Stone Circle all the time that we wasted

evening is falling as they arrive at the border, Dawn brushing against @Artyom's shoulder as they slow. the familiar stones are within sight, and she knows if they were to head further west, they'd find the bison herd. she will never not be fond of the territory, but returning only reaffirms her knowledge that leaving was the right thing to do. 

with a final glance to him, she tilts back her crown and howls for @Valette, shifting to ease back on her haunches. her nausea had abated, but the ache in her chest had only grown, and so it was a relief to know they'd finally made their destination, and for a time at least, they could rest.

Artyom eased to a careful halt as Dawn did, gaze studying unfamiliar territory beyond the invisible border line that belonged to wolves of Easthollow. A golden lobe swivelled smoothly in his mate's direction as she canted her muzzle skyward and sent forth a summons, one that he felt the urge to join with, but resisted to keep an eye out for the sign of another's approach.

He felt his mate settle alongside him and turned his head to look upon her, concern present in the shine of his warm eyes. They asked a silent question she was probably sick of hearing by now: are you okay? She would tell him yes, no doubt, attempt to reassure him with that lovely smile, but he would worry still.

Valette heard Dawn's howl, she had a very significant howl for her. The female made her way to the border, her green eyes falling onto the couple. She had not expected for Dawn to come with someone else. This was someone she hadn't known yet. Valette approached them with a trot and dipped her head in greeting before moving her attention to Dawn. "Hello, Dawn," she greeted with a curious expression. Dawn had made a choice to leave, and Valette, well she hadn't really agreed with it.

a press of her muzzle to artyom's cheek to dispell her mate's concerns as best she could, but the approaching figure of Valette has her withdraw, straightening to better great the matriarch. her muzzle dips in greeting as she nears, tail moving amiable. "valette," she greets aloud, muzzle curved in an easy smile. "this is artyom, my mate." she introduces, allowing a moment for him to make any introductions he might desire to. 

"I wanted to let you know that we've settled at whitebark stream; a day's journey or so north of here." she begins, allowing space for the leader to react or offer her own news before pressing forward with her intent.

Dawn moved to comfort him silently with a touch of her nose to his smooth cheek, though there is no room to chat; a dark-furred wolfess arrived on the scene and headed their way. Artyom's gaze drifted from his mate to the Easthollow matriarch and stole a moment to study her quietly until she drew close enough for him to offer the warmest of smiles.

His silver companion introduced him with ease, even including his new title as her partner. There was a small flurry of excitement in his chest as earthen eyes made to exchange a glance with Dawn, and his tail gave a content swish as his gaze returned to Valette. Artyom dipped his head low to her, courteous and respectful of her position. "Good evening," he said, "I hope our visit has not disturbed you."

Valette looked from the male to the female. Mate? How long had Dawn left them and she already found a mate? That girl wasn't going to let grass grow when it came to having a new family. Valette hoped that the girl had made a decent choice. Valette dipped her head politely at the male. "Nice to meet you. And not at all," she assured the male.

"Glad to hear that you were able to settle where you wanted to settle," she spoke to them. Valette was happy for them, but still disliked that the female left. It was this weird mental battle that she was happy for them but also disliked her decision. "So you are here for the alliance then?," she questioned.