Firestone Hot Springs Back To You, Voice in My Head

Whoo wee... All this wandering sure did tucker a wolf out. Lots of walking. A little running here and there. Terrain that was nice. Terrain that was not so nice. It was the kind of physical activity that created the long-lasting and lingering sort of tired. It wasn't quick and over with like pain. It was the ache that came from repetitive motions and not enough stretching. That tightness that settled on the bones and reminded a wolf that he was still a mortal creature with aches and pains and needs that needed meeting. 

He couldn't sleep. His back was killing him. The tension in his shoulder blades was radiating up and down his spine, spreading into his shoulders with a sort of lingering discomfort that told him he likely sleeping tensely. No doubt, his lack of a home prevented him from fully relaxing in the evenings. Hyper alertness didn't allow for the best of sleep. Tension in his muscles wouldn't do either. He needed a quick fix. Something to force his muscles into relaxing. 

Kero'd smelt a hint of sulfur on his travels. It was a warm smell. The kind that wafted across the air and left the putrid scent of rotten eggs upon the nose and tongue. It permeated without welcome and the scent made itself at home wherever it happened to land. It was distasteful, but he'd brave it. With that kind of scent... It meant hot springs. Hot water. Makeshift jacuzzi. The heat and water would do wonders for his sore hide. 

He stepped into the shallows of a spring and let the water curl around his ankles. When his body adjusted to that temperature, he waded a little further, moving until he was at the right depth to lay down within the pool and keep his head above the water. He did so, settling into the soft bottom. A sigh escaped him. A breath he'd not realized he'd been holding. Pressing his eyes closed, he lingered in the evening air and let the quiet of the night soothe his tired soul. 

FitzDutiful always attempted to make a trip to the Firestone Hot Springs every few days. It was part of his cycle along with Neverwinter Forest and Chimera Fields. He was thinking of adding Gyrfalcon's Keep into the mix too. He wasn't trying to claim the lands as his own, or even keeping wolves out. He just wanted to be sure no one tried to set up home in these lands that were too close for comfort. Therefore he always tried to approach the lone wolves to make sure they weren't thinking of setting up shop. Today, he was always trying recruitment.

"Hello," he said, wandering into the hot springs from the mountain and seeing a brownish head above a body that was presumably soaking in the water. It was either that or it was just a head floating in the water. The eyes were closed but FitzDutiful found it hard to believe it would be a dismembered head and so his voice was soft, hoping not to alarm the head - he wanted more wolves in the mountain pack. His children were getting older and now they had a dedicated caretaker in training it was even safer for them.

"Like it here in the hot springs?" he asked, wondering if his packs proximity to the natural feature might be bargaining chip.

The water was nice. All he needed was a little water pressure of some kind that he could position between his shoulder blades and he was certain he'd be able to force his muscles to relax all the quicker. Unfortunately, there was no such natural jet feature so he settled for the old fashioned way of meditation. Start at the back paws. Relax the toes and work up into the haunches, quieting each muscle group along the way as forced his mind to mentally examine what areas it was keeping tense. He was making slow progress, but he'd just about relaxed his shoulders when a voice disturbed his tranquility.

"Mm. It's nice," he mused, flicking one eye open and turning his ear towards the newcomer. He'd started with a hello, which indicated this one was willing to play nice. It was also better than no words at all, something most of the women he'd run into had a problem with strangely enough. It was seldom he encountered a lady wolf who spoke less than he did. He hadn't been in these lands for long and already he'd met enough of them that he was having to change his way of thinking. 

Kero shifted, sidestepping through the shallows before settling once more. "Come in. Take a load off. The water's still nice." If not, a bit warm. The movement had helped, however. The cool air rushed him in that simple movement, reminding him of what it meant to catch a chill and suddenly the water was much nicer again. 

The wolf invited FitzDutiful to join him and, without hesitation, he did so. He wasn't against sharing the baths with other wolves - he had known some to move out as soon as another came along as if being in the baths made themselves too vulnerable. "Thanks." he said, "It's nice coming along here every once in a while. Makes it easier having them practically on the border." Their borders were far enough away that wolves here didn't disturb them.

