Whitefish River Forever Wandering

@Ira @Evergreen or anyone else in KO ;)

Partly Cloudy, 35 degrees, midday.

After his experience with the cougar in the eerie Blackfoot Forest, he decides to make his way out. Trekking around the southern parts of the forever expanding mountains, he’s made his way into the Kintla Flatlands. The land here is just as it’s explained–flat. Even then, there’s still much to see. He’s passed by a Great Lake that took him forever to get around and has finally decided to follow this river.

The rushing water is plentiful as well as the fish within it. He paws along it for hours upon hours, waiting to stumble upon an area that the rapids slow and fishing is easier. Little does he know, he’s walked into the territory of a wolf pack. Though, just barely skimming the borders, he doesn’t find himself too close to the heart of their land.

So here he stands, paws trotting onto the pebbled bank to feel the cold water surround him when he takes his first step in. The moss covered rocks that dot this area of the river help slow the forever rushing water. The water isn’t too deep, or at least the area he goes in isn’t, it reaches the middle of his forearm. Cross stands there, eyes darting through the water for his opportunity far an easy catch. 

When the sliver of scales present itself, he’s diving his head into the water as fast as he’s able to. He’s lucky, for he catches the tail end of a medium sized fish in his teeth. Pulling his head from the water, his fur soaking wet, he trots back to the bank. Putting it down and grabbing it by the midsection again, he shakes and crunches it’s bones between his teeth. With the the fish finally at rest he slinks over to a grassy area and begins to eat. Unaware of the others that will potentially find him or have already found him, the great white wolf basks in the glory of his meal.

Ira moved along the borders, it was more or less just to stretch her legs. She had slowed down since her belly swelled but the itch to move only intensified leaving her with nothing else to do but find excuses to leave the den. The Constable opted for the river's edge figuring it gave the most protection and often was the quietest, but today seemed to prove her wrong. Up ahead the sound of water thrashing caught her attention. At first, she believed it to be Evergreen or one of their other members that frequented the fishing grounds, but as she neared the sound Ira's golden gaze fell on the stranger.

He was large, much like herself, but his stature reminded her more of her father. This, of course, was not the Patriarch, but someone who had wandered a bit too far and given the scars on his face stood as a potential threat. Perhaps it would have been smart to leave given her pregnancy, but she was still within pack lands, if she needed back up she could easily call, not to mention she was the most experienced when it came to combat. Surely she could get to safety if it came to that. Decision made, Ira moved closer, head held high to show her authority as she gave a chuff signaling her presence. Do you often hunt on claimed lands? To be fair, the male had not traveled deep into the territory, but it was still their grounds. Surely he smelled the borders?

It was the sound of splashing that caught his attention, he figured maybe was fishing and wanted some company, or maybe it was Evergreen who wanted to do another fishing challenge, a re-match! But as he approached and found a stranger in their borders, in their river, eating their food - he wasn't as friendly as he normally would be when approaching. 

And even less so as a pregnant Ira approached the scarred man. 

Though their last meeting didn't go over all too well, his heart still ached at her basic rejection - his whole being went into overdrive into someone a little more protective over someone who should be focussing more so on keeping themselves, and the lives brewing within, safe than putting themselves in a possibly dangerous situation. 

His pace was quick as he closed the distance, reminding himself to not stand too close to Ira but making his presence very clear to the trespasser that he wasn't quite here to play around because as stated by the constable, the man was trespassing.

He hadn’t even gotten halfway to fully consuming the fish when he sees a silvery wolf come into view. Yes he’d seen her just a bit away, though he didn’t think she’d entertain the though of speaking with him on the path he thought she would take. He is not threatened by her presence, for she seems tranquil enough. Of course, as long as he meets her with the same energy he presumes. 

On the other hand, he wasn’t aware of the other male that shows himself confidently to him. Cross can see the way he eyes the female, something akin to concern laced into his stare. Cross cannot see too well from here so he doesn’t look further into it.  

An easy smile graces his handsome face. Blackened tongue swiping over rose colored nose and lips, cleansing himself of any scales or fish remains. “I don’t, actually.” He comments back, voice smooth and confident. 

His facial expression is relaxed as he stands to his full, massive height. “I smelt the trails of your pack mates further in but didn’t know it came out this far. You have a nice amount of territory then.” He states. An impressed lilt accompanied his voice. 

His heterochromatic eyes wander to the piebald male that protectively stands a few meters away then back to the she-wolf. “Since I am trespassing it would only be fair to offer what I’ve caught then?” He raises his voice an octave in questioning before grabbing the fish in his jaws. With careless ease, he sidles over to the other female, dropping the fish before her.

Once there, he lowers his shoulders downward and arches himself into an exaggerated, show-like bow, oddly colored eyes gazing up to the flint pelted wolf. “Ma’am.” He rolls out confidently in acknowledgment, a mischievous smile with it. 

“It’s not much but it’s honest work.” He chuckles, coming up from his lowered position. “You can call me Cross.” He introduces, eyes mysterious yet easygoing while he gazes down to her.

