Thunder Dome Contemplation, my dear friend

Since their claim had been made, something had been bothering the yearling. She knew of their neighbors, had even before settling on the mountain, but the response they'd given to the tribe's claim seemed to make things far more real. She did not fear them, she couldn't, but was rather curious of them. Surely they were not fond of the dragoness' decision to settle down so near to their home, but choices had been made and claims solidified; Ryūjin was there to stay. It was due to her plan to remain there that she wondered if, perhaps, a council with the other's leaders might be called for. She knew not what to expect from them, or if her decision to do so would even be accepted, but it would at least be something. Intentions could be shared and reassurances made, ensuring both sides of a neutrality—if such was meant to be.

Whether or not she would do so was a decision yet to be made, for the yearling found herself uncertain of whether or not it would truly be the best course of action. The longer Asterr gazed out over the territory, however, the more benefits she saw to requesting an audience with the leading figures of the ridge. The only thing left to do, then, was decide who might be best to accompany her, for going alone would most definitely be foolish. Each member held a trait that she could value in being at her side during such a meeting, though it remained, still, a choice she struggled with.

Haven't posted in a while with this hulk of a guy, so here ya go XD

The black boy trotted in a fast pace through their territory. He had been busy all day, making sure the borders were strong, bringing food to his little stack under a tree and relaxing a bit too. He was cheery, he never had this many things to do, but it filled him with delight that the tribe also depended on his fair share of the work. Sure, the tribe's well being depended on them all, but he just felt special being a part of all this. He smiled, if only "she" would see him now...

The boy shook the bad thought away. He didn't want his guilt to ruin his good mood. He hadn't told anyone of his past yet, but no-one seemed interested enough to ask. Well, maybe Asterr would want to know, but even then he wasn't sure if he was confident enough to talk about it. But the past was in the past, his future was here with his tribe.

While the thoughts, good and bad, were going through his head, he had almost missed the black coat of his alphess. He stopped in his tracks, a bright smile on his features. Good morning, Asterr. He called out to here. He trotted towards her before continuing. What are you up to today? He asked, letting his muzzle gently touch her shoulder as a physical greeting. He kept his tail low, wagging it from side to side, and his ears almost draping against his skull. He stood neutral beside her, though anyone watching could see that he was being less dominant than the female.

Yay~! :D

As she'd neared the height of her thoughts, a familiar presence had neared her. A smile was fit snugly across his maw, a look she believed to fit him well. It grew infectious, even, as she found herself smiling as well in spite of the decision that bothered her so. Though his words had come first, she'd remained silent until after having felt the touch of his muzzle against her shoulder. It was the very same gesture that had led to him standing where he currently did, along with all of the others. It was a gesture she was quite fond of, too, for it signified trust. To get so close to another being, to approach at the necessary angle, showed one's belief that the other would not harm them. It was for that reason that she'd decided upon using it while recruiting, as well as when potential members came to their borders.

"Good morning to you, too, Jolon," the dragoness voiced, returning the greeting and then the gesture shortly after. Her head had then turned away, muzzle being used to point over in the direction of their neighbors. "I have been thinking," she began, gaze remaining on that which lingered in the distance. "And while doing so, decided to request a meeting with the leaders of our neighbors." Asterr fell silent then, allowing an opportunity for her words to sink in. She knew it had to be done, that an attempt at forming an agreement of neutrality needed to be made, but that hadn't made the choice any less difficult. "I do not wish to go alone, however." There were obvious reasons for that, of course. "Normally, from what I had observed in my place of birth, both the chief and chieftess would attend such formal meetings, along with their seconds. I possess no mate, and the other titles belong to no one, which has left me needing to decide who will accompany me." It was a harder choice to make than it sounded, really.

Her silver eyes soon found their way to his, their gleam betraying her query before it was even voiced. "What are your thoughts on this? Who might you believe to be best equipped for this meeting?" The opinions of her followers were, without a doubt, important to her. She valued what they had to say, the ideas they wished to share, and believed them each fully capable of coming up with peaceful solutions.

