Swiftcurrent Creek back to the old house

open to all swiftcurrent wolves !!

Frederick was wandering through the camp. Memorized locations were still foggy in his mind, even after the tour with Lestan, so he was familiarising himself. Stopping at the prey cache, before moving on and trudging towards what he assumed to be the healer's den due to the plant-y scents. He paused for a moment, before smelling the air once more and continuing to look around.

He didn't seem lost by any means, more like he was checking up on everything, though the wonder in his eyes seemed to convey otherwise. Plenty of wolf-smell here, all with their own individual scents and such. Back at home, everything was the same. He had many uncles and a few aunts, yes, but they never differed in scent. This was a new experience for him.

Eventually, he'd find the shade of a tree and settle himself below it, nosing at his pelt for a moment. He watched over the clearing, eyes naturally squinted, stoic, almost as if he were brooding. But, no, that was just his face.

He'd met Lestan, Etienne and Arric. He wondered who he'd stumble upon next.

Leonore had begun to learn the faces of her pack members from her frequent wanderings. But this face was new. Why would a face be new? Clearly someone was playing a trick, entering territory when they should not.

She considered crying for her maman or her uncle, but decided against it. She was much too tough.

Doing her best sneak up, she pounced onto the tail of the large, new wolf. Yes, she would chase him away all on her own!

A thump against his tail made Frederick's ears perk, head swivelling with what would be shock, should the figure not be so small. Immediately, his face softened. He had little experience with children, leaving just a moon after the birth of his mothers last litter, but he knew that such a tiny ball of fur was deserving of affection.

Hello, he smiled, flicking his tail as to roll the child off—gently, though. He was no monster. What's your name? She was the whelp of one of his packmates, he was sure, though he didn't think he'd met the parents yet. Hm.

The stranger was able to remove her with ease, Leonore wrinkled her nose at this realization.

"Leonore - my maman calls me Barracuda." She responded, raising herself back onto clumsy feet. "Who are you? You look funny."

Usually she knew better, but with no adult to stop her why she should not tell him? What if he did not know of his freakish size?

Maman would not catch her, so she would tell him he looked funny if she so pleased.

Hello, Leonore. I am Frederick. And what she had said next had Frederick's brow bone raising upwards, scaling up the ridge of his forehead. Oh? He chuckled, his tone that of shock. Well, this was one blunt pup. Straight-to-the-point. For a moment, he worried for the esteems of Leonore's siblings, should she have any.

How, exactly, do I look funny? Perhaps the scar upon his brow? The heaviness of which his eyes rested? His size? He'd assume the latter, considering just how small the child was in comparison, but otherwise he didn't believe he looked too strange.

And, taking note of the nickname her mother had for her, he spoke once more: Barracuda are very big, you know, his next words came with a hearty chuckle. Are you sure such a name is fitting for a wolf of your size?

"You're too big." Her answer was quick and lacked hesitation. She knew how she felt and she had no fear of voicing it. "More like a smelly bear than a wolf." She stuck out her tongue, as if to prove her point.

However, his next point left clear frustration on the small face. How dare he speak such an insult, and on the name her maman had given her with such care! But she paused, only staring. Her wit did not provide her with a quick response this time.

And so she stared, brow furrowed. Who was he to speak of size? Clearly he had stolen all of it!

Morwenna approached the pair, her steps light yet confident, eyes sweeping over the young pup who, though unfamiliar, carried a faint scent she recognized—Caliste. A sibling, then? She took a mental note, watching with an amused arch of her brow as the young one spoke her mind with surprising bluntness.

Hello there, she said, her voice warm but carrying a subtle edge of authority. I’m Morwenna. You must be the new recruit... she added with a nod toward the older wolf, her gaze softening briefly before resting back on the pup.

And, tell me, little one— she continued, a motherly lilt in her tone as she raised her brow just slightly, is there any particular reason you’re being quite so… forthright with your opinions?

There was no bite in her voice, only the careful guidance of a wolf well-versed in reining in young spirits. She waited, curiosity mingling with gentle amusement, to see how this blunt little one would respond.

