The Heartwood vessels

for @amon!

It would seem the Tartok had dissapeared, as if one of the Sky Beings had swooped down and carried them off. Not even Echelon was crossing the deer paths that had led to their makeshift camp. Ivev had been worried that her life was in danger- for abandoning the Tartok meant certain retribution. But seeing the group disintegrate told Ivev that it had been never truly there. For now, the dreamer would focus on other things, things that meant deepening her spiritual connection to the world.

With quiet splashes, the female crossed a shallow tributary of the Whitefish. The sky was cloudy gray and muted, stretching over the tall trees that stood before her. Ivev always thought forests looked quite impenetrable from a distance, but nearing the Heartwood, she could see each individual tree and the plants that dwelled under them. The forest had a soft, fragrant smell that lingered from the heat of summer. Through the smells of late flowery blooms, Ivev could detect the decay of logs and the musty rot of fallen leaves.

Although Fox had told him not to worry, he felt inclined to seek out the wolf named Finley and make sure she was alright - it was a job fit for any loyalist of the caldera, and would likely be completed by someone far younger, but Amon was... In denial. Mostly about his own abilities decaying, but a lot of it came with his advancing age. There wasn't going to be much life left in his ragged old bones if he just stopped working. And the forest could only be interesting to him for so long.

Thus the man slipped out of the caldera lands. He left in the early stages of the morning, when the sky was still dark. The birds were not even awake yet. Then he spent the afternoon travelling north, towards the distant mountains. His path naturally curved in to the west by nightfall; and it was in these moments, watching the sky go from a subtle glow to a pitch black, that he realized he wasn't hunting for their missing packmate. He was just... Wandering.

After a brief rest through the late night, Amon was restless. He got to his paws and continued his hike, all while ignoring the pain of his joints. His attention was directed at the sky where he could see faint stars; and as the next morning brought a dull glow to his surroundings, they faded. The old man huffed a grumpy huff and came to a sudden stop beside some birch trees.

It was cold enough that the air was beginning to take her breath and turn it into foggy puffs. It seemed that besides her breath, nothing moved in the silent forest. Ivev's eyes drifted up the tree trunks, landing on the statuesque form of a raven. Her people had stories about Raven, who embodied the second half of spiritual power, forever turning and fighting his brother. Where raven was associated with the night, moon, and other objects, the owl became the bringer of light and day. Ivev was always conscious of whatever energy she encountered, for it was always in relationship to lightness and darkness, the two basic forces of nature.

To her right, she could see the slope of grass that turned downwards to the large, sluggish river. Past it rose the flatlands, the closest thing she had come to of a tundra. But the most alluring object in her view was Rising Sun Mountains, their blue bodies capped in lines of white. In the early morning it was a magnificent view, with pockets of the dawn sun streaming down through holes in the clouds and illuminating the earth.

Ivev would've left the edge of the forest and walked closer to the river if she hadn't caught the scent of another wolf. Her white skull quickly turned to watch another figure trailing along the edge of the Heartwood. With an unabashed step Ivev made her way closer to him, remaining a distance away when she could finally make out his colorings. A tawny, brownish beige, the wolf seemed more preoccupied with the looming trees than anything else. Her paw frozen in the air, Ivev studied him curiously with a quivering nose and a pair of outwardly turned ears.

It was a fair day. The skies were clear - what he could see of them through the tree tops - and there was a blustering breeze to top it all off. This was the farthest Amon had traveled in to the wilds; had he been younger, perhaps he would have been more interested in his surroundings and noticed the pale girl sooner. But he had been around for a while now, and a forest was just a forest. A mountain was just a mountain. Nothing about the land was ultimately that interesting - so he focused on the sky, wondering if snow would come early this year or late.

Amon tried to be nimble and quick, slipping between some of the very thin birch trees and feeling his fur catch upon their peeling bark; but he misjudged the distance and soon felt the pinch of the too-close-trees on either side of him. He had somehow wedged himself between them. Well that ain't right. He mumbled roughly, and then attempted to reverse his course. In doing so he was suddenly faced with another tree, and another - clearly he had not been paying attention, because there was a barricade of thin white trees all around his burly self that refused to let him go anywhere.

