Duskfire Glacier siku tasiq

           

title: ice lake

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the snow shifted beneath his paws as the young man lowered his head to the ground. his nose hovering just shy of the frozen liquid. tracking at this time of the year was never easy, but especially now as the snow covered the ground and rain fell from the sky. sela gave a low rumbling growl. he had lost it, the lynx. sela had been tracking it for days, and now it’s scent was lost, the already faint scent obscured by the growing strength of a nearby pack.

sela raised his head, the snow expanse dipped as he arrived on the bank of huge frozen lake. "A tasiq?" it was beautiful, and brought a small smile to his lips. his father had told him stories of a frozen lake in the Wilds before; he had ruled over the lake and the above glacier as Atausiq, the first. the memory tugged at him, Ikkanattuk. that’s what his father had called it.

”Well at least I know where I am.” he mumbled to himself, before standing tall and raising his chin skyward. he released a low howl, seeking the attention of the pack who’s borders he now stood before. Duskfire Glacier.

She too, had picked up the trail of the lynx. That was days ago, and it had eluded the wolves now. The feline was likely moving in to make itself at home, as if sensing a change. Already, the still intact scent at the borders was beginning to fragment. Issorartuyok and his scouting party had returned, with news. With eyes set on a new home.

Through the chilled rain which clung to the fine outer hairs of her coat, Keyni investigated the call. Not from within the lakefront territory, but outside. For though she was an ally and a friend to the Glacier (thanks to her former residence in Moonglow), she was not a pack wolf. Not at the moment. She still smelled of the Glacier, having stayed nearby to assist her friend Lane, while Issorartuyok was away.

Making her approach from the side, so the outsider might see her coming, she called in a soft chuff. Heavily insulated paws padded easily through the snow, drawing her closer. She appraised him. White fur. Green eyes. He made for a striking specimen, she thought, with a soft swish of her tail. Swiftly, she cleared such thoughts. Very much brought on by the season and the rise in her own hormones. The Tundrian stood close, but also afforded him ample space, while gazing out over the lake. "It is a stunning view, is it not?" She tipped her muzzle his way. A soft sigh followed. "If you are looking to join, I wouldn't count on staying around too long. The land...it is barren."

·            ·

The flat, and frozen land left him standing out in the open, easily found by the young woman as she made her way from within the territory. She seemed to be around his age, her stature similar to his own, yet he still held a few inches over her. Her pelt was a mesmerizing display of greys, creams, and browns, but he was most struck by her jade gaze. He caught himself slowly smiling at her calm and friendly approach.

Relaxing, to mirror her own body language, Sela offered her a small nod in agreement to the sight laid before them. It was strikingly beautiful. ”Beautiful indeed.” He murmured along taking note of her scent, and finding little of the surrounding pack, he tilted his head in slight curiosity. Who was she? Was she new to this pack, or a loner like himself?

The smile slipped once again, barren, he thought. Looking around, as if it was so obvious at first sight. ”I see.” He frowned. He had no intention of joining this pack, but there was no reason to tell her that. ”I’m sorry to hear that. It is truly beautiful here. Have you lived here for long?” To live on barren land, this pack must have been struggling for some time. Sela didn't think this woman would have many answers considering her lacking pack scent. But his curiosity could be satiated in other ways.

She found herself surprised, struck hard by the smooth ruggedness of his voice when he spoke. By his eyes...they were like peridot gemstones! Even more pleasing, was that he seemed friendly. Keyni never made assumptions with wolves she didn't know. She gave them, and herself, respectable space in case their personalities and intentions did not align. She moved inches closer to the waters of the lake, allowing the icy liquid to lap at her paws. Even with the rain cascading from the skies and into her face, she seemed un-bothered. "Yes, winter for all of its beauty is by far, my favorite time of year. I appreciate the pure simplicity of it." She echoed, her voice sweet but low and smooth.

A single bright jade eye swept over him again. He surely must be of Northern decent, like herself. If that were true, then Keyni truly had reason to feel all the more fortunate she had returned to the Teekons. To be around those who might know and share the common way. That sense of belonging felt good. She shook her head softly, prompt in answering him. "I don't, no. But I am no stranger to this wilderness. I am a friend of the pack and I have been welcomed to stay as a guest." 

Her sight stretched far over the expanse of the mostly frozen lake, searching for any possible sign of emerging Glacier wolves. Notable in both the snow and in the wind, was the unnerving lack of hoof prints or scent. "They will be moving soon. You see, a sickness overtook the land. Wiped out the large game animals completely. As a friend, I offered to stay and watch the pack, while one of the Alpha's took leave on a scouting mission for a new home. He has since returned with good news, I believe."

·            ·

Her ease with winter was easy to see, and continued to comfort him, even when it maybe should have done the opposite. Sela was no stranger to the danger of other lone wolves, especially beautiful northern wolves. But he was a good judge of character, and hoped that would remain true.

Winter was his favourite season as well, however he had little experience with the other seasons so he was probably a tad bias. ”My father used to tell me stories of this place. Of the land that reminded him so much of his home.” Our home, he mentally corrected himself. The only home he had ever really known, and the one place he had no desire to return to.

”He used to say food was scarce but plentiful enough for a responsible pack.” Sela continued, mirroring her by taking his own step toward the water, a frown still maring his face. He was glad to hear their Alpha had good news, but it was still concerning. ”I hope whatever sickness it is doesn’t spread to the rest of the wilds.” He spoke seriously, ”It seems the pack has found a good friend in you.” His frown lifted only to give her a small approving smile, ”Do you plan on travelling with them? To their new home, I'm sure they would appreciate the help.”