The child's silent stare was enough to make him shift slightly, almost uncomfortable. Was she trying to explode his brain with her mind, or something? Steps sounded towards the two, and again, he grew alert. A figure he had yet to meet was approaching. She voiced her name as Morwenna, and Frederick dipped his head in a polite response.

Yes, he answered. And, again, he'd state his name: I'm Frederick. She spoke to the pup, now. Leonore. Asking why she was being so forthright with her opinions. The white goliath smiled humorously, awaiting to hear this child's response.

Another stranger joined the conversation. Leonore found her tone to be bothersome. Who was she to speak to her as though she had any authority over her choices? Forthright, she had said. She had asked why.

"He might not know how he looks." She responded. That was the partial truth, of course. She chose not to mention the motivations from the absence of her mother - after all Morwenna could report her cruel words if she did so. It was important that maman did not find out - she would be quite disappointed.

Morwenna dipped her head in a welcoming nod as Frederick introduced himself, her gaze warm but steady. Welcome, Frederick, she offered, her tone calm, her eyes flicking with brief approval over his polite demeanor. There was a certain tension in his stance, and she couldn’t help the slight tilt of her head, a soft curiosity lighting her expression. The air of unfamiliarity didn’t unsettle her; instead, it intrigued her.

Her attention, however, soon shifted to Lenore, the small one brimming with an almost brazen confidence. Morwenna held her gaze, listening to the young girl’s reasoning, her eyes narrowing with a hint of amused skepticism. It wasn’t Lenore’s blunt honesty that made Morwenna arch a brow—it was the child’s quiet craft, as though the words she’d chosen only hinted at her true intent. There are kinder ways we can go about it.

A faint smile played on Morwenna’s lips, but her voice softened into something more serious as she spoke to Lenore, her tone carrying a warning wrapped in a strange gentleness. I won’t speak of this to your mother, she assured, pausing for emphasis. So long as it doesn’t happen again.

She let her gaze linger on Lenore, a silent promise held in her eyes, making it clear that her words were more than mere courtesy. Then, with a final glance at Frederick, she allowed a calm silence to fall, trusting they understood each other well enough—for now.

What led you here, then, Frederick? Hmm?

He gave a soft smile at the woman's welcome, thoughts once more returning to the girl. I'm aware of my size, Leonore. Frederick spoke with a sigh, though not one of dejectedness, rather a twinge of hilarity. Morwenna seemed to do all the scolding, and for a moment the snow-pelted giant wished to whisk the pup away as to shield her of any criticism.

Perhaps he himself would make for a good father, but the thought was fleeting just as soon as it had came.

Morwenna mentioned the child's mother, which made Frederick wonder if the two new each other. Frederick still felt so lost. A feeling he would have yet to share. His demeanor that of an easy self-assuredness. It went quiet before the woman spoke again, directed at Frederick, this time. Lestan believed that someone here may have information for me, he said, tone indicating that he did not wish to delve too deep into the subject.

Also, I figured a community could be nice, even if only for a little while. Part of him pondered on what would have happened had he found Milan first rather than Lestan. Maybe he would've ended up in the valley with the beauty. His heart seemed to sink the smallest bit at the thought, but he focused his attention back on his packmate.

How about you?

She quieted down as the older wolves spoke, how much she listened to was questionable, of course.

It was odd to her to imagine that wolves could simply join a pack. Did they not have one of their own? Why did they not stay with their mamans?

Leonore found it hard to imagine that she could ever leave her own mother's side. Her siblings and uncle too were part of her norm - not something she could so easily abandon.

Morwenna’s gaze softened as she met Frederick’s eyes, a warmth kindling in her expression at his words. His presence was a comfort she hadn’t expected, and a small, genuine smile lifted her features.

It is good to see you here, Frederick, she said, her tone almost grateful, though it held a quiet strength, too— a sense that, despite the warm welcome, her roots were firmly planted. I feel much the same—it’s nice to be a part of something. She paused, a hint of resolve creeping into her voice. But I think I’ll be staying for quite some time.