She tracked him quietly as his wandering path took him into the arms of the trees. Ivev was content to continue on her way, searching the woods for what it had to offer. The male had a slightly different outlook, with a rather bored, skeptical look on his face. If she had ever seen a wolf who was not drawn to nature, it would be him- look at the way he bumbled right into the trees..

Ivev gradually loped forward, observing the movements of her target's bulky frame push itself through the plants and in between the white bark of the birches. She was almost not surprised when the arctic female caught the stranger tangled in some low lying branches and wedged between some trunks. A small laugh escaped her lips as Ivev used her small frame to maneuver into the Heartwood, offering her assistance as she came up behind him. If he didn't know she was there, he would now as Ivev used her shoulder to push on his rump and hopefully disentangle the male from his predicament.

Now, how did this happen? Ivev's chiding voice rose, aimed at the both of them. She was helping a complete stranger unwedge himself from some trees by pushing on his butt.

Help Ivev is adorable.

He wiggled and turned, jiggled and ducked, and then wiggled some more, but nothing helped. It was with a defeated huff that Amon finally halted to rest, and in that moment there was a bump to his rear-end. His ears shot back against his head - but not out of a sense of fear or anger, but necessity. He wanted to get a glimpse of whoever-the-heck thought touching his butt was a good idea at this point in time.

And then, a voice. Now, how did this happen?

Light and youthful, and yet also somehow parent-like; Amon tried to turn and get a look at the stranger, but all he could see was his own round hip; the hunch of his shoulders almost blocked his view completely as well. Ugh, the issue of his size had never been more apparent.

Ay! Watch what you're bumpin! He called out, then turned in the opposite direction with the hope that this new unique angle would afford him some sort of view - it didn't. Stranger danger, and all that jazz! Yeesh. His tone was playful, but Amon couldn't help the apprehension he was feeling. This was quite the compromising position.

and amon is halarious!

Even with the male's scrabbling movements, Ivev could still see that he was firmly wedged between two unyielding trunks. With a sigh, she gave up on her pushing, although her breath of stress was replaced by another laugh. At least this brute was taking his predicament in stride, although it was no doubt it was a rather awkward one.

Ivev took his tail and gave it a solid yet gentle tug, as if to say, you've got yourself good in there. Letting go, the female paced around to his face, ducking under several brambles. She came face to face with the elder male's snout.

Looks like you're going to have to live with the squirrels from now on.

Her blue eyes were crinkled with a smile, but she did seem a little apprehensive. Ivev could hope that the tree would give way to his squirming frame, or else he could truly face danger. It was as if nature had made a trap for the unruly male.

Stuck still? she asked as her eyes watched him try to overcome the puzzle he got himself stuck in.

I'm going to ignore the biological impossibility of a wolf holding its breath and just... do this.

Instead of giving a verbal response, the stranger grasped at his thickly-furred tail and yanked; it didn't hurt, it barely even registered really, but Amon felt like playing up the dramatics. He yelped - the sound was like a bludgeon of hot air through the stillness of the trees - and gave a playful little kick with one leg. Oi! His precious tail!

Looks like you're going to have to live with the squirrels from now on. The stranger commented, slipping around to look at him eye-to-eye. And for a moment, the old git was faced with the bluest eyes he had ever seen. Um, what was he doing again? Oh, right, getting un-stuck.

With a few quick blinks he pulled back, lurching to try and wedge his shoulders out from between the birch trees; when that didn't work, he sucked in as big a breath as he could muster - hoping that the narrowing of his body would help in some way. Stuck still? The girl queried - and Amon lost his hold on all that hot air inside of him. It jettisoned out of his mouth as he deflated. Aye, there seems to be no freedom for me. Don't reckon you know any beavers, ay?

His comment about beavers made Ivev's tail wag in good humour. If he were to get out of this situation, then he best keep his demeanor in a positive light. Ivev watched as the male moved his shoulders in an attempt to free himself, but it ended only in a large sigh.


