Swiftcurrent Creek [IPS] Onward, to glory!

I am jumping the gun a little since the other IPS thread at EH isn't done yet, and its unclear if @Gannet is gonna stay behind for studying there, but I wanna get these posted! Meant to be set around the 10th but if its easier to set to current day, let me know. For @Kavik or @Alessia or @Rosalie or @Chusi, since yall have so many high rankin' toons here. :)

The group had moved on after a few days of talk and entertainment, heading further than Ibis ever knew was possible. She used to make this trip all the time - from Elysium to the Hollow - but when she had been escorted by adults before, they never went this way. After a few days of travel she realized they were not intending to visit her birthplace for another week or so; rather, the group meandered towards the fringe of a pack that was set by a river.

The air was crisp and clean thanks to the misting water. The subtle rumbling of the river coursing through the forest was a curious thing - new and frightening at first, but soon something she became curious of, enthralled by. Ibis fell in to step behind @Sarah and took her time, pausing to investigate all manner of flower, tree, grass, and greenery that didn't look familiar or native to the Hollow. Their trip was extended by an extra day at least because of Ibis, but when they came to the pack's limits Ibis realized how exhausted she had become.

She didn't feel an ounce of guilt though, and thought she could continue travel for another few days at least - only to be curtailed by Sarah and told to calm down, because they'd made it to the next stop. Ibis waited for the other woman to call for the leadership as she was too tired to do it herself, and waited patiently to deliver the news. This was hard work, but immensely gratifying too!

The change of the scenery had really done good to Sarah. After the first visit at Easthollow, during which she remained on the fringes of the borders, did some hunting for herself as well as her companions and explored the next route, she had gained more confidence and a sense of importance for the task at hand. Among the group she was still not the chatty one, preferring to listen rather to talk herself. However, if asked questions, she did reply. In a deliberate and focused way, but did not instigate the continuation of conversation.

Though she did not know anyone from the pack they were about to visit, Sarah trusted that Ibis would handle things once she made the call for leadership there. It took a little preparation for herself to get that howl properly - it had been so long, since she had a made a call for anyone -and then she stepped back, leaving the spotlight for Ibis, while she remained in the background. Ready to help and step in, if necessary.

If Gannet had found a teacher, he had not lingered long, and he was there when they arrived at Swiftcurrent. He wanted to see what as many packs had to offer, and those he met he could keep in contact with, building a network of knowledge to draw on as needed. It was not an easy job; those who knew seemed many fewer and far between than those who wanted to learn.

He was enjoying the trip immensely though. Ibis was a cheerful traveling companion and he chatted easily with both her and Sarah in his usual, taciturn manner. He also took note of the plants as they passed, collecting some and trying others in an attempt to find what they were.

Now they stood on the borders of another pack, one he had never visited before. Sarah made the call and Gannet gave her an encouraging smile, then waited amicably for someone to come. Surely, as last time, they'd be met with friendly faces and cheerful words!

           

The call from the border drew her attention, not familiar with the voice Lie rose slowly. Looking about the den she wasn’t surprised by the faces she say, and didn’t see. With a small smile and a brief shack of her head, Lie left the confines of the den. It was about time that they move to the rendezvous site, but it was up to Alessia ultimately.

The transition from prone to standing placed uncomfortable pressure on her bladder. An occurrence that was occurring more and more recently. With a small frown Lie stopped for a quick pee, before resuming her trek toward the border.

Finding the three strangers a respectful distance from their territory, Lie approached apprehensively. She was naturally a pretty reserved character, and being outnumbered didn’t help.

“Hello.” She offered a polite smile. “I am Rosalie, Gamma here at Swiftcurrent. What can we do for you?” She had never witnessed Kavik address new commers at the borders, but she assumed that this was a good enough start.

Ibis wasn't sure what to do in this place. She knew to seek out Korei before, but that was because she was familiar. This space was new and it was a challenge for Ibis to stay focused, not go off roaming the creekside to hunt for pretty flowers and the like. When the call finished there was a sense of calm that descended, but beneath that the girl thought she felt a tension — probably just nerves of her own going a little haywire. She paced a bit and then doubled back and returned to Sarah's side, flashing Gannet a dubious little look —

And then there was a ruddy stranger standing among them. She appeared to materialize out of the woodland like a fey creature with magic; Ibis was caught by total surprise and almost jumped out of her skin — but managed to contain the shock long enough to hear her speak. Then it was up to the girl to make her case; she was the reason for this trip, after all. It was time to prove herself.

My name is Ibis— she started, floundering within moments when she realized her voice wasn't quite loud enough. So she took a breath and stepped out from between the adults, facing Rosalie properly like her mothers had taught her. We are from Lost Creek Hollow, a small pack to the east. We come as messengers with good tidings, and were wondering if your leaders were around to swap news. A pause; that tension felt like it had grown and Ibis wasn't sure if she was doing any of this right.

This is Gannet, she turned to motion to the pale boy. He's an aspiring healer, and if it is permitted, maybe he could learn something from your medic if you have one? Or we could share what we know of the local plants. It totally blanked in Ibis' mind to introduce Sarah, but the woman was quiet - and only here as a precaution either way.

Gannet nodded silently to the woman as Ibis introduced him, happy enough that he didn't need to do so himself. She did a fine job of it!

The strange woman seemed nice, and Gannet did not sense the awkward pauses that Ibis' anxious mind did. He reveled in silence at about any occasion.

Therefore, he made no attempt to add anything other than a gentle smile and an encouraging look. Surely if they had anyone, they would be more than willing to share some of what they knew. It could only benefit them both, after all!