Whitefish River cor in absentia

please excuse me while I get his profile up to date

It had been many seasons since he had looked in on this valley. Not since the move to Dawnlark Plains, which had never sat well with him. Everything had gone wrong there, whereas their time on the Plateau -- even as eventful as it had been -- lived on in Dauntless's memories as time of peace and prosperity. They'd been a family there, and on the plains... something else entirely.

He returned now, not quite willing to come too close. His father's bones had been taken to the mountain there beside it -- the one that he'd called Adeline Laughs. More and more as he grew older, Dauntless wondered who Adeline might have been.

Before he reached even the outer edges of the plateau, he came across the scent of a pack, someone familiar therein. His nose twitched, and he drew back with an excited sneeze, tail already wheeling in anticipation. After taking a moment to collect himself, he gave a shot, inquisitive call to alert the pack of his presence.

phone post bleh

A short howl rang out from the borders, someone unfamiliar. It seemed like many were traveling their way as of late, fortunately no bad characters that posed a threat to their growing home. It was growing close to fall, before they knew it winter would settle in, perhaps that’s why they were now seeing so many new faces.

Ira traveled quickly to the source of the sound, a young face standing just past their markers who looked rather excited? That was a new one. Hello, you’ve reached Kaistleoki. Is there something I may assist you with?

asori ninjas,,, have an eve anyhow LOL welcome to KO <3

Ira has been a busy-body, taking care of the majority of summons upon Kaistleoki’s doorstep. It is appreciated more than the bearish Count could express, especially following the awkward atmosphere between them that left Eve scared she would leave and return back to Easthollow. Alas, this time, too, he is late to the party, but Eve shows his face regardless.

Round ears alert, he strides with confidence towards the call—a grin automatically curving across his lips as he spotted the stranger. His bulk swaying to a stop besides Ira—though he gives her a wide berth. He tilts his head to the side; curious and questioning. “Hello, welcome to Kaistleoki,” he greets with open arms. “I am Evergreen.”

"Yes ma'am," said Dauntless, quickly composing himself as a woman approached, but not losing the shine in his green eyes. "I'm looking to join this pack, if you'll have me. I can hunt."

His gaze left the woman, briefly, to land on the male coming up behind her, but a moment later he looked back to her, deciding that she was the more present authority in this encounter. "I'm Dauntless," he said to the male, struggling to split his attention. "Pleased to meet you," he added as a hasty afterthought.

Without knowing what he looked like, Dauntless had no way to know that he bore a passing but remarkable resemblance to one of the wolves that arrived on the scene soon after his call. If he had known, he would've been faintly embarrassed -- the clearest different between them was size, after all, and Dauntless would be the one left wanting in this comparison.

Even without knowing, he compared himself to the male, watching him out of the corner of his eye while he tried to give the female his respectful attention.

The man introduced himself and offered his abilities as a hunter, but surely anyone can hunt. However, if he was specialized. I go by Ira, we are the leaders of this pack. She dipped her head in her own greeting, her gaze drifting to the bear beside her. She had noticed how he strayed lately and it only hurt her more, but of course, she never let it show. Is there a reason you picked us as your new home? We do not run like a typical pack. Trades are our primary focus.

The constable paused considering what other potential Dauntless might have. Do you pursue hunting as a trade? If you never thought about one I'm sure you could learn from someone here, providing you are fit for our lifestyle.

Ira does the primary job of talking. Eve is just here to observe, and get to know the potential blood that will be working alongside him and the others in holding Kaistleoki afloat.

A hunter will do well in their ranks, especially if they specialize in following nature and it’s weather patterns. Thistle used to be good at both, though more a bird-catcher like their uncle versus the brute strength of Easthollow and their bison-downing techniques.

For now, Eve remains silent, mismatched green eyes flickering from the roan Constable to Dauntless.

To Dauntless, who had spent very little of his adult life in a pack, it was difficult to imagine that one needed to be a thing more than an able hunter to be an attractive protective joiner. Talk of trades threw him, and he wheeled back a step in apparent discomfort, stealing another glance at Evergreen.

"I'm good at it," he hedged, not quite sure how to answer. In the end, he bit the bullet and admitted, "I don't have a trade. I haven't been in a pack since my birth pack. I stopped here because I can smell some of my siblings. An older sister and a younger brother."

