Silvertip Mountain What few friends we have

Ok so I got bored!!!! I thought I'd make a little reunion between Shalon and @Steady.... Although all are welcome!

It had been a week and a bit since Shalon had made her first friend within the Teekon woods, and since her King had awoken and seemed to be on the mend she felt safe leaving her new pack. She retraced her pawprints, from only a few weeks past. It was almost like it was a life time away, she still had a slight limp originating from her front left paw, however the scrap was now scabbed over and healing. Only slightly sore. She was amazed at the difference from when she first arrived, the land was new. It was green and lush, better than the dead foliage it had been.

She arrived back at the clearing where she had spared with the kind stranger known as @Steady. She remembered his scent, however it was faint in the land where they had met. She got lost a few times however she was able to find her way up a mountain, his scent growing with every scent. Shalon had reached the border. While she considered Steady a friend she wouldn't dare trespass upon his land instead she threw a friendly howl into the sky. She would wait to see if her friend would join her, or if she perhaps attracted his subordinates.

I hope you don't mind me!

Ezekiel was patrolling the borders when he smelled an unfamiliar scent. Female, adult wolf from what he could tell. He rushed towards it, curious and prepared to protect the borders of he had to. He heard her howl, a friendly howl, which allowed him to relax a bit. But of course it could always be a trap, and he's never heard her voice before. When he arrived, he found a pretty female waiting, with tan fur and silver eyes. Her beauty didn't phase him however, he was trained not to be distracted by such trivial things as appearance. Tail held high to signify his rank, he walked forwards.

He stood a bit away from her, chest puffed as he looked at her, expecting submission. What do you want? He asked, not meaning to sound rude. But she was at their borders, he could honestly talk however he wanted.

Yay!

Steady was snoozing in the clearing of he and Adeline's den, watching her play and chase various bugs. It was a nice past time, to be able to watch her, though sometimes it brought about melancholy feelings. He missed Odette, Stoic, and Solemn. He was thankful he knew Odette was at least safe, even if she didn't want to come home; but he worried about Stoic often and wondered if he had ended up with another pack like his sister had. 

A summoning howl interrupted his thoughts, and Steady stood. After telling Adeline to remain in the clearing, he trotted off in search of the caller. Since he and Shalon's first meeting had been all talking, he didn't know what her howl sounded like. So, he was surprise, but happily so, to see her. Ezekiel had gotten here first, and Steady wagged his tail as he greeted Ezekiel with a smile and nod. Steady had not heard his grumpy-like greeting, probably thankfully so.

He turned his gaze to the familiar female, giving her a smile, as well. Shalon, welcome! What brings you here? Other than, you know, his invitation. 

of course Ezekiel! The more the better!

Shalon had made sure she remained a safe distance from the border, she had no wish to upset anyone. Although it appeared as if she already had. She was not concernced with the males gumpiness, as she too would be grumpy when finding someone at her own border. She remain neutral, her expression blank and her tail held distinctly. She was a member of another pack, and would not submit, this was a friendly visit. "I am seeking a friend of mine. I believe you call my Alpha. His name is Steady?"

Just as she finished her question the male she sought came toward them, a smile came to her face. The first emotion revealed within this encounter. "Steady, it is good to see you again." Shalon showed him some respect, lowering her head in a courteous nod, and her tail lowered. She didn't wish to anger the Alpha of another pack, lest she start something that cause her pack issues in the future. "I wished to visit a friend. I figured now that I was somewhat settled within the Wilds I would pay you a visit. If that is alright?"

Ezekiel did not like this female already. He didn't care if she was from another pack or not, it made him pissed that she didn't show any signs of respect. Was she not at his border? Lip quivering angrily, Ezekiel was about to snap back at the insuboordinate, completely disregarding what she had said, when Steady arrived, looking happy and friendly. Steady smiled at Zeke and gave him a nod. Zeke's own alpha had more respect than this girl. He accepted it awkwardly, however expression still blank. And then Shalon gave her respect to Steady. That didn't make him mad, but it was ironic.

The two began to speak to each other, apparently old friends or something. Feeling angry and annoyed, Zeke sat down face as stoic as usual. When he was mad or annoyed, it was hard to tell, since he defaulted to his menacing blank glare. He would simply watch for now, just in case something happened. He silently hoped that Steady wouldn't draw him into their conversation, but knew his friend probably would. Steady liked to include everyone.

Steady hadn't realized that Shalon had made a bad impression upon Ezekiel, though he did notice his friend's stoic expression and grumpy attitude. Steady was beginning to think that maybe that what just how Ezekiel met wolves at the borders. Steady knew he was friendly enough with his pack mates, so he figured maybe the other male was simply protective. Couldn't fault him for that.