"Name is FitzDutiful." he said as he relaxed into the water, letting a small sigh of relief as the tension eased out of his muscles. He didn't make it here half as much as he wanted to and it was all about to get much harder too. It wasn't exactly a place to bring a young puppy to. "What brings you to the hot springs?" he wanted to get an idea of who this wolf in front of him was before he even attempted to recruit. He may be looking for members but that didn't mean he was about to invite anyone and everyone into his pack.

There was plenty of room. Plenty of springs, actually. Kero'd picked one at random and made himself at home. There wasn't anything in particular about one pool or another that gave him any reason towards personal preference. As far as he was concerned, he'd be leaving this little adventure reeking to the high heavens of sulfur and the associated scent of rotten eggs. Eau de Male, he was going to call it if anyone asked. Not that anyone would. Fortunately for him, there appeared to be plenty of freshwater around to wash the scent off in. He'd find a source sooner or later and be done with rotten eggs.

Kero's ears flicked as the other male joined him, moving into the water as he spoke of close borders. Well that was news to him. No doubt the stench of this place concealed the fragrance of other lands. "Seems like a hot spot," he agreed, making a pun of the area and its naturally warm springs. "Which direction did you come from?" He'd technically run into two packs thus far. He'd skirted the spine and the feather filled woods. It seemed these lands were filled with packs. Made running around them a touch more difficult, but fortunately there were still plenty of destinations to explore. 

The gray wolf settled into the water. With a sigh, he released his name into the world. Fitz. Fitz dutiful. Kero stared, wondering for a second if he was being played. That name was hella long, a mouthful, and interesting, to say the least. "Are you a rapper?" he asked, landing upon that reasoning as the best explanation for this one's name. Didn't sound like something a mother would give. Sounded like something someone would give themselves. 

Of course, despite his mind's musing, this one had given him an introduction of sorts as well as a followup question. Kero, shook off his bewilderment and responded in turn. "Kero," he offered, relinquishing a shortened version of his name. "Travel sores." His words were short, clipped even as he was far more curious about this one than he was in offering information about himself.

If FitzDutiful had known of Kero's thought when it came to the smell of the place, he would have laughed and agreed. As much as he lovely the relaxing atmosphere, the smell of sulphur, and the medical benefits of the hot springs, he hated the scent when it was left in his fur. He almost always high tailed it back to the waterfall or the river nearby to rinse out. Think of it as a cold plunge after the heat to close all the pores.

A snigger escapes, genuine, from the pun Kero made. It was the first he'd heard in a long while. Too many of the wolves in his pack were serious and it reminded him of Peregrine who would have made a similar pun about the names. He missed Perry and the male bond that the two of them had had. "That mountain over there. I run the pack that inhabits it. Got nice connections to all the lands around here though I don't want any packs in the adjoining lands." FitzDutiful felt kind of proud. He had managed to mentioned his pack's situation and drop in that he didn't want this lone wolf setting up a pack nearby.

After his introduction, Kerosene seemed to question it. It was the first time he'd really been asked about his name. Most thought it was too long and shortened it to Duty or Fitz but it was the first time he'd been asked if he was a rapper. "Nope, I'm no rapper." he answered after Kero had introduced himself, quite honestly but with a hint of amusement. "My father was named Dutiful. I was the only male out of his bastard litter. When I was returned to my father's pack they tacked Fitz onto the front of it to show I was born out of mateship and not a legitimate heir of the pack. FitzDutiful."

Travel sores. He wondered how long the loner had travelled. Was he ready to settle down? "Ready to stop travelling?" he asked. There was a hint of an offer in his question. It wasn't explicit but implied and Kero could easily pick up on that fact. They may only have met recently but FitzDutiful didn't get much longer when wolves came to his border seeking acceptance. He'd learnt to make first impressions quickly - though he couldn't say if they were all correct or made in haste.

Ha! Kero smirked. That one had landed a laugh. He settle back into the water contentedly, mostly just happy to have found a wolf that not only seemed decent, but could appreciate a good pun. Sometimes he wondered if his humor was lost on other wolves. Then he got a good laugh out of someone. That was a victory. A small one. But it counted.

"Right next door, eh?" he remarked, letting his ears perk up a bit. He listened, catching the double drop of "I'm an alpha" and "don't get any good ideas." Well noted. Fortunately, Kero didn't know what he was doing, but if he was gonna end up setting up shop anywhere, it wouldn't be on top of all this water. Last he checked, it was kind of hard to dig a den on top of all these pools. Didn't think he could get flood coverage out here. 