But he was beginning to doubt he was the sort of caliber that was accepted here. Dawn had been his father's right hand, after all. He didn't know what had become of Winterbourne, but if Dawn and Aditya had taken over his care when their father died, it only made sense that he'd be incredible.

"How do you decide if someone is fit?" he asked, his ears pressing forward in determination. He wasn't Dawn, but he was his father's son. "A test? I can bring something back here. Or we could spar."

So he had siblings here. Despite so long without a pack, family always seemed to have a way to draw one back. The same had happened to her after all. A small smile crept on her maw as Dauntless started to list ways he could potentially prove himself. Fear not, it is not for us to decide. It is up to you to see if you fit here. Perhaps you should reunite with your family and spend a week here. If it is not the life you wish to lead you may leave, no strings attached.

The roan woman looked to Evergreen in case he had anything to add. She had no qualms with the stranger eating amongst them should he pull his weight. A hunter was sure to bring in more than his fill. And if you do decide to stay, we can talk more about trades later. It is not a requirement to have one, but if you have potential I suggest considering an apprenticeship.

Whoops! Sorry for the delay. Didn’t realize it was my turn.

“Having a trade currently isn’t required,” he pipes up, making sure that a misunderstanding isn’t formed—Kaistleoki may be about them, but it is also to foster knowledge, and with their mixing pot of talent, he is positive anyone could find what they’re looking for in terms of it. His round ears twitch with interest at the mention of family.

So while Ira may be about business, Eve cannot help question; “Your siblings… What are their names?” The bearish Count tilts his head to the side—mismatched eyes curiously locked upon the smaller male.

Ira's words comforted him greatly; he'd been concerned about the sort of pack this might be when she'd warned it wasn't like others, but thus far, it didn't seem terribly different from what he was used to. And if he could stay a while and see how he liked it, what was there to lose? "In that case, I'd be very grateful if you'd allow me to try it out," he said politely, ears pressing forward in a polite show of determination.

Evergreen drew his gaze once more. "My sister is Dawn, sir -- the best hunter I've ever met. And my brother -- it's either River or Eventide. I only knew them as tiny puppies, so I'm not sure which one," he explained, hoping that this wouldn't make it back to his brother. He'd know him on sight, undoubtedly, so at least the embarrassing confusion wouldn't last long.

"An apprenticeship sounds like a good opportunity. If I do stay, I'd surely take advantage," he went on, looking back toward Ira, "Only, I'm not sure what I'd pursue. Hunting is something everyone should know, but I'd like to work on my other skills as well."

The Constable waited as Dauntless explained, his family, his skills, he was willing to learn that was a plus. When he mentioned Dawn, Ira perked her ears. They had no River nor Eventide, so clearly it was just his sister here, but she was a skilled hunter. Perhaps he had the potential to match after some training? Your sister Dawn is here. You're right, she is an exceptional hunter.

Dauntless seemed to be stuck on the apprenticeship, hunting surely he could do on his own or with his sister's help, but there are many other talents to be pursued. Do not worry about it now, get to know some of the wolves, see if anyone is teaching their trade. Maybe dabble until you find something you want to do, again it is not a requirement.

She tilted her head towards the dens and stepped aside. For now I think it's appropriate for you to catch up with your sister.

Last post for me!

This news comes as a shock to the bearish Count who had been unaware of @Winterbourne’s relation to Dawn. Not many seem to know of his name—of River—and despite the desire to reassure Dauntless that is not just his sister here, but his brother as well, Eve keeps to his promise; he wouldn’t use that name around anyone other than the man himself.

Still, his smile gives away that he is hiding something—appearing a touch too excited, and his tail tip wags. He wonders how Winterbourne will react to his family joining him, if they will be welcomed, or if there is a reason why they hadn’t been around him earlier… after all, the silver male did mention how alone he is. Perhaps it would be best to… warn him.

If you’re interested in guardian work, or fishing, I would be happy to show you the ropes. Otherwise, welcome to Kaistleoki. Say hi to Dawn for me!

With that, the bearish Count gets back to work—debating that warning idea.

Somehow, the prospect of actually facing Dawn seemed too much handle. "Thank you kindly," he said to them both, his tail wagging weakly as he tried to figure out what he was supposed to do next. Eventually, he began to walk the borders to try and get himself accustomed to the territory; he'd work his way inward when he was a bit more comfortable.