He smiled when Shalon admitted she had come for a visit, and Steady nodded his head quickly. Of course! He remembered he had invited her, and he wouldn't dream of taking that back. He had no reason to. His gaze went between Shalon and Ezekiel. This is my Gamma, Ezekiel. Ezekiel, this is my friend, Shalon. He smiled between them as he introduced them, before landing his gaze on his pack mate. I met Shalon in Ravensblood Forest, and we had a little spar, he explained, assuming Ezekiel might be wondering how he knew the female. He turned back to their visitor. Run into anyone else lately? he asked, remembering her fight with the wolf she felt was trespassing in her area.

Shalon could see the cold expression from the unknown male. She could not see why he would try so hard to show his rank, she hadn't entered his territory, she hadn't trespassed. She only showed her respect to those who had proven they deserved it. She wouldn't apologize she her supposed 'lack' of respect. Wasn't it good enough that she show respect to his leader? His Alpha.

"Gamma Ezekiel, a pleasure." She dipped her head, in his direction greeting him. Shalon smiled at Steady as he recounted ther meeting.

His next question gave her pause, "I have actually, run in to others. I've joined a fledging pack actually. They needed members, and I found myself lonely." Shalon was proud of her new family, and her new life. She had come out of her shelf since last speaking with Steady, she wasn't as stand offish.

Ezekiel nodded as Steady introduced him, and accepted the greeting she gave him. It did strip away a bit of his bitterness towards her, but she wasn't exactly on his nice list. Steady explained that he'd met Shalon in Ravensblood, sparring and Zeke nodded. She seemed harmless enough, and though Zeke wasn't fond of her, he would trust her for now. Whoever Steady trusted was probably trustworthy. 

The large grey male sat and waited as the chatted, distracted by the horizon. Sunset's painter was beginning its work, the blue of the sky was blemished with red. He didn't pay much attention to the conversation until the female brought up a fledgling pack. Swiveling his ears to hear better, Ezekiel furrowed his brow. Another pack could be a good thing or a bad thing for the Silvertip wolves. Interested to learn more, Zeke finally spoke up. Where is your pack settling?

It seemed she had found a pack. He was happy for her, knowing she had a lot to offer them. He was about to ask where they were located, when Ezekiel took the words out of his mouth. He gave a slight smile to himself, finding it humorous that he and his friend seemed to have the same thoughts. He did wonder if he had heard of Shalon's pack yet. Probably not, since they were newer, but at least he might know now. 

Would you like a tour of the Mountain? he asked, feeling he knew her well enough to allow her entry. Besides, Ezekiel was here, so if anything happened, he had backup. But, he was sure everything would go pleasantly. 

Shalon turned her head slightly facing the male known as Ezekiel, "We are located in the Golden Glad, in the Tuktu Hinterlands." She would refrain from giving anymore information if asked, not that she didn't trust Steady, it was more that she couldn't guaruntee who he or his subordinate might tell. "We call ourselves the Royal Fire Court." These location and name was the only information she would freely give.

Smiling back at Steady she would nod, "I would love a tour of your home." She was genuine in her reply, she new that her home was a long way to go however should he visit she would presonally give him a tour of her territory. She trusted him, and hoped that a tour of his home was significant of how much he trusted her.

The information Shalon was willing to share would suffice, and it satisfies Ezekiel a bit that she was willing to share at all. He felt it made up for coming to their borders and asking for a tour. Steady offered however, and she only agreed to tag along. Zeke turned to Steady, opening his mouth to protest. She wasn't joining their ranks, she was just stopping by. Why wasn't a meet at the borders enough? However he remembered how Steady had said that he'd welcome Zeke's siblings if they came to the mountain. He should welcome Steady's friends the same way Steady would his, so he closed his mouth and stood.

He didn't speak, but gave the alpha a glance. He'd tag along, just as back up. In case Shalon turned out to not be who she seemed. If so, Ezekiel was more than capable to send her back to her monarchist pack. Until then, he held a friendly gait, and followed along with the two friends.

@Steady and @Shalon, you can skip me for now, and just assume that he's following along :D

He listened intently as she spoke of her new pack, nodding that he understood. Sounds regal, he said with a smile. He didn’t really know where Golden Glad was, but with so many of his pack going for the Scouting trade, he didn’t have any doubt he would soon know about all of Teekon Wilds, without even have left home. He counted that as a big advantage.

She accepted his offer of a tour, and Steady smiled, turning to Ezekiel, expecting to see somewhat of the same reaction. What he got, however, was an open mouth, albeit silent. Steady waited, but Ezekiel didn’t see to have anything to say. His friend got up, letting the moment pass, and Steady took that as an acceptance of what was going on. He motioned towards the both of them to follow. Have you ever lived on a mountain before? he asked Shalon as they walked. He steered the group inward of the border, but not directly, choosing instead to head towards the river. It would be in the territory, but he wasn’t pushing it and taking her into the heart of the territory. After all, that’s where Adeline was, so he thought, and since Shalon wasn’t interested in joining, he simply couldn’t give her that much leeway.

