Stone Circle Hello, welcome home

@Ira!

Greyback had shown her around a few days ago, but she wanted to really familiarize herself with the pack's territory. There was a lot to it. She had to admit it was a beautiful place. Dianne supposed she was lucky in a way to be able to witness it up close — these wolves had laid their claim on it, after all. Her small, mottled form weaved between the birch trees, spots mingling with stripes.

These trees were the strangest she'd ever seen, with bark white as snow and horizontal black tears as if something had come by and slashed them all.  Now that it was autumn, their leaves were a vibrant yellow like the sun. They were mesmerizingly beautiful. She still feared getting lost in this forest filled by tree after identical tree; "Clone Forest" was a very fitting descriptor. So here she was, determined to figure out how to reliably find her way from point A to point B without feeling like she'd just walked in circles.

Depending on where Dianne was looking she might notice a tall grey form weaving through the white trees. Even if she did not notice it right away, the light rustling from paws passing through the undergrowth would give Ira away. She was not particularly concerned with being stealthy, after all, she was on her own territory. Ira might not have been aware of it, but to an outsider, the way she gracefully moved around the trees suggested she knew the territory pretty well, and with how much she patrolled, she should.

She heard another member walking nearby. Evaluating their scent, Dianne realized that she didn't recognize it. While not keen on approaching wolves to start conversation, there was another factor that urged her to move in the wolf's direction: she was lost. It was frustrating to admit to herself and even moreso that she was going to a wolf for help, but whatever. She was tired of trying to figure this out on her own. Perhaps this member could give her some advice.

When the wolfess came into view, Dianne noted her large, somewhat masculine form first, then her blue-roan coat. She'd be easy to recognize, at least. Once at a speaking distance away, she said, Greetings. I don't believe we've met; my name is Dianne. I'm a new recruit. Her words came out robotically, as they usually did. She just wanted to get formalities out of the way.

Orange eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any dangerous hazards, wolves, or something out of the ordinary. Soon the scent of another wolf would wash over her, unfamiliar, but with a hint of some of her packmates. A new pack member? Ira slowed as she turned in the direction soon making out the figure approaching her.

As Dianne introduced herself, the stone figure came to a halt and gave a small nod. Ira. Welcome to Easthollow. After introducing herself she would turn more to observe the other wolf and commit her appearance to memory. Have you been around the territory yet? I'm currently on a patrol if you wish to join. If Dianne admitted to being lost, Ira would not be surprised. After all, it would not be the first time she ran into one of their newer members in the maze of white trees. Even being shown around, the "clone" forest had its name for a reason. It took experience to learn where to turn if you fell off the path.

She committed the name "Ira" to memory when the woman introduced herself, neatly filing it away in her mind. Thank you, She replied with a slight dip of her head. Dianne took the opportunity Ira's question created to request what she'd been meaning to ever since she caught sight of the wolfess: I have, but it's pretty easy to get lost in here. I was wondering if you'd be able to shed some light on how to navigate this place. Admitting she was lost bruised her pride a bit, but it was nothing she couldn't heal from. She wasn't stubborn enough to avoid asking for help when it'd benefit her.

The stone wolfess seemed to hum quietly to herself in thought. Well you are correct, it is a maze out here. I'd say experience is the best way to learn to navigate. Worst case scenario stick to the few paths so you will not wander off. Ira raised her head and looked at their surroundings before gesturing with her muzzle.

It appears the nearest path is not too far from her, I can escort you to it if you would like, or you are still welcome to join my patrol. She would not be offended if Dianne chooses to leave, but she figured she would renew the offer in case the spotted wolf wished to increase their knowledge on the surroundings. If she does follow, Ira could always point out small things that helped her navigate as well.

Experience, Ira said. That meant this wouldn't be the last time she'd get lost in here. At least it'd get better with time. The large wolfess suggested sticking to the paths, and Dianne nodded in acknowledgement of that tip. They weren't perfect, and sometimes she needed to stray a bit, but for now she would try to at least keep them in sight. Thank you, I'll keep that in mind, Dianne replied.

In response to Ira's invitation to join her patrol, Dianne answered, A patrol sounds nice, I'll join you. She agreed to join mostly out of politeness but also because further familiarity with the territory wouldn't hurt. On top of that, Ira seemed like she wouldn't get on her nerves, so Dianne didn't feel the need to make some kind of excuse to deny her.

She gave a small nod in acknowelgement as she turned back to her route. She only glanced over her shoulder to make sure the smaller wolf was following within a decent range. So you recently joined Easthollow, who showed you around the territory? Her gaze was fixed on the trees ahead of her, but she kept one ear turned back to listen for Dianne's response and to make sure her pawsteps never fell too far behind.

Dianne had to speed walk to keep up with Ira's long strides, but she didn't complain. She stayed by her flank, taking in their surroundings and looking for landmarks that might help her navigate in the future. When Ira asked her a question, she turned back to peer up at her, thought the other woman had her gaze trained straight ahead. Still, Ira kept an ear out for her. She got the impression that Ira was rather serious and straightforward, which Dianne found to be admirable traits.

Greyback, She answered simply, perhaps curtly so. How long have you been a part of Easthollow? Dianne then asked in turn. It sounded like small talk, but she really asked the question so that she could lead into others that gave more insight about this woman and what she was capable of.

 Greyback. Of course it was him, that name seemed to haunt her even if the male was not exactly a daunting figure within the pack. Size aside that is. Her face seemed to sour slightly but she’d catch herself and hold her neutral gaze. Just because she had issues didn’t mean others needed to be involved in her family drama. I see. He tends to get to new faces quickly despite his age. she was grateful the smaller wolf was already changing the conversation.

She did not want to talk about her father. Who knew who would run off and share her thoughts with others and the last thing she needs is her word getting back to Valette. Ira thought back to the woman’s words when she first joined...Ira was willing to side with strangers for the sake of “family” but that does not mean that family does not have their quarrels. Her focus returned to her surroundings as She realized she had left Dianne’s question unanswered. I joined at the end of summer. Not too long ago, but enough to know the area a decent amount. I guarantee you’ll be navigating just fine on your own in a few weeks. She pressed her slender body up against a tree, refreshing her scent.

Ira didn't seem to mind how she brushed over talking about Greyback and even did the same herself. The flash of distaste in her expression did not escape Dianne, and she quietly jotted it down in her mind. The silence that followed Ira's own flat words about the man further confirmed her theory that there was some turbulence between the two. She kept this at the back of her mind not because she cared about drama, but because it could be useful for the future.

Getting back on track, Ira answered her question, and Dianne took more notes as if preparing for a test. Newish member, no strong ties to the pack. Issues with Greyback. Maybe when she left this place, she could convince Ira to come with her. A virago like her would be incredibly useful to have around. She added "Make an effort to interact with Ira." to her notes. It was good to know it wouldn't be too difficult to learn how to get around, as well.

To show she was paying attention, Dianne said, I hope so. Then, she added, You're still fairly new, yourself. Have you settled in well? The question was open-ended to see how Ira would answer. What she chose to talk about would reveal more about her and any connections she may have — or lack. The sizable woman seemed content to simply spit out answers without inquiring in return, which Dianne hoped she kept up. She loathed talking about herself and avoided going into detail as much as possible.

While the female was unaware of Dianne's intentions, she would have a hard time moving the stone colored wolf. In addition, all information she has gathered did not bother Ira if others knew. None of it really mattered too her, all that was important was her role. As Ira was addressed again she glanced back, moving around a tree. Easthollow is pleasant. I was traveling for a long time so it is nice to be in a structured pack again, even if things are laxer here.