Redsand Canyon Black house will rock, blind boys don't lie

Foward date a day or two.

Alaric left the pretty she wolf at the borders of the pack. He found a newer trail to follow and headed in that direction. Eyes on the prize green eyes on the sky and then the ground. Body moving to a rhythm only he could hear, tail weaving through the air. His herb stash growing smaller as he traded.

Grass and forest made way to rock and harsh stone. He stared at the raised red canyon and felt his breath catch. He grinned then easy and fast. What he wouldn't give to climb those rocks up to the very top and if there was a waterfall at the end, jump right off into that baby. Whew it would be so much fun.

He headed to the borders, found his sisters prominent scent and lifted his nose to call out to the other scent @Atreus that was near hers.

Ever since the move—or perhaps the meeting which had preceded it—there had been something strange about Mereo’s energy. Atreus remained loyal to the Imperator and his comrades, though as winter wore on, he spent less and less time in the canyon.

Today, he hunted the slopes of Shadow Mountain. Atreus had no intention of going for one of the mountain goats he tracked, though he figured it was still a constructive use of his time. Maybe if he actually spotted the herd, he could report back and return with reinforcements.

But they proved elusive in the mist and, anyway, someone was calling for him. Atreus straightened up from his crouching prowl and squinted toward the canyon. He didn’t recognize the voice. After a moment’s hesitation, he clicked his tongue and trotted back toward Mereo’s nullah.

From above, he spotted a strapping stranger waiting near the southernmost fringe. Atreus paused again, then proceeded, studying the other wolf as he made a cautious approach. He definitely didn’t know this guy, so why was he calling for Atreus by name? His blood ran cold as he wondered if he might have come from the rise.

Uh, Atreus said, an edge to his voice, can I help you…?

Alaric stared at the seriousness of the canyon. There was something about it. It filled him with trepidation and also a healthy dose of awe. It was one of those things that was infinitely dangerous and yet beautiful in it's innate danger. It charged him up. He wanted to just bound and run and roar to the sky.

A youth came towards him a rangy male with red bodied and black stripes. White underbelly. He was built like Alaric himself, except a little more compact. There was a tilt to his head and an easy grin lit up his face. 

Hey there. I'm Alaric Willow. I'm searching for my sister, Amalia. I caught her scent this way. You know her? Pretty black thing, brown tip on her tail, my eyes.

His ears tilted backward slightly when the man declared himself Amalia’s brother. She had never mentioned him to Atreus. His eyes narrowed. He felt protective of his only friend. Would Amalia want to be found by this so-called brother?

Although it was clear Alaric wasn’t affiliated with the rise, Atreus couldn’t help but think of his own brother. Was Ancelin asking around for him? What if this scenario happened in reverse and his brother somehow found Amalia and asked about his whereabouts? What would he want her to say to him? He wasn’t sure.

Deciding to go with his gut, Atreus replied, No, I don’t know any Amalia.

Alaric eyed the youth. He clearly didn't trust him. And that was alright. He just wanted to know his sister was safe, he didn't need to see her. He missed her sure, but Amalia and him were very different and had different hobbies.

Alaric bent his nose to the ground and took quick scent and then lifted his head to eye the boy. Knowing he was lying. Amalia's scent was there thick and full, right beneath his, it was why he had called. But if this wolf was not telling him where she was, it was probably cause he felt protective. And for that Alaric was appreciative.

But he had to have a little fun. You're absolutely sure? She's a chatterbox, kind hearted, sometimes too kind hearted, full of life. Happy  most of the time. Loves to run? Doesn't sound familiar?

Alaric took a deep breath and nodded. Well if you happen to ever see her. Tell her Alaric is looking for her.

Alaric made it very clear he didn’t take Atreus’s response at face value. The young Signifer watched as he bent his head to sniff, then gave him a look and began questioning him. Even if his intentions were benign, Atreus felt himself growing more defensive. Was this man calling him a liar (never mind that he was lying)?

I’m sure, the youth replied woodenly, adding, Fine, to Alaric’s stipulation.

Sure, he would mention this to Amalia the next time he saw her, which would be whenever he got around to visiting Brecheliant as promised. Maybe she would’ve wanted Atreus to tell Alaric exactly where to find her, though he would strongly prefer to play it safe. He didn’t know this guy from Adam.

As that thought crossed his mind, it occurred to him that rather than dismissing him—which was his current preference—Atreus could perhaps interrogate him a little. He deliberated for a solid minute or two, an awkward silence hanging between them.

What do you want with this Emily, anyway? Are you close? Why don’t you already know where to find her?

Alaric didn't mind that the youth was keeping him from his sister, as a  matter of fact. The boy grew in his esteem for it. Because he loved his sister with everything and to know that other's liked her enough to protect her, well that wasn't nothin.

Alaric was just about to head out, when the younger male began to question him. He turned with a raised eyebrow, knowing eyes and a tell all grin.

We were close once upon a time. We left home about the same time. But i went one way and she went the other. Honestly I just want to know she's safe and happy. Amalia, she didn't have it easy growing up. Our dad was pretty hard on us, and unlike her I didn't take it to heart, but she did. It makes her feel worthless sometimes. So I just want to make sure she's good.

His question halted Alaric in his tracks as the man prepared to disembark. He turned to face Atreus again, obliging his question by sharing some of the siblings’ history. Amalia also hadn’t mentioned any of this. It didn’t make it untrue, though he felt no more inclined to point this guy in her direction. What if he was like this father he mentioned and Amalia had split up for a reason?

