Whitefish River To the Rivers

Time: Just gonna… forward date it to around 10/4 - 10/5
      Weather: 74൦F — Clear — Slightly Windy
          Location/Setting: Whitefish River—Just outside the borders of Kaistleoki
                Tagging: N/A
My girl arrives for learning.

♛

Ugh... By the Gods. Never again.
Her pads ached slightly from almost five days of traveling, two of them spent on the Mountain range trying to get across them safely, but it all led her down to the Flatlands. It was different from the soft rolling hills of the Valley she was used to; it was a lush grassy sprawl of green and brown, cliffs, and bluffs.
She hadn’t been to the Flatlands before when she traveled to the Valley a year back, she had gone up and around the mountains instead of through them, going across what was called the `Sequoia Coast`. She skirted past the Flatlands and never viewed them till now, but she wasn’t here for the scenes.

She was here to learn.

Aliana kept going until the thick mustiness of a Urine post closeby, brung her halt just outside of the territory borders.

This should be the place … 
She could see the river distance; the land of Kaistleoki. From what little she knew, this pack was a pack based on Trades. What she hoped to gain from joining the pack was to further advance her skills. She wanted to be a great hunter and fighter, a provider, and a protector. Something her mother would have prepared Mentors to teach her if they hadn’t been separated by the accident a year ago. Hopefully here, she would find Mentors to teach her.

It has been so long since she had attempted to join the pack, she was a bit nervous. The last time she tried she had been rejected and the other, she was just given to on a plate. Aliana was on her own for this one...

She takes a deep breath and steadies herself before letting out a summoning howl from deep in the marrow, calling out to the leadership of this territory and any nearby who were patrolling the borders.

She was not one of the wolves who patrolled the borders, her areas of skill being in neither fighting nor intimidating an enemy. But She had made a point to visit the borders at least once a day since being promoted, just in case there was something she could do to help. It seemed they had always attracted wolves in need, so it was really something she should have been doing before now. 

As she neared the edge of the river, an unfamiliar howl made her freeze. It didn't sound hostile or distressed—whoever they were, sounded curious and had made a point to respectfully stop outside their borders and call for someone. So the healer began to walk again, adjusting her direction so that she could meet this stranger and see what they needed. 

As Speedy approached the other woman, she first noted her much larger size; if her intentions were to fight or try to overpower the healer, she would certainly have no trouble. The Chamberlain's expression remained friendly, though, even as she considered calling for Hieronymous or Ira to back her up. But the unknown wolf's posture wasn't aggressive—she only seemed curious, and the breeze brought forward her scent, which the healer immediately compared to the soft fragrance of lilacs. 

She gave a small nod in greeting, offering the stranger a warm smile, despite the uncertainty of the situation. Hello, she said first. Do you need help? she asked, needing to check and make sure no one required assistance before asking any other questions.

You can do this, Aliana. Be confident, be sure.

The earth-caked she-wolf thought to herself before perking up at the sight of a smaller yet softer looking wolf approaching her from the other side of the border. ❝Greetings.❞ She gave a polite tip of the head, ❝I seek to speak with the leadership of this Pack.❞She requested until it suddenly clicked that she very well may be talking with one of the Leaders and quickly added ❝Unless you’re one of them.❞

❝My name is Aliana and I wish to join your pack if you allow me.❞ She continued, ❝ I’ve heard on the wind that your pack is one of Masters and Mentors of the Trades, yeah? I’m a hunter as well as a bit of a fighter and I yearn to grow these skills by joining your pack … as well as possible wait out the winter if it comes to it.❞Aliana explained.

She motions with her muzzle to the mountains in the distance,❝Not only that...but in the Valley, where I traveled from, another pack had settled there… Awful bunch. At least from the experience, I’ve had with one of them.❞Aliana complained slightly,❝ You may have heard of them, possibly? Ursine—something? I know they’re named after a bear. After the floods, I think. One of them, a black one with violet eyes—possibly one of their leaders—attacked me ... over a meadow full of food along with their pup.❞ Disbelief and annoyance laced her in the tone of her voice.