Truth be told, he was kind of hoping for the rapper story. FitzD sounded a hell of a lot more fun than the truth behind how his name came to be. Kind of... killed the mood actually, but he supposed knowing the actual story was the better choice. Less fun, but the better moral choice. 

It was this wolf's next question that distracted him from his thoughts. "I don't know yet," he admitted, realizing it was true. "There's still a lot to see." Which was also true. He also realized he was being pried at as a possible recruit to the pack just up the hill. "Is this where you drop in the sales pitch?"

With a smile, FitzDutiful wondered if there was any chance he could get this male to join them. He seriously missed the dry wit that Kerosene seemed to possess and felt that he could prove invaluable to the pack - they needed wolves with a bit of outward drama about them. As FitzDutiful was thinking these thoughts, Kerosene asked about the sales pitch and FitzDutiful let loose a genuine laugh. It had been so long since he'd laughed like that.

"That obvious, eh?" he asked, wondering if the lone wolf had been asked to join any other packs in the past. FitzDutiful was fully aware that he knew next to nothing about the lone wolf in front of him but he didn't really care. He was happy to go with gut instinct until that was no longer enough. They were already being picky at a time when they probably couldn't deserve to be.

"As for the sales pitch. I can offer you a place in Silvertip Mountain, if you're interested. We have one outrider, but she is pack beta and her movements are restricted by that somewhat. I can offer you the freedom to travel as much as wanderlust appeals to you if you'd put it as training towards an outrider skill. I'd like to know what other packs live around, any that might be close to forming, who might be a threat to us and such. In return, you get a secure place to rest your head, food whenever you're back, someone to appreciate that wit you have, and can always settle down when the time comes that wandering is no longer enjoyable." It was quite a speech and FitzDutiful was proud considering it was the first one he'd ever done. He let it sink in, watching the reddish wolf to see how he'd react.

The springs were starting to feel a bit warm. He stood on the spot and lifted his upper body out of the water only to quickly be reminded as to why that was a bad idea. The air was cold. His body was sore. He needed a little more time soaking. Kero dropped back into the water and lingered.

It was, perhaps, convenient he was trapped to the pool. He wasn't quite sure if he was ready to settle down anywhere without getting a better glimpse of his options. Then again, options or not, he wasn't sure he was ready to settle down at all. Commitment issues. Packs were serious business and he knew he had a stubborn streak. He wouldn't last long under wolves he didn't beleive worthy or their roles or titles.

"Pretty obvious," he replied, relishing in the way the water's warmth was such bliss. He didn't know what to think of this one quite yet. "Lay it on me, FitzD." The alpha didn't need anymore prompting. He launched into a rather loose version of a trial period more than anything else.

"You don't want me in your pack," he started, "not really." The loose offer was flattering, but Kero detected a few underlying insecurities that didn't come across all that attractive. "It sounds like you need someone to be your eyes and ears. Less pack. More spy." Not to mention this alpha felt paranoid. 

"I'm going to guess that your pack is small and probably needy. You're worried someone will sweep in and take advantage of that. That they'll ruin everything you built simply because you don't have the right wolves at your heels." It was a long shot, but this was the second time he'd mentioned new packs forming. His concerns for his surroundings were valid, but learning about others didn't strengthen his own pack from within. 

"What's really going on up there?"

Kerosene admitted that the idea of recruiting him had been obvious but then proceeded to reject FitzDutiful's words. The accusation came that he wanted a spy not a pack member. FitzDutiful's ears flew back in alarm and he almost instantly resorted that he didn't mean that. His dutiful nature, however, caused him to sit and wait for himself to think through the words. He calmed down a little and began to think of what Kero had said while the male continued walking.

He asked a question and FitzDutiful decided to answer that first before returning to the point that Kero had made. "I wouldn't lie to you." he said for starters, "and so I'll freely admit that our pack is small. We founded in the middle of winter and it appears that a lot of our founding members decided to come along for a bit of security before departing from us once the weather turned nicer. It was disappointing. I'm not worried about our future, we have a few very loyal strong wolves. We have puppies that we focus ourselves around and I'm on the hunt for more wolves that would, with time, give us their loyalty too. I've always viewed a pack as a family, not a place to rest and relax before tottering on your way."

