Frostfire Ridge Therein lies the flowers of truth

Making this private for @Sakhmet and @Kigipigak old thread was given to new person, so you get a fresh one :D

Amalia had traversed these lands for a few days now. She had learned of the mountains duality. Though it caused her pause at the worst of times, she loved it at the best of times. Whether her paws would touch rocky outcrops or dewed grass, there was always something different something lovely.

She stopped a moment to lift her face to the warmth of the sun, and she took a deep breath of the mountain air. It was clean, full, her chest expanded with the feel of it, and with a happy howl, she called out to the grounds themselves. Sharing a piece of herself with the dual place. 

She settled herself to her paws, her tail flicking against the green of the grass, head reposed in shade. She would simply observe for a time.

The family would be departing soon. His sons had their names and they were proud to carry them; they had brought their chosen prizes from the ceremony to their mother and been praised for it. Kigipigak had broken with tradition when he'd bestowed their names so early, yet it was fated to happen, he was certain of that. It felt right. They were one blood united.

Kigipigak was known for being impulsive, leaning in to the masculine energies that he embodied. Since becoming a husband this had shifted somewhat - every thought was of Sakhmet, every consideration weighed. When he became a father, it shifted again. He thought often of his boys and how they might grow here in the north. Of how proud their grandmother, Sedna, would be.

Such was his mindset as Kigipigak hiked the ridge. He had not come this far north since the birth of his sons, as they needed his constant eye upon them. They were older now and stronger, with their mother keeping watch - or Cerne - and so some freedom returned to the ranger.

He heard the singing of someone's voice ring out across the mountains and stopped his hiking. It was rare enough to find signs of the elk returning, given that they'd fled the area after their illness, but to find a lone wolf roaming here was something else entirely. Kigipigak let his intrigue guide the way, and sought out the faint, warm scent of the woman.

As he came up the ridge to a particularly angular vantage point, the pale man surveyed his surroundings but did not immediately catch sight of the shadow, who was lost within the shade.

I hope I didn't disturb you at work today. :)

Amalia briefly thought on her parents and though she missed them, she was also immensely proud of herself for embarking on a journey all alone. She was two fresh out of pup hood, spurred into that of a femme. She was still learning so very much, which it was a good thing she liked to learn. This whole trip had thus far been a learning experience. 

Amalia had scented the stale game trails, of what once was large beasts. But it seemed they were long gone, she wondered at it. Even saw some trails that were beginning to be overgrown where they must have traversed once upon a time. Did wolves chase them away? or did they simply move on? 

It was with trepidation and a sixth sense, that she moved from her spot beneath the shadows, her inky black coat had blocked, her, but she now felt ill at ease. She shifted and looked about her, lifted her nose into the wind. It was just a small glimmer of a coat she noticed, but the angle was strange, so she moved hoping to find a better vantage point of what had snuck upon her. Though had it been predator, she would have been prey.

Not at all! I have the next few days off so I can finally write. :)

There was movement in his periphery. Kigipigak stopped turning and focused on one spot, then another, and finally noticed the woman as she was adjusting in the shadows. A slanting shaft of light caught upon her face for a moment which flared across her coat, proving to him that there was someone here, he wasn't imagining things.

Knowing this now, Kigipigak made his approach. He was often gregarious in his youth and never feared the unknown, as he thought himself capable of handling anything (or anyone) that he came across; it was with this recklessness that he drew towards the woman.

You look out of place here, he mentions without much tact. It takes Kigipigak a moment to hear himself and understand, he might've sounded insulting. Best to clarify before the wrong sentiment was conveyed: I only mean, this place is the home of snow and ice! You are so dark, I am surprised it took me this long to track you. Did you follow the herds?

He was hopeful that the answer was yes, as that would mean life was returning to the area. It was highly unlikely given the wasting sickness that had swept through in the previous months, but Kigipigak held out hope for a change. His family depended upon it.

It's a different kind of pleasure writing, when you have to write like you have to breathe. I understand your happiness at being able to write, and so glad you are gracing me with a thread <3 

She heard the movements, and swiftly turned. The male that came upon her was cloaked in a snow time pelt, his fur much like the drifts she would play in as a child, though she wondered were he as cold? She certainly hoped not.

Amalia believed that with the rashness of youth, came a sort of reckless adrenaline. You always were a slave to your emotions, at least in most cases. Even she herself was sometimes a party to her own self worth, and the feelings, thoughts that colored her cool green eyes, were wild and reckless and lively. 

A small twinkle in her eye. He was a no nonsense wolf, a male of sense, dare she say action, her father was much the same. It had been her mother who was youthful and lively and vibrant. Still so despite the sadness when Amalia had departed. 

"I suppose that would be, because I am." She allowed a small smile of amusment and kindness to grace her face and she wrinkled her snout at the next question as she thought of her answer. 

"I didn't follow them no, but I did see some that may be of help to others. It has been some time since I practiced what I was taught, but a fair reminder when i see them doesn't go amiss."

The woman was amiable. She did not tense with his arrival or flash her fang. She did not run away from him either, which was a good sign. Whatever had drawn her to this place was of no consequence to Kigipigak - but he thought of how difficult the weeks had been as he'd provided for his sons and his wife, and did not want to see another wolf subjected to poor hunting.

