Whitefish River hold out your hand

The southern section closest to the plains.
@Okeanos is travelling with her; tagging @Ira for visibility!

It was hard to determine where to go next; Ibis almost didn't want to leave the woods she'd found. The hollow was eerie but the woods nearby to it were immense, yet open, and the familiar sounds of songbirds within the trees created a sense of belonging within her; a calm, a nostalgia. The woods reminded Ibis of Elysium and her heart ached, but it was a good ache.

Moving north from there - and following yet another riverway - the two wolves moved across the plains and it felt like she suddenly became a bird. There was nothing but grassland all around them; the mountains blurred along the horizon to the east and Ibis wondered as she ran, is mom there somewhere? It felt strange at first to be so exposed upon the plains, but the feeling of the wind whipping at her slender body was breathtaking. As Ibis ran she could hear her brother running beside her for a while, but eventually his hefty self lagged behind and for the first time, she felt utterly free. 

The sensation lasted all the way until she felt the burn of her tired limbs and the throbbing weight of pressure in her lungs. Ibis had never been the most athletic creature and running like that made her very sore, but she felt self-satisfied and filled with euphoria. Endorphins flooded her body as she paced and waited for Okeanos to catch up with her, and through the gasps for air and the panting of her tongue she thought she could smell water, and sought it out. Her ambling trail led to a quiet segment of river lazily chugging along, and she hastily stopped there to drink.

Ibis took a few laps of the water and then decided, on a whim, that she could cool off faster if she went for a swim. With a quick look around for Okeanos, the nymph hastily took the plunge before her sense of reason could overcome that new free-feeling pulsing through her. The water was warm, perhaps because the humidity of the season was affecting the lethargic portion of the river she had found; that worked for her, and she bobbed there for a few minutes prior to paddling back to the shore and collapsing in a happy heap upon a patch of grass.

After speaking with Ira, Reiko was determined to do as she was told. Run. Run as far and as fast as she could, she started off on the flat lands as she was told, but when the burning in her legs were no longer unbearable, she moved onto the slopes, up and down, everywhere and anything she did she ran it.

Her legs ached. Her pads bled. But time was of the essence and even if she wasn't going to be the best guardian she could for Speedy's puppies when they came, which could be any day by now, maybe a week or two... She would do her best. She ran to and from her den on a daily basis, building on her garden, digging and planting, running out again to get more plants to add to her collection. Not only was the garden coming along nicely, but the smell of it was unique with all the different herbs. She could smell it from anywhere in Kaistleoki's lands; she felt a pride from that.

In her runs, a sight caught her attention. Someone laying on the grass near the water's edge. The smell had no indication that they were from here. Slowing her breath, Reiko trotted over to the one figure on the grass, dripping wet from a swim and smiled down at her despite the fatigue she now felt as the adrenaline began to fade from the runs. Greetings! she continued her upbeat attitude despite it all.

You are on Kaistleoki lands, is there anything I can help you with? There was nothing threatening about the duo, none that Reiko felt anyway. She would remain pleasant despite the trespassing.

Evergreen, on the other hand, is puzzled to come across the scene. At first, he thinks perhaps the stranger is a friend of Reiko's, but the distance she puts between herself and the other makes it obvious she does not know them. The bear emerges from the undergrowth, having been on a patrol to remark Kaistleoki borders when he heard the splashing and became curious. One round ear points towards the two ladies while the other remains relaxed.

Hello, he greets, a bit stiff and his smile cautious. Despite seeming like they aren't any threat, Evergreen has been on guard ever since Speedy joined their ranks. The last thing they needed was something to occur, and put the mother-to-be in danger. Perhaps the Count is a bit too paranoid for his own good, but for now, he'll see what's up and trusts Reiko to lead the conversation.

The sunlight dried much of her fur within minutes of her collapse, but the girl's back retained some moisture and would probably be a bit green whenever she chose to roll to her belly and stand up; in that moment she was content, staring up at the sky with her paws tucked close and the summer air pressing in around her like a warm blanket — but there was soon the shuffling of limbs through the grass like a whisper, the soft crunching of the soil, and then an energetic — Greetings! From a voice she did not recognize. Ibis' ears twitched and after a pause (because she was a little bit dazed and sleepy from the relaxing atmosphere) she lifted her head - then rolled over and looked around once she was settled properly on her chest.

Oh, she murmured, although it was a quiet exclamation that was dwarfed by the stranger's continued speech. The name of the place - Kaistleoki - nudged something in Ibis' memory; she'd heard it before, but where? As she opened her mouth to comment, another voice - and another body - flanked the first. Hello, and for a split-second Ibis thought it was Okeanos, because she had never seen a wolf that was bigger than her big brother. Until now, anyway.

Her sleepy expression faded fast; her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the pale wolf and the mountain of a wolf who dwarfed her - and felt a thrilling sensation slip like a coursing river down her back. A brief apprehension. H-hello! Um, Ibis peeped, I'm exploring with my brother, I didn't mean to get so sidetracked. I just stopped for a drink - but the water was so inviting. I can, um, I can leave? If you want? Am I in the way?? Oh no! So much for being a scout-in-training, how could she have missed the fact there was a pack here?