The Tundrian was largely silent while he said his father had told him stories of this place. Of how food was less plentiful than in other parts. The subtle, occasional flick of a dark tipped ear, showed she was listening. She had one question that stood out, stemming from that he had mentioned the land of his father. "What land was he from...your sire?" A nippy breeze accompanied with the rains overtook the lakefront. As it brushed its cold fingers over her back, she almost seemed to take it in enjoyment. She felt it refreshing.

"We needn't worry about the sickness spreading." She informed him. "I was told it only affected the large game animals like caribou and elk. That it doesn't transmit from prey to predator." She turned her head, beyond the reaches of the Glacier. "As far as I can tell, it has not spread to other parts of the Wilds. I have taken a few trips south, to the Valley, to confirm this myself. The prey there is still healthy." 

Catching his smile and his approval of her as a friend of the Glacier, Keyni remained humble and contained. Even when the hint of a soft smile met her lips. "Hmn. I do what I can. I thrive in supporting others." She looked down to her water dipped paws, thinking. "It would seem they already have plenty of help on hand as it is. I plan to keep in touch, of course. I think I will roam for a while, before paying a visit to a dear friend of mine." She expressed more interest on his behalf, with a simple starter question. "And what about you? What has brought you to the Wilds, other than the Glacier?"

Hope you both don't mind if I plop Askari in here. I figured a face from the pack may do well, just in case either were looking to join. ^-^

There had been a few new faces in the glacier as of recent, not to mention many unknown scents. Since her own time falling within the ranks, Askari had often kept herself secluded. The only time she would emerge to view was when Lane called upon her. 

Change was needed.

If to continue living here, strangers would need to become acquaintances. 

Today she trailed the land, hoping to have a run-in. Though, what she would encounter next was not quite what had been expected.

A low howl had eventually caught to her ear, but did not render long. The air became silent soon after. Were they still waiting, or had they ventured off?

Picking up speed, Askari ventured to where she'd assumed the call had been made.

Once close enough, two individuals came into view. The pair appeared to be conversing. Did they know one another? Had they traveled here together? So many questions dying to be answered.

Now the red woman's pace had slowed, paws carrying her forward to meet them.

Hello there. She would first say, giving a polite dip of her head. Given you are within Duskfire borders, I assume the call was made for our attention? If so, you have it. What can I do for you both? Looking between the two, Askari waited for one of them to speak.

·            ·

The shifting winds brought the scent of another approaching, Sela turned his gaze into the wind. The scent was faint still, a few hundred strides out still. Unconcerned, the brute turned his attention back toward the woman. Feeling the prickle of the cold under his fur, Sela shook any fledging anxiousness from his pelt.

”My father grew up in a pack far north of here. Our pack, and all the surrounding packs for miles live in almost perpetual winter on land very similar to this. ” Indicating the largely frozen lake and surrounding tundra like climate with the flick of his head.

Selamuit hmm’d along as she continued on to speak of her plans. Her plan seemed logical, although he was somewhat surprised she wouldn’t be joining them. There weren’t many who choose the loner path. But he wasn’t one to judge, considering he himself had made the same choice.

Just as he opened his jaw to answer her question, the scent on the wind appeared. A small woman, shroud in a coat of thick red and ash fur. Olive green met hazel for a moment in acknowledgement.

”Hello to you as well.” Sela dipped his head in formal greeting, while taking a step back from the water’s edge away from his original companion.

”It was I who called you. I’m a traveller, returning home after being gone a long time. This glacier is a way finder on my path.” Sela explained, sharing a look with both counterparts. Indicating to Keyni that he was answering, in part, her previous question. ”I’m looking for any information you can provide me about the area. My acquaintance here has already told me about the sickness amongst the large prey. I hope you all are faring well. I’d be happy to offer a meal to your caches in payment for any information.”

Having grown up as a lone wolf alongside his father, Sela was well educated on diplomacy and etiquette. This was not the first time he had bartered his skills while travelling.

She was interested in hearing that his fathers pack was from the north. It confirmed her suspicions, that he was indeed, a true northerner as well. She would have loved to have asked more, to discuss it further and share her own story, but a scent had reached them.

Soon, from well within the heart of the Glacier, a russet agouti wolf appeared, greeting them. She was not one that Keyni instantly recognized. Despite already being inside the borders herself, Keyni felt no reason for alarm. She remained cool, calm and collected. Askari seemed friendly enough and not about to call for Lane or Issorartuyok. 

Selamuit already did a lot of the explaining, as she previously had for him. "That's right. I already filled him in as much as I could. As for myself, I am here as a guest, to help out. I am a close friend of Kukutux from Moonglow, the Glacier's ally. I also have worked with Lane in a pack in the past." A hunt sounded ideal. She knew the wolves must be hard pressed for food. She nodded in agreement. "I'm sure you can use the extra food. When the time comes, I would like to part knowing your pack is well."

The pair turned to face their new company, offering greetings of choice. 

Both seemed rather polite and at ease. No hackles were risen; no teeth were shown. At least now there was a confidence that neither had any ill intent.

First, she would address the woman. Ah, I see. Forgive me for not recognizing you. Lane accepted me as a Duskfire only a few fortnights ago. You know of Kukutux too? I know little of her, but I can say she is of a kind and caring soul.

Now to address the man. The glaciers are always welcoming to others, so long as you harbor no ill intent to the territory and its inhabitants.

This pertained to both, however, a fixed eye was still upon the man unnamed. Unfortunately, I cannot be the one to share what it is you wish to know. Such would be judged by Lane and Issorartuyok, as it is not my place to give away information of our people. If this does not deter you, I would be more than happy to escort you both to where you can meet my Chiefs.

Askari's gaze now shifted between the two; back.. and forth, awaiting their decision on how to proceed.