Shalon smiled with a small chuckle, "A little." She agreed, it was rather regal. She shrugged slightly too, it was definitely different.

She too watched Ezekiel, she didn't want to offened the male, however she was interested in learning more about the pack. It was true that she would report to her King and Queen on her findings, however it was not a malicious act, she would advise friendship and allies. Shalon knew that there was a new warrior pack near her own, and they might need the support of friends in the future. When Ezekiel said nothing she followed Steady into their territory. It was a beautiful place to be, that was for sure. Looking at Steady as he spoke, she shock her head. "I have never had the pleasure I'm afraid, my mother however; She grew up on a mountain peak, and often spoke of the beauty. I can see now what she was talking about." It was a subtle compliment on their lands, one meant with sincerety. She would not ask of their pack, this was not the time for that. Instead she follow Steady, a look of wonder on her face, this was new to her. Very new.

Ezekiel was quiet as they walked, and Steady wondered why his Gamma didn't get more in on the conversation. He did know his friend was the strong, silent type, but hoped he would get a little more comfortable as the days went on. But, this certainly wasn't an everyday occurrence that a non-pack member got the privilege of being escorted through some of the territory. Steady was a trusting soul, but thought himself a good judge of character. He trusted their visitor, as it wasn't their first meeting, and he hoped Ezekiel realized that.

Shalon spoke of her mother, and Steady glanced to her. Did she grow up here in the Wilds? he asked. He remembered Shalon hadn't been here that long when they first met, but didn't get her history beyond that, as they spoke of more present matters. 

They came upon the river, just south of its waterfall. It could be heard in the distance, though the trees blocked its view. The waterfall you hear is Verde Falls. It's our main water source here, he explained, alerting their path to head towards a rather unique cave. He would bypass Silvertip Hollow, where most of the pack had their dens before the tornado, and Schläger Cavern, where others slept, as well. They headed up the mountain, and Steady was careful not to go too fast, knowing it was a harding trek on wolves who weren't used to traveling up a mountain.

Shalon shook her head, "No, unfortunately. She grew up in a land we call the White Hall Steps, the same place I grew up just in a different section of the territory. My mother's pack had claimed the White Hall Mountain long ago. I was born in the forest surrounding the mountain's base." She was never allowed to travel beyond the forest edge, she was never allowed to enter the territory of her grandparents. Her mother had forbidden it, for obvious reasons, Shalon knew this now. But when she was a pup it only made her despise her mother more. 

Shalon's ear flicked toward the sound of water, in response Steady mention the Verde Falls, and Shalon nodded. She found the path Steady took them on was an easy trek, however she had a feeling that they were taking it easy on her. She wasn't sure she could have ever lived on a mountain, although she was sure it breed strong wolves. As they headed up, Shalon would turn her head toward home, and she could swear she could see it from this distance. Although that was impossible.

As the trio walked, Steady listened to Shalon's story about where she and her mother grew up. You didn't move onto the mountain ever? he asked. He thought it interesting that she had been born at the base of the mountain her mother grew up on, and not on the mountain itself.

They approached the cave Steady wanted to show her and Steady stepped into it. This is Glass Cave, he said. The base of the cave had shallow pools of water, and the day's sunlight shown upon them, reflecting the light onto the crystals that jutted out from the sides and top of the cave. The different shapes and sides of the crystals created a rainbow of colors that shown onto the plant life inside. Steady looked to Shalon to see her reaction. It wasn't a cave Steady had ever seen before coming here, and he assumed Shalon hand't either.

Shalon shook her head subtly, "No we never did." Her tone was clipped, and her expression closed up quickly, she gave Steady a pointed look. She considered him a friend, but she didn't know him well enough to share her whole life story, her cold silver eyes indicated she was done talking about her mother and her past.

Although with the entrance into the cave she forgot her festering scars, and a look of wonder was evident. "Wow...." Was all she could say, she tried to look everywhere at once. The colours were amazing. "I've never seen such a thing." It was truely amazing.

The mood surrounding them changed, and with it, Steady. He stopped in his tracks at her clipped tone, his ears pressed forward as his body instinctively moved from his friendly stature to one displaying his rank. Her gaze towards him did nothing to help this situation, either. Shalon, you are a guest here, and as such, you have no right to speak to me in that tone, or look at me in any kind of disrespectful manner. If you'd like to continue this tour, I suggest you change it, and now. It was obvious to Steady now that he had been overly friendly to the girl, and possibly over stepped his questions with her. If I asked too much, you need only say so, respectfully. His tone was stern, but not aggressive. 

