Redsand Canyon it takes two

He hadn’t seen @Peregrine the past week or so, and Phox figured the boy had dispersed on his own. Whatever his reasons, he knew his son was capable and could handle himself in the world. As for Phox, he had made up his mind.

The Redhawk marched toward Mereo, ready to greet whoever happened to hear his call. Hopefully @Germanicus or even @Ruenna.

Turns out, it was Killdeer who arrived first.

Grandpa Phox? he called out, clambering over the last of the cliffs with a smile (albeit a strained one, given how sore he was from training). You made it!

His tail wagged in delight, and he looked around for a leader for a brief moment before returning his bright eyes to Phox. Have you seen Caracal lately? he asked, and his expression took on more of a frown.

God, he missed that shithead.

As if on cue, Caracal appeared. Finally, he’d made his way to Mereo, after stopping by Emberwood first. Nobody had been home there, which struck him as strange, but maybe they were all on some field trip or something?

Well! Fancy seeing you here! he quipped to both his uncle and his nephew, tail waving. He strode up to Killdeer and bumped his crown against the other yearling’s shoulder, an unspoken apology for being away so long. Did you decide to stay here with mom? he asked them both.

There was a stranger's call from the borders. Mereo was popular lately. 

As with any other call, Kallik made his way to the source. As one of the canyon's guardians and with the matrona and his wife expecting, he was even more protective of the pack.

The newest auxillary was already there, and by the way one of the strangers greeted him, it seemed they knew each other. He hadn't quite heard the words, but he read the body language and heard the tone. 

He was still on high alert, but he remained behind the group; a silent sentinel as always.

Killdeer! he beamed, trying not to wince at the word “grandpa.” But that’s what he was. And he could see both Fennec and Bronco in his grandson’s face. And not a moment after, Caracal was at his heels. Hey, you! They all seemed to appear at once every time he showed up here. Not that he was complaining!

I think so, yeah. Assuming they want me around. It was around then that the third greeter appeared, surprisingly not somebody Phox knew already.

Uh, hey there! I’m Phox Redhawk, Towhee’s sister, Killdeer’s gramps, and Caracal’s uncle. Also an old friend of Rue’s. Was wondering if one of you might be able to fetch a leader to let me get my official Mereo citizenship?

He should have been salty. He ought to have been salty. But all he felt was relief and joy when the red wolf appeared and came to knock shoulders with him once more. All was right in the world.

I missed you, you ass, he said, his voice quiet but affectionate. How's your leg?

Killer's head then swiveled to Phox, and he smiled. Towhee would be so happy!

Another wolf appeared, and he was quiet but moved with authority, so Killdeer assumed he was some kind of deputy to Germanicus—who undoubtedly would be here soon, too, if not Rue.

Whatever happened next, he was just glad to have his bestie back.

Phox confirmed his intentions, though Caracal was more interested in Killdeer’s response. Rather than answer him, though, his nephew affectionately berated him. The yearling grinned sheepishly and ducked his head, then nipped at the fluff on Killdeer’s cheeks.

Missed you too, buddy. It’s all healed up and, actually, I—

Before he could drop the bomb on his pal, a pale figure approached the little trio of Redhawks. He looked rather intense. He didn’t even say anything and Caracal shut his trap, posture lowering deferentially.

Caracal’s big ears quivered as Phox made introductions. His heart leaped when his uncle mentioned summoning a leader. For some reason, he just assumed his mom was one of the bosses around here, so maybe she would come by too. He definitely wanted to see her while he was here.

There were greetings exchanged between the three wolves before the oldest one addressed Kallik. He wanted to talk to a leader about joining. 

The scutarius offered a curt nod before lifting his muzzle to call for @Germanicus. They would need to talk to the imperator. 

He stepped forward. I am Kallik, a guardian here. I have called for the imperator. He decides who joins Mereo. 

Then he waited. No other words were necessary.

germanicus arrived at the summons, hiding his windedness with a long yellow look.

he had been putting himself through his speeds again in the arena, honing his body.

"phox, was it?" the imperator greeted with a rumble, having gleaned his identity from @Towhee after the first time the man had visited. his assumption was that the man wished to join. he waited for this to be confirmed.

Imperator. That sounded rather grandiose to Phox, but maybe he shouldn't be talking. Once upon a time, he had been a Regent. Once upon a time, it had been Phox who got to make the call as to who did and didn't gain entry into a pack he led. But those times were long gone, and he had never really considered himself fit for that kind of job anyway. His job was at home, being a kick-ass dad.

The one and only, he replied when Germanicus greeted him. And you're... Germanicus, right? I've done some thinking, and I'd like to stay with y'all. That is, if you're okay with it. I can pull my own weight when it comes to hunting. And I've had my fair share of battles. Phox's scarred face was a testament to that, although he had to admit he wasn't the warrior that Towhee was. But he could do his best.

I’m skipping @Killdeer with permission. I think this may be my last, depending on reactions, but I think it’s cool to skip these two since theirs is a side convo and we don’t wanna hold up a joining thread!? :)

It soon dawned on Caracal that he had crashed a rather important rendezvous. He tried to catch Killdeer’s eye without being too conspicuous about it, then offered the three adults an apologetic wave of his good leg before tugging his nephew aside.

You staying here? he asked Killdeer once they were a little ways away. ‘Cause I gotta tell you something, man, Caracal continued, rubbing sheepishly at the back of his neck. I don’t think I’m ready to settle down, after all. But, he added quickly, if you’ll be here, I’ll drop by every now and again to visit you and mom. And, uh, Uncle Phox, bet. He glanced over at the three men again, but made sure to look his friend in his eye as he finished with, Being laid up really sucked and I just gotta stretch my legs a bit more. Sorry.

He hoped Killdeer wouldn’t be too upset with him, though Caracal understood if he wasn’t thrilled about this development. They had been two peas in a pod for such a long time and he knew they’d talked about finding someplace to crash together. He felt like he was betraying his best friend, especially because part of him was actually a bit keen on finding out what it was like traveling totally solo.

this can be my last! <3

the boys stepped away.

germanicus kept his attention upon phox. the man bore evidence to support his claim and the eagle was pleased with the age of the other wolf. mereo thrived in youth. experience would shape.

but did phox join for towhee or for mereo?

"i will accept you as an auxillary. train with the others and explore alone. bring information on what you find. such things affect any promotions you wish." the imperator did expect that phox would like to be elevated at some point.

he stood aside and motioned for the other to join him. "welcome to mereo."

he would lead phox to the common area in front of the soldiers'-housing before leaving him there, headed for a patrol if kallik wished to join.

The two younger wolves stepped away and talked between themselves. 

The imperator turned his focus to Phox and invited him to join the ranks as an auxillary; he looked far more promising than Tierra. 

Kallik would follow Germanicus to escort Phox to the soldier's housing, and then he would follow him to the borders to join him on a patrol. 

last from me