Northstar Vale Keep on movin'

for @Viskani

Greywood paused, his paws sinking slightly into the soft earth. The air was dense with the scent of trees—cedar, pine, and spruce—all mingling in a heady cocktail of the wild. The place was vibrant with life: the distant call of a bird, the rustle of unseen creatures moving through the underbrush, and the faint murmur of water over stone.

And yet, it was not home.

He had been traveling for days, following trails that grew fainter the farther he strayed from Solhearth. This place, for all its beauty, was unfamiliar—a fragment of the world he had never known.

He couldn't help but be curious, despite the overwhelming scent of other wolves. A pack.

Admittedly, Viskani felt some anxiety surrounding her leaving, and so she had taken it upon herself to check the borders.

The scent of a stranger did not catch her off guard given their recent influx of guests. But she supposed him lucky, given how close they were to the closing season.

An unknown face was not hard to spot, and Viskani was quick to call out. Are you lost, petit agneau? Her words were offered with a smile, though her eyes carried a warning.

She would demand respect.

Greywood turned his head toward its source, his eyes meeting the sharp gaze of a wolf who stepped forward with all the confidence of one who owned the ground beneath her paws.

“I suppose I might be,” he replied evenly, his round ears swiveling briefly to catch the noises surrounding them. Trying to catch anymore approaching feet. He was eased when he heard nothing. He dipped his head slightly, not quite a bow, but enough to show that he wasn’t here to challenge her.

“I didn’t mean to intrude,” he added, lifting his gaze back to her. There was no apology in his tone, only acknowledgment. Greywood believed in respecting boundaries, but he also wouldn't roll over belly up. Thus his posture remained neutral, tail low but firm.

“Greywood Solhearth,” he offered, his name rolling off his tongue with quiet dignity. “And you are?”

Her eyes traced his form with the quiet judgement of a woman who understood her own capabilities. The pack being a matriarchy, a man showing her any disrespect would not be tolerated.

Viskani de Cigue. She responded, the words rolling off her tongue. I am the Matriarche of this territory

Tail held high she began a circle of the stranger to assess him. You're lucky, in just a few weeks now our borders would be far stricter.

"Matriarche," he repeated slowly, eyes following the woman. This was her territory, her rule. He immediately let his head fall into a respectful curtsy. "I'm pleased to meet you."

As she began to circle him, Greywood remained still, his amber eyes following her as much as he dared without turning his head. Her movements were assessing like a predator deciding whether a trespasser was a threat, a nuisance, or simply unfortunate.

He hoped he was none of the above.

“Stricter?” he asked, trying to calm the subtle tension in his posture. He resisted the urge to turn and face her fully as she moved behind him, "What do you mean?"

Aggressive. She clarified. Preparing for puppies, I'm sure you could understand.

Her eyes briefly squinted into a smile as she came to face him once again, far more pleased with his attitude now. The rest of the time, we are relatively open to guests and new wolves. Her tail was held high, confident and unyielding.

Are you hungry, ma cher? She asked with the tilt of her head. Her voice was smooth, relaxed. To her, this man was no threat.

He nodded subtly, understanding enough of what she meant—preparing for puppies would demand vigilance and strength from any pack.

He paused for a moment, as if considering whether to accept what sounded like an offer. “I won’t deny it. Travel tends to do that.”

He met her gaze, only for a moment, before eyes flickered away.

“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d appreciate it,” he said, dipping his head slightly.

She nodded, turning further into the territory. There was likely a cache nearby. The Vale is good for small prey. Do you like rabbit? She asked as she began their trek. Rabbits were most of what was left in the winter, really. Most of the fowl was gone.

Viskani did wonder if the caribou would come through, though with the agreement between Montagne and the Ridge it may be difficult to hunt them.

It was getting to be a pain.

If all went well, it would be relieved soon enough.

The terrain here was unlike his home’s rugged peaks and open skies, yet he found its enclosed stillness intriguing. There was a quiet vitality to the place, one that hummed beneath the surface of every tree, every blade of frost-tipped grass.