She was still slightly irritated over that day, even if it happened in Rainy season, that could have been a full belly and she was denied it over a greedy little brat of a pup. Did she possibly instigate it? Maybe. But what was she supposed to do? Bow? Slink away with her tail tucked to a pup from a Pack she held no allegiance to? Her respect was given to those she thought deserved it; a pack who get their kicks through intimidation, and spilled blood will not get it from her. 

❝I only hope that if or when I return to the Valley, I will not have to worry about them as much.❞ Though they weren't brazenly being a menace to the Valley, their very presence still left a mark on it. 

She stated that she wanted to speak to leadership, which included the healer now, so it seemed it was good she had decided to answer the call. Speedy nodded when the stranger spoke again. Yes, she said first. My name is Speedy; I'm the Chamberlain here. It was still strange to call herself that. 

The other woman introduced herself as Aliana, and then continued to explain that she was interested in joining Kaistleoki. She was apparently drawn by the trade-based structure of the pack and, of course, seeking a place to stay for the winter. Speedy nodded as she listened to Aliana describe her skills and willingness to learn more. You could never have too many fighters or hunters, especially during the winter. Those are valuable skills, the healer told her. We have plenty of opportunities for you to better your skills here. 

Speedy followed the other woman's gaze to the silhouette of the mountains as she described the unfamiliar pack and the danger she had faced when she encountered them in the valley. The Chamberlain's eyes grew wide with concern. That name doesn't sound familiar, but I'll be sure to inform the other leaders of the possibility of danger with them. Her gaze inspected Aliana for a few seconds, looking for injuries. Are you hurt in any way? I'm also the healer here and can take a look at any injuries if you have them. She couldn't see anything obvious, just a scar on her face; her coat was very thick, though, and could easily hide any wounds. 

As for not having to worry about them, Speedy wasn't sure. Concern filled her expression. In my experience, those types of wolves never just go away. She smiled again despite her discouraging words. But being a part of Kaistleoki would offer you more protection than being on your own, and we'd be happy to have you. She paused, though, as if she had more to say. First, though, do think there is any chance they could have followed you here? She needed to make sure she wasn't inviting trouble across their borders, or rather that they knew what might happen—it wasn't like she was going to turn Aliana away just because she might be in trouble; that would go against what they were all about.

Chamberlain? Such a strange title, one Aliana has never heard of before, but she assumes it of the same status as a 'Beta' or a 'Gamma'. Only the second and third highest rank of a Pack by still deserving of respect.
❝Don’t worry, I’m fine.❞ She replied the Healer's question,❝Not a fur out of place. ❞ Aliana had managed to escape that fight without letting that black she-wolf lay a fang on her. But if she comes at her again, she'll be the one laying fangs on her.

When Speedy spoke wearily of wolves like the Urines, how they would never go away. Aliana knew that but it still made her annoyed. She hoped, like Elysium, wolves will leave and their numbers dwindle until they nothing but a small group. A group is better than a pack as a pack had power and can leave a mark that lasts generations.

Then she inquired if Aliana may have been followed, her head tilted, confused. ❝Mm, I don’t think so.❞ Aliana doubted before glancing behind her, ❝I don’t believe I am of any interest for anyone to follow...especially across the mountains.❞ She wasn’t familiar with the mountain range paths, which is why it took her two days to traverse it. So anyone who might have been following her could have gotten lost in the rocky winding paths just as she did. 

❝But if any strange wolf comes here in the following sunrises, asking for me or snooping around the borders. I will handle it personally.❞ Aliana assured Speedy, ❝It’s the least I can do for you and the pack by taking me in.❞

For once Ira was slow to answer the call, another beating her to their guest along the borders. It wouldn't have come as a surprise if it was someone like Orlaith or Hieronymous, even Riley, but it was Speedy who greeted the stranger. Normally the healer stayed deeper within their claim, but with her seat on the council, it also made sense that she would respond to a call for leadership.