He paused for a moment and looked at Kerosene, showing the honesty in his words. "I do want you in my pack. I'd like the chance to get to know you better. Maybe I did put that offer across in terms of spying for us but that is not what I meant or what I intended. I only meant to suggest that joining us does not restrict your freedom to travel and find out about the Teekon Wilds around us on your terms with a bit of safety and security from us. I've lost my delusion that all the wolves who join us will stay and become family, but I hope that some will."

This was quite a speech and FitzDutiful wondered where it had come from. He'd never been much of a speech giver though he had always been good with wolves. That's why his first trade had been a counsellor trade after all. "Maybe you're not ready for that, and that's okay Kero. Just... the offer is there for you if you want it." He finally trailed off and Kero had a chance to talk.

His question was released into the air. Kerosene glanced at the wolf, awaiting his reply. In true fashion, Fitz did well in holding his tongue, revealing no more distaste for his words than a simple flattening of his ears as Kero spoke. This alpha didn't agree, but he was patient. He was a very patient wolf indeed.

Golden gaze peered through the steam, awaiting words that would dissolve his assumptions and sentiment. Fitz didn't disappoint. He eloquently wove a tapestry of carefully selected phrases and threaded them with truth. Founding a pack in winter did much to explain their small numbers. Kero himself was looking to find a home before then. Whether or not he stayed would depend on how well he got along with the rest of the pack. He knew he was a tough pill to swallow. He didn't open up so freely. 

"I'm terrible with pups," he admitted, speaking bluntly. "I don't have the patience for them." If Fitz was going to be frank with him, Kero could return the favor. "I also don't do well with those who don't pull their weight or cower when they're out of their element." He wasn't a hero. He didn't care to be placed in a situation where he was forced to save the day. He far preferred the illusion of a strong face amidst trials than fragile fear. Worry was like wildfire. It spread. Fast. 

He turned his gaze skyward, pondering for a moment before dropping it back towards the wolf. "I don't know what I want," he admitted. "I appreciate the offer, and will consider it, but until I figure out what I want out of life, I'm no good for any pack." It was as honest as he could be with anyone and himself. He didn't know. All he knew was that when he found what he was looking for, that it would be easy and natural. Right now? Right now, it all felt way too hard. 

I want another Kero thread soon please!

It appeared as though this strange, lone wolf appreciated the frankness with which FitzDutiful had spoke. As always, honesty was often the best policy and served him well. His words were also responded to in kind with as much honesty as he had given himself. You get back what you give. It was unfortunate that the pups would end up being a deciding factor for Kerosene but, maybe it was for the better, his pack wasn't big enough to allow a wolf to not integrate themselves.

As Kero carried on talking, FitzDutiful wondered what he classified as pulling their weight. He made sure that all his wolves were pursuing trades, or had a trade, in order to contribute. Would that be enough for him? Regardless, it appeared that the situation wasn't right just yet for Kero to join a pack.

"Then I wish you the best of luck." FitzDutiful told him, pulling himself out of the hot spring not long after. "If you change your mind, come seek us out." Waiting to hear any last words, FitzDutiful wandered back to the mountain that he called home, pleased with his recruitment process even if he hasn't succeeded. He'd learnt a little of how to do it at least.

We can make that happen! Just say when and where!

Kero'd given an answer. For now, it was a firm no. He wasn't deciding. Kero still wanted to know what all of his options looked like. Location. Values. Other qualities that would end up making a difference. He wouldn't know what that looked like until it happened. Someone had told him finding the right pack should have been easy. Kero knew now there was more to it. Maybe he wouldn't truly fit in anywhere.

They were done here. Fitz excused himself, slipping from the water's warmth with a few kind words. The male lingered for a moment and Kero filled the air. "You'll be the first to know." That seemed to satisfy the wolf for he turned and headed back towards his mountain. Kero lingered in the water, contemplating. One offer on the table. There were still more interviews to be had. 

Eventually he began to wonder if he was turning into a prune. He was thoroughly soaked by this point. Waterlogged didn't even begin to cover it. Alas, it was time for Kero to flee these springs and seek temporary shelter for the evening. He pulled himself out of the warmth and set off to do all the things a lone wolf had to do.