Cedar Sweep lock & key

OOC: For @Tuuluuwaq. Set closer towards the river. Weather: Sunny, windy.

What had started out as a routine expedition to assess potential new hunting grounds was destined to turn into something much different. The blustery conditions worked in favor of Ensio's nose today. To him it brought the scattered scents of a plethora of prey. He must have at least discovered a dozen trails so far.

He smiled. This untouched wilderness, so far and so different from the Glacier, was lush with potential. He could hardly wait until spring was in full force, when the grass grew rich and the leaves sprouted anew. Who knew then, what bounties this place would yield.

He knew Tuuluuwaq was not far away, as he edged closer and closer towards the sound of a flowing river. Prey would likely congregate for a welcome drink and he wanted to see the inventory. It may even double as a good spot for fishing. But then a shift in the wind. Blowing in from the east. What he smelled was not prey. It was other wolves. Several of them and the scent was fresh.

Icy hackles prickling in a razor line, he immediately felt possessive. Jealously protective over what was his. What had changed? When his scouting party had first found their slice of paradise, there wasn't so much as a trace of other wolves. Feeling his mood darkening quickly, he turned back and rushed in Tuuluuwaq's direction. He let out a low, growling bark, conveying his displeasure of the new discovery.

Tuulu was also filled with hope as they scouted around their new home. There was an abundance of prey; vastly different from where they had lived before. It promised a plentiful spring for them, which he would be happy to report to Lane and Isso. 

Ensio scouted a little farther ahead, the Tatkret hanging back a little and inspecting things in a slower manner. His mentee wasn't far enough away that he couldn't call for him if he needed help or found something. 

The northerner could hear water flowing somewhere up ahead, and he was eager to explore what he assumed was a river. He lifted his nose to the air and drew in a deep breath through his nostrils. The gust of wind brought something concerning to his attention: the smell of other wolves. His brother's scouting party had not found anyone else living here, but it had been some time between then and when Atautsikut had arrived on the summit. It was possible someone else had claimed land around here in that time.

Ensio came rushing towards him, a growling bark telling Tuulu that he had scented them too. 

I also picked up their scents, he told the boy when he was close enough. We can investigate a little, but I would like to report this to Lane and Issorartuyok before we confront them. It was possible this was another peaceful pack like they were and there was a potential for an alliance.

He huffed. Ensio was clearly not pleased with their initial discovery. To have come all this way and now to have neighbors so close to their new home? He had been so looking forward to having this slice of the wilderness largely to themselves.

"Fine..." He grumbled. His tail lashed, his hackles still standing on end. He glanced back towards Tuuluuwaq, interested to see if he would be coming along with him back the way he came. Ensio knew better than to cross over any borders. He wasn't ready for a confrontation yet.

Ensio was a headstrong boy, and Tuulu had no interest in ridding him of that trait; it would come in handy when he was older and had learned to control it. But it showed his maturity that the boy would heed his words and agree to head back. 

The northerner trotted after him, catching up to walk beside him. They could be peaceful like us, he pointed out. Maybe it will be a good thing that others are here. He was of the opinion that a pack could never have too many allies. And when we return to speak with them, I will make sure you are at my side. Ensio had earned the right to be there when they made contact with the pack.