The Count dipped her head to her friend as she glanced over the stranger, a woman built much like her father and rivaling her own height, perhaps even a bit taller. Unfortunately, Ira had missed most of the conversation, but she did pick up pieces on her approach, hunter, fighter, but more importantly a danger across the mountains. The roan woman's ear twitched at the information, Do you speak of the Saints? She still had yet to pinpoint their new location, but Ira had heard they took residence in some canyon along the mountains. Perhaps now they moved to the other side of the range...a blessing for Kaistleoki, less so for her family in Easthollow.

The river is safe. My apologies for the late arrival, I came from across the claim. I take it Speedy has already introduced herself, I go by Ira, Count of Kaistleoki.A golden gaze drifted back to the Chamberlain at her side as if silently requesting she filled in the important details she missed. It seemed that she had come across a Newcomer, though she had some questions before the other formally joined.

Speedy nodded, relieved to hear that the other woman had not suffered any injuries. Good, she said, another warm smile crossing her face in place of the concern that had just been there. 

She was even more relieved to hear that Aliana didn't think the wolves who attacked her would follow her here; it made the healer feel better about her decision to let her join them here. And if they did come here, she was willing to deal with it herself—she looked perfectly capable to do so. Speedy nodded her acceptance. She assumed most would want the same in that situation, although Aliana would not be facing any danger alone.

She turned her head when she heard the Count's voice, greeting her with a smile and a dip of her head. She asked about The Saints, assured the joiner that the river was safe, and introduced herself. Speedy caught the request in her friend's gaze and nodded. This is Aliana; she wishes to join us here because winter is close and she wants to better her hunting and fighting skills, Speedy explained. And the danger she has told me of does not sound like The Saints—another potentially problematic group it seems. Something to do with ursine. The Chamberlain looked to Aliana then, giving her the chance to add whatever she wanted.

It only took a moment for Aliana to notice another figure approaching from the other side, looking past Speedy to see a larger female approach. Her pelt eerily reminding her of the Patriarch of Easthollow. His name escaped her for a moment before coming back to her; Greyback. That name only brought the image of gates slamming shut and the realization that she was no wolf...but a dog used to have food given to them. No skills, no specialties...nothing. A useless nobody.

The memory of anger and disgrace threatened to rise up from the depths but she made sure to keep it buried. That was in the past, this was now. She refused to let it hold her back.

 Aliana allowed Speedy to introduce her to their leader before speaking up herself,❝It's a pleasure to meet you, Ira.❞ She acknowledged and addressed with a respectful bow of the head and a soft smile before adding, ❝Speedy is right. I was attacked by one of them; a black, violet-eyed she-wolf. She had a pup with her during the time. ❞ Aliana responded, ❝I don't know exactly where they den in the Valley, but they could pose a problem to those who live there.❞ Especially if their numbers and influence are allowed to flourish unchecked.

Her mind strayed back to that day for a moment before looking to Ira and Speedy, ❝But ...that's just from my experience with one of them. I could have just caught them on a bad day ...but it doesn't hurt to have a healthy dose of wariness with them.❞

Ah yes, winter. Just as she had discussed with her daughter, the seasons were already changing and soon enough they would be facing the hardships that came with the snow and cold once more. It should be expected to see an increase in strangers at their borders, after all, the sooner they joined a pack the less chance for rejection once resources were limited. One downside was this woman was big like herself and several other members of Kaistleoki. She would definitely be taking from their resources, but...if she's a specialized hunter, perhaps the tradeoff would be worth it. The Count let out a slight huff as she glanced to Speedy, Well...you know I won't complain about another knight.

Though, If you only intend to stay through the harsh season, I expect that you will be putting in the effort to keep your spot. There are plenty of loners that will come to these borders once life grows hard and we can't support everyone. Kaistloki might be a pack founded on new beginnings and forgiving past tendencies, but hard work was still required. This is not a place to lounge, it's one for self-improvement. Now as for this other pack...