Her calm smile remained steady on her lips.
I guess it wouldn't be fair to leave you here to starve, she murmured, and ducked low.
I'm not trying to be fresh-
She felt her head connect with his chestplate, and Ivev dug into the earth with her back paws. With all of her little might, the arctic wolf pushed upwards with her cranium. Ivev wanted to light him onto his back paws so that he might be able to pedal out of the trees, bringing his wider torso up where the space between the trees lengthened in space. She definitely wasn't a bodybuilder, and had no idea how well her plan would work.

I guess it wouldn't be fair to leave you here to starve, The stranger quipped, and Amon would have agreed - his voice was beginning to rumble with approval to the statement - but he was cut off as she dove towards him. Before he knew it, the little snowflake of a wolf was really damn close to some vital parts, and digging away at the soil.

Whatever she was doing, it was working. He was focused on not crushing her - among other things - and before long there was enough of a gap for him to wiggle one shoulder free. Then the other. And finally, given the opportunity, he was able to escape the grip of the narrow trees. The old man breathed a sigh of relief and stretched himself out, hearing a pop from his lower back.

Ahhh, that's better. Dunno how those trees got there! I swear its a conspiracy, they just appeared out of nowhere, Okay, all joking aside, he was quite glad to have found a helpful soul in the middle of nowhere. Thank muchly, little miss. Really wasn't looking forward to becoming tree food. His tail waved to and fro, and then settled against his bottom. So ehm.. Do you come 'ere often?

Her plan worked- with their combined musculature, the male was able to free himself from the heady grasp of the trees. Pleased, Ivev watched as the male dusted himself off. It made it worth having to become up close and personal with the ruddy stranger.

When he was not barred on both sides by birches, Ivev could see the male having a thick coat of sage brown, sienna, russet, and cream. Although he was the oldest wolf she had encountered in awhile, the male seemed to be in full charge of his wit and charm.

Glad to help, Ivev responded with a swish of her tail. Oh, she was right. He seemed to jump on any opportunity, even if to dispel his embarrassment. With a shake of her head, she replied.

No, first time coming this far south. I'm Ivev, and you are?

Amon should've been able to answer the question just by her scent, which was easily accessed if he had thought to breathe during her foray in to the dirt beneath him. He hadn't apparently been breathing through the entire event, likely because he was so distracted. When she gave her response, he chuckled; the sound was similar to a small rock-slide. Ah, a wanderer. There was a glimmer in his dark eyes, a knowing, for he had spent so long on his own to understand the difficulties.

I'm Ivev, and you are?

Amon, he quickly responded, and then gave a slight bow - which was exacerbated by his naturally hunched shoulders. At yer service! Or rather, I thank you for being at mine. I suppose. Another blunt wag of his tail, and he turned to face the direction he had come in from. I can show you around a little, if you like. My home is further south, and I'd appreciate the company? Was he... Trying to flirt?

Nah. No. No way! Old man Amon, you're too old for this garbage.

Just in case the trees get ahold'a me again. Cheeky bastard. Cheeky old bastard, really what was his game plan here? She was just passing on through and now you've, what, invited her home? Yeesh.

Although the smile quickly reappeared on her gums, Ivev's pools wavered with caution. He did seem a little headstart on the whole matter, but for once she was appreciative of the open friendliness this Amon held. Ivev always enjoyed the company of wolves who were easy going and good-natured as this male appeared to be. It helped boost her timid confidence, like a otter coaxing it's friend from out of the safety of its den.

She returned his graceful bow with a lowly dip of her head, ears stretching out behind her. Ivev seemed polite, but her skyline eyes seemed almost sad in her reply.

I don't know if your family would be so happy at the thought of bringing someone like me home.

Her tail waved in dismissal of her comment. She wasn't about to be the biggest downer in town. Besides, I was out here looking for plants.
A little twinkle began to glow in her eyes. Ivev realized that if Amon's pack was in proxmity to this place, than perhaps he knew more of the local scene than she did. As if Ivev was about to impart a secret with the brute, she leaned forward and lowered her voice.
If you help me, I promise the trees won't get you again.