The clouds rolled by as the dark male listened to his chieftess. Something seemed to bother her quite a bit it. Jolon knew of the pack right beside them, having met 3 of them already before he had even met the dragoness. They didn't seem like the brute and cruel pack (like the pack that had murdered his father), but a rather peaceful one. Of course, he couldn't know for sure since intentions could change like the seasons. 

Jolon's smile turned into a frown as he thought about her words. They had no one besides Asterr in the higher ranks of their hierarchy, something that was rather nice for Jolon but had now proven it's troubles. Having Asterr go alone was no option in Jolon's eyes, and he was glad to hear the same from her. If they would harm her, or even worse; kill, which was a high risk if she went alone, Jolon would never forgive himself. He had already caused death and destruction to one he cared about, and he was not going to let it repeat itself.

Their eyes met as she asked a question that the brute had to think about for a moment. Who would be best to go along with her? Jolon hadn't met every tribe member personally yet, but the ones who he did know weren't all the perfect fit to tag along. He hadn't seen Frostrar around in a while, and Noctura didn't seem like the one to talk things out with others to him. Leo would be too young, and Jolon was worried that he would end up with another scar if things took a turn for the worst at their neighbor's borders. The white male he had seen at their borders and who he had picked up the scent from in their territory seemed like a reasonable pick, but Jolon hadn't had the chance to talk to him yet. His thoughts ended up on the three white girls, having no knowledge of more tribe members. Ezimette seemed nice, but quite vague to be honest. plus he hadn't seen her a lot recently. He didn't really know the white female who he had seen talking to Asterr, so he ended up with Winter. He had known Winter for a while now, and she seemed like a trustworthy soul, but underfed the last time he had seen her. Perhaps if she had gained some strength she could go with Asterr, but Jolon still had to check on her health.

The young boy closed his eyes, his mind not stopping with thinking about solutions. It hurt his brain, and he wanted it to stop. He opened his eyes, returning his gaze to Asterr while explaining short what he had been thinking about.

Have you seen Frostrar around lately? I haven't. He started with the most capable of defending his own and Asterr if they encountered trouble.You could ask Noctura along with you, but I don't know if he wants to, you'll have to ask him. He paused for a moment before talking again as he was going through his list of members who could accompany his chieftess on this important mission. I do not wish for Leo to go, don't want him to end up with another scar on his face if you know what I mean, but it's his own choice and your's as well. He took a moment to let his words sink in again. I don't know the frosty male that I have met at the borders, but he seems capable enough. Just like Ezimette and the white female I saw you talk to. He breathed again, so much talking wasn't normal for him. And if Winter has gained some strength, she could be a trustworthy companion on your journey as well. He stopped, only now thinking about going along with her if she could find no-one else, or if it was her preference.

Of course I will be happy to assist you with this as well. He added quickly, not wanting her to think that he hadn't considered it.

Holy moly, this is long. I'm so sorry to do this to you <3

No need to apologize, really! I am quite the fan of longer posts~
/returns the apology though, aha ^^;;

It came as no surprise that her query had then led to the male being thrust into thought. It was not a matter that could be so easily solved, not something that could be rushed into. One wrong move and their actions could incite war, despite however positive their intentions might have been. While they had a great deal of warriors on hand, or those with the capability to show greatness in battle, she did not seek a fight. What she wished for was peace, and there was a chance she would do nearly anything to obtain and protect it. Having that type of mindset made her value Jolon's need to give a great deal of thought to his answer, believing it to show that he wanted the same thing as she did—to live a quiet life without fear of attacks. In retrospect, it would have been far easier to obtain that had she decided to settle elsewhere; though, in truth, no land was truly free of violence, no matter how secluded it might be.