Ira tried to match the description to any wolves she knew, but this one did not seem to ring a bell. Aliana mentioned a child accompanies her though so perhaps it was just a territorial mother. That would be far less concerning than another troublesome pack. It may be too idealistic to believe that you trod too close to their territory for the mother's liking. We'll have to send a Herald or Woodward to Easthollow for more information on this...Ursine, perhaps they know more and if not then at least they will be warned.

Speedy dipped her head and smiled, meeting Ira's gaze when she looked over. They could never have too many Knights; her thoughts exactly. 

Her focus returned to Aliana when the Count began speaking again. The healer felt like this potential joiner would do what her friend asked—put in the effort to stay; she just seemed like the type.

As for the wolves she ran into in the mountains, Speedy could only hope Ira's suspicion was correct and that they didn't have another hostile group to worry about.

Ira’s words held truth while Winter draws closer, it wouldn’t be surprising that more Loners would appear at the border’s edge seeking solace from its icy wrath that steals warmth and chases away food. 
 ❝Don’t worry, I seek to impress. Never disappoint. ❞ Aliana responded confidently with a small wag of her tail. 

Her mother didn’t raise any slouch, even when they were trapped behind those walls, she worked to make sure Aliana and her siblings were raised up on how to work within a pack. All wolves in the pack should strive to make sure the pack prospers in one way or another, there’s no room for failure. Plus this wasn't her first time in a pack that wasn't her Birth Pack.

When Ira spoke of Easthollow, her brows rose ever slightly. So there was some connection. Maybe Ira was Greyback’s … sister? Most likely daughter but she sought not to pry into such things. All that matters is that Easthollow was an ally and they could be possibly dealing with a hostile pack in the Valley.

Now, what interested her more was what would happen if these bear-wolves were a potential threat. ❝If these Ursine turn out to be a hostile group … I’m assuming we’re not going to sit down and have a friendly chat...❞ She quipped lightly but the seriousness was still there. If that Black she-wolf had no problem attacking someone as huge as her then they’d have no problem attacking someone like Ira or Speedy especially if they have the numbers.

Can close here while she gives the run down behind the scenes? feel free to archive unless you two wanna get in one last response

Aliana held her stance and Ira would hold her to that, but at least the other seemed promising. Good. As she continued with her voice train of thought, the bear-like woman seemed...surprised? Ira couldn't be sure just what had stood out in her stream of thoughts so she merely raised a brow in return before Aliana raised her suggestion.

That depends. If our allies have no concerns or need for our aid, then we do nothing. We have our own problems to face on this side of the mountain range. Easthollow might be our allies, but that does not mean we need to fix all their problems. Besides, she was sure Valette was more than capable of handling things on her own. After all, she had been a leader for a long time and faced more than one struggle.

Now...as for you. It would be best to get you acquainted with our ways sooner rather than later. The Count would cast a glance to Speedy, a silent word that she was free to go if she pleased to handle other matters. There would likely be many questions as she toured the territory and it didn't really require both of them. Come. I'll give you a tour.

Got the okay to skip, Speedy. This'll be the last post unless anyone wants to tac on anything. I'll archive tomorrow.

True.
She thought to herself while Ira replied, watching Speedy walk off to do other things most likely. Kaistleoki most likely has its own problems to deal with. It can’t expend all of its wolf power and energy on a problem that Easthollow could possibly take care of on their own. Especially with Winter on the way. Still, Aliana can’t help but worry just a bit.

“Now… as for you. It would be best to get you acquainted with our ways sooner rather than later.”

Aliana perked up at that, looking to Ira with a smile, tail wagging a bit, ❝  Well, I do have a few questions. So I hope you don’t mind answering them.  ❞ She chuckled, following Ira past the borders as a newcomer to Kaistleoki.