Her gaze drifted briefly to Lenore, a young soul full of curiosity and fire, and Morwenna’s expression softened further. She allowed herself a gentle smile in the girl’s direction, hoping to ease any tension. Lenore was strong and spirited; Morwenna could imagine her as a reckless teenager.

With a last glance at him, Morwenna dipped her head slightly, acknowledging his journey with quiet understanding. I hope you find what you’re searching for, truly. And until then, know you have a place here, with us.

She breathed, Even with little Lenore.

The man would nod at her statements, a brief, friendly flick of the tail marking his appreciation for her welcoming demeanor. He couldn't say that he'd be the same, though. Whether or not he found Adrian, he'd eventually be leaving the creek. The doe-coloured woman was waiting for him, and he wished to find her once more. To stay with her.

Frederick was further reminded of Milan by the compassion that softened Morwenna's gaze, and for a moment, he couldn't help but let his mind become preoccupied. Not until she spoke again, wishing him luck. Thank you, he said, tone amicable, though laced with a weary murmur. I appreciate your reassurance, Morwenna.

He, too, looked at the pup. Letting out a hearty chuckle, he spoke: I'm not sure if she likes me, though, taking up all the space, a cheery sound flowed alongside his words, eyes shining, brows raised. She's clearly not too fond of my size.

She stared as Frederick spoke, small brows furrowed. It nearly scrunched up her whole little face.

"It isn't fair." She said, honest as ever. "I'll forgive you when I'm that big, too."

It would only take a brief lookover at Leonore next to her siblings, and then the size of her mother to know that she likely would not be growing to be as big as Frederick. The poor man would never be forgiven, then.

Though she was still young enough to be forgiving, or more likely just forgetful, excellently displayed when in the next moment she hopped to her feet. A sibling entering her sights, she was excellently distracted and bounded off towards them.

exiting here!

Morwenna watched the two with a soft, weary warmth—a glimmer of something tender in the depths of her gaze, though it was restrained, tempered by the life she'd led. Her muzzle dipped to Frederick as she absorbed his gratitude, letting a light hum escape her chest in response.

May our paths cross again, Frederick, she murmured, voice low yet sincere. Though our journeys may take us different ways, it would be a welcome sight to see you again. She hoped he would find his doe-colored companion and the solace he sought. After all, it was what every wanderer longed for, deep down—a place to rest beside those they cherished.

Her gaze shifted to Lenore, who had hardly made it subtle that she was less than impressed with Frederick's towering form. Amusement ghosted across Morwenna’s features as the pup’s honesty tumbled from her lips. Morwenna was wise enough to see her future, knowing Lenore’s size was destined to fall short of her ambitions.

The moment was fleeting. With the impulsiveness of youth, Lenore spotted her next adventure and bounded off, her little form already seeking new trouble. Morwenna chuckled, a gentle sound that carried in the breeze as she watched her disappear.

With a final, knowing glance at Frederick, she added, And don’t worry about Lenore. She holds no grudges… at least, not for long.

You too, Morwenna. The navy lass exuded a wisdom that Frederick feared he couldn't quite match; he would not at all be against meeting her once more.

He watched as her attention drifted to the pup once more, who had announced that she would forgive him once she was his size before trotting away. Frederick chuckled. With how big she was now, Frederick doubted that she'd meet her own expectations. The goliath couldn't help but smile, though. A warm, fond expression as the child departed.

Again, Morwenna gave him her reassurances. Well, I'm glad, he sighed, pushing his hulking form upwards onto weathered paws. Though I believe a snippy pup is destined to change as she grows. Frederick spoke with a humour that laced his tongue, tail swaying absent-mindedly. We just have to wait and see who she becomes.

Then, he gave one last nod. A firm one, a respectful one. Thank you for chatting with me, Morwenna. I do hope we can do this again. And he'd look over her form rather briefly before he would turn to leave, a friendly woof marking his exit.

exit frederick!!