He would not move from his spot until he was satisfied with her attitude. This was certainly a teaching moment for Steady, and in the future, he would be sure to refrain from inviting anyone into his packlands that he didn't know very well. He did know Shalon could have an attitude problem, as he known about her run-in with the other wolf who she felt had invaded her territory. The tables were somewhat turned now- she was in Steady's territory, and he had back up. 

The glass caves seemed a pretty confidential area to be showing this outsider. Ezekiel flashed Steady a glance as they entered, but otherwise continued to stay to the sides. The chit chat of this female and his alpha did little to interest him, and it wasn't like he was very fond of her anyway. He kept a watchful eye and ear on the two, keeping out of it until he heard a small snip in her voice. The male was growing impatient to her disrespect, no matter whether she was Steady's friend or not. Eyes narrowed and stood, but Steady had beaten him to it. A low rumble remained in his chest however, as he watched the female closely.

Steady I don't feel she should be here. This is our land. He said quietly, thought didn't care whether she'd heard or not. He no longer had tolerance for her, not after she'd have his alpha a cold glare. Not even he, the gamma would be so rude, and he had known Steady for months now.

Shalon nodded slowly, she looked back at that Gamma. Her expression softened, she hadn't meant to offend, this wasn't something she was used to. "Hmm... I do apologize if I have upset you." She wasn't sure what had cause such and adverse reaction. Although she had no intention of upsetting Steady. Although now that she thought about it, she wouldn't appreciate some speaking to Charley or Aspen in such a way. "Perhaps I have over stayed my welcome. I do apologize for my tone, it was not representative of my respect or our relationship. You welcomed me to your home, and I have disrespected you." She wasn't above apology when she had done something wrong, and this feeling of guilt sink in the pit of her stomach was not comforting. "I am sorry... my past is something I have kept to myself for so long, I shouldn't have taken out my pain on your kindness." She dipped her head in apology. She had learned a lesson, one she should have learned long ago.

She had ignored Ezikiel for the moment, adding her own words before addressing his. "I agree Ezekiel," Although she found herself disliking the current gamma, she would have done the exact same thing in his paw prints. "I appreciate you looking out for your own." She respected his words, and his position.

The guest's demeanor changed, and so did Steady's especially with her apology. The Alpha looked back to Ezekiel, taking in his words and his opinion. Maybe the tour was over, and it seemed Shalon agreed. The tensions were too high now to enjoy it anymore anyways. His gaze turned back to the female. I understand about not wanting to talk about your past, and I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable about it. 

Let's head back to the border, he said. He turned to leave, making sure that the other two were following before he headed out. He almost felt bad about his reaction to her, but he wouldn't let himself quite get there. As Alpha, he had earned his respect, both from his family, and from strangers who came to their borders, or, in Shalon's case, friends he allowed to come inside. While their tour had come to abrupt end, Steady harbored no ill feelings toward Shalon.

Luckily Shalon agreed, she'd overstayed her welcome and it was time for her to go. But she did apologize, which he appreciated, and did allow her a bit more respect from the guardian boy. He gave her a nod, accepting her apology. Steady agreed as well, and soon the group was heading back towards the border. Ezekiel walked in silence, he felt he had no more to say to the female. However after a stranger appearing at the borders, whether or not she was a friend, he felt he needed to do another sweep of the borders, just in case. He stayed at Steady's side as he walked, right where he belonged.

Shalon followed silently, almost glad that she had got off so easily. But at the same time, she wasn't ashamed of her temperment issues, she felt bad because she had offended a friend. Something she never wanted. She was ready to go home, she would tell her King and Queen of her encounter, ask them to extend a paw in friendship. Taking one quick step Shalon came to walk alongside Steady. "I hope to approach my leaders and ask them to speak with you, perhaps we could help each other." Now more than ever she wanted to show him that she wanted to make up for her ill manner. "Would that be something you would consider?" She looked toward him now, awaiting his answer.

I'm so sorry! I thought it was Ezekiel's turn for some reason! >_<

Steady would harbor any ill will towards Shalon, and he nodded at her idea. Absolutely. I think that's a good idea, he said, offering her a soft smile. The meeting and tour may have been over, but Steady didn't feel the friendship, or possibility of an alliance, was. 

They reached the borders, and Steady paused at them, looking to Shalon. I know this wasn't as... smooth as we both hoped, but I'm still glad you came,  he said honestly. Have a safe trip back home, he added. 

Ezekiel was glad to be back at the border, where he liked it. He stopped and waited as Shalon and Steady talked, watching carefully. He did like the idea of another alliance, but he did feel that they were becoming too well known. He liked being a bit more secretive, but then again better to have many friends than none. Steady said farewell to Shalon, signaling that this was the end of the whole meeting. Ezekiel didn't have much to say, so he gave the woman a quick nod and one to Steady before turning to patrol the borders some more.

Last for me!