Quickly the familiar man came in to investigate the scene as well. Reiko offered and a smile and was more than ready to take a step back and let the Count take over from here on - but his one word and lack of cues that he would do more than stand there, Reiko continued in what she had originally planned when coming across the scene. 

With a straight and prideful posture, she was the image of grace and etiquette. Her posture was not challenging, but instead formal - as her lineage and upbringing flowered, letting the princess shine once more. Even with Speedy ready at any time to deliver her puppies, Reiko was trusting, giving these strangers the benefit of the doubt and treating them with kindness. It's okay. She spoke softly, smiling to the young grey woman, trying to soothe the mild panic that was struck. 

It is quite inviting huh? Our Count here has chosen wonderfully for our home. She gave a tip of her head to introduce Evergreen as the leader of these lands, well, at least one of the two. You aren't in the way at all, but we can't let anyone just walk in and out of our borders, even if it is as innocent as this. You do understand, right? Was as kindly as she could explain. If she could, she would love to have the two rest and enjoy the water - but it wasn't her call; and the pregnant Speedy was priority, and made sure she kept Speedy's condition as tightly lipped as possible to anyone who didn't bare the Kaistleoki's scent on their back. 

If you are looking for a water's edge to rest, I can escort you somewhere outside of the borders? Or is there something else you have in mind. She gave an open invitation to speak instead of hurrying them out of Kaistleoki's lands and not listening to perhaps two who may be friends if not future pack mates.

Hmm, whatever caution the bearish Count might've held washes away. Tension in his shoulders melting gradually as the lone wolf explains the situation. For she appears to be of little threat, though Evergreen is still far from pleased at another trespassing upon Kaistleoki grounds. Fortunately, Reiko—kind and sweet—takes the reins. Her scolding gentle yet firm enough that Evergreen is satisfied.

A grin curves across the Count's lips, and he nods his head in agreement with her words. We aren't hostile,—unless provoked—But it is unwise to trespass into another pack's territory. Not all are kind. The roan Constable comes to mind. He is certain she would not be as lenient in this case. Fortunately, it seems like he has plenty of good members. His appreciation for Reiko grows further.

Ibis had never been in trouble before, not like this. It was wrong of her to assume that every pack would be like the Hollow, or Elysium, but as far as she knew of the world, that was exactly the case. Ibis was presumptive about what was allowed and as she had never been admonished for trespassing before, it never occurred to her that it could be dangerous. As the guardian spoke the girl gradually came to an understanding and felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment; then to have this Count reiterate that it was, indeed, a dangerous thing.

I understand, the girl murmured as she sat up properly, lightly shaking the grass from her thin scruff. Patches of yellow-green stained the pale fur of her back. The Count had mentioned that they weren't hostile which was good, yet it left Ibis wondering where her brother was, feeling exposed, like a child who had been caught where only adults could tread. She resorted to doing what her mother had long ago taught her: a polite introduction to clear the air. My name is Ibis, I'm from the Lost Creek, um... Near to where Easthollow is. Or, I was. My brother and I left --- I said that already. Um, this wasn't going so well, whoops. She hurried to her feet but kept her head level with her shoulders, feeling small and reflecting that in the way her posture sagged a bit. Ibis was already tiny - especially compared to the bear-like Count - but she hoped the message was conveyed. I'll just... Get going, I gotta find my brother.

It's a pleasure to meet you Ibis, my name is Reiko. I'm nothing but a commoner here, so don't worry. The young woman's smile grew cheeky, a little wink offered to the other female as though she was trying to give some kind of signal to her that only the two females would understand. Clearly the other felt uncomfortable, but Reiko aimed to ease it in someway.

Cautiously she approached Ibis, tail swaying behind her in a greeting.  Let's go find your brother together, hm? It'll be easier with two, and this way no one will bother you while you search for him! Reiko especially had Ira in mind, the roan woman would be less likely to go on the defensive should someone she knows be traveling with the stranger. What does he look like? Standing next to Ibis, she softly encouraged them to start walking, to find her missing brother and assuring that Reiko would not leave her side until she was ready to go, after they found the missing half.

Sorry for the delay! Last post from Eve unless he's addressed/tagged <3

Round ears twitch alert at the names Ibis gives. Lost Hollow, and then Easthollow. An almost excited grin curves across his lips, in a childish "oh I know about those places!" way. He's never dealt with someone fearful of him, so Evergreen assumes the nerves are just from the situation, not his presence.

Sorry, I don't mean to startle you, he pauses, tucking his chin shyly to his dark throat. I am Evergreen, and before Kaistleoki, I lived in Easthollow. Lost Creek Hollow is a good ally of theirs. Friends of our friends are... friends, too, I suppose. An unnecessary mouthful escapes from the bear Count, and an awkward chuckle follows it.

You and your brother are welcome here, Miss Ibis, but please do call for Miss Reiko or I first to escort you. I hope you're able to find your brother. Evegreen glances to the loyal Kaistleoki resident and gives her an appreciative nod. With Reiko taking the lead with the situation, he can get back to his patrol.