By the time the male noticed her she could feel the presence of another approach.  It only took a glance to confirm who joined her and admittedly, Ira was relieved to have another at her side, even if Cross so far seemed relaxed. After all, you never knew when something could take a drastic turn.

A black tongue swiped the surface of the male's maw, his eyes locked on herself as he spoke. Soon enough he would rise confirming her suspicions about this build. Perhaps he carried mercenary skills, or maybe he was just a foolish troublemaker, his response made it hard to determine. We do. You should be more cautious around pack grounds, rather you're on them or not. Lucky for him, Kaistleoki wasn't an attack on sight pack.

Ira watched as the man moved closer offering his meal, though she was no fool. He could easily turn the conversation into a fight should he wish, even if it was stupid on his part. The Constable stood her ground but felt her muscles tense in preparation as the fish was dropped before her. It was then that he bent to an exaggerated bow, and despite the attempt to display respect, his words and actions were laced with a devilish charm that seemed to test the boundaries. Ira hooked the fish pulling the lifeless corpse closer before returning her focus to their audience, You may continue to call me Ma'am. A title she rarely flexed on others, but given the circumstances, the Constable would hold her name a bit longer.

You don't run and your first reaction is to not leave despite acknowledging that you now have crossed into claimed lands. Do tell, is there more reason for your stay?

Ira was calm and collected, a stark contrast to how coiled Hieronymous was as he stared daggers at the scarred stranger. The stranger seemed relaxed, but Hiero had seen it all during his time. There were some sick bastards out there who would come off as friendly as any newborn puppy just to turn out to be some twisted asshole who took pleasure in eviscerating anything and anyone that came across their path; and for that, he would not relax. 

He let the two talk undisturbed, and his heartbeat faster as the pale man offered to share his meal. A kind gesture yes, but it had every hair on Hiero's nape prickle and a snarl formed across his lips as the other male approached. A low growl vocalized his warning that he was indeed watching this man very closely. 

Though he hoped that nothing would come of it, that all would remain the way it seemed. The knight had only just healed from the lynx attack, he didn't want to get into another scuffle - but the twisted features that split his face in a toothy display ensured that he would. Without a doubt, despite his desires not to, he absolutely would jump into the fray should things turn ugly.

Once the prey was offered and the man stopped moving, Hiero responded accordingly. Easing up just enough to show that he appreciated the approach to end where it did.

His porcelain fur seems even paler in the clouded light as he stands bravely before the two. Unbothered by the male a few meters away when his teeth show. Cross isn’t here to cause problems, rather he’s here to seek out answers and perhaps find out what happened to him.


“Not a problem, ma’am.” He replies back quaintly to both her sentences. The first, being careful not to wander into pack territory and the second, calling her ma’am.

Then her next question causes even him to think. He doesn’t know exactly what could be next. He decides he wants to join them in hopes of finding answers to his sudden appearance in these strange new lands. The monster that brought him here with no memory confuses him, has his questioning everything. Yet, the only thing he can do now is move forward.

“I was hopping to join.” Is the simple answer he gives. “If I’d be so lucky.” He adds at the end with a smooth smile.

Sorry I missed the tag for this thread! I thought it would do so again after it was out of the drafting stage.

Border patrols have been increased as of late by the bear. Ever since the evidence of pups becoming a reality, he has felt protective of Kaistleoki, more so than he typically is. When he catches wind of a unknown scent trailing through his territory, it is thus that the bear becomes alert. Irritation gripping him, Evergreen strides after, following the tracks expertly with the flares of his large nose.
Late to the party, however, as in the intruder's way stands the roan Constable and painted Knight. Evergreen is behind the lone wolf—arriving just in time to hear the end of his words, an interest in joining. The bear arches his tail up, untypical of the Count to pull the weight of his rank.
No, he decides—Ira may disagree, but Evergreen will not be forgiving to those whom trespass, especially during this season. You have disrespected the pack and have not sought to correct it by leaving our territory. You are not welcome here. Leave. It will be his only warning.

She should have expected the answer despite his line crossing. The man reeked of trouble, but he was behaving, nevertheless it put the Constable on edge. Before Ira could get out another word though, the bear spoke up demanding that Cross left. Perhaps the shock actually showed visibly, not that she disagreed, but she had never seen the man deny entry to someone before. Kaistleoki had been founded on the belief of new beginnings after all, surely she thought that would apply here. I'm afraid our Count's word is final. You best try your luck elsewhere, I suggest waiting at the borders.

He was being completely ignored, and it was unsettling even further. Though he tried to relax enough, his hair still stood on their ends and his lips were still drawn back enough to show his displeasure over the whole damn thing. The guy wanted to join, and even if he might be a good addition, the trust was already broken after he had crossed their borders and eaten their food. 

Thankfully Evergreen eventually came and shut the whole thing down immediately, demanding the stranger to leave immediately without a second thought. Hiero did not quite relax further despite the bear's entrance and would remain an obelisk by staring Cross down until he left as requested. 

The painted man may be the shortest of them all of who was present (everyone is a goddamn giant), but even Ira knew from their last little spar that he was far more capable than what met the eye.

