Bitterroot Valley basement treasures

Okay OOF AGAIN sorry to keep tagging you guys. But this one is explicitly for @Dreamgirl, Etienne, and @Sega so let's rock this woohoo!

Angel didn't stay more than an hour or so in Great Sky before turning back into the wilds, backtracking along the same trail until she ran into Dreamgirl.

"Okay," she huffed, approaching with a wagging tail. She felt much better after being able to set down some of her burdens, and much more ready to introduce her friend to the pack.

They set off for the borders of her new home, Angel sending up a call for Etienne, just in case he was still nearby. They hadn't traveled together, but Angel felt sure he'd been close for at least part of the journey.

And finally, standing at the edge of her home, she called out for Sega in earnest, not just announcing her return, but requesting his presence. She had someone — perhaps two someones — for him to meet.

Dreama had stayed where she was told. Look at this keeping her promise to her mother, mere days after seeing her again. She should be proud of her. She wasn't sure what this pack was like, but she knew Angel, so that was enough she supposed. And it wasn't like she couldn't learn. 

She had smelled another nearby, an earthy sort of herbal scent mixed with salt and open air. She wasn't sure exactly who it was, but he was nearby. And she heard Angel call for whomever it was too. So this leader was Sega. She ran through what she was supposed to do when she met leadership. AVert her eyes. Get lower.

etienne free to pop in as well, just wanted to get this into my threadlog!

sega answered her call quickly this time— not with the urgency of alarm, but with the steadiness of a leader expecting something important. he came down through the pines, snow brushing off his shoulders in soft cascades, golden eyes finding angel first.

the sight of her warmed something deep in him, but then he spotted the dark-furred girl at her side— young, around angel’s age, posture low, eyes downcast in the way of someone taught to fear authority.

sega slowed, easing the weight of his presence so it would not crush her.

his tail swept once in welcome.

angel, he greeted, voice warm.

then, his gaze shifted to the stranger, studying her quietly— not judging, only taking her in. travel-worn. cautious. respectful in the way her head dipped.

his expression softened, and for the first time in a while, a small smile touched the scarred edge of his muzzle.

hn. who is this you bring? he asked angel, tone gentle, inviting her to speak.

Etienne was late to the call. He had not done so on purpose. But he had found some late growing herbs and wished to add them to his stash.

He arrived as the leader spoke and stayed carefully to the back. A dip of his head. A small word.

Sorry I be late. I gat'ered some 'erbs.

She was nervous, just a little. Sega had already as good as accepted Dreama, sight unseen, at Angel's request. She didn't think he would go back on it, now. But she wanted Dreama to think well of him, and him of her, and that meant this first meeting had to go perfectly — only there was no such thing as perfection.

She felt oddly weightless as he came into sight. Her chin lifted slightly in greeting, and then she remembered to dip her head instead.

"Sega," she said, both in greeting, and to give his name to Dreamgirl. "This is Dreamgirl. I call her mother Grandmother."

Then Etienne arrive, looking as wild and windswept as they say they'd met. Her tail wheeled in pleasure.

"And Etienne! A new friend of mine," she explained, greeting him with a happy smile. "Etienne, Dreama — this is Sega. He is chief in this land. He has been very kind to me."

Introductions made, she went silent, unsure what to do next.

Dreamgirl looked to angel then up up to the man Sega. He looked kind, a little scary, but she was new to this. So as her family had taught. A smile was put on her face and she decide to fake it till she made it. Ahe did avert her eyes again. Thats what you were supposed to do right? 

Dreama looked at the wild quiet newcomer with open surprise and a little does of whimsy. He seemed otherworldly, and a bit sad.

Returning her attention back. She spoke. Her voice light with openness.Nice to meet ya, sir.

he dipped his head to each in turn.

angel… good bring, he said, warmth carved in his tone. dreamgirl. welcome. you stay if you want. great sky open.

his yellow eyes softened at her shy, down-turned gaze— not with dominance, but reassurance.

no need fear, he murmured.

then to etienne, a brow lifted in pleased surprise.

you know herb? sega stepped closer, interest clear. very good. we need this. hunters get hurt. young get sick. herbpaw good for band.

he gave angel a small glance— approval, quiet but unmistakable— before turning back to all three.

you come. must be hungry? we have plenty of food.

Etienne was surprised when the man moved closer. And momentarily struck a little speechless. He was handsome and though Eti's heart was deep under lock and key. He could see and appreciate when there was a good looking figure around. But he did not outwardly show. He had learned early that his predilection for men wasnt always understood or accepted. So he had learned how to hide it well.

A firm nod. I 'ave been a 'ealer since I was very young. Learned from family an' travelers an' of course as I aged an' 'elped ot'ers.,

The thought of food turned Eti's stomach momentarily. He did not eat much. Enough to stay alive. And even then sometimes not. But he had a small purpose now. They actually needed a healer.

Angel was thrilled when Sega accepted Dreama and Eti with grace and kindness, just as she had hoped and halfway expected. She shot a bright smile at Dreama and a gentler one at Eti.

"I'll show you where my friend Elowyn and I sleep," she said to Dreama in particular, thinking that Eti would likely not feel any desire to settle close to her.

Her gaze lingered then on Sega. There was quiet thanks in her eyes, and bright happiness — but something else, too. Approval of her own. Perhaps he, too, had just passed a test of some kind.

She was ready then to take their newcomers to a place where they could fill their bellies.

It was quick and easy. Surprising even. She had been thinking she'd have to like peover herself or something. It was nice that wasn't the case.

A fun loving smile for the leader and Angwl. 

Thank you.

Another look to the healer. She wanted to pick his brain just cause he looked like he had done some living. But for now she'd follow Angel

sega’s gaze moved over the three of them, warm and steady.

to etienne, he dipped his head. healer is good. great sky need this. you stay, if you wish.

to dreamgirl, his expression eased. welcome, dreamgirl. angel speak well of you. no tests here. choose place you like.

then his eyes found angel, held a moment longer. you bring good people, he said quietly. you make great sky strong.

Etienne returned the gesture of respect and kindness. Thank you.

He would follow them to a place and then find his own. Somewhere he could be near but also alone when he needed solitude

Shall we wrap this one up?

Angel's smile sweetened for Sega's words, triumph rising in her chest. She had never felt like this at home, though she knew her contributions had been noticed and appreciated. Something was different here, and she enjoyed it immensely.

"Come," she said, a bounce in her step as she began to lead them all deeper into the territory. "There is so much to see!"