“Rabbit works fine,” he replied evenly, tail swishing. “Winter isn’t the season to be particular.” He offered the faintest of smiles, a flicker of dry humor in his tone.

As they moved further into her territory, Greywood kept his attention divided between her and their surroundings.

“You’ve a strong hold here,” he remarked after a pause.

Her steps were careful, nose high as she searched for the scent of a cache. Yes, not many wolves are willing to go through the effort of traipsing through a mountain. She spoke in response, both a compliment to him and a jab to her enemies.

Soon she paused, digging up a fat rabbit and offering it to Greywood. Where have you come from? Far? Her tone was curious, her tail remaining high and even.

She truly had grown into her role; a maternal figure through and through, but intimidating all the same. If only her maman could see her now.

When she offered the rabbit, he stepped forward, dipping his head in gratitude. “Thank you,” he said simply, his tone sincere as he took the offering. The scent of the fresh kill was tempting, but he didn’t dive in immediately, his manners keeping him measured.

“I’ve come from the Highreach Range,” he began, his amber eyes meeting hers as he straightened. “Solhearth Hold, a mountain pack not so different from yours in terrain, though our ways might be.”

He paused, glancing around the shadowed vale as if comparing it to his distant home. “It’s far, yes. The better part of a season’s journey.” His gaze returned to her, and his tone softened slightly, though it held a faint note of regret.

“I suppose I’m still traveling. Haven’t quite decided where I’m headed yet.”

She listened carefully as they walked, her well-paced gait leading them to the Vale's treasured Spring. Viskani settled down on her haunches next to the water, letting out a breath.

I can understand, my own birth pack is about the same distance. She said in a attempt to reassure him. It can be lonely, but I am lucky to have come with family.

She mused at his words of travel, tail gently waving against the snowy ground. Montagne de Cigue will welcome you, even if it's only to stay warm for the winter. Though she did hope that some of their guests would remain in the spring. They would need the extra paws to feed the extra mouths.

He nodded slightly, understanding the weight behind her words. "Family can make all the difference," he replied, his voice quieter now, more introspective. He’d once had the same—siblings, parents, a home where he knew every crag and slope—but the distance between then and now stretched like an endless chasm.

Viskani’s next words—her offer—caught him by surprise. Greywood turned his amber gaze to her, searching her face for any sign of insincerity, but found none.

“You’re generous.”

He let out a breath, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he finally settled onto his haunches near the water’s edge. “I’ll earn my keep, Viskani. I won’t take what isn’t mine.”

Light musement appeared on her face. Oh, I'm sure. She spoke with a smile. I will be departing for about a moons time, my son being left in charge of things.

He'll keep you busy. I'm certain. She mused. Chaudry had always been a work horse, and she was sure that he would have similar expectations of those below him. He was a good boy though, she trusted him to be kind.

What is it that you do, Greywood? She asked, an attempt to gage the sort of role he may be suited to.

"A moon's time is a long while," he remarked thoughtfully, his tone even but respectful. "But it sounds like you've prepared him well."

The mention of being kept busy didn’t seem to faze him. Greywood was no stranger to hard work; in fact, he welcomed it. Idle paws only left room for wandering thoughts, and solitude had already worn its weight heavily on him. Her question, though, gave him pause. His amber eyes lifted to meet hers, considering for a moment before he answered.

"I was trained as a tracker and a pathfinder. My role was to scout ahead, find the safest routes for the pack, and locate prey in the leaner seasons."

She nodded carefully, listening with clear interest.

Our scouts are messengers primarily. But, with the skills you have promised we could make you into a good Muflier. She decided, tail making a single 'thump' to the ground. You would still do as you mentioned, and it would certainly be useful.

Roles were finally beginning to even out, and Viskani was glad for it.

But of course, she would be gone for some time. She would not be here to test his abilities. You can discuss it with Chaudry should you wish to take on a role in my absence. He is familiar with the customs of our promotions.