It was disheartening at the same time. Kigipigak hoped that she had followed the herds, but within her own admittance was the truth. The creatures that once moved in giant waves across the taiga were still absent.

It is too bad. My family has been waiting for the herd's return for many days now. At least they had the river. That was enough for them at the moment. My wife and I live south of here, about a day of travel, beneath the glacier. There is a river there which is full of fish.

Perhaps she was hungry.

Amalia was not one to often show any type of aggression, could she, of course. However, her family taught her to be amiable and friendly unless otherwise engaged.  She wasn't starving by any means, she was one solo wolf, with the exception of a friend now and again. She had managed to sate most of her hunger with small game, despite her size.

Even her family  hadn't really followed herds. Though, they hadn't needed too, there was so much game where they had settled down, though even she knew of what happened as the game migrated. That had been part of the contention in her family's pack.

I'm sorry I don't have better news for you. I'm Amalia by the way." She dipped her head in greeting, and perked her ears forward as he continued to speak.

"Oh I haven't fished in some time, though I imagine that water would be cold beneath the glacier. Must you fish only a little at a time as the seasons change? She was curious now, she had fished once or twice in her youth.

Kigipigak moved as if to walk again, and in his posture was an invitation for the woman to follow him. There was nothing to hunt here and she did not seem keen on fish, given her statement, but he could still show her the safest route through the territory.

Amalia. I am Kigipigak — though, you can find other things to call me. My name is a mouthful for many. He is smiling, but deep down Kigipigak is tired of hearing his name butchered by southern tongues.

If we had more to our number, perhaps there would be limits to how often we would fish. For now it is only myself and my wife. He briefly forgot about Cerne, whoops.

I am at the river every morning and every night. It has been enough so far... However, here he pauses - verbally as well as physically. We have been thinking of taking a journey. We have allies to the west in another village. If you are interested you could travel with us. It would be safer than going alone.

Although, given that Amalia did not carry any obvious scents upon herself, it was evident she'd been alone for a while and was quite capable. Kigipigak began to walk again as he pondered over this, listening for the woman's decision.

Amalia stepped into stride with him, staying close enough that manners dictated. So she didn't overwhelm him. She would have fished had he asked, she was just unsure if she could remember how too. Though, she did wonder about the cold water, would it be frigid and make her paws numb?

Amalia perked her ears forward at his name, and it was indeed a foreign one. Though a burning curiosity started deep inside and she was determined now. She would learn how to say it right. Her mother had said one should always attempt to call someone by their name. Learn it. Especially, if it's a name that's unusual to you. That it was a small kindness.

"Would you be able to teach me to say your name correctly? I would like to know how. And besides I like it when people say my name correctly. You'd be surprised how many get it wrong."

She listened in rapt attention. So most of how they ate was fish, because the herds were gone, at least she assumed. He hadn't said that, but she wondered if that were the inference. Though part of what he said caught her attention. 

"Are you looking to build your numbers? I only ask because I am looking for a pack myself, having recently lost mine. Due to much of the same thing, limited numbers and then implosion.

She stopped in mid step with him and listened as he spoke. With his pause came an offer of kindness and safety and it was more than she had seen since coming here. Oh there had been plenty of kind wolves, but none had offered to travel with her. Safety in numbers and she appreciated it far more than she could verbalize. 

"I will gladly come with you, on once condition. You teach me to fish better." 

She wanted to pay this kind male back and she would do so with fish and small game when she could.

Amalia moved into step with him again, her tail waving gently behind her.

Fade with your reply? :)

The woman's heart was twice the size of others, Kigipigak reasoned to himself as he listened to her. It had to be, as she was so quick to make such offers to him. He did not immediately respond to her first question because he was so surprised.

Then she went on to ask about numbers; but of course, he hadn't thought she would want to be a part of their little family so quickly, and was tongue-tied as he considered it. A rare moment for Kigipigak as he liked his own booming voice.

This trade sounded a lot like what he had organized once with Njord, of Sapphique. In that instance he had agreed to hunt upon Natigvik land in exchange for spar training for himself and his son.

Amalia could get a good meal, fishing experience, and the lay of the land for herself while Kigipigak would have one more body to keep his sons safe. It felt too good to be true.

Then you will have plenty of time to learn my name. His tone was one of jest, though he was serious, surprised, and ultimately pleased with the arrangement. I will show you to our camp. You may meet my wife there, and prepare for our journey with her.

That was his way of accepting Amalia; that and a brief sweep of his tail. We are preparing to leave soon. There will be many chances to hunt and to fish, and for you to learn all you need. Welcome to our village.

[quote="Kigipigak" pid='526564' dateline='1653931329']

Gladly. Thank you for the thread :) 

Amalia was a different type of wolf. Most would have referred to her as naive, perhaps even simple, but that was not the case. She was just determined to add a little good in the world that was all. 

Amalia supposed part of her decision was a rash one, but she was tired of being alone. She missed murmuring voices at night, and eating a meal together. She missed puppies around her paws and laughter. Most of all she missed safety. 

Amalia wouldn't mind learning all she could from these kind wolves. She would be glad for it. 


That sounds wonderful. I look forward to it. Thank you.

She stepped into position again with him, their voices carrying as they traveled back to his wife and their children.