Redhawk Caldera Before I've even started living yet

Tagging for visibility: @Amalia @Killdeer @Towhee

One more pack to go. One more pack, and then he could go home for a short while.

Stood at marked borders once more, Arslan lifted his head to call to the wolves within. He had to remind himself; make it quick, keep it simple. The strange scent on the air made that thought easy; it was familiar, but different. He was struggling to place it. Whatever the source was, it made him wish Kemal was here.

Looking to his pelt of green bundles, he hoped to be able to get rid of at least a few more before returning. He desperately wanted to impress Soto.

A visitor! Was it their first since the big howl? 

Regardless, Killdeer answered the call with a smile and swinging tail, working his way down the slope to come face-to-face with the stranger. A ruddy-pelted wolf, and the smell seemed familiar, somehow—and with bundles of something very pungent at his forepaws.

You've reached Redhawk Caldera, he greeted, giving the man a nod. I'm Killdeer. What can we do for you?

He couldnt help but be intrigued by what the man had brought. These plants didn't smell like anything he had encountered, but then again, he was no expert in the field. His mother was the herbalist, not him.

He was met by a man far friendlier than either of the previous pack wolves - he could not help but offer a genuine grin. Dipping his head in respect, he reciprocated the friendly vibes with his own. My name in Leandros, I come from a pack in the lowlands. He explained briefly, gesturing to his pouch of herbs. We had a good harvest recently, so my segundo thought we should share our good luck with others.

Carefully picking up a bundle, he placed it at Killdeer's paws. We call it green. It isn't much to look at I know, but it can really help wolves perk up. That was what he was pretty sure it did, anyways. How could he know? He had never taken any - he wasn't allowed to.

Nice to meet you, Leandros, Killdeer replied. He remained silent for the rest of the spiel, brows raising in intrigue as the man described his purpose here—and that of the bundles at his paws. 

Perk up how? he asked, cocking his head. Again—not the herbalist in the family. Not by a longshot. But it seemed as if this man came in peace and trade, and so he was willing to give the stranger the benefit of the doubt. 

If he knew his grandmother already had a stash of this tucked away, he would—

Well, no. Impossible to say what this supposed Boy Scout would do next.

It gives you a hell of a lot more energy. He responded with a wag of his tail. We haven't seen any negative side effects, maybe some sore limbs if you overdo it.

Eyeing Killdeer, he looked for something he could use. Anything. You should try some yourself. If you're the one meeting me here, I assume you're some kind of leader. Right? He took a guess, pausing as though to wait for conformation. It's hard work.

Hard enough work to try a mystery remedy, he hoped.

Hmm, Killdeer replied, nodding thoughtfully. Yes, I'm the leader here, along with my mate and my grandmother.

It was hard work, true. Maybe this plant would help. And then, perhaps it would be of use to someone sick or injured. If it gave them energy, they could recover faster. 

Thanks, Leandros, he told the man with a smile. But I don't have anything to give you in return. How about an alliance between our two packs, and I'll come by with gifts when I can? Where in the lowlands do you live?

Bushtit had mentioned his padre's pack in the lowlands. Was this the same group?

A family pack, then. How sweet. There's no need to give me anything in return. He assured, after all he had showed up at the borders unprompted. And I can't claim an alliance, but I can call you my friend.

He had to consider whether or not he should tell Killdeer of the pass, but Soto never gave the impression that it was a secret; surely it was alright. Verapaz lives in a pass on the edge of the lowlands, you can't miss it. I would love for you to visit sometime and speak with our segundo. The wolves of the caldera seemed nice enough, despite the unsettling scent the lingered. He thought it was worth being kind to them in return.

I should move along now, I'd like to make progress towards home before dark. My brother waits for me. He gave a respectful nod of his head, deciding to leave a couple more bundles with Killdeer before backing from the borders. It sounds like you live with family too, I hope you all stay well.

Not waiting for a response, he pranced off southwards.

Friends it is, Killdeer agreed, smiling. Alliances could come in time, after all. And as he digested Arslan's words, he couldn't help but think that 'segundo' sounded familiar. Maybe it actually was Bushtit's father's pack that Arslan spoke of.

He gave a nod of farewell to the traveler, murmuring a final thanks for the gift. He carefully gathered up the green, tucking it into a neat bundle and then securing it to his chin as he carried it toward the rendezvous.

Killdeer did notice himself drooling about halfway through the trip—but he didn't have the time or leisure to sample any kind of substance, no matter how blissful or energized it could make him. Amalia needed him unadulteraded and in tip-top shape.