Whitefish River For the lover I've lost

Arlette had avoided Kaistleoki for several times now, as she had other pressing matters and didn't want to show them how she looked now. Life on the road was hard on her and she was not as skilled of a hunter as her mother. She hoped that she could find some refuge with Ira for a few days. She had just left the Saints. She wished to be with Derg, she liked him. But... how much did he like her? He was kind and friendly with her, but he seemed like his friend, flirty with everyone. Since she didn't want to just join a pack for one wolf she had decided in a spur of the moment not to follow them. Perhaps it was also because Kynareth had snapped at her. He might not think of her as a good fit for Derg. And perhaps, a break from Derg would be good. If she really liked him she could always go after him... if she was that bold.

For now, she was at the borders of Kaistleoki and howled for @Ira. She had not seen her since she had told her about liking Kaito. Her life had definitely taken her to a darker place. However, ever since meeting Derg, and Stjor, she had found a bit more confidence in herself. She should be proud that she lived, she had to live for Kaito, make him proud. So she had set her own insecurity aside, knowing that she probably had to tell Ira what happened to her. But... she was getting better at that.

phone post - will format later

I am so sorry to write you a book! It just kinda kept coming hope you don’t mind me setting up some things for Em in the future.

His feet we itchy. The man was a natural scout, loving the adventure of the unknown and the intellect of mapping new territory. But it had been almost a year since he had set foot outside the territory. Almost 2 since he first left home. And yet now, with the twins gone, and their youngest growing like weeds... Emrik was bored. Now don’t get it wrong, he was busy. There always something to do around the territory, many... domestic... chores that needed doing. And he had done them.... for almost a year.

He missed the days back at the creek. The tracking parties he would go on, and the envoy missions he would pursue. At the Creek, he honestly didn’t spend much time at home. He didn’t have that many responsibilities, due to his age and lack of mate or pups. But now. Now he felt as though he need to set out, just for a little while. He needed to find his passion again.

It was this drive that pushed him to the borders. He would just be gone for a couple hours today to think through some logistics. He knew he should talk to Ira first, his responsibilities to the pack would always come above his own desires. So if there was a distanced mission that needed doing he would simply volunteer for that. Which would take him out of the territory for a couple days. But, Emrik wanted to see the unknown, to be unbound by restrictions. So he minimally hoped Ira would simply allow him to venture out in an effort to raise their knowledge about the area. Especially after the disaster last year.

And then there was Speedy. His beloved mate. Of course he would have to think of how to break the knees to her. And what she would say. Obviously she couldn’t come with him. Her responsibilities greater then his own. But, he knew she would be sad. And he wasn’t sure if he could be selfish enough to actually leave if he made her upset. But he knew he had to tell her, it was slowly dragging him down. The idea of being stuck for so long.

His mind was far away, as he contemplated the next few days of preparation. So the somewhat unfamiliar scent the stirred his nostrils came as a surprise, and the pale pelt of a scared woman on the border intrigued him.

With a bright smile on his face, Emrik sauntered over, hoping to portray a relaxed and friendly demeanour. His tail wagged gently behind him, and his ears were perked forward.

”Hello there!” He called out as he got closer. ”Welcome to Kaistleoki. Can I help you with something?” As he drew closer he caught what made her seem slightly familiar... Easthollow clung fiercely to her scent. He quirked a brow at her. He has been to Easthollow with Ira almost a year and a half ago. Could this be some of Ira’s family? They didn’t look anything alike. Unlike Ira and Leta. He waited patiently for the young woman to speak.

She was met by a friendly agouti colored wolf. Arlette watched him curiously as he approached. It was not Ira she howled for. She lowered herself respectfully and looked up at him with big red eyes. She mimicked his tail with hers, and also showed a friendly wag. "I'm Arlette. I know Ira from Easthollow and I came to visit her," she explained. She felt that her coat probably didn't smell enough like Easthollow anymore. She had been away from them for a bit now.

The pale girl looked at the male. "Is she home?," Arlette asked him. She hoped Ira was because, well, perhaps it was time for her to know what happened at Easthollow. She wasn't sure how well informed she was after all.

not at all <3

PPing Emrik out since he's inactive!

It had taken the Count longer to answer the call, but it was not without a hurry. She recognized the voice, though it had been a long time since she heard it. Arlette, her sister born to another, but in some ways, it seemed to matter not. She was family now, and she had always been treated as such. By the time she had arrived at the scene, Emrik had beaten her, though there wouldn't be much need for him here now. I've got this Emrik, she's family. Perhaps he did not remember her, though surely they had met once before? Emrik was the one who escorted her to Easthollow earlier in the year to see her family, though maybe their paths had never crossed.

Ira waited for the man to take his leave, offering a short nod and thanks as he went before turning her attention back to Arlette. Despite the scars that now covered her face, Ira held her smile. It was sad to see, but Ira never was one to down on scars. They were earned more often than not, and what lingered told stories so the past may not be forgotten, but learned from. She had heard about the cougar from greyback, though it mostly slipped her mind now. Given the time that had passed though, she figured it was better off not mentioning it, Arlette, it's so good to see you. What brings you?

Arlette wagged her tail when she saw Ira. She had a quick hesitant smile before stepping closer to Ira. She thought she would comment on her scars and how she was looking but the female didn't. She didn't expect Ira to be so... normal around her. "I could be better, but compared to a few weeks ago--" she swallowed and shook her head.

"I don't know," she admitted. "I wandered past your borders several times, and I couldn't bare to face you after what happened," she added. The female sighed and then shook her head. "I just came to say hi, finally," she spoke and dared to look at Ira, somewhat ashamed of her behavior.

so sorry this is short needed to post but I just got home from traveling

A few weeks ago? Had she been traveling for some time then? What had happened that caused her to slip by without a word? Well I'm glad you stopped by, though I must ask...why avoid Kaistleoki? You're always welcome here, you know that. Nothing would change that not even a few scars. Had someone made her think otherwise?

No worries <3

Arlette nodded slowly. "Clay was found dead. I saw a wolf eating from him," she muttered and shook her head in disbelief. Arlette looked guilty but then felt that she had to clarify. "I know. It wasn't you. I was just unable to talk about what happened and when I would come here I figured questions would be asked I would be unable to answer."

She looked down at her paws. "I-- I did not only lose my mate, Ira. I also lost my newborns with the cougar attack. I lost my aunt Nanook. I lost too many. I couldn't say goodbye to Kaito and Mom-- Well she was horrible to me for being pregnant without her permission. Once I lost them she could be nice and apologetic. I am pretty sure she was glad I lost them," she let out bitterly with tears popping in her eyes.

"I am not going back there. Perhaps that is also why I didn't come here. So you could convince me otherwise." She sometimes felt too honest, but it was good to let it all out.