When he'd finally brought his thoughts to a close, a question of posed that she found difficult to answer. It was not because she did not know how to respond, but rather because the answer she had to give was unpleasant. "No, I am afraid I have not seen him around as of late..." the girl returned, a hint of a frown making itself known. "Do you think he may have left us?" Aside from Leo, Frostrar had been her first recruit. He'd been there from the start, even before they'd officially settled, so the idea of him having left did not sit well with her. It troubled the dragoness greatly, in all honesty, for his loyalty was something she'd wished to hold onto. If he could leave, someone who'd been there even before the start of it all, then what was to keep the others from departing as well? Such was something she was most displeased by having to think about, but knew she needed to in order to remain aware of all possibilities. A small sigh escaped her then, followed by a slow shake of her head. There was currently a task at hand, one she needed to remain focused on.

The next candidate was Noctura. That did not surprise her for he, too, was one who'd been there longer than others. There was also the fact that he was quite large, perfectly capable of protecting them if things went south. Still, there remained the matter of whether or not he would even wish to join her. He had proven to be less social thus far (something she aimed to change in the days to come), but surely he would have nothing against a diplomatic meeting? Honestly, she did not know, and so she'd decided to ask him later on. With a nod of her head, she silently revealed her plans, but did not prevent the male from continuing onward with what he had to say. At the mention of Leo, her ears pressed forward and she was quick to shake her head. "Leo will not be accompanying me. He is still too young, untrained—I cannot bear the thought of him being injured any more than he already has been." To go with a child might seem better than going with a couple of brutes, as it would come off as less of a threat, but she could not risk it. The boy had been her companion even before she'd decided upon founding a tribe of her own, and she viewed him as something similar to a son. No force in the world would be enough to make her lead him into a potentially dangerous situation.

Jolon went on to name a few others, but the names fell on deaf ears. They were each capable, yes, but they had not been with the tribe for very long. She did not yet trust them with such an important mission, which left her with only one other choice—the very same choice she would have eventually come to had she been left to her own devices, but hadn't wished to admit so right off the bat. "In order for this to go well, I believe it would be best if I am joined by those who have been here since the beginning. Not everyone, of course, but perhaps two would be a decent choice." She offered him a quick smile, certain he'd already pieced together what was coming. "I would like for you to come with me to this meeting along with Noctura, if he will accept the offer." Asterr trusted the males, really, and saw no one better than them to be at her side during her visit with the ridge's leaders.

Lol :P Me too, but my English vocabulary is not so big yet, So I can't really write as much as I want to.

It came as no surprise to the brute that Asterr, too, had not seen the white,scarred male around as of late. Although Jolon would find it despicable if the brute had left them, Asterr's words made him more worried than angry. Perhaps, although I surely do hope that he didn't. As stoic as he seemed, I liked him. Jolon confessed.

A small nod interrupted his thoughts about the white brute, and were focused again on Asterr's words. It was nice to hear that the Dragoness agreed with him that Leo would be too young to accompany her. It would mean that they were less threatening on their approuch to the meeting yes, but they couldn't risk it. While Jolon did not know his whole story, yet, he was sure that whatever it had been would already be too much for such a young soul. Indeed, it was foolish of me to even consider the young boy to go. My apologies.

It seemed Asterr had already made up her mind about who would accompany her, or was getting bored of his constant talking, for she didn't comment on the others that he had mentioned. Her next words however, changed the picture. She was interested in the newer wolves, but for this mission she wanted the ones that had been with her from the beginning. He returned the smile the Dragoness gave him, already kind of knowing what had to come next.

His head raised with pride, though still humble, not cocky in any way. It was a treat to his ears that his Alpha already trusted him so much that he could join her on such an important mission. The name of the other dark brute did not go unnoticed however, but was embraced. Although still not really friends with the brute, Jolon already trusted his pack mate. He seemed like a very interesting soul, someone great in battle though not one of many words. I am truly honored by your decision, and I think Noctura is indeed a very good pick as well. He thanked her with a little bow of his head before continuing. When do you plan on asking him? 

Your vocabulary is quite large so far~
edit; @Jolon nudging this one, too, hehe. We can wrap this up with a post or two?

