The Heartwood I have blessed each one of these bullets

@Bernard

By the time that the light had begun to dim (which happened so early now within the full blast of winter), he'd made his way off of the slopes and towards the valley's center. A forest had come in to view beyond the white and silent meadow through which he had been trailing, and he plotted his way towards it with some skepticism. The last thing Screech wanted was to be caught by surprise by someone again - but he pushed the previous experience far from his mind, unable to cope with the spontenaity of the stranger's death, nor his own response to it.

He knew that heading back was in his best interest, but the boy just couldn't make his body agree just yet; he tried to enjoy the pristine look of the world that was around him, the calm that had descended with winter's blessing, and ignore the tension that had begun to build within his body since he had discovered Cassiopeia. Screech was more unnerved by her appearance than the prospect of war between the valley packs (although it was only rumored, he had learned a little bit while bedridden for those two weeks, and the guilt had nearly eaten him alive). With a deep sigh and a sag to his shoulders, the tired boy moseyed through the edge of the Heartwood until he felt compelled to stop, at which point he slumped down among the trees for a much needed rest.

Bernard had been travelling on his own for a while now, but the loneliness never eased up in the pain it wrenched in him. Solemnly, he trudged through the snow, no destination in mind. His legs brought him to a burnt forest, now covered in a thick blanket of snow. The change of scenery was nice, he supposed. He wondered if anything living could be found here. The hulking canine had lost much of his weight with the coming of winter and the loss of his family, and he needed to eat a lot to keep himself fed. A nice meal was in order.

At some point in his wandering, the wind blew just right to reveal that he was, in fact, not alone. Cautiously, he headed for the source of the scent. He wasn't too concerned, sure that he wasn't intruding on any territory, but he could still never know what to expect. Finally, a silver shape came into view. They appeared to be resting. He approached them, but stopped before getting too close, not wanting to alarm them.

Hello, Bernard greeted in a calm but welcoming tone. This wolf didn't seem too pleased, for whatever reason. Their body held many different scents — perhaps they belonged to a pack, but then why be so estranged? What brings you here? He asked after his pondering.

Screech was panting hard when he settled, and slid to his chest despite the snow. It was chilly and relaxing at the same time. The ease with which he could lick at the snow was also a relief - but only temporarily. He knew not to rely on the snow to cool himself off after his extensive travel, as Raven had warned him away from such a stupid tactic. The boy stretched his forearms in to the snow with a crunch, but then became uncomfortable and withdrew them, only to take a couple steps and then flatten and roll. 

He let out a breathy little laugh as he righted himself again, snow flying around, and only stopped when he saw a lurching figure in his periphery. At first he thought it was a bear. Screech knew to be wary of bears - he held a certain amount of fear for them as a young child which had transformed in to a sort-of reverence - but after some careful watching, the hulking figure drew close and spoke. Not a bear.

They were amicable, curious, and Screech was uncertain about what to do. He could ignore them or leave. He could respond in kind and try to be a friendly sort, although it had never panned out for him in the past. Briefly the boy wondered if the stranger was as dangerous as he looked - maybe an agent of Blackfeather, maybe not - and after swallowing a lump in his throat, he made his decision.

Just wandering around, which wasn't a lie; he didn't really know what he was doing here, only that going home seemed out of the question right now. He had needed time to think. What about you? Screech lifted his chest and sat up, sifting the snow around himself in the process.

Really? He asked with genuine surprise, taking just a few steps closer as the other engaged him in conversation. I am doing the same, for I have no pack. But don't you? You seem a bit far off the beaten path. Bernard 's head gave a slight tilt as he asked the question. He was fully honest, finding no reason not to be. He held no scent of others on his pelt, marking him clearly a loner, and he was quite curious as to why this wolf was different in that regard. Everything about his posture was calm and non-threatening, hoping to not startle the other canine.

He wasn't usually super introspective but it had sent him in to a mood that was, oddly, more inviting. Having the stranger here wasn't as unnerving as he initially thought; they were clearly unaffiliated with both the Blackfeather wolves and his own family of Redhawks, which put him in to a category of safe for the time being.

All the same, Screech was a bit bothered by the forwardness, not accustomed to it. He managed to hold his tongue rather than sour the situation with his gut reactions. I do, he muttered vaguely, its the biggest and strongest one in this valley. Maybe he was playing that up a bit with the language, but Screech felt it was true. The only rivals to his own family were the nefarious Blackfeather wolves with their cowardice and shadows-sneaking.

