Whitefish River Some days are filled with wonder and adventure

@Howl – all other tags are for reference

He had snuck away, his mate distracted by all the work that needed to be done to their den. He knew the pack had a communal den just down the path, but Emrik also knew that they were going to need a more private setting if they were going to try for those kids Ira had given them permission for. And he figured that once they were old enough to sleep in the communal den, this could be Speedy’s dedicated medic hovel. She could see patients and keep her herbs dry. All in all, this was a great find.

In a cheerful mood, Emrik slipped away from the entrance of the den where he had been sequestered for the last few days due to his healing injuries. Which he hardly felt anymore, and rarely caused any issues. They just looked worse than they actually were. His cheek was still missing fur where his gash was healing, the skin still bright pink. And his leg was still scabbed, but it was growing itchier by the day, so it was healing well. At least that’s what @Speedy told him.

With the sun beaming overhead, the man ventured down the path away and headed down to the river. Might as well parch his thirst with his newly found freedom.

The pack had officially moved back to their original home of Whitefish River. An area Howl had overlooked many times during his days atop the Blacktail Deer Plateau. In comparison to the Plains, it was plentiful with water and possessed a scattering of trees Howl much prefer to any other biome.

The fact that he still resided within the pack was a bit of a shock for him. Ira and he had originally spoken about him assisting the pack in its move and nothing more. And yet here he was still calling such a place home. It felt weird thinking of it as temporary, which he had thought prior to the move. But it also didn't feel permanent. His rank had risen to one of noble standing but as the pack traveled he saw so many faces that he could not recognize. All their scents had become familiar to him over his time spent at the boarders but he felt that wasn't enough. The ranks within this pack were strongly trade based allowing him to move up as an old chap with previous experience. But he felt wrong possessing such a rank without also sustaining some level of leadership or reputation among the other members. 

Seeking to change this he went on patrol, only this time of the inner regions of the territory conversely to his normal border refreshing. It was time to get his name and face out there to the others of the pack. Following the river's edge, he soon came across a browned and tan male approaching the bank.  "Good day" he nodded his head in greeting at the male's attention. "I don't believe you and I have had a proper introduction. My name is Howl." he greeted.

 

A voice unfamiliar, but the scent that accompanied it was recognizable even if it didn’t necessarily possess a name. Well it didn’t until now, now it was Howl. A fitting name for a wolf. Emrik thought, turning to greet the ‘stranger’ with a smile. There were few within the pack that he didn’t know, and he was glad to close that gap even further. “Howl, nice to meet ya.” He dipped his head, both in greeting and subtle submission. The man was new after all.

“I’m Emrik.” The man was tall, his coat a shading of deep brown cascading to black. Quite the opposite of himself, Emrik observed. “How are you on this fine day Howl? Settling in well I hope?” He was new not only to Kaistleoki, but also to the River, as the man hadn’t been around before the quakes. At least not while Emrik had been around.

The males dipped his head and introduced himself as Emrik. Howl could sense a touch of submission within the males greeting. He wasn't sure if it was due to his rank, usual demeanor or attempt to be more welcoming so Howl thought to pay little mind to it at the moment. "I'm doing quite alright. Still trying to gain my bearings along this river. I've seen it overhead several times but far less at eye level." 

Now up close Howl had a chance to see a few of Emrik's healing injuries and thought for sure there would be a story behind them. He had a bit of a problem asking such questions boldly, but it was very like him to speak his mind urgently about things that piqued his interest. "And yourself, how are you doing?" he asked gesturing to his injuries. As he walked over to the rivers edge Howl couldn't see any distinctive signs of a limp or discomfort from Emrik causing him to assume such injuries were likely thoroughly healed.

I'll be submitting an internal territory description for this hole Emrik keeps mentioning.... it's essentially a micro sinkhole from after the quakes

tag for reference :)

The gesture did not go unnoticed and Emrik looked down at his leg, lifting it and giving a little shake. "Almost back to 100%" He smiled, glad to be feeling like himself again. "Careful of a big hole down that way." Emrik offered a partial explanation, flicking his head down toward one of the main hunting trails. If the man wanted more details, he'd have to ask for them. But he did need to mention the hole to @Ira so should could warn others of the danger.

"Glad you're settling in well. The river was a shock to me too when I first arrived. But I couldn't imagine calling anywhere else home now." He shrugged, curious as to what the man meant by seeing the water from overhead, Emrik glanced toward the mountain range toward the east. "I take it you lived in the mountains then?"

Howl's assumptions were confirmed and Emrik referenced a hole while gesturing in the direction of a frequently used hunting trail. A good thing to know, as stepping into a sizable hole in the middle of chasing could be detrimental not only to the catch but to the runner as well, which may have been what happened to Emrik. Something that could hopefully be prevented if word got around.

When asked if he lived in the mountains, Howl understood where the question came from given his previous response. "Sorta. I lived on the plateau over there." he said gesturing to the visible plateau. "Not sure if that would classify as mountains." he remarked casually with a smile.

Emrik followed the man's gaze, never having looked far enough to see the plateau. Although he was sure Speedy had mentioned it was a good place to find herbs. "I think it's close enough." Em laughed slightly, and gave his companion a grand smile. "So what brings you down to our level, Howl? Finding himself on the water's edge, Emrik was reminded by his original intention's. Dipping his head he lapped up the cool water. It was still the early days of spring, and the water was chilled by snow further north. Making it perfect for the sunny day.

Trying to clean up Howl's threads. Not asking for a quick stop or anything but just something to keep in mind :)

---

"Oh I haven't been on the plateau for some time. I actually left Teekon for a bit as well. I returned to revisit some familiar places and people and ran into Ira. She let me know there had been earthquakes in my absence and I felt the need to stick around and help in any way I could. I'm used to more mercenary or scouting work but Ira asked for more domestic help, so that's what I'm going to try and do." he explained simplifying his last few years with a smile. He wanted to be upfront and honest, hoping that would win over the members of the pack so he could do his task more easily as he hadn't focused on it prior. As they reached the water's edge and seeing Emrik go down for a drink Howl thought it might also be a good idea to indulge for when he ended up continuing on in his patrol. "And yourself? I take it you've been here a while, and if you injured yourself on the hunting trail... is that your preferred profession?" he asked once he had a chance to gulp down some water.

we can wrap this up if you want

Emrik nodded with a smile, "Well we appreciate your help, a lot has happened in a short period of time. I'm glad you stuck around." He had a good feeling about this man, glad to have yet another capable packmate. "I've been here a little while. I was originally a visitor. Speedy, the pack medic, we grew up together. But in the end I decided to come back and stay." Emrik offered a little of his own story, reciprocating.

"Hunting? No! I'm mediocre at best." Emrik laughed at the thought, "No, I'm more of the scouting type. I've never been once to stay still for very long." Looking up to the sky, Emrik figured he should get back, before Speedy's realized he was gone. "Well Howl, unfortunately, my mate will be looking for me if I stay here to long. And I can tell you right now, she will not be happy if she catches me this far from the den." He was still recovering after all, and Speedy was exremely protective of her patience. Especially when that patient was him. "I best be off." Turning toward the den, "I'll see you around?"