Sunbeam Lair Where Will Home Be?

@Ira

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After reconnecting with Dawn and revisiting old memories Howl was filled with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, he was filled with joy to see her. It had been years but despite his absence, things in the Wilds continued to prosper, grow and expand. Easthollow still thrived under the leadership of Valette, and Dawn was beginning to start a pack of her own. But she also told him of the quakes and the famine that had only recently subsided within the Wilds. Dawn and others still held their heads high but the land was recovering and prey was scarce, likely not sustaining the vibrant population of wolves quite the same as it once had. He had only intended to visit and make his way West towards Heartha's resting place, but what after that? Would he again leave and wander aimlessly along or would be staying, find a place where he could once again thrive and provide.

The winds were blowing and heavy snow crashed down periodically making it almost impossible to move ahead. The occasional clearings in the sky were enough to keep him moving but enduring the weather was becoming tiresome. it would be night soon and if the weather continued Howl didn't want to spend it outside. Luckily having scouted these lands in his youth he knew the mountains housed many caverns it was only a matter of finding one. 

Eventually, he came across one though possibly not ideal. The ceiling appeared sturdy but areas had fallen through allowing for snow to enter in. Luckily areas of the cavern remained dry and would be suitable enough for his evening. He made his way in and sat himself down with a relieving sigh.

The roan wolf had been taking her time as she made the journey over the mountains. Something that was usually simple had become much more of a task between the heavy snowfall of the mountains and her leg that still liked to act up at the worst times. She reminded herself time after time again, this needed to be done.

Perhaps her stubbornness had finally gotten the best of her. Surely she could have sent another scout to visit her family, someone to check up on them and spread the news of their pack, but it was because her family laid beyond the mountain range that she had to go herself.

With her slowed pace, Ira had only made it over the peaks when the moon's rays begun to cast down upon the earth. She would have liked to put more distance behind her, but the conditions had changed from risky to dangerous. People were relying on her...too much so for her to make a stupid decision. She would have to stop for the night.

Luck had graced her with the entrance to a cavern only a few yards ahead of her, something suitable for a short rest. Once inside she shook her pelt free of the snow that desired to cling to her body and looked around. The cave had been mostly empty, scattered with snow that fell through the holes in the ceiling. What she wasn't expecting to see was the presence of another. It was obvious now that she realized her mistake, the scent was still fresh, but like her, he had not been there long. Golden eyes locked to her company, waiting for a reaction to judge rather she was welcome or not. Apologies...I was in such a hurry I failed to notice this place was occupied.

He had his eyes closed with his head resting on his forearms when the quick scraping of nails on the stone floor raised his attention. Out from the winter snow appeared a slender grey female additionally seeking shelter. She hadn't noticed him at first but once she observed his presence an apology soon followed. He lifted his head and was quick to reply "No need to apologize miss. I own not the cave and would much rather see one such as yourself sheltered from the elements than have an evening to myself." in truth he rather liked the company to keep his mind active and less free to wonder. Seeing as how the two may spend an evening together he thought it appropriate to introduce himself "I'm Howl"

Much to her relief, the male did not chase her away, nor did he even bother getting up. Something about his speech reminded her of home, perhaps that's why she let her guard down more than usual. I see, many thanks, Howl. You may call me Ira. The Count let her eyes sweep the cave until she picked out a spot she considered suitable for her to rest in. Despite the man's kindness, she would still shield her injured leg to avoid showing her obvious weakness, even with it visibly healed.

The elements are not forgiving as of late. Winter is here in it's fullest. Perhaps Howl did not wish to speak, he too could be a weary traveler. Yet, it only felt right to leave room to converse should he choose to. What brings you here?

Perhaps he was getting soft in his old age or perhaps he was simply too tired to be at his usual alertness. But it seemed to him that it would be strange for someone to apologize for intruding only to then ask them to leave or be aggressive towards them. He was reading her character and in doing so regarded her as a resonable woman. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Ira" he regarded.

He nodded to her in agreement when she spoke of the weather. "Quakes, famine, and harsh winter. Mother doesn't appear to be pleased with us" he said referencing mother nature. He could tell that she was attempting to make small talk and Howl had no issue with such. "I'm revisiting some old sights to the West. And you?" 

Much to the mountain wolf's relief, Howl had no issue picking up the conversation. She was aware most found her too stoned face or intimidating to hold up any real conversation with her...not that she particularly minded. Although, with her new role, Ira found herself in a position where she could no longer be silent. She would always be bound by duty and now the very thing that drove her away from socialization had led her back. Ira had to work on her social skills if she wanted to be a successful leader. 

