Thank you for letting us know,” he says, attention shifting back towards the Elysium leader. “I think that is a wonderful idea, and we will return with others in a few weeks time.” Despite how sorrowful the circumstances are, perhaps it will help create a stronger bond between the two packs.

I'm fine with that! last post from me

Hearing that the bear was attacking packs was unsettling...but also quite dumb. One bear versus a whole pack? Those aren't great odds, even if it is getting away with deaths under it's belt. If it stumbled upon their lands it would surely not make it back out alive. Ira would see to it herself.

Evergreen agreed to return in a few weeks time as she gave a simple nod. We would be glad to pay tribute with all of you. Turning her gaze between the two males she bowed her head before stepping back, I think we will take our leave now, thank you for speaking with us. Hopefully, we can prosper together in the future. After that she would turn to head back over the mountain.

They agreed and said they would return with more wolves in a few weeks time and Sunny thought that it was a good thing, for what better way to pay tribute to wolves who were welcoming than to do so with strangers as a way of bonding? A small smile formed at the thought and he nodded his agreement to Ira and turned to the leader "Safe travels" he said as the man turned to leave and as soon as they disappeared he turned and head back inside thinking over things.