You're obviously new here - where did you come from? He deviated the conversation away from himself for the time being, trying to settle his nerves so he didn't snap like he normally did in the heat of the moment.

At the wolf's grandiose claims about his own pack, Bernard quirked his brows. He couldn't know whether that was true or not, but perhaps he could find out. The mix was searching for a pack to join, after all, if they would take him despite his domestic blood. He needed meaningful relationships with others, and he had an instinct to have something to protect. I see, Was his simple response, paired with a nod. He didn't want to risk enticing offense by adding any more of his thoughts.

Upon the other's question to him, he answered, I come from a nearby region. Upon being... Separated from my family, I travel alone, in search of a pack. Bernard would've preferred not to delve into the details of his family. Would yours be accepting of the likes of me? He tentatively asked, fearing that the wolf's answer would not be as he hoped. Finding his manners, he added, My name is Bernard.

That isn't up to me, came his cop-out response; he spoke so flippantly, with a contained laughter to the words, it was like Bernard had spoken a joke that had a questionable nature and he was trying not to laugh aloud at it. According to his previous experience his family wasn't all that welcoming - to strangers or to their own blood from time to time - so Bernard's comment sounded ridiculous. But Screech couldn't speak on behalf of his Alphas. 

I see no problem with you though, the boy commented dryly, watching the burly man. He'd be good in a fight so that would be a bonus - but it was winter, and bigger wolves ate a lot more food. It was a balancing act (and not one that concerned him). I'm from the caldera to the south of here. The pack is mostly made up of family, but I can't see why they'd say no to you - you look strong. Which was probably why they didn't like him very much, he thought bitterly.

The wolf's initial response made sense to him — he couldn't have been in a high position, as he appeared quite young. Perhaps that's why he was too wary to introduce himself, which was fair to him. Most packs weren't too welcoming, but it was worth a shot. Bernard felt flattered at how the youngster viewed him. I like to think so, He responded with a prideful grin, though there was clear playfulness in his voice, as he was more on the humble side. He'd just come from the south, barely missing the territory, it seemed. Bernard hadn't assumed there was anyone living there, but he fully intended on going back now.

Well, I suppose I'll be headed that way, then. Will you be returning soon? He was blissfully unaware of the other canine's inner turmoil.

On any other day Titmouse would've reveled in the chance to do this job. To wander the wilds in search of recruits for his family's pack, or the task of guarding the borders and vetting anyone who came near. He had once cherished the thought of himself as a grand warrior or a guardian, someone powerful and respected. Now though, he couldn't wait for the stranger to get a move on. As much as he had enjoyed their company Screech was not in the mood to entertain; he wanted to relax, and then when his energy levels recovered, figure out what he was going to do next.

Maybe, he said, once again avoiding his responsibiilties and being a flake. He'd come back in his own time but he wasn't about to escort this guy all the way to the caldera, if that's what he was after. As an afterthought he added: Safe travels, I guess. Be careful crossing the valley, there's a pack in a forest to the east that likes to kidnap and torture people. Take it from me, they aren't so fun. Screech tried to smirk at this, but he looked more constipated than anything - and then plunked himself down against the tree roots, ready to sleep away his worries.

Bernard was infinitely curious as to why a youngster like him would be quite so far from home, especially if he weren't intending on returning anytime soon. But, it looked like he wouldn't be getting any answers out of him, much as he was concerned for his safety. He blinked at the wolf's warning, furrowing his brow at the description of the other pack. Bernard would never be so desperate to join the likes of them. He decided not to dwell on how such a young canine came across them without harm. There was much he didn't know about this place and its inhabitants.

Thank you. Do stay out of trouble, Was the last he said to the nameless boy before he turned to head back from the direction he came. It was a tad frustrating to need to backpedal, but he was in a totally unfamiliar place. He just hoped he could get there in one piece.

And scene? :v

Good thread!!! Bernie is a sweetheart!!! Such good!!!

The burly man was off, and while Screech was pleased to see him go, he didn't show it. A part of him was surprised by the fact he'd carried on a normal conversation like a normal person who only ever had normal things happen to them, because he felt all kinds of abnormal - but he let the moment slip away as he began to drift to sleep, and was unconcious within a few moments after that. Granted, the boy's slumber would be characterized by some strange dreams involving ghosts and ravens and probably a few portents of things to come - so it wouldn't be restful, and soon enough he'd be up and roaming for another haven within which to hide.