The Count was grateful for the cover of night. Perhaps most considered it cowardly to hide in the dark, but for now, she could hide her expression. Socialization was one thing, expressing herself genuinely was another. The male spoke of Mother Nature's wrath, something she usually took no notice to. Was the Earth shaken with the sins of those who walked the land? Knowledge of nature escaped her and religion was rarely thought about since she left her homelands.

I seek my family to the East. My pack holds an alliance with a pack by the name of Easthollow. The quakes forced my people to leave our home temporarily, but I was unable to travel for some time to inform them of our current location. I'm hoping they suffered less.

So they were traveling in opposite directions, him West and her East towards Easthollow. Yet another he had meet that spoke fondly of the pack. Having been there himself he knew how well Valette ran her pack and allegiances, but hearing it from others only enforced it further. She had intentions to inform Easthollow of her packs relocation and inquire about their current condition. Knowing little he didn't think what he would have to say would be of much help, but thought to offer what he did know regardless. "I'm sorry to hear of your misfortunes. I was in the Rising Valley recently myself and though I didn't have a chance to speak with Valette herself, I did hear from a friend of mine that they still stand. Though I wouldn't expect much less of her" he said complimenting his former leader.

"My friend's name is Dawn. Perhaps you know of her. She was residing in Easthollow till recently." Normally he would not name drop others, but seeing as how this female claimed to have family within Easthollow, he thought it likely that she already knew who he was talking about.

Dawn had informed him of the Wilds and the torment it had endured in his absence but he knew nothing of specifics. Just how severed were the quakes and famine, and how large of an effect had it had on the population? He thought back to her last statement, that she hoped Easthollow suffered less. "I hope I am not being too intrusive. I myself was actually out of Teekon when nature took her course. Just how impactful were things? How are others recovering?... From your perspective of course." he added knowing that everyone had their own experiences and different regions of the Wilds likely felt the consequences of these events at different severities.

Whoops I thought I posted

Howl was not the first to assure her that Easthollow was doing well. It relieved the Count to know that she had not been told otherwise to ease her worries. Valette had always kept them strong, it was no surprise that they were still thriving even through harsh conditions. The roan woman's brow raised at the familiar name. Dawn had been with them for some time, but after she reunited with the pack she and her brother departed shortly after. Ira had not heard from the hunter since.

Yes, I know Dawn. She moved to Easthollow? Do you know where she went after? If she remembered correctly, Evergreen ran into her recently along the borders. She mentioned leaving for her family that needed her, perhaps they were taken in by someone closer that could help. Although, to her knowledge, Easthollow had no healers... Perhaps that's what drove her to leave Easthollow.

Howl informed her that he was lucky to be out of the area when disaster struck. The mountain wolf couldn't help but wonder how far out he was to miss the event. It affected every part of the land. It was hard to say how others saw the disaster, most of the events for her had been spent resting or trapped in a cave. Our river flooded and the trees collapsed. We were forced to open plains where the threat of being crushed was eliminated. Prey had been sparse for months too, only recently have we seen an increase in food. Ira shook her head casting a glance to her leg. The wound had sealed, but she had no doubt a scar would take place when all was said and done.

It was rough, many were skin and bones...I can not speak for those outside my pack as I've been forced to rest for some time now. In my attempt to evacuate everyone, I ended up trapped in a cavern with a wounded leg. Although, our luck has changed recently. We are starting to thrive again and we all hope that our land has healed enough for us to return home come spring.

Sorry for the late, shorter, and bad post. My computer is acting up recently and it's so slow it hurts to post LOL.

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When asked about Dawn's current location Howl had to think back to their conversation. He didn't think that she had given him the name of her territory but she did mention a general direction. "It seems as though she'll be starting her own pack North of Easthollow." he explained.

For some reason when he thought of the quakes he assumed that it had scared away prey and perhaps caused a few landslides but he hadn't expected the scope of the damage it had caused. Causing a whole pack to leave their territory due to flooding and risk of collapsing beneath falling trees. Despite the move, many of them were malnourished it seemed. Having a large pack would allow for better hunting success but it also meant more mouths to feed and if they were not at peak performance he wondered on what side of pro and con they were on. "I'm glad to hear you were able to find your way out of such a circumstance." He said referring to her entrapment.

"How are your numbers?" he asked "Were your hunters also affected by the famine? he elaborated. Even though he had been out of a pack for some time he still couldn't help but think as a collective. Thinking of what a pack may need given events and resources they had available. If their hunters weren't able to fully perform he worried for the pack's overall well being. Perhaps they could use some added help.

sorry for the short wait been a busy week!

So Dawn had left in pursuit of her own pack. She noted the information, sure to inquire about it once she arrived in Easthollow. Perhaps she should seek her out. After all, Dawn had been a valuable member when she was in their ranks, it was unfortunate to lose her. I see...may she prosper with time and hard work.