Well, the Signifer said after another thoughtful pause, I can’t help you. But, he added, glancing back toward Shadow Mountain, I assume you’ll keep looking for her, right? Maybe you should find something to bring her, like… a goat haunch, maybe?

If they paired up and hunted together, perhaps Atreus could feel him out a bit more. He was starting to believe Alaric meant what he said and did have Amalia’s best interests in mind. But he would not give up any intel easily, maybe at all. Instead, he could make sure that if Alaric found her on his own, he at least might not be empty-handed.

Alaric didn't expect Amalia to tell many about their dad. Their dad wasn't a bad guy. As far as father's go he was one of the best, but he had serious issues with the fact that two of his three children were flighty and a little careless. Energetic and amused easily. That they liked the stories and the healing and the travel from the bones of the family.

Alaric leaned back on his paws, and studied the youth. He was being nice now. What did he want in exchange. HE gave a stiff nod.

alright you wanna hunt with me? I'm afraid I don't know much about the area yet.

Alaric waited with baleful eyes and a small pout hoping the other would say yes. Amalia would like a goat haunch, he was pretty certain. This kid had good ideas.

Atreus didn’t particularly like the way Alaric looked at him right then, though ultimately the man agreed to accompany him. Again, the Signifer glanced at the neighboring peak. He could easily retrace his steps, lead Alaric back to where he’d been prowling before his call had interrupted.

Follow me, Atreus said, swiveling and beginning to climb.

Mist soon enshrouded the two of them as Atreus led them upward toward the mountaintop. He paused at the very place he’d been standing when he’d heard Alaric’s summons. He sniffed the air, then dropped his head and combed his nose along the shale, trying to pick up the scent.

Alaric waited patiently, barely breathing. Finally the kid said follow me. All he could think was god it's about time. What was he thinking about? Because he didn't understand. But he followed along.

The heavy wetness of mist clung to his pelt. Pushing the fur of his black coat down and hard against his athletic limbs. Making it heavy. This would make it a little more difficult, but it could be done. Once they reached wherever the boy wanted to go. Alaric followed suit, nose to the ground. 

I've never hunted goat before, what do they smell like?

He raised his head and gave Alaric a look. Was he serious? Atreus resisted the urge to voice this sarcastic thought and simply gestured to a patch of gravel where the scent was strongest.

Sniff here, he said, blinking away a flashback of Aventus.

He sidled out of the way, giving Alaric a moment to familiarize himself with the mountain goats’ odor. Meanwhile, he tested the air a few more times, deciding on a direction to head next.

Alaric met the gaze with green eyes blazing, mirthful and full. He didn't find fault that he didn't know. There had not been goats where he was from. Deer yes.

Alaric bent his nose to the task, sniffed and shifted. He got a scent full of musky, sour smell. He snorted and then nodded at the boy and set off after the creature. Now that he knew the scent tracking was pretty easy.

I had an idea. Would you care if I fast forwarded this to after they finish hunting in my next post? :)

It seemed the herd might have moved further upward, winding around the side of the mountain. Atreus motioned for Alaric to follow and continued his own ascent, minding his feet as the terrain grew rougher, steeper.

Maybe if we could find our way above them somehow, we could jump down on top of one, he mused, mostly to himself.

Not at all :)

As they wound their way upwards. Alaric was practically vibrating with delight. He couldn't wait to get to the top and see how high it was. This is what he lived for.

At the youth's next words, he huffed in delight. Oh I AM GAME. Jumping down on something. Abso-freaking-lutely.

His companion’s response startled him, mostly because Atreus hadn’t really been aware he’d spoken out loud. He halted in his step and gave Alaric a look. Despite himself, Atreus kind of softened at the other wolf’s enthusiastic reaction to what was quite a risky endeavor.

In the end, their tracking led them to an impasse, the ground crumbling underfoot and the path narrowing. Atreus was fairly surefooted, though he didn’t know about Alaric. And no game was worth risking his life. He turned and motioned Alaric back the way they had come.

But as they descended toward the less rugged terrain on the mount’s western slopes, they came across the carcass of a fox. It was neither fresh nor the type of meat Atreus preferred, though he wondered if the pelt might be of use. It was in pristine condition, save for the head, the vulpine’s skull presumably crushed by a great fall.

Grab it, Atreus said after taking a moment to assess their fortunate discovery, and follow me.

Alaric winked back at the youth's look. Boyish happiness on his face, despite his age. He loved these kinds of things. Loved them.

Alaric was as sure footed as the next because he loved to climb and do dangerous things. He liked mountains and caves and caverns. Crevices that looked to small to fit, he went in them. It was always the next adrenaline chaser. The next thing to make his heart rate spike. That was not to say he didn't like calm things on occasion, but he liked that thrill first and foremost.

Alaric grasped the creature in his maw and followed behind his new acquaintance? Friend? He shook his head. Friend was too generous. They were simply two fellas taking up space in the same time frame.

Spotted Eagle Mountain loomed ahead, though Atreus guided Alaric toward a ridge line between the peaks, passing right in between the canyon to the north and the hollow to the south. Beyond there, the ground began to slope downward into the foothills.

When they touched down on the flatter plain at the foot of the mountain, Atreus paused to assess his surroundings. He saw the telltale glint of the huge lake off to the right. He compared it to the crude map in his head. Straight ahead, he spotted some woods.

Finally, he glanced over at Alaric. By now, he must be wondering just where the hell Atreus was leading him. But he did not give away the game. Motioning them forward, he marched toward the woods and what they would find on their far side.

Mind if I start a followup thread for us? :D