Whitefish River And there ain’t nothing wrong with feeling strong

@Ira
Backdated to around June 2nd, day after the meeting

Kaistleoki is officially announced, and as such, the bear is beyond excited. So far, everything has been moving smoothly. Together with the recruits he has gathered, they've been making leaps and bounds. Soon, Kaistleoki will be known in this area.

Today, he strides out to the eastern edge of Whitefish River, awaiting the appearance of a roan warrior over the morning horizon. They planned to meet here, so Eve could show Ira the land he's come to love.

Following the instructions she had received, Ira easily made her way over the mountain pass into kintla flatlands. The starting path was similar to the one she had followed in her journey with Korei to Moonspear, only instead of heading west still, she would continue her travels north.

Traveling through the lightly forested region brought some comfort of home. Her birth pack had been nestled along mountain tops and forests which provided dense cover, unlike Easthollow's open meadows. Admittedly this felt more welcoming than the looming stones, but perhaps it was the company that awaited her that pulled her mind towards home.

As the river came into view, so did the looming shape of Evergreen (even if he was around the same height as her). The roan warrior's tail raised for a friendly greeting as she let out a bark announcing her approach. I assume I have no need to call for permission to travel past your borders? A smile graced her face at her attempt to joke, although it seemed that smile was becoming more common around the bear.

Ever dutiful, the bear does not wait long before he hears the approach of footfalls. A moment later, he spots her. Smile automatically forming, Evergreen's tail begins to wag behind him. It feels so nice to be around her again. Of course, during their time apart, Eve had missed her, but he did not realize how much until his brief return to Easthollow.

He approaches, unable to resist gently pressing his nose to her cheek in greeting. A short burst of laughter escapes him at her attempted joke, and he gestures over his shoulder without missing a beat; Of course not. 'What's mine is yours.' After all, if Ira agrees, these lands will be just as much hers as they are his. He turns to face Whitefish River, pride evident in the way he stands tall and smiles. Welcome to Kaistleoki, Ira.

She leaned into the touch, her head leaning into the fluffy fur that protruded from the bear's cheek and chest. She could get used to this, but there were other things to address and surely much more to see than just this. Of course Evergreen had picked a river with how much he loved fish. She met him glued to the edge of a bank and he even managed to convince her to try some. Still on the lower end of her food preference, but on the bright side, it was pretty! Thank you, it seems lovely.

Ira pulled away from the embrace to scan the surroundings, she could pick up the smell of several other wolves nearby. It was clear that what Evergreen had built was flourishing and it pleased her to see so many others hard at work to make it a reality too.

Shining under her praise, Eve finds himself relieved that she appears to like Whitefish River. Lovely is a good word to describe it, at least in the bear's book since it was upon first glance that he fell head over heels for the terrain that reminds him so much of his birthplace. There is forested areas, open foothills, and a gorgeous river that supplies the surrounding areas. Not to mention that it attracts other types of prey, too, with excellent hunting grounds around them.

How was your journey here? He asks, knowing it is a long trek over the mountains, yet close enough to Easthollow that it isn't impossible to make in a few days time. While listening to her response, Eve prompts her to follow him deeper into Kaistleoki.

phone post whoops

Evergreen motioned for her to follow and so she did as the bear led her further into the territory. As he spoke she let her eyes wander taking in any landmarks of significance that would help her lay out the map in her mind. Even if she did not move in with the forming pack, she would certainly visit often. The trek was bearable. I came this way recently to escort a packmate so it was a similar path. How did you find this place? Just coincidence on your sudden journey?

“That’s good,” he hums, exhaling a breath of relief—for while he thinks the trip between the Mountains has become easier with time for him, but it is a rough adventure for those who are unfamiliar with the path. “Uh, to be honest, yeah. I was just wandering, and came across… two wolves in need of help. One of them decided to stick with me. From there, others… came, and we ended up forming a group.”

“It reminds me of my childhood.” His voice turns whispery, as he strolls through Whitefish River, he glances over towards Ira. She knows just how much his own family meant to him, especially with the loss of Thistle. “It’s everything Thistle and I wanted.”