Aside from their close proximity to another pack, she could think of no reason as to why the male might have left—it was for that reason that she found his absence most concerning. Either something had happened, or he'd needed no reason to depart. Both filled her with unease, though she could neither confirm nor dispute either. "I, too, hope he has not left us..." she began, brow furrowing briefly. "At least, not forever. Perhaps he needed some time away for some reason." Whether he'd left or not, she still found herself wishing to justify his actions.

Inwardly, she did her best to dismiss the thoughts. If Frostrar was meant to remain with them, he would reappear eventually. If not, well... his presence was appreciated while it'd been there. Rather than focusing on him, she returned her attention to Jolon and their topic of conversation. "It is fine, you are forgiven," the yearling offered. "I get the feeling that Leo might want to go along in spite of his past, so please, do not bring this talk up to him if or when you see him." The two had formed quite the bond, one filled with trust and the need to keep the other safe. She worried that, because of that, the hatchling would wish to follow after her no matter what dangers might be present. The danger itself might even drive him more, in fact, due to how long they'd been together and such.

The male's words signified, to her, that he had accepted her offer. Jolon would be joining the yearling whenever they went to seek council with their neighbours, and for that she was glad. "Soon, I believe," Asterr answered. "When exactly, I am uncertain, but I do not wish to put it off for too long. We must ensure peace before tensions rise too high." Little did she know, however, that within the days to come tensions would rise far past the breaking point.

I am so sorry to leave Jolon in the dust <33 But I truly couldn't find time to post anything the past 2 weeks. I hope to be more active as time goes by, hope things cool down a bit here. Once again, my apologies.

Only time will tell, I'm afraid. Or do you want to track him down? He asked, a curious glint in his eyes. He had never tracked down a wolf before, but prey were kind of easy. So, who knew, maybe it would work. He wondered though if Asterr would let him back in if he had truly left them. Jolon, though not one to react so drastically, wouldn't really like to find out that he had done just that.

Their conversation left the topic though, much to Jolon's liking. He didn't like focusing on possible solutions to a problem, even though he couldn't stop his mind from doing so. He hated it, despised his own mind for overthinking, but alas, it was who he was. He was forgiven for his thoughts on the young boy and a small smile appeared on his normal cold face. He wondered what Asterr's and Leo's past were together, though he didn't feel the need to ask. It would come, eventually, but for now they had to focus on the present. My mouth is glued shut, I won't say a word. Promise. He promised. It was a promise he could easily keep, although he wasn't planning on breaking any promises he made.

They went on again, back to what actually really mattered. Indeed. Perhaps tomorrow, maybe even tonight. Was that all, my alpha? He asked, his head tipping to the right.

All is well~! Perhaps you can wrap this up with your next post? Or archive, if you're satisfied with mine, aha. c: Archived.

Asterr hadn't been able to keep herself from considering the notion of tracking the missing northerner down, but had eventually decided against it. It would do them no good, especially if he had decided to return to the place he'd come from. The idea of losing any more members just to find one who might not even be loyal to them any longer seemed foolish, as well as something she would not risk. "No," the girl had stated, the word being joined by a slow shake of her head. "If he remains loyal to the tribe, he will return when he is ready and we shall go from there. I do not want to risk the lives of any others by requesting that he be located." She simply couldn't, is more like it.

The promise made thereafter seemed to ease the mood of the meeting, for a smile had decided to plant itself upon both of their faces. It was difficult to hold a serious expression, especially when speaking of Leo. The boy was, after all, still only a child in her eyes, and a marvelous one at that. "I appreciate your promise," the yearling had returned, glad the younger's safety would not be put at risk. From there she was left with no more to stay, leaving her following statement to be, "Yes, that is all, Jolon." The matter would be dealt with as soon as possible, she would make sure of that. But, until then, it would be wise to give everyone time to themselves. "Please, carry on with your day as usual. I will call for you again when I feel the time is right to act." With that, she gave him a gentle farewell, taking her own leave before another topic could arise within her mind. No, things had to be taken one step at a time, and so she'd left the scene to carry on with other business.