Stavanger Bay Back at it again...

The dark silhouette stopped directly in front of the unknown packs borders, @Issun by her side. The two hadn't traveled very long to before coming to a block on the way towards Arthendal. Her feet continued to grow numb agaisnt the cold ground - but she ignored it best she could. "What pack is this?" Issun had stayed far longer in Teekon than she had, and expected him to know the answer to everything terrain wise. 

She hadn't necessarily enjoyed her return, but she didn't see many flaws in it. Besides her awkward encounter with an old more-than-a-friend. She wasn't sure what to think of him anymore, well... of them anymore. Either one of them had yet to bring up anything of their past. Maybe it was best that way - to nort talk about it. 

Sage glanced at her traveling companion, wondering whether or not they should travel around or take advantage of the situation and speak to whoever run the place. He did mention joining a pack was likely best in winter, possibly leave in the spring.

He didn't expect any pack to block their way. He didn't recall anyone being here last time. "I don't know, but we better back up," he murmured, turning to take a few steps back. The male didn't want any trouble.

Issun looked onto the border and back at Sage. Though no one had seen them, or so he believed, he felt the need to think fast. "Let's try our luck with this, he whispered, barely audible. They needed to join a pack sometime and the opportunity was in front of them

The speckled male tilted his head up, howling for someone inside.

Though she had shed Atoll for Amayo once more, Doe felt no less of an urge to watch the comings and goings of their home. Mordecai and the Troubles at the Border were a distant memory, and she was back to her usual, trusting self.

Presently, there was a pair hovering outside the ring of black rocks, speaking quietly amongst themselves. Neither of them gave off a particularly aggressive vibe, and so, Doe found her paws bringing her closer to the pair, tail flagging as she drew near. Although she did not claim leadership of this tribe today, it was still her sworn duty to protect and serve the wolves that called this shore their home.

"Hail," she greeted, looking between the two. "What brings you to the bay?"

Sage glanced at the female ahead of them, instantly she could tell the fae wasn't the leader of the back, which was slightly disappointed, but at least something to work with. She didn't step any closer or farther away, and decided to speak for the two of them. "We were heading towards Arthendal, but were blocked by this border. We're considering a home for the winter. Perhaps this could be the right place? Do you lack members?" 

If a pack was filled to the rim, she wouldn't allow herself to be accepted. Sage needed purpose if she was to work for someone else, something she already despised greatly. To be some leach living off the pack in a parasitic way was somewhat revolting...but then again easier. No. Whether or not she was to gain it, the dark figure would strive for leadership once again. Either that or complete independence.

It wasn't too long before someone had answered his call. He gave a greeting nod to the stranger and opened his mouth to speak, but his companion had beat him to it.

He stood quietly behind Sage as she spoke, not seeing a reason to speak up. For now that is. Issun glanced back to the female, awaiting an answer.

Doe's ears swivelled as she listened to the other speak. Her attention was focused mainly on the health and demeanor of the two wolves, as she had already guessed why they stood on her borders. Winter had come, and the Bay's caches were full.

Their ranks, however, were still lacking. They have a faithful few that followed, and they had her children, of course, but they would need strong, warm bodies to sing songs with them through the winter, to be models for the children, to hunt with on the first day of spring.

"There's room enough for both of you," she chirped, tail swishing once more. "But I'll warn you here - Blackrock is not a pack for the faint of heart. The Sea is wicked, and the winter will be long."

Sharp, yellow eyes blazed on each of them as she spoke these words, looking for signs that one or the other would quail - still searching for any weaknesses that might not be apparent at first glance.

Sage glanced at Issun, she knew the two of them could easily handle the winter, especially with a pack by their side. "That won't be a problem." The fae insisted, changing her focus back towards the lighter pelt of the group. "I am Sage." She then gestured to her companion, indiciating his chance to speak.

She assumed the other would also introduce herself, since it seemed they would be in a pack together afterall. "Constribution won't be an issue either, in case you thought otherwise." She added.

He nodded his agreement. Issun was sure he would be able to pull through. If he was able to survive up to now, he could take this. "And I'm Issun, he added.

"I'm a good fighter and I will be willing to protect and fight for this pack," he stated after Sage had spoken. "I am also a scout, so if there is ever a time to travel out, I'd be willing to do the task."

Red ears swivell once more as they declare their fitness and fortitude. She does not need to hear this; any wolf could make the same claims and they might even be true - but the winter would be their test. Only then would Doe know whether they were meant for this pack.

"Good," she replied, moving forward once more. This time, she did not stop at a distance, but came close and investigated the two, tail stiff as she sought to bury her nose in their fur, exchanging scents. It was done, in part, to learn more about her new packmates, but mostly, it was for their own protection. Their borders were open to Donnelaith, and they saw many new faces within their land - but any wolf worth their salt would still challenege a stranger in the midst of their lands. These two would have Doe's scent to guard against such attacks. Skellige and Szymon would smell her and know that they'd not passed through without welcome.

Sage didn't enjoy the touch, but understood the precaution of it. She shifted, looking back at Issun for a moment. "When do we meet the alpha?" She questioned, not knowing they're form of titlement. She wished to meet them as soon as possible to know who would be above her. It was strange when the fae never answered her name, after the two shadows already did. "Your name?" She asked, looking down at her with genuine interest.

It felt somewhat relieving to be apart of something bigger, something to protect her if ever needed. A similar sense of Moonlit Hills, but that was long over with and something not to be dwelled on much longer.

He didn't pull back or flinch at the touch, nor thought too much of it. Only a way of telling the wolves who dwelled here he was ok to proceed through. Issun was more than happy to start a new. A place where his past could not follow. Well, at least most of it. Sage was still with him and honestly he didn't know how to feel about it. Don't worry about it, he repeated to himself.

Issun again, stood in silence, awaiting an answer. There wasn't much else he could say.

The woman asked about Skellige, and Doe wagged her tail once more. "He'll find you, I'm sure," she replied, hoping that these wolves would have the sense to be respectful and submissive toward the formidable man. If they did not, on their own heads would it be. "You may enter on my word, for now."

Her ears flickered as Sage asked for her name - she was sure she'd introduced herself already! - but Doe knew better than to take her own word for these things.

"Doe," she said simply, leaving out the surname she'd procured by mating with Szymon. "The alpha - our Leviathan - is called Skellige. You will know him by a dark pelt, and by the silver stripes on his sides."

Sage nodded, she was thankful for the home throughout the winter, though she wasn't sure how well it would play out. Especially with being so close to Issun, she was uncomfortable with the idea of any feelings arising from the dark again. 

"Thank you." She insisted, nodding slightly. Now, only the idea of getting to know the land before her occupied her mind, and without warning she began to leave.

A small content smile appeared on the man's face. After all this time, it seemed things were turning for the better. This time, things were going to be good.

Issun nodded before following Sage into the lands.