Evergreen really had taken quite the journey if he was out here alone. It was easily a few days from Easthollow and that's with direction and destination in mind. Maybe he wouldn't have come back if he had gone any further--

Ira had to shake the thoughts from her mind, he said it himself. There was no way he could leave without a formal goodbye. Her mind wandered now to Thistle. Have you ever thought...about burying her here? Truthfully that might have to wait. There was no way she was only bones by now and dragging the carcass of a loved one that far...did not seem pleasant. Not to mention the wounds it would rip open if the bear saw her again. In the future that is...

It was a sensitive topic, she knew that, but perhaps having her put to rest somewhere close would make this more like home to him. And if the bear believed in spirits, maybe even give him comfort that she too made it to the home he's built.

A lump catches in his throat. Her words are enough to cause the bearish male to falter in his steps; freezing as he goes stiff. He would be lying if he had not thought of it before, yet always imagined the idea impossible. Perhaps, however, with help… His ears twitch, mismatched eyes peering over to the roan warrior as he sucks in a breath to keep his emotions under control.

Already he feels a tightness in his chest.

“I…” Evergreen nods slowly. “I would really like that. I’m sure she would, too.” Kaistleoki could be her final resting place—and it would mean all the more, for this place is partly named for her. He sniffles. “Thank you, Ira.” Eve gives her a fragile smile… watery and broken, but true.

There it was. The pain he carried was still there, just buried beneath the surface. She could understand with great reason, he was a leader now. How was he to lead others if he appeared broken? She could only offer a soft, yet sad smile in return as  she moved closer to lean against him. We should find a place then. Something that will stand for years to come with significance, just as Easthollow has its stones.

Surely some specific landmark would make Kaistleoki stronger. For pack moral and travelers who navigate around them or in search of this new home. Has anything in the territory drawn you to it? If there was nothing out of the ordinary for natural landmarks, there was always the option of wolf made, it just meant more time and energy to create something....like the stone for lost souls that stretched out of Easthollow.

He tries to smother the pain down, back to the caged part of his mind that needn’t ache right now. This is the dream that both siblings had, and Eve must remain strong. At Ira’s suggestion, the bearish wolf thinks. Of course, the River is one reason why he fell in love with this area, but he also enjoys the split of forest and open meadow.

The tall oak trees that scatter across the territory come to mind. There are three he knows of that stand above the others. Maybe… “I think I know of a place,” Eve gestures for Ira to follow him, and begins to trot towards the wooded area ahead. “There are these huge trees. Our mother named us after plants, so… maybe there?” Eve would love to find the flowers Thistle was named after to plant there, if he could.

Ira was quick to follow on the heels of the bear. A tree could do well as it likely wasn't getting up and moving any time soon. Plus for namesakes it made sense. That could work! Perhaps we can decorate it so it stands out from the rest. Then all will know it is a place of importance. Truth be told, it held more importance with Kaistleoki's foundation coming from the names of Evergreen's family, but the mountain wolf was unaware of this fact.

Ira is quick to move with him, and with their pace it does not take them long to spot the towering tree he is seeking. Although it is the shortest of the three, it makes the most sense in his option; for Thistle was small yet mighty in power. This tree is no pushover.

“Yeah, I love that idea!” His excitement grows, tail wagging at the thought of beautifully decorating the tree in Thistle’s honor. “Uh… maybe… flowers and… she was excellent at catching birds.”

As always, the bear's excitement was contagious as her smile never left her lips. There were large birds circling the mountain ridge I crossed. They surely dropped some feathers that could be used. The task seemed exciting, despite Ira's usual morals. This would normally be considered a waste of her time, but this time there was a deeper meaning for herself. The plans Evergreen had mentioned for this pack, the life flowing in the woods. She could see why so many wolves were getting swept away with his plan.

She could see this tree months from now, flourishing with the life of one who had passed too soon and dressed in beauty. Perhaps it was because she had seen what was left of Thistle, or perhaps it was something else, but she liked the idea and she wanted to help. Maybe life in Easthollow had grown to be too much of a simple rut for her tastes.

Now that she mentions it, Evergreen remembers those birds. It never crossed his mind beforehand, and he is grateful that Ira is here to assist with the brainstorming. “Would you mind picking some with me?” he asks, glancing towards the roan warrior with a pair of hopeful eyes. It means more to him than he can truly express, that she is willing to go through such lengths to make this home fitting for him and the Kaistleoki wolves.