His different colored eyes, shoot to the bear the shows behind him. An immediate denial upon his grizzly lips, Elijah cocks a brow. Then automatically turns an eye to the one he called ma’am, almost expecting her to come to his defense. 

Cross was not aware that he’d crossed their borders, the trail of scents is almost nonexistent where they stand. Of course he knew he was close to the packs territory, but has no knowledge of being in it. If anything he must’ve been teetering on the edge. The massive man had come mid conversation, unbeknownst to what transpired previously. If Cross is honest, he believes his behavior is quite polite upon realizing he’s mistakenly crossed the thin line that is their borders.

More interested in finding out what happened to be thrown into these foreign lands, he hums in acknowledgment to the chocolate male. “As you say.” His heterochromatic eyes gaze to each of them before finally settling on the female for the briefest moment. For a second, he contemplates grabbing the fish to be petty, but he doesn’t find the act taking him anywhere productive. In turn he ignores the fish, turning his back on them as his next plan to leave.

Evergreen bristles, bulk and massive height towering tall with dominance. Their territory borders are constantly marked, and thus, thick for anyone to smell. The bear sees to the borders himself with the assistance of his fellow pack members, and being a large pack with many members coming and going, there is no doubt to him that this man knows exactly what he did. There is no thought that he could be like Hieronymous who could not smell.
There is no argument, only agreement and acceptance from the roan Constable who is one of three women who are now showing. A reason to be extra cautious. He is ever grateful to Hieronymous that he arrived on-scene for back up. Ira is a beyond talented fighter, but in no condition to throw hands.
Fortunately, the lone wolf makes one smart decision to give up and leave. Evergreen remains ridged, even as he passes to leave. He'll watch until he's certain he has left the surrounding areas. Shifting to escort him out, Evergreen gestures for his pack mates to follow.

The Constable falls silent waiting for the man's response. His stare moved amongst the group before settling on her for a moment too long for the roan woman to feel comfortable. Luckily, he didn't seem to protest and instead turned to leave. Like the bear, Ira's hard stare followed the white figure until Evergreen motioned to them to which the constable would follow taking the fish with her.

There was no need for him to curl his lips once more, even if the stranger's gaze fell onto Ira a little longer than he would have been comfortable for. Hiero was not an aggressive individual, his statement was made already and he stood by it by watching Cross with an intense stare just as his two other companions were until he made his way out of their lands. 

Evergreen invites both he and Ira to follow him to escort the pale man out of their lands, and so he did so quietly. The painted man managed to smooth out his tense posture as he strode along, but even then, his eyes were as intense as ever as he kept focus on the man until Evergreen and Ira were comfortable with his distance from them.

With the intruder gone from their terrain and out of sight, the Count eases his posture. His tail no longer flagged and eyes no longer sharpened. A weary, relieved sigh slowly escapes his lips. He turns towards his packmates, eyebrows pinched in concern with a concerned smile.
Is that... fish from him? I hate to waste it, but might be wise to bury it and not eat... He is unaware that it was fished from their waters, and the bear worries it has been tampered with. I'm sorry for... uhm, that. I just... with, uhm, expecting mothers it leaves a bad taste that someone would ignore our borders.
From now on I think it's best to... act first, ask questions later. They shouldn't be in here without permission.

As the group came to a stop, Ira placed the fish down and scooted the half-eaten body forwards. I saw him eating it, he likely caught it in our lands, but if you insist. The constable fell silent as Evergreen gave an unwarranted apology. The roan woman just shook her head I saw no issue with your actions. I would prefer that honestly, I had assumed you might think otherwise given our values of second chances. Perhaps she had been too soft towards those who straggled along their borders after all. It had always felt unnatural to her to take the kind route with those that pushed their luck. Cracking down on their border maintenance would come easily, at least to her.

Evergreen had the right idea, and Hiero didn't have much to counter such a demand seeing as he was not only the leader but in the right considering that borders were in place for a reason and pregnant women had to be protected first and foremost. Will do. He said with a curt nod.

With nothing else to add, unless addressed any further or obvious indications his presence was still needed - Hieronymous would take his leave from the Constable and Count.

Last from me unless he still has to be here!

O-Oh, then uhm, up to you, the bear fumbles—unaware that the presented fish had been nibbled on. In the end, he leaves the judgement of the fish’s fate up to the roan Constable. Overall quite perplexed by the situation. Fortunately neither seem to outwardly disagree with him. Hieronymous turns to take a swift exit, in which the bear gives a nod and quick smile to; Thank you.
Attention shifting back towards Ira, Evergreen ends up shaking his head slowly; I… I can see why you’d think that, but I also don’t want to risk endangering anyone either if the person doesn’t seem to… want to change or uhm, correct such mistakes like this one. He shuffles awkwardly. Hopefully with this cleared up, however, there wouldn’t be any more misunderstandings regarding the situation.

Feel free to close w/ next post!

Hieronymous was quick to leave and it seemed that the bearish Count had little left to add. When he finished Ira just nodded, I understand...I'm going to go head back into the territory. Seeing as she wasn't stopped, the constable would scoop up the fish and go retreat somewhere quiet to finish it off.