While she returned the bow, Amon snuck a little glance at her - it was easier to observe someone when they were distracted, or at the very least, not looking at you; but then she raised her head again. When she spoke - phrasing her sentence as if she were some kind of evildoer - he couldn't help but laugh. An eruption of deep, crackling laughter spilled forth from him. He nearly missed her counter-offer because of the strength of his amusement, but paused to breathe just in time.

Ah, hah... Missy, if my superiors were a-ok with the likes of me among them, they'll be downright giddy to meet you. Ahh, children. She was too young to have committed anything too harsh, unless she came from a backwards place like himself; however, he accepted her dismissal of the idea. But aye, I'll help you look for things. Its only right, after you saved my hide.

Another dip of his head - this one faster, a sharp nod, - and his eyes began trailing along at the base of the trees. What sort of plants are you lookin' for? He wasn't much of a healer so his attempts to help would be considerably diminished in that sense, but Amon knew some basic things.

Amon laughed, and with a sheepish downcast of her eyes, Ivev wondered if she was wrong. The female had viewed herself in one, influential light for more than year. She had joined her former pack purely out of necessity, thriving on their size to help her get through winter. But Ivev had never agreed with their bloody, strange customs, and the separation between them was obvious. Ivev clung to the pack only because she was the single shaman, and her services were needed, but the disdain on her face was apparent. Perhaps it wasn't her fault- but abandoning them was a guilt she had carried on her shoulders for a long time.

His words cheered her.
I hope you're right, Ivev mused with a grin.
She hadn't put much stock into joining a pack since she had not yet met Vector, but if Amon's home was as warm as him...

Come on. Hopefully I can show it. Ivev led them out of the particularly nasty thicket Amon had been entangled in and found herself in a widely spaced stand of aspens and birch, whose autumn foilage covered a better part of the ground. Glancing over her shoulder, the bird began to walk deeper into the wood, nose close to the ground.

Upon being given the invitation to follow her, he did just that. What sort of plants could be of any use, anyway? Amon's lurching step kept him well within distance of the pale wolf, and as he trailed Ivev he didn't know where to direct his eyes; more than once they slipped to her nearby tail, or the motion of her paws, and upon realizing he was watching her Amon would divert his attention. The forest rose up around them, transitioning between greens and golds as the pair neared a cluster of aspen trees.

Feeling rather awkward, Amon cleared his throat in preparation for a question - and the sound spooked a myriad of tiny birds out of a nearby tree and across the airway above. Uhm, so... What was he going to say again? Ah, right. What are we lookin' for?

ok im sorry for my ridiculously slow replies t.t darn holiday work!

Dried leaves crunched underfoot as they slowly coasted through the forest, passing through small clearings as the ground steadily sloped underfoot. The earth swung in a wide arc, with steep drop-offs onto the creek front. With such cliffs, Ivev could see the water was once a mighty river, but had somehow receded to it's present day trickle. It meandered and twisted like a silver ribbon, and occasionally she stopped to watch it's progress between the tree trunks.

Amon queried something behind her, and she lifted her face to toss a glance his way.

It's a plant's fruit, Ivev started to explain. It might be too late, but the plant has long, big white trumpet flowers, and then it turns into a small walnut of seeds.
Her eyes scanned the lower river banks. Nothing stood out, but she was using her nose to check for it's distinct scent. She wondered if the male would know what she was talking about- how often did Amon come into the forest?

Amon was likely to be useless in this endeavor. He knew the forest as well as he knew any other temporary resting place - there were trees, and grass, and dirt, but nothing specific stood out to him. The forest in the caldera's low lands was different from this one, for instance. But he wouldn't have realized this without the pale woman's mention of specificity; the aging beast listened to her description and then began looking around.

White flowers, trumpet shaped - but what was a trumpet? And how big was big, really? After a few minutes of searching, Amon's fervor dwindled until he was only going through the motions.

Ain't seen anything like that before, as far as I know. But I ain't an herbal specialist, really... What are they for?