Perhaps once it is all decorated with her help, he would gather the others to tell the story of Thistle, and hopefully end it with happiness—at how she is one of their guardians looking over the pack. It seems… cliche, maybe he could ask Tobi for help? Storing that idea for later, he slows his pace as they approach the great tree… easily standing strong before them in a small clearing. “Here it is,” he says, slightly out of breath from the rush over here and a grin still on his face.

The smile that failed to leave only grew as Evergreen presented the space ahead. It was truly beautiful. I think she'd love it. Wandering away from the bear she would go through with her own inspection of the tree and the land surrounding the area. I will gladly gather some feathers for you...Evergreen said it was one of the smaller trees, yet it still towered above like a giant. Sun filtered through the leaves above and speckled the ground with dancing dots of light. It felt peaceful. On my trip back.

His heart squeezes, proud that Ira thinks Thistle will like this just as much as he does. It’s strange how happy he feels, and yet the lingering sorrow that sticks with it, too. His ears perk, smile, too, widening as Ira offers to gather feathers for him, only for it to deflate after she continues. Right, she… has to return to Easthollow. Mismatched green eyes avert to admire the tree again, instead of her. “Right, that would… mean a lot to me.”

Hearing the change of tone in his voice confused Ira. She just hinted at staying, yet he seemed to deflate. Is something the matter? The roan wolf turned to meet his gaze with a head tilt. I thought you would have been rather excited. It made sense to her that she should collect the feathers on her way back, it would avoid wasting the time of climbing up, collecting, then returning only to have to trek back to Easthollow to speak with her father and Valette.

A misunderstanding truly, but Evergreen is unaware. His eyebrows crinkle with confusion, as he turns to meet her gaze. “On your… trip back to Easthollow?” He asks, tilting his head. After all, he does not want her to go, and made it clear that he hopes Ira could make this place her home, too. “Did… you mean you’re… coming back here?” His eyes shot up, shining with new optimism, and he stands up taller.

A snort escaped the warrior as she fought back her laughter. Of course? Why carry the feathers to Easthollow? His light returned though and Ira was starting to believe it was a crime for it to ever leave. Evergreen was simply not Evergreen without his spark. If that was the case she might as well collect them now before she left if she had no reason to come back any time soon.

He feels dumb, and embarrassed, but swears it is an honest and true mistake! Shoulders rising to shield his neck, he feels his cheeks warm. Maybe he could run and hide behind the tree. He could totally see Thistle laughing so hard she cried at how stupid Lump is. “I… uhm. Thought you meant… before you left?” His voice goes squeaky by the end. “So…” He trails off, relaxing his shoulders again. “Does this mean… you’re accepting the position?” Play it cool, Eve, you’ve already messed up just five seconds ago.

Failing to hold back her laughter any longer she could only shake her head as she laughed in response. Finally getting a hold of herself, Ira closed the distance between them pressing a lick to his cheek in attempts to calm down the frazzled bear. If you would have me, I'd be honored to serve Kaistleoki beside you. She knew there was no need to question, he made it clear in the proposal, but it never hurt to double check. Especially if she was moving her whole life.

Ira laughs. For a moment Evergreen forgets what functioning is. He’s shocked, dazed, and overall amazed, because her laugh sounds really nice… something he wished he heard more often. The kiss to his cheek is what brings him back to reality, forcing the bear to sit and swerve his ears. While she thought it might help comfort him, it does the exact opposite and he feels like he wants to stick his head in the ground. All appreciated though, and Eve has enough brain cells left to brush his cheek against hers. “Yeah… Yeah, of course!” His tail starts wagging again. “Kaistleoki and I are very lucky to have you with us.”

Evergreen's two braincells right here maybe one more post needed from me wHOOPS

Stepping back to give the bear some space she bowed her head, I shall be swift to return then after I take the news back to Easthollow. I have one question before I leave though. Ira recalled Evergreen mentioning how he felt about Easthollow. Her family was also there and sure she could visit whenever, but an alliance would give her more reason to check in with the wolves she was leaving behind. Shall I ask Valette for Kaistleoki's first alliance?

LMAO accurate!!

It is all too much to really register in the moment. Likely only to hit him once Ira has taken her leave, and spoken with Valette and Greyback. With a questioning hum, Eve tilts his head, prompting her further. “Oh!” He exclaims, for while he had thought of extending an alliance towards Easthollow, he had been uncertain how to approach the subject… if Ira is willing to assist, then yeah; “That would be great. I’d like for us to be allies.”