Ravensblood Forest 'Cause I watched them fall away

looking for sacrarium members, but aw
set for early morning, 25 F, light snow

He had been careful to wash the scent of blackwater from his pelt as he swam the stretch of sea between the island and the mainland. It had been a chilly swim met with icy morning air and a light but steady snowfall. His mother's heritage and gifted him a thick, northern coat that protected him from the brunt of the winter air.

Once he had shaken as much water from his fur as possible, he started to wander down the coast. A scent pulled him from the water's edge and farther inland. 

Eventually, the trail led him the outer edges of a forest. As he drew closer to the trees, he was instantly drawn to the red, sticky substance that stained the trunks red; it was as if the trees were bleeding. 

There were many scents lining the edge of the forest, telling the demon that it was likely a pack lived here. He would carefully straddle the invisible line, though, curious to see who he might pull out from the darkness of the trees.

Exploring his land was Avery's new favorite past time. He had found numerous caves and caverns that would give everyone plenty of space to choose their own dens within their territory. He'd even stumbled upon a couple clearings between the thick trees. It just so happened that he was on patrol when he caught an unfamiliar scent.

Avery raced towards the scent. Seeing an unfamiliar male, Avery swallowed a growl, he was still working on his diplomacy skills, something that he usually left to Violante. Guess I better learn how to talk to people. 

He stopped just inside the invisible line that he had worked to claim for his pack. "Why do you skirt the boundaries of our land stranger, do you require passage?"

He didn't have to wait very long. Soon a gruff voice demanded to know why he was so close. The demon had done so for a few reason, curiosity and the high of the thrill being predominant. They were also close enough to the island that he thought it wise to know about them. Tulok would give none of these as answers, though.

He stopped and turned his gaze to the man, his face wearing the usual cold, blank mask. I am Omak, he lied, pulling the alias from a story his mother told he and his brothers when they were younger. I have been wandering along the coast and saw the forest. I don't need to pass through now, but I might in the future; I wanted to see if anything would keep me from entering the forest. He raised an eyebrow. And here you are.

@Azarov

Something is wrong here.

Diomacy set aside, Avery gave a quick sharp howl, he was quickly growing wary of the stranger, and he wanted back up. He hoped Azarov was close.

"Our main goal is to live here in peace, but we will protect our land from anyone with ill intent."

Hearing the call from the Viscera's counterpart sent the nostrils flaring and the ears high. The pitch was alarmed and so both caution and concern drew close.

Paws kicked high, body being carried at a quick speed. Azarov had indeed been near, thankfully; this call would be heeded quickly.

Arriving swiftly, the dark man's pace slowed steadily until the flank of Avery had been reached.
Cold eyes then turned to the stranger they faced. 

Nothing would be said unless direct. For now, silence would ensue; observance would be left prominent and of a diligent manner.

The man called for someone before speaking again; he was nervous. The demon was delighted, though none of his emotions would show on his face. 

They wanted to live here peacefully, but he could tell they were not pushovers. Peaceful was good; it meant they would no cause problems for Blackwater. Still, he planned to gain as much information as he could—you never know what might be useful later. 

A shadow appeared then, taking his post beside the wolf who had greeted him first. He was watchful, ready to take action. Tulok nodded to him in greeting.

I mean no trouble, he assured them. I am just a wanderer, learning of the lands that I explore. He looked towards the trees, then back at the two men. What are you called?

"We call ourselves Sacrarium. I'm afraid I have little else to offer you. My mate, on the other hand may wish to tell you more. She is our leader, I will tell her of your inquiries and we will await her decision." Avery hoped to turn the attention back to the stranger and off of himself. I'm not the diplomat! Avery truly had no idea what to say. Would he offer their names and their information? Of course not. Too suspicious. He hoped the stranger would take the hint that he did not wish to speak further for the moment.

Careful ears listened to the exchange.

Wary eyes watched all movements; both from Avery and the man who called himself Omak.

If either were to show sign of aggression, shadow man would step forward to be the boundary between them; more than likely with teeth facing the opposing side.

Violante's mate was wise to withhold additional information. Should this man be here for reasons other than claimed, anything could be used against them, regardless of its importance.

Sacrarium owes nothing further than due. You are stranger to us, as we are you. If this is unsatisfactory, 'cross the border welcomes you. It was made sure that Omak knew of the limits set. No form of folly play would be tolerated here. 

Of course, he answered flatly. I can wait here for her. The demon would like to walk away with more info than had already been provided. 

The quiet guard finally spoke, and the words that came from shadow's mouth were strange, though it was amusing to the deagon. He said nothing in return, though; Tulok only settled his icy gaze on him briefly before focusing back on the first man.

"She is currently away, but should be back soon. I'll notify her of your inquiries, I will return regardless with news if she does not come to speak with you herself. In the meantime, please respect our boundaries." 

With a disgruntled sigh, Avery shook his shoulders and turned away from Omak. The gesture showed that he did not fear the wolf and would have no further discussion with him.

The last from me. 

The stranger was persistent and would continue to be so. It was information he desired. Eyes so blind and a heart so cold and cruel. No words were needed to tell this. The truth could be seen by those with the will to open their eyes.

Regardless of what intent the shadowed man assumed, nothing could be done.

Avery made his wishes known. The Queen would come, if she so chose. The wandered would remain here, or wander further outward; either to wait or depart with a conclusion of dissatisfaction. 

A further statement would be made by Azarov. Teeth flashed, lip curled, back arched. This was a final warning; the last that would be given before both men of Sacrarium would disappear from view and back into the folds of their claim. 

It seemed he would not get what he wanted from this interaction. The two in front of him were not willing to give him any more information, not without the permission of their leader. 

The demon nodded his acceptance. Perhaps I will return another time to learn more of your home. 

He turned then and trotted off towards the ocean, ready to return home to the island.