Redsand Canyon Stros

The bite of winter was one that the young wolf had not anticipated. It inflicted his movement more than he cared to admit. When nestled in the lower floors of the canyon, the stones afforded him some reprieve from the winds. Occasionally their course would change and would send a rush of howling air through the canyon.

The snow whisked around Cad as he made his way to the upper paths. Mereo’s size was not as intimidating as the snow-touched terrain. Each step of his paws needed to be calculated and light. He could not afford to slip on the smooth rock and fall. Moss green eyes looked below him.

Learn the canyon from above.

It's my understanding that this thread is 1 day after Cad joined Mereo. Let me know if that's wrong :)

The walls of the canyon felt cramped today. And per usual Paeon was antsy. She wanted to get a look at what the world outside the Canyon was like that day and ventured to the rim of the bowl. As she was not looking into the Canyon she kept a few body lengths distance from the ledge and did not worry about slipping.

In the distance, she could see mountains, water, and grass coated in the seasonal white. However, something at a much closer range stood out. A sandy brown male peered down into the canyon. Although she herself was new to the pack recent meetings afforded her a glace at the existing pack members and this was not one she recognized.

"Is there something I can help you with?" she asked somewhat defensively. The wind blew his scent away from her and any signs of him being an existing pack member.

Oh, hello!

Cad’s voice was chipper, bright. He turned upon the speaker and studied them with wide eyes. She was darker in coloration than anyone from his homeland. She had sharp eyes and a burly figure. The young medic thought she would make an excellent physical soldier. Perhaps this was her reason for speaking to him. They were still strangers, after all.

I’m learning the canyon as an order from the Imperator. It’s my first task, I suppose.

The young wolf’s peachy figures smiled at her. There was no reason for concern. He understood that she was looking to keep her station secure. Without a soldier to protect it, the canyon would be at risk. At least, this was how they stationed men in the Spice Sands. Defend and grow. Cad’s homelands had stretched for many miles.

Totally good! ^^

His response opposed hers. Light. Chipper. Friendly.

First given task from the Imperator. Her stance softened into one of curiosity.

Without a word, she trotted up to him and took a whiff of his coat. Invading his personal space.

Yep. The Imperator was in there. Although faint. He must have been really new.

"Sorry about that. Had to double-check. My own self-appointed task! My names Paeon. Are yours?!" she speech jumping from subject to subject.

She dutifully inspected him. The peach-faced wolf did not stir beneath her. She was only doing what was right by her post.

When the woman stepped back, she offered a small apology. She said that she had been fulfilling her own task. Cad couldn’t help but smile. He understood these tasks, the importance of protecting a home. It was good that she was seeing through with her intentions.

No apologies needed, ma’am.

The medic dipped his snout quickly. His mossy eyes averted from her features for a moment. When they returned, they sparked with interest.

I’m Cad. Can I know your name?

He took no offense. Which was a pleasant surprise. Most didn't favor Paeon's impulsive actions.

"Of course. I'm Paeon. I became a part of Mereo a few months ago."

She paused for a moment thinking of how long she had been within the Canyon's protective walls... and how little... by her standards, she had done. Hadn't even left... It made her upset every time she allowed the thought to slip into her mind.

Shaking her head a bit and snapping out of it she continued "What about you? Where are you from Cad?"

Paeon was a name that could have come from the Spice Sands. It wasn’t too far from the names that were given to the pups Cad had grown up with. In that sense, he was grateful for a sense of familiarity. It was nice to hear that he wasn’t the only newcomer to the Imperator’s lands. She had a few months on him, of course. The medic wondered if there was anything he could learn.

I’m from a place in the Spice Sands called Maofen.

The mossy-eyed figure offered a small smile. His features were drawn into a nervous expression. Cad maintained his pleasant waving tail. The familiar twist of homesickness had brought it on, maybe. An anxiety of being in a place he did not know.

A place in the warm red sands. We never see snow, his voice was offered softly.

Sorry for the long pause. Wanna fade here and they can potentially meet again in the future?

The Spice Sands. Paeon had never heard of such a place before. It sounded like a barren desert, or perhaps more creatively a red shoreline. One sounded much for exhilarating than the other, but she feared the lesser of the two was likely the reality.

"Sounds like a stark contrast to your existing surroundings. Although, I suppose we do have our fair share of Red. Something easier to see without all the snow. I hope it doesn't take you too long to get used to it" she said with a smile and sway of her tail.

"I was just taking a stroll looking at the world below," she said gesturing in the opposite direction outwardly from the canyon. "Care to join me?" she asked comfortable with a walking companion, but also understanding that he might be more focused on the Canyon at this time.