Bearclaw Valley ME!ME!ME!

Maybe @Hestia ? c: Since he's yet to meet her. Anyone's welcomed, though.

With an injured pack mate residing within the leader's den, Kove had taken to avoiding sleeping there as often as he could. Of course, with Scarlett there, he could not stay away forever, but he did his best to keep his distance. It was the Roman who needed her attention, as she was caring for him while he healed up, and he didn't want to steal that away. He'd been around her for a long time now, and actually felt that a bit of space might serve as a good thing—even if he didn't necessarily like it at first. There were a number of times he tried to keep himself away, but then he would find his legs carrying him in the direction of the albino. He'd needed to remind himself that she was busy, and that he should be as well. Another thing that kept him away from the den was his need to be on guard duty. Even if it was unlikely the loners would come back so soon after having just attacked a pack wolf, his inner warden kept him glued right within the rocky path. If anyone tried to enter who wasn't welcomed, he'd be there to stop them and send them on their way. Even attack, if necessary, but it hadn't come to that. In truth, he hadn't seen any loners looking to cause trouble, just some wolves looking to join the pack. One of which happened to be an old friend of his, whose presence he was appreciative of.

Now, though, the ghost was not out guarding the entrance to the valley, but was instead close to the heart of it. He'd made his way towards the river, but did not stop to drink from it or even cross it. Instead, he walked along it, heading in the direction of the waterfall. Now, it was a known fact that something resided behind the waterfall—a tunnel, of sorts—but where it lead, he didn't think anyone knew. The pale king was not even positive it lead anywhere, but a feeling in the pit of his stomach told him that it definitely did. So, when the man reached the waterfall, it was no surprise when he started examining the ways to get behind it. The way to it was clear enough, though it was something that certainly screamed 'be careful'. The copper gaze of the Inuit was pulled away soon after, though, as he started to scan the surrounding area. He wished for an acquaintance to accompany him on the little adventure, just in case it lead somewhere that sparked an interest in him. If that ended up being the case, there was no doubt he would stay behind a bit longer to further explore, but didn't want to worry Scarlett with not knowing where he'd gone. Seeing nothing, though, he looked to sky, taking note of how dark it'd become already. Kove considered letting out a howl for another pack member, but decided against it when his mind, once again, reminded him of Raziel and his current condition. He needed his rest so he could heal properly, and waking him up so late was not ideal.

Kove allowed a deep sigh to escape passed his lips as he realized he would have to do things the difficult way, and actually go look for someone to accompany him. It would take much more time to do it that way, but the sooner the Roman was recovered, the better. Turning, the man made his way pack towards the direction from which he'd originally come, following the river at a moderate pace. It was a source of water for the pack, so he believed there to be a high chance at finding someone there along it. Determined to get his little adventure moving, his pace picked up a bit and his eyes scanned the areas as he passed them, looking for anyone he could sucker in to going with him.

humming a tune under her breath, Hestia stared from her vantage point beside the rushing water with the gaze of a wolf whose mind saw far beyond the cloud banks rolling on the furthest shore. her mind was so easily tempted into this folly, caught up in secrets and tangled webs of thoughts in which no fae should spend any significant time. but here was a distraction, as the strong marbled form of the alpha male of the pack came into view, eyes roaming the hills and area around him as if looking for prey to ensnare in a trap. it was a curious look to see and she drew to her feet, though her head was down turned and her tail stiffly down as she passed down from her vantage point to greet him.

"greetings, oh king of the valley." she spoke with great humour in her words but not an ounce less of respect than he deserved from her. "I am Hestia, a newcomer among you. What can I do for you, since you seem to be so eagerly searching for a partner in crime?"

The male's search had gone on for a bit longer than wanted, but lucky for him he was able to pick up on the scent of another before spotting her. It was a wolf he'd never met before, which led him to believe it'd been Scarlett who'd accepted her into their ranks—given the fact that her coat held a tinge of the pack's scent. Kove came to a stop as he noticed her approaching, having already decided the woman would accompany him, whether she wanted to or not. Judging by the words that followed her dramatic greeting, though, he got the sense he wouldn't need to force her. “Hello,” he returned, paying no mind to the humor in her voice. He didn't really care, to be perfectly honest. The male had been born into the leading family of a pack, so it was easy to assume he'd be followed when necessary. A little joking of his title here and there couldn't hurt anyone, and it's not like he was someone who would jump on the first person to try and do such a thing.

“It is nice to meet you, Hestia. I take it Scarlett accepted you in?” The question was more rhetorical than anything, given the fact that the man possessed common sense. If not he who accepted her, then the only other option was his lover. “I am Kove Apaata,” he returned, uncertain as to whether or not the albino would have mentioned him by name. “To answer your question, you can follow me. There is a tunnel I've been looking to explore, and though I learned some time ago how to maneuver through such places, I need a messenger in case I wish to further explore whatever lies on the other side.” He wasted no time in getting right to the point, and explaining why her presence was even needed. It was true that he knew how to maneuver underground tunnels, having learned how to during his life in Blackfeather, but the cave that worked as a large den for the entire pack in his birth place would also prove to be helpful now. The tunnels of a cave, or valley wall, could be much different from those that lead underground, especially since no water ran through the one behind the waterfall—or at least there wasn't any he could see.

Hestia nodded to the alpha's question, though she sense he truly didn't need her answer anyway. "aye, that she did. it is an honour to meet you, Kove." she grinned a little, thinking about this adventure that had been laid at her feet so quickly. she'd always been a sucker for a good adventure.

"sounds like a whole lot of fun to me. I've some experience in traversing tunnels but I'll always welcome a chance to improve that skill. I assume you'd need me to carry messages and such to your mate if you seek to travel further within?" Hestia had begun to relax a little from her stiff posture, as her muscles had begun to bunch at the back of her legs and if she had kept it any longer, she was fairly sure she'd go insane.

An honour to meet him. It was strange hearing those words—words brought with a title alone and nothing else. It was odd to him how large of an effect a single title could have on the way others treated one another. Kove didn't dwell on that, however, as his mind was focused on something else. An adventure, a need to explore. That was what he was focusing on. But still, his mind drifted back to the idea slightly. If he were still a mere traveler, wandering around as he pleased with an allegiance to no one, it would not be an honour to meet him. Meeting him would be viewed as troublesome and, possibly, unnecessary. Since that was not the case, though, the way one acted upon meeting him changed drastically. It was weird, even to a wolf who had been born into a family of power. A founding family, a leading family. Once more, he chased the thoughts away, hoping for them to actually stay at bay this time around.

Kove noticed how the other seemed to relax more as she spoke. He couldn't quite place where the stiffness had some from, whether it be meeting a leader or just meeting a new face in general. Whichever it fell under, he was glad it was leaving. The Inuit did not wish to travel with someone who could not even relax around him. The atmosphere that it caused alone would have been unbearable, and might have even ruined his journey. “Good to hear you aren't against improving and already acquired skill,” the man said, more or less complimenting the other wolf. Then, he gave a nod of his head, showing she was correct in what she'd thought. “Yes, you assumed right. I don't wish for anyone to worry, especially not Scarlett, if I feel the need to further explore the other side of the tunnel—if there is another side.” Kove never wished to worry his lover, not over even the simplest of things.