Northstar Vale breakfast at tiffany's

AW but calling for viskani in particular !!

It had been four days since Chaudry had given him the message of his travels. Kraai had followed the scent that stuck to Chaudry's pelt and ended up here, at the Vale. Now, approaching the border, his nose to the ground, the boys tail swayed, ears pinned back against his head as he slunk across the lands like a shadow.

This is it, he thought. This is where he'd find @Viskani. So, tilting his head back, he'd call for the maman. Excitement raced through his blood: this is what he'd been looking for. Adventure. Duty. Something real.

On a rare day of wanderings outside of the settlement, a call reached Viskani's ears. A young wolf, one who knew her as a maman. For a moment she wondered if another son had come to join her.

She would answer, for it made little sense to ignore the call, but with young Faust at her side she would need to be careful.

Gently she lifted the kit and made her way to the border. Quickly she spotted a stranger - a young boy with a dark coat. Keeping some distance between them she placed Faust between her paws. "What brings you here petit?" Her words were gentle, for she had no ill will towards the yearling.

A grey wolf was quick to approach. One that looked quite similar to Chaudry, equipped with the accent and everything. A small orange ball of fluff was settled between her paws as she spoke to the boy. Are you Viskani? He'd reply. Your son, Chaudry, told me to find you—he has a message.

Quickly, he'd rack his brain, the words having almost become his mantra. He wanted to let you know that his trip will take longer than expected, he nodded. Then, he shuffled. Um, he also said that you'd feed and shelter me—but it's fine if not. Kraai's voice was swift, careful. Nervous. He wished not to over-step.

He said it was fine, yes, but he couldn't lie to himself. His stomach churned at the thought of a proper, hearty meal. Small game was hardly enough to tie him over for long. But, nonetheless, he would survive, surely.

Her brow furrowed with worry as the boy spoke. She had told Chaudry not to go at all, and now he planned to extend his trip? She could not understand the boys intent. But she pushed such things aside, focusing on what was in front of her.

"I see." She responded lightly, her intent to reveal as little as possible. "I'm afraid we cannot take guests for the sake of our young, but if you intend to stay long-term we will welcome you."

The boy appeared strong - and if he was willing to come all this way upon the word of a near stranger, then clearly he was willing to work. A good recruit, had that been the intention of her son.

I'll do anything— He said rather quickly. Perhaps too quickly. Golden eyes widened for a moment before he cleared his throat and moved awkwardly again. Just a boy—an awkward teenager trying to both navigate the world and prove his place within it. —Anything I can, I mean, to help out, and stuff.

Kraai took a breath, gaze somewhat apologetic as he furrowed his brows with a tilt of his head. What I mean is that I'd like to stay, if that's alright. Long-term, like you said. Maybe he could be a messenger full-time, but he'd still like to put effort towards a community. His family unit had been small, tight-knit. Something bigger was all he yearned for.

And, suddenly, as if he had just realised his bad manners: Oh, I'm Kraai, by the way..! Followed by a goofy grin; the only type of smile he was capable of.

She smiled at the way the boy stumbled over his words. It was endearing, in a way. "So long as you put your best paw forward and respect our community." She responded.

"It's good to meet you, Kraai." Viskani then thought to gesture to Faust, who by now was content attempting to take a nap as they spoke. "This is Faust - a gift from the wolves who live on the ridge. You will meet the other's as they come and go, but you shall meet him first."

Her gaze grew somewhat firm now. "He is my son." The statement was simple, but with the context rather odd. However if Kraai wished to stay, he would need to grow comfortable with the kit.

He'd nod, almost somewhat vigorously, when she'd told him to put his 'best paw forwards'. Yes, he could do that. But both of his paws were good, he thought. And he could do respect, no problem. He just had to listen and do what he was told. He was good at that.

Then, she drew his attention to the ginger fluff-ball. He had been attempting to ignore it, refusing to believe that the woman may simply be carrying a fox-kit wherever she went, but it seemed that she'd be addressing it now. Faust, she had said. A name wasn't all that strange. It was a little companion.

But it was her next words that came as a surprise: 'he is my son'. Kraai's eyes widened, brows shooting upwards for a moment. A second, two, three go by where his face remains like that. Not hiding any emotion at all. Clearly he'd had no practice. But he clears his throat, then, and speaks.

He's—ahem—very handsome..! The boy nods. Uh, he... probably has the best mother? His words were intended to be a compliment to both Viskani and her son, but his tone came out sounding more akin to a question. A rueful expression flooded his eyes once again. So awkward.

Sorry. I mean it. He's beautiful..! Kraai nodded once more.

A positive reaction was not expected, but Viskani appreciated the effort put forward nonetheless. "I know it may seem unusual." She said, a slight smile at the boys expression. It was nearly humorous. "You will learn to understand."

She was sure of it - she would make sure of it. Blood or no blood, Faust was hers. She would treat him just as she treated her other sons - and that meant that she refused to tolerate any disrespect.

"Now, come along." Picking the boy she called her son up by the scruff she began towards the settlement. She wished to find Kraai something to eat and a den for him to settle in quickly.

Yes, I will. He confirmed, tail low, somewhat submissive. He watched as she picked up her son, following after the woman with a quiet 'yes ma'am' and eager paws. She was a little bit strange, yes, but most of her strangeness was only due to her adoption of the fox-kit. And Chaudry seemed rather 'normal', so he assumed that Viskani probably was, too.

He'd remain quiet unless spoken to, eyes flitting around the mountain as they went. Only a paw behind her at all times.

happy to fade here , keep going or continue in a new thread -- whatever you like !!