Bearclaw Valley Thump, Thump, Thump

@Ameline joining up BearClaw as discussed!

All day long the rain had been pouring down, only now beginning to calm itself. Milana found herself soaked to the bone, and she knew that soon she would begin to shiver. She feared the illness that may follow.

It had been a few moons since departing from her birth pack and the girl was yet to find a suitable place to settle down. She craved the companionship she once had, the unfamiliar sense of loneliness seeping in and draining her.

She was determined to survive, to find somewhere she could be of use.

Made slightly paranoid by the news of conflict that had befallen the rich, perfumed wolves, Ameline thought it best to check in on the Valley- to make certain it had not been claimed by a group of rogues in their absence. Her heart found an uncomfortable place to ride out the journey in a place near her throat; she was not sure what they could do if any others had come to settle in their home. 

…Aside from marching back to the group hunt, and asking for help just as the wolves of Akashingo had done. But by then, all of the soldier-types might have departed.

Rather than hostile parasites, though, she found herself tailing the trail of a lone female, wandering toward the valley’s entrance where the ridges began to rise. In spite of travelling through hard rain, the wolverine-girl persevered, and lifted her soggy tail aloft when she caught sight of the loner. 

She called out with a bark- hoping to grab the woman’s attention and detour her course.

A bark sounding out, she found herself startled. Head turning she spotted the figure of a woman who easily beat her in size. The strangers tail held high, she wondered if the rain had misled her - covering up the scent of a border and allowing her to cross over.

Pausing her stride, she awaited the other's approach with her head lowered. This was a situation she knew better than to run from.

The other had a strong, muscular figure that Milana couldn't help but admire, with a beautiful black coat accented by golds. She wished to offer a compliment to the woman, but such things could wait.

The honey-coated woman stopped, and looked both guilty and apologetic. Ameline would have liked to see her lean into the wet earth, though, so she bared her teeth as she closed the gap between them, only to stride past where the woman cowered and block her path. She eyed the woman, rolling her shoulders as if readying to pounce, before she stilled, and peered down the amber bridge of her muzzle with coly blue eyes. 

"You mutht be lotht," She said. "You don't look thtupid enough to willingly trethpath into our territory," She led, "Am I right?" She arched an eyebrow, and lifted her muzzle, flicking her tongue across her lips to wet them, and reveal her teeth once again.

The woman spoke, confirming her fears. "The rain masked the scent - I apologize, my intentions were good." She spoke quickly with her ears lowering and gaze shifting away.

"I was searching for a place to rest, that is all." She looked back to woman with doe eyes. She wished to avoid a fight, especially when she would surely lose.

From the heights of her moral ground, Ameline chose to extend mercy to the woman who seemed palpable. She was in need, and Ameline had the means to offer a fix for her situation; having established dominance, now all she had to do was win the woman’s loyalty.

I believe you, the gracious leader said with a sweeping motion of her paw, inviting the woman to rise. I am Ameline, leaduh of Bearclaw Valley. I can take you to a dry plathe to retht, fin’ you thomethin’ to eat. She would begin leading the soggy woman toward the valley, if she would follow.

Milan was glad to hear the woman's merciful words, glad to be following her to a place that was, by her assumption, safer. The woman introduced herself, and she thought it appropriate to do the same. "I am eternally grateful, thank you." She trotted after the woman, head now tilting to barely meet her eyes. "I am called Milana."

Ameline spoke of her pack - BearClaw. It made her wonder if there would be other's. Ameline had welcomed her, she could only hope that they would do the same. She would be gentle, submissive. A perfect guest.

Such behaviour was only in her nature.

Eternally? Impossible. But even temporarily was better than nothing. 

Milana, She spoke, grateful each time she met a wolf with a name she could pronounce easily. Nithe. My mate Anthuhlin an’ I live here, with our daughterth. Thmall group of uth, but we’re hopin’ to add to our numberth before winter hit-th. She side-stepped to avoid a murky puddle. But the valley the well protected; there’th only one way in, tho…Thentry duty ithn’t usually too hard.

Her tail began a gentle wave at the mention of safety. Only one entrance - that certainly was appealing. She nearly asked to stay in BearClaw on the spot. "I see. What sort of wolves do you take in?"

She followed after Ameline, her steps careful to mirror hers. The valley was rather pretty - though anywhere looked pretty in autumn. The red and orange leaves always did the trick.

She did wonder what gave the valley it's name - 'BearClaw' but she was afraid to ask.

All thort-th, She explained with a nod. Thothe who got thomethin’ to prove, nowhere to go, or who wanna be a part of a family. We choothe our family here, tho…Loyalty’th important. She said. She and Ancelin would not make the same mistake Redtail Rise had made, in forcing the family apart just for the sake of keeping blood relations on the throne.

We can train an’ work on thkillth, but we’ll need a couple more good hunterth for the winter…Everyone doeth thome thentry duty, an’ I’d like a dedicated thcout/methenger, too but- She said with a chuckle. We need pledged memberth to have all that.

She gave careful nods as Ameline spoke, absorbing her words and reasoning out a response. She had never been a strong hunter, much better suited to life within the settlement. But scouting she had never considered - she would be willing to try if it was needed, of course.

Tail waving gently, she looked back to her companion. "My skills are a bit more suited to a domestic lifestyle - but I have room to learn where I'm needed." She spoke, her tone growing more comfortable. "If you'll take me."

The valley appeared safe - and a small, family pack could be exactly what Milan needed.

You like kidth? She asked then, wondering if that was what she meant by domesticity. I got four from thith year’th litter. Growin’ like dandelionth but the more role modelth they have, the bettuh. 

Milana seemed keen enough- even tempered enough that she could apologize, and possibly the kind of wolf who might stick around. I figure you can thtay, She said warmly. I can’t thtay long- my family’th up at a big hunt until the end of the month but if you can watch over the Valley ‘til we get back, you’ve got a home.

She had no children of her own, but pupsitting was something expected of her back home. She had learned to enjoy it. "You must be proud - four is quite the handful."

Her ears perked at Ameline's words - so long as she watched over the valley, she could stay. She could manage that much, couldn't she? "Yes, I can do that. I'll have things just as they were when you return." She nodded promptly, leaving herself no room for consideration. She would only jinx herself if she overthought it.

They are, Her tone was warm, affectionate. It was with great pride that they had welcomed their four daughters into the world, beginning their own legacy in the valley that she hoped would thrive. But populating the valley themselves wasn’t going to ensure their success- they needed more members, like Milana. 

You’ll do fine, She assured the woman. After all- the valley had but one entrance, and the majority of the packs in the are were all engaged in the peaceful, cooperative hunt. I’ll take ya to my den, you can thtay there. It’th warm, dry, an’ there’th food thtashed nearby. As much as she didn’t want to simply leave Milana on her own, it was necessary. The least she could do was make sure she felt welcome and comfortable.

The woman offered her everything she could possibly need. Milan was nothing if not grateful. "Ah - alright! I'll follow you lead then." She did not wish to appear overexcited, but Milana was in a rather desperate situation.

She could not afford to return to her birth pack, yet she could not be alone. It was not a lifestyle that suited her; she preferred the company of other's above all else.

The valley seemed quiet, peaceful. She was glad to be welcomed.