Howl seemed relieved, even though there was no real happy end to her story. It was a stranger's sympathy to an unknown struggle, but Ira would not complain as the gesture was kind. We were halved during the crisis, but as of late new faces have been trickling in. Conditions are much better, now that prey has returned, I am sure we will be at our peak strength come Spring.

In full honesty, that was but an ideal. Many of their new members are young, inexperienced and have much to learn, but she refused to have her pack appear weak to someone who was still very much a stranger. She had no reason to suspect him, but you never know who someone really is until you've spent enough time around them.

All good. Sorry if my post is a bit clunky. I'm having a little computer trouble lately.

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An entire pack reduced to half of their numbers, clearly portraying the impact of the recent catastrophe.  Many lives lost, and assumingly many others injured similarly to Ira. Only now regaining a foot with the returning prey.  Howl worried not of Easthollow, confident in their strength as a pack, and if Dawn were starting a new pack now those joining would be stronger than others and capable. But there were likely others who would still need help out there. 

Spring would arrive come two new moons. The longer Howl sat there thinking the more he thought about his stay here. He wanted to visit Heartha but surely he could stay a bit longer... just two months or a bit longer if someone needed him. Ira's pack sounded as though they were on the incline and may not need further assistance with their new members, but regardless he would offer his services for future reference. Family to Dawn and Valette would always be regarded as family to him. "I'm sure things will figure themselves out, but Dawn, Valette, their famlies are the closest thing to family I have in the Wilds, so if you need an extra hand with anything just let me know."

Normally he wouldn't be so open or willing to serve someone he just meets, but he thought it unlikely that Ira was lying about her knowledge of Dawn and Easthollow. He also thought it might be nice to do a good thing in the face of all the bad that had transpired. Even if Ira specifically didn't need the help, perhaps she would know someone that did. "I'm a skilled guardian and a decent hunter. I also scout a bit." he said finishing his phrase with an instinctive yawn as the night continued to progress.

It was always a surprise when someone knew of Valette, even more so when they considered her family, but the woman was hardworking and caring. The Matriarch had wormed her way even into Ira's life, perhaps she really shouldn't be so surprised so many knew of her. It was comforting to know Easthollow had many allies, if anything for Valette alone. It further proved that her leave was ok, even if a few misfortunes had occurred since her departure from Stone Circle.

What surprised her more was the man's offer to lend his help. You wish to join Kaistleoki? Condolences were one thing, but they had only just met, yet he appeared serious. The promise of a skilled hunter and another defender was tempting, both were to be desired. I find it difficult to discover a reason to deny your offer, but we only just met. I wouldn't want to keep you from your travels. Although, if you are insistent I would gladly welcome your skills.

Presented with his offer she informed him of her pack name, Kaistleoki, and seemed to question his integrity, referencing the fact that they had only just met. It did seem, however, that she could use his help, even if she wasn't outwardly asking for it. He couldn't quite explain it to himself really. A few weeks ago and all he had wanted to do was visit Heartha and then leave. But hearing what had happening and running into those he had known long ago, he felt the need to give back and help in any way that he could. 

"You wouldn't be keeping me. I have no deadline for my adventuring. I feel as though if I can help I should. At least till your pack has settled back in their home." he explained attempting to sound earnest in his answer.

end here?

Howl assured that his stay would not be a bother, and for that she was glad even if she still had her doubts. If he insisted on joining then she could not deny him. I appreciate it. I still have my tasks to the east, but finding our claim should not be hard. Kaistleoki lays directly to the west from here. Currently we reside in the plains, you may search for Evergreen to inform him of your joining. He is the closest thing to a second in command.

Sounds good. I'm going to give a mini excuse for why it may have taken him so long to get there since this thread was made so long ago. :)

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His offer had been graciously accepted and he was informed that his destination would reside within a plain to the west. In the middle of a mission, Ira would not be escorting him back as she still had to seek those in Easthollow. Perhaps if she would not be returning for some time he could see about possibly visiting the plateau at that time, if he could bring it upon himself. There would be a second in command in her place if he managed to get back before she did, but in case that didn't happen, he thought to give a notion. "Thank you for your acceptance. Seeing as how you will not be returning until the completion of your mission I may choose to journey for a short time before my arrival. I am sure your second in command is more than capable, but it might be more convincing to hear the news of a new member from its leader rather than a stranger claiming residency." he said with a humorous smile. He hoped she would understand his motives and not think of him as lazy or procrastinatory.

Howl spoke of some travel before she returned home to her pack. His reasoning was fair, what if someone did not believe her word? I have no issue with that. The Count stretched her legs forward as she settled for the night. When the morning came she would depart